RARE Paltechioceras tardecrescens Ammonite Fossil Upper Sinemurian Jurassic Radstock UK

Description

Rare Paltechioceras tardecrescens Ammonite Fossil

Offered here is a superb and rare specimen of Paltechioceras tardecrescens, an ammonite fossil from the Upper Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 195 million years old. This particular fossil was discovered in Radstock, Somerset, United Kingdom, an area well known for its fossiliferous Jurassic deposits. Every detail captured in the photographs is of the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate measurement. The piece is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and genuine nature.

Geological Context

The ammonite originates from the Upper Sinemurian, a subdivision of the Early Jurassic. During this time, southern Britain was submerged beneath a shallow epicontinental sea that allowed fine muds and calcareous sediments to accumulate. These sediments later lithified into shales and limestones, now exposed around Radstock. The region is particularly important to paleontology, as ammonite assemblages from the Sinemurian are widely used for biostratigraphic correlation across Europe.

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Eoderoceratoidea
• Family: Polymorphitidae
• Genus: Paltechioceras
• Species: Paltechioceras tardecrescens

Morphological Features

Paltechioceras tardecrescens is characterised by its delicate ribbing pattern and moderately evolute shell form. Its ribs extend across the flanks of the whorls, often bifurcating toward the venter, creating a striking symmetry. The whorls are relatively compressed, lending the shell a streamlined appearance, which would have aided hydrodynamics while swimming. Such features make this ammonite distinct and help palaeontologists differentiate it from closely related species.

Paleoenvironment and Ecology

In the Early Jurassic seas of Radstock, ammonites such as Paltechioceras thrived as active, free-swimming predators. They likely hunted smaller marine organisms such as crustaceans and other molluscs. The shallow, nutrient-rich sea would have been home to a diverse array of marine fauna, with conditions that promoted rapid burial in low-oxygen muds, ensuring exceptional preservation of ammonite shells. The Sinemurian environment also provides a window into evolutionary adaptations of early ammonites following the end-Triassic extinction.

Scientific and Collecting Importance

Specimens of Paltechioceras tardecrescens are highly regarded for their scientific significance. They are used to define parts of the Sinemurian ammonite biozones, which are crucial in refining the geological timescale. For collectors, they represent a rare and distinctive ammonite, particularly valued when sourced from classic British localities like Radstock. The fossil’s combination of rarity, locality, and preservation make it a standout addition to any serious fossil collection.

Provenance and Authenticity

This fossil was carefully collected from the Jurassic deposits of Radstock, Somerset. It has been professionally prepared to reveal its diagnostic features and is guaranteed as an authentic specimen. A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the piece, affirming its geological age, species identification, and origin.

A Collector’s Treasure

This is more than just a fossil—it is a preserved remnant of life from nearly 200 million years ago, representing both scientific and natural history. A rare and beautiful example of Paltechioceras tardecrescens, it is ideal for display, educational use, or as a centrepiece in a fine fossil collection. Its rarity from Radstock makes it a particularly desirable specimen for collectors worldwide.