Description
Authentic Jurassic Ammonite Fossil from Dorset
This listing is for a Clisiosphinctes cleistos ammonite fossil dating to the Middle Bajocian stage of the Middle Jurassic, discovered in the world-famous deposits of Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom. This specimen represents a genuine piece of Britain’s deep geological past, preserved with striking natural detail. Each fossil is carefully selected for quality and authenticity, and this piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing.
Geological Setting
The Bajocian stage (approximately 170–168 million years ago) represents an important interval of the Middle Jurassic, during which shallow epicontinental seas spread widely across what is now Europe. The coastal cliffs and quarries around Burton Bradstock are part of the renowned Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across Dorset and East Devon. These layers preserve an abundance of ammonites, brachiopods, and marine invertebrates, offering unparalleled insight into the ecosystems of Jurassic seas.
The fossil-bearing strata at Burton Bradstock are composed primarily of marls and limestones, deposited in a warm, shallow marine environment. Fine sedimentation allowed for exceptional preservation of ammonites like Clisiosphinctes cleistos.
Morphology and Characteristics of Clisiosphinctes cleistos
Belonging to the family Perisphinctidae within the superfamily Perisphinctoidea and the order Ammonitida, Clisiosphinctes cleistos is notable for its distinctive shell features:
- Moderately involute coiling, with visible inner whorls.
- Strong ribbing patterns, some bifurcating across the flanks before curving toward the outer whorl.
- A relatively broad umbilicus, providing balance to the shell’s planispiral form.
- Ornamentation that highlights hydrodynamic adaptation, ideal for life in open marine conditions.
These features not only aid identification but also mark the species as an important part of Bajocian ammonite evolution.
Scientific and Stratigraphic Importance
Ammonites such as Clisiosphinctes cleistos are crucial index fossils, used by geologists to date and correlate rock layers across wide regions. Their rapid evolutionary turnover and wide geographic distribution make them invaluable for biostratigraphy. This specimen is tied to the Middle Bajocian ammonite biozones, helping refine the understanding of Jurassic stratigraphy and evolutionary pathways.
Collectors and researchers value such specimens for both their aesthetic qualities and their contribution to paleontological study. This fossil reflects millions of years of Earth’s history, preserved in exquisite natural form.
Collectible and Display Value
Beyond its scientific role, this ammonite is a highly collectible piece of natural history. The ribbed shell pattern and preservation highlight the beauty of Jurassic ammonites, making it ideal for display in both educational and private collections. Its provenance from Burton Bradstock, a celebrated locality on the Jurassic Coast, adds significant prestige.
Key Details
- Species: Clisiosphinctes cleistos
- Age: Middle Bajocian, Middle Jurassic (~170–168 million years old)
- Location: Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Family: Perisphinctidae
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Photographs: Exact specimen shown, scale cube = 1 cm
A True Piece of Jurassic Britain
This Clisiosphinctes cleistos ammonite fossil is more than a collector’s item—it is a tangible link to Britain’s ancient seas during the Middle Jurassic. Whether for scientific interest, display, or as a rare gift, it represents the enduring fascination and significance of ammonites in the fossil record.
Scale cube = 1 cm. Please see photographs for accurate specimen sizing.





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