Description
Rare Oistoceras capricorni Ammonite Fossil
This listing offers a rare Oistoceras capricorni ammonite fossil from the Lower Pliensbachian, Early Jurassic, discovered at Waddington, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. Specimens of this genus are highly desirable among collectors due to their distinctive ribbing and coiling, making them excellent examples of Early Jurassic cephalopods. The fossil is fully authentic, and the actual specimen photographed is the one you will receive. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and genuine geological significance.
Geological Context
- Geological Period: Jurassic
- Stage: Lower Pliensbachian (~190 million years ago)
- Location: Waddington, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
- Depositional Environment: Marine sedimentary basin
During the Early Jurassic, much of Lincolnshire was covered by shallow seas. Fine-grained muds and carbonate-rich sediments settled to the seabed, creating an ideal environment for the fossilisation of ammonites and other marine fauna. Oistoceras fossils from this region are well-known for their preservation quality, offering exceptional detail in rib structure and suture lines.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Eoderoceratoidea
- Family: Dactylioceratidae
- Genus: Oistoceras
- Species: Oistoceras capricorni
This genus belongs to the Dactylioceratidae, a family characterised by robust ribbing and ornamented shells. The species Oistoceras capricorni is an important representative of Early Jurassic ammonites and contributes significantly to Pliensbachian ammonite biostratigraphy.
Morphological Features
The Oistoceras capricorni ammonite fossil typically displays the following diagnostic traits:
- Strong, radiating ribs crossing the whorls, giving the shell a bold and ornate appearance.
- Tightly coiled planispiral structure, typical of dactylioceratid ammonites.
- Distinctive venter ornamentation, often sharp and continuous across the shell’s outer margin.
- Well-preserved suture lines, highlighting the internal complexity of the ammonite’s shell chambers.
This specimen clearly shows these classic features, making it a scientifically valuable and aesthetically striking fossil.
Palaeontological Importance
Ammonites such as Oistoceras capricorni are vital tools for biostratigraphic correlation. The presence of this species helps palaeontologists refine the dating of Lower Pliensbachian strata, providing insights into the sequence of geological time. In addition to their use in dating rocks, these fossils shed light on the diversity of cephalopods during the Jurassic and their adaptations to marine environments.
For collectors, Oistoceras specimens hold a special appeal due to their rarity and distinctive morphology. They represent an important evolutionary stage within the ammonite lineage and are treasured both for their scientific relevance and their natural beauty.
Key Details
- Species: Oistoceras capricorni
- Age: Early Jurassic (~190 million years old)
- Stage: Lower Pliensbachian
- Family: Dactylioceratidae
- Location: Waddington, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
- Formation: Marine sedimentary deposits
- Authenticity: 100% genuine, with Certificate of Authenticity
Collectability and Display
This rare Oistoceras capricorni ammonite fossil is a highly collectable piece of natural history from the Jurassic seas of England. Its ribbed structure, fine preservation, and provenance from Waddington make it ideal for both serious fossil collectors and educational display. With its geological significance and distinctive morphology, this ammonite is a timeless reminder of the prehistoric oceans that once covered Britain.
All of our fossils are carefully chosen for their quality and authenticity. This specimen is a unique, one-of-a-kind fossil, fully guaranteed genuine, and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity for your assurance. Owning this ammonite is not just acquiring a fossil – it is preserving a piece of Earth’s deep history.





Reviews
There are no reviews yet.