Rare Orthodactylioceras directum Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Toarcian Lyme Regis Dorset UK

Description

Rare Orthodactylioceras directum Fossil Ammonite from Lyme Regis, Dorset

This listing features a rare Orthodactylioceras directum fossil ammonite, dating to the Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period. Found at Lyme Regis, Dorset, United Kingdom, this ammonite is part of the world-famous fossil heritage of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional preservation of Early Jurassic life. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for precise sizing. Every specimen is 100% genuine and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Setting – Toarcian, Jurassic

This ammonite originates from the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years ago. During this period, Lyme Regis lay beneath warm epicontinental seas that stretched across much of Europe. Fine mudstones and shales accumulated on the seabed, creating the perfect conditions to preserve ammonites and other marine organisms in remarkable detail.

Lyme Regis and the surrounding Dorset coastline form part of the Jurassic Coast, a stretch of cliffs and beaches that provide one of the most complete records of the Early Jurassic anywhere in the world. Ammonites such as Orthodactylioceras directum are particularly important in these deposits for both scientific research and collecting.

Species and Classification

• Genus: Orthodactylioceras
• Species: directum
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Dactylioceratidae

Orthodactylioceras directum belongs to the Dactylioceratidae, a family of ammonites known for their evolute shells and strong ribbing. This species is less common than the more widespread Dactylioceras, making it a particularly desirable find from the Toarcian faunas of Dorset.

Morphological Features

The Orthodactylioceras directum ammonite can be recognised by its distinctive features:

• Shell form: Evolute, with exposed inner whorls.
• Ribbing: Bold, straight ribs (hence directum), extending across the flanks and over the venter without interruption.
• Whorl profile: Rounded to slightly compressed, giving the shell a sturdy, balanced appearance.
• Sutures: Intricate suture lines characteristic of ammonites, adding fine detail.

These features not only aid in species identification but also make the fossil highly attractive for collectors and display purposes.

Stratigraphic and Biozone Importance

Orthodactylioceras directum is associated with specific Toarcian ammonite biozones, making it a useful index fossil. Its occurrence in the Lyme Regis succession helps geologists correlate Jurassic deposits across different regions of Europe, improving the precision of stratigraphic frameworks. Specimens such as this are scientifically important for refining the Jurassic timescale.

Collector and Scientific Value

• Collectors will value this ammonite for its rarity, well-defined ribbing, and provenance from Lyme Regis, one of the world’s most celebrated fossil localities.
• Researchers and educators prize it for its role in Jurassic stratigraphy and ammonite evolution.
• For display, the symmetry and strong ribbing make it an eye-catching fossil suitable for any private or museum collection.

Authenticity and Guarantee

We guarantee that all of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens, responsibly sourced and carefully selected for quality. This Orthodactylioceras directum fossil ammonite is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring confidence in its provenance.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Orthodactylioceras directum
• Geological Age: Toarcian, Jurassic (~182–174 million years old)
• Locality: Lyme Regis, Dorset, United Kingdom
• Family: Dactylioceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with strong ribbing and excellent preservation
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This rare Orthodactylioceras directum ammonite fossil from Lyme Regis, Dorset is a scientifically significant and visually striking specimen, ideal for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Britain’s Jurassic heritage.