RARE Amoeboceras serratum Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Oxfordian Yorkshire UK Genuine Specimen

Description

Rare Amoeboceras serratum Fossil Ammonite from Yorkshire, UK

This listing offers a rare and genuine Amoeboceras serratum Fossil Ammonite, originating from the Oxfordian stage of the Late Jurassic, collected from the Ampthill Clay deposits at Melton Clay Quarry, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. This ammonite is a highly desirable specimen from a classic British locality, prized for its detailed preservation and its importance as an index fossil for Oxfordian strata.

The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. As with all of our pieces, this fossil is 100% genuine and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Provenance

This specimen comes from the Oxfordian stage of the Upper Jurassic, dating to approximately 163 – 157 million years ago. The Ampthill Clay Formation of Yorkshire is a rich fossil-bearing deposit that has produced numerous ammonite species, bivalves, and marine reptiles. These sediments were laid down in shallow marine environments, preserving a detailed record of life in the Late Jurassic seas of Britain.

The Oxfordian is a particularly important stage in the Jurassic, marking the early part of the Upper Jurassic and characterised by diverse and evolving ammonite faunas. Amoeboceras serratum is one of the defining species of this interval and is widely used for biostratigraphic correlation across Europe.

Scientific Classification and Identification

This fossil is identified as Amoeboceras serratum, belonging to the family Cardioceratidae, superfamily Perisphinctoidea, and order Ammonitida. The genus Amoeboceras is one of the most significant Late Jurassic ammonite groups, and the species serratum is a key index fossil of the Oxfordian stage.

Because of its stratigraphic significance, Amoeboceras serratum is frequently used by geologists and paleontologists to identify and date Oxfordian-aged deposits, making it not only a beautiful specimen but also an important scientific resource.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

The morphological traits of Amoeboceras serratum include:

• Involute coiling, where the inner whorls are partly obscured by later growth.
• Sharp ribbing, which often extends strongly across the whorls, giving the shell its serrated appearance and inspiring the species name serratum.
• Compressed whorls, giving the ammonite a streamlined form.
• Fine detail in sutures, typical of the Cardioceratidae family.

These features combined created a highly efficient shell form, allowing the ammonite excellent buoyancy control and hydrodynamics for life in the Late Jurassic seas.

Depositional Environment

The Ampthill Clay Formation was deposited in shallow marine conditions that characterised northern Europe during the Late Jurassic. Periods of stable sedimentation and relatively low-oxygen conditions on the seafloor allowed for exceptional preservation of ammonites. Fossils from this deposit are especially prized due to their detail and scientific importance.

Collectible and Scientific Importance

Specimens of Amoeboceras serratum are highly valued both scientifically and as collector’s fossils. Their role as key index fossils for the Oxfordian stage makes them essential for understanding Jurassic stratigraphy. For collectors, they represent an opportunity to own a classic ammonite from a famous British fossil site, preserved with fine detail and carrying great historical and scientific value.

Key Features of This Fossil

• Rare Amoeboceras serratum ammonite from Melton Clay Quarry, Yorkshire, UK
• Upper Jurassic (Oxfordian stage), approx. 163 – 157 million years old
• Member of the Cardioceratidae family, with strong ribbing and compressed whorls
• From the fossil-rich Ampthill Clay Formation
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• The exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive

This Amoeboceras serratum Fossil Ammonite is an outstanding specimen, combining rarity, provenance, and scientific importance, making it a valuable addition to any fossil collection.