Description
Rare Gagaticeras gagateanum Ammonite Fossil from Redcar, Yorkshire
This beautiful and rare Gagaticeras gagateanum ammonite fossil comes from the famous Red Howles, Marske, Redcar, Yorkshire, United Kingdom, and dates back to the Sinemurian Stage of the Early Jurassic, around 196–190 million years ago. Ammonites such as this are not only stunning display pieces but also scientifically important as marker fossils used in biostratigraphy. Every specimen we sell is 100% genuine and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and value.
Geological Context
- Geological Period: Jurassic
- Stage: Lower Jurassic, Sinemurian
- Age: Approximately 196–190 million years old
- Locality: Red Howles, Marske, Redcar, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
The cliffs of Yorkshire are world-famous for their Lower Lias deposits, yielding ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and marine reptiles. This ammonite belongs to the Sinemurian strata, an interval well-known for diverse ammonite faunas that make these rocks essential for correlating Jurassic sequences across Europe. The Redcar Coast exposures have long been a focal point for fossil hunters, attracting collectors since the early 19th century.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Eoderoceratoidea
- Family: Polymorphitidae
- Genus: Gagaticeras
- Species: Gagaticeras gagateanum
This genus was first formally described in the 19th century and is an important taxon for understanding ammonite evolution during the Sinemurian.
Morphological Features
This specimen displays the characteristic features of Gagaticeras gagateanum:
- Strong ribbing along the shell, creating an ornate pattern.
- Evolute coiling with all whorls clearly visible.
- A moderately compressed shell with well-developed keels, adding to its distinct appearance.
- Ribbing that may bifurcate toward the venter, creating a striking radial symmetry.
The fine ribbing and open coiling highlight the hydrodynamic adaptations of this ammonite, suited to life in the shallow seas of the Early Jurassic.
Scientific and Historical Importance
Gagaticeras gagateanum is a significant species within the Polymorphitidae family and plays a role as an index fossil for the Sinemurian. Its distinct morphology allows paleontologists to precisely identify its stratigraphic horizon. The Yorkshire ammonite beds where this specimen was found have been studied for nearly two centuries, forming the foundation of much of our knowledge about Early Jurassic marine life in Britain.
Key Details
- Species: Gagaticeras gagateanum
- Age: Sinemurian Stage, Lower Jurassic (196–190 million years)
- Location: Red Howles, Marske, Redcar, Yorkshire, UK
- Authenticity: Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Scale: 1cm cube shown in photo for sizing reference
Collectability and Display Value
As a rare ammonite fossil from Redcar, Yorkshire, this piece is highly collectible. The locality, age, and excellent preservation of this specimen make it a fine addition to any collection of ammonites, Jurassic fossils, or natural history artefacts. Its striking ribbing and historical provenance connect it to the great fossil discoveries along the Jurassic Coast of England.
This specimen is supplied exactly as photographed, ensuring that the fossil shown is the one you will receive. It represents both a fascinating piece of evolutionary history and an elegant natural display fossil. Owning this ammonite is an opportunity to hold a genuine relic of Earth’s deep past, from the seas of the Early Jurassic.
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