Rare Inner Hebrides Ammonite Fossil Metophicoceras Jurassic Sinemurian Scotland UK

Description

Exceptional Fossil from the Inner Hebrides

This listing features a rare Metophicoceras ammonite fossil from the Broadford Beds, Bucklandi Zone, Lower Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic. Discovered near South West Ramsay, Inner Hebrides, Scotland, United Kingdom, this specimen represents an extraordinary piece of Britain’s deep geological past. Ammonites such as Metophicoceras are highly prized for their beauty, scientific importance, and their role in defining stratigraphic zones that help geologists reconstruct the history of Earth. This fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and authenticity.

Geological Age and Formation

The fossil comes from the Broadford Beds, a key Lower Jurassic sequence found in the Inner Hebrides. These rocks date to the Lower Sinemurian, approximately 197–196 million years ago, a period when vast shallow seas covered much of what is now northwestern Europe. The Bucklandi Zone, in which this ammonite is found, is a globally recognised biozone named after the index species Ammonites bucklandi. Fossils from this horizon are critical in correlating marine deposits across different parts of the world, making them both scientifically valuable and historically significant.

Taxonomy and Classification

Metophicoceras belongs to the class Cephalopoda, order Ammonitida, superfamily Eoderoceratoidea, and family Eoderoceratidae. Ammonites were marine molluscs related to modern squids, cuttlefish, and octopuses. Unlike their soft-bodied relatives, ammonites developed tightly coiled, chambered shells that fossilised in remarkable detail. This specimen is a striking example of the genus Metophicoceras, a fossil form strongly associated with the Lower Jurassic seas of Europe.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

This ammonite displays the typical morphology of Metophicoceras, with an involute coiling, compressed whorls, and clearly defined ribbing that extends gracefully across the flanks. The ribs may branch or bifurcate, sweeping across the venter in a continuous curve. These features not only provide aesthetic appeal but also serve as key markers for scientific identification. The shell’s fine ribbing and symmetry give it both beauty and precision, capturing the evolutionary adaptations of an organism that thrived nearly 200 million years ago.

Scientific and Collectible Significance

Specimens of Metophicoceras from the Inner Hebrides are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and their association with a globally recognised stratigraphic zone. They also offer direct insights into paleoenvironments of the Early Jurassic, when Scotland’s seas supported diverse ammonite faunas. Because of its restricted occurrence, this ammonite is of particular interest for both private collectors and academic researchers seeking to refine Sinemurian stratigraphy.

Preservation and Display Quality

This fossil has been carefully prepared to highlight its natural ribbing, coiling, and intricate surface detail. The surrounding matrix provides stability and contrast, making it an attractive display specimen for any collection. It has not been altered or enhanced, preserving its full authenticity as a natural geological specimen. The accompanying scale cube (1 cm) in the photographs ensures accurate reference for size.

Guaranteed Authenticity

All our specimens are 100% genuine and responsibly sourced, each supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. This rare Metophicoceras ammonite fossil from South West Ramsay in the Inner Hebrides represents not just a collector’s item but a scientifically significant index fossil from the Lower Sinemurian. It is an ideal acquisition for fossil enthusiasts, serious collectors, and educational displays, offering a direct connection to the Jurassic seas of ancient Scotland.