Rare Lytoceras Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Whitby North Yorkshire UK Genuine Specimen

Description

Rare Lytoceras Fossil Ammonite from Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK

This listing features a rare Lytoceras fossil ammonite from the Jurassic rocks of Whitby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom. Lytoceras is one of the most distinctive genera of Jurassic ammonites, known for its elegant, involute shells and intricate suture patterns. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. All fossils offered are 100% genuine specimens and will be supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Setting – Jurassic Seas of Whitby

This ammonite originates from the Jurassic deposits of the famous Whitby Mudstone Formation, which dates to approximately 182–174 million years ago (Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic). During this period, Whitby and the Yorkshire coast were submerged beneath a shallow, warm sea linked to the Tethys Ocean. The fine-grained mudstones and shales deposited in this environment provided ideal conditions for fossilisation, resulting in the exceptional preservation for which Whitby is globally renowned.

The Jurassic Coast of Yorkshire has long been celebrated for its fossil heritage, particularly ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles. Lytoceras specimens are especially sought after from this region due to their comparative rarity compared with the more common genera such as Dactylioceras.

Species and Classification

• Genus: Lytoceras
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Lytoceratoidea
• Family: Lytoceratidae

Lytoceras belongs to the Lytoceratidae, a family of ammonites distinguished by their smooth, involute shells and highly complex suture lines. This family is also noted for being more closely related to later ammonites that survived further into the Mesozoic, providing an important evolutionary link.

Morphological Features

The Lytoceras ammonite can be identified by several distinctive characteristics:

• Shell form: Involute, with most of the earlier whorls hidden by later growth, giving the shell a clean, rounded outline.
• Ribbing: Generally smooth or weakly ornamented, in contrast to the strong ribbing of other Jurassic ammonites.
• Whorl profile: Rounded and symmetrical, creating an elegant appearance.
• Sutures: Extremely intricate and complex suture lines, forming detailed patterns along the shell.

These features make Lytoceras ammonites striking both as scientific specimens and as display fossils.

Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance

Lytoceras is less common in Whitby deposits compared with ribbed ammonites, making it a rare collector’s specimen. While other genera serve as key biostratigraphic markers, Lytoceras provides valuable insight into ammonite diversity and palaeoecology during the Toarcian. Its presence in Whitby highlights the range of ammonite families that thrived in Jurassic seas.

Collector and Display Value

• Collectors will value this fossil for its rarity, elegance, and provenance from the world-famous Whitby locality.
• Researchers and educators prize it for its evolutionary importance within the Ammonitida.
• For display, its smooth form and complex sutures make it a visually appealing centrepiece in any collection of Jurassic fossils.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are responsibly sourced and guaranteed to be 100% genuine specimens. This Lytoceras ammonite has been carefully chosen for its preservation, rarity, and display quality. Each fossil includes a Certificate of Authenticity, giving you full assurance of its provenance.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Genus: Lytoceras
• Geological Age: Jurassic (Toarcian, ~182–174 million years old)
• Locality: Whitby, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Family: Lytoceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with smooth shell form and excellent preservation
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This rare Lytoceras ammonite fossil from Whitby is a scientifically significant and highly desirable specimen, perfect for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Britain’s Jurassic fossil heritage.