RARE Costileioceras & Ludwigia Fossil Ammonite Block – Lower Bajocian, Jurassic – Bearreraig Bay Skye Scotland UK – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

A very rare and scientifically significant multiple ammonite fossil block featuring both Costileioceras and Ludwigia, collected from the Lower Bajocian Stage of the Middle Jurassic at the famous site of Bearreraig Bay, Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom. This beautifully preserved block contains two important ammonite genera and comes from the respected Alice Purnell Collection. The specimen in the photo is exactly the one you will receive.

Geological Context:

• Genera: Costileioceras and Ludwigia
• Geological Period: Jurassic
• Stage: Lower Bajocian (~170.3 – 168.3 million years ago)
• Location: Bearreraig Bay, Isle of Skye, Scotland, UK
• Formation: Bearreraig Sandstone Formation
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine environment with mixed sandstone and limestone beds deposited in a marginal-marine to nearshore shelf setting; renowned for exceptional fossil preservation

Taxonomic Classification:

• Costileioceras
• Family: Graphoceratidae
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Ludwigia
• Family: Graphoceratidae
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Suborder: Ammonitina
• Notable Describers: Ludwigia first described by Oppel; Costileioceras defined within mid-Jurassic ammonite zonations

Morphological Features:

Costileioceras is typically involute, with sharply ribbed and compressed whorls and a narrow venter, often exhibiting strong bifurcating ribs.

Ludwigia, while closely related, often displays broader whorls with denser ribbing and a slightly more rounded venter. Both genera show clear evolutionary ties within the Graphoceratidae family and represent key faunal elements of the early Bajocian.

This particular block preserves both ammonites in close association, offering an invaluable window into faunal diversity and environmental conditions during this part of the Jurassic.

Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance:

Bearreraig Bay is one of the most important Jurassic fossil sites in Scotland and is known for yielding well-preserved ammonites within the Lower Bajocian Laeviuscula and Sauzei zones. The combination of Costileioceras and Ludwigia in one specimen provides a valuable correlation tool for regional stratigraphy and is of special interest for those studying ammonite evolution in the British Isles.

Additional Details:

• All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm – Full sizing visible in the listing photo.
• From the carefully curated and scientifically recognised Alice Purnell Collection.

This rare ammonite association block offers exceptional scientific, educational, and aesthetic value—ideal for fossil collectors, researchers, or museum-quality displays.

Add this extraordinary Jurassic fossil from the Isle of Skye to your collection today.