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Rare Peronopsis acanthopsis Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Toarcian Ilminster Somerset UK

Rare Peronopsis acanthopsis Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Toarcian Ilminster Somerset UK

£24.00

Rare Peronopsis acanthopsis Fossil Ammonite from Ilminster, Somerset

This listing is for a rare Peronopsis acanthopsis fossil ammonite, dating to the Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period. Collected near Shepton Beauchamp, Ilminster in Somerset, United Kingdom, this specimen represents one of the more unusual and desirable ammonites from the classic Ilminster Beds. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for accurate size reference. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and every purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Setting – Toarcian, Jurassic

This ammonite is from the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years ago. During this time, southern England formed part of a shallow marine basin connected to the broader European seas. Fine sediments were deposited in the area that is today Somerset, creating what are now the Ilminster Beds. These deposits are internationally recognised for their rich ammonite faunas and the exceptional scientific value of the fossils they yield.

The Toarcian period was also marked by major global events, including the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE), during which widespread changes in marine environments occurred. Ammonites like Peronopsis acanthopsis are essential in helping palaeontologists understand both local and global conditions during this important geological interval.

Species and Classification

  • Genus: Peronopsis
  • Species: acanthopsis
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
  • Family: Hildoceratidae

Peronopsis acanthopsis is part of the Hildoceratidae, a family of ammonites well known for their ornate ribbing and sometimes tuberculate ornamentation. These ammonites are widely used as biostratigraphic index fossils, enabling precise dating and correlation of Jurassic rock layers across Europe.

Morphological Features

The Peronopsis acanthopsis ammonite displays striking features that distinguish it from other genera and species:

  • Shell form: Evolute, with visible inner whorls contributing to its distinct profile.
  • Ribbing: Strong, radiating ribs that may bifurcate as they cross the flanks, creating a bold and attractive ornamentation.
  • Tubercles: Small nodal swellings, giving the species its specific name acanthopsis (“spiny appearance”).
  • Whorl profile: Rounded, sturdy, and robust, making it a visually impressive fossil.
  • Sutures: Complex suture lines characteristic of the Hildoceratidae, adding fine detail.

These features not only make the fossil scientifically valuable but also aesthetically striking for collectors.

Stratigraphic and Biozone Importance

Peronopsis acanthopsis is associated with the Toarcian ammonite biozones, where it acts as an important index fossil. Its presence in the Ilminster Beds allows for accurate stratigraphic correlation, linking Somerset’s Jurassic deposits to wider European successions. Such fossils are crucial for refining the geological timescale and understanding ammonite evolution during the Toarcian stage.

Collector and Scientific Value

  • Collectors will value this ammonite for its rarity, distinctive ribbing, and nodal ornamentation.
  • Scientists and educators appreciate it for its biostratigraphic importance and role in refining the Toarcian framework.
  • For display, its robust form and striking ribbed structure make it a standout specimen suitable for private or museum collections.

Authenticity and Guarantee

We guarantee that all of our fossils are 100% genuine and responsibly sourced. This Peronopsis acanthopsis specimen has been carefully chosen for its preservation, quality, and rarity. Each purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity, giving you complete confidence in its provenance.

Key Information at a Glance

  • Fossil Type: Ammonite
  • Species: Peronopsis acanthopsis
  • Geological Age: Toarcian, Jurassic (~182–174 million years old)
  • Locality: Shepton Beauchamp, Ilminster, Somerset, United Kingdom
  • Family: Hildoceratidae
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Condition: Natural fossil with ribbing and tuberculate ornamentation preserved
  • Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This rare Peronopsis acanthopsis ammonite fossil from Ilminster, Somerset is a scientifically valuable and visually impressive specimen, perfect for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Britain’s Jurassic heritage.

 

(Actual as seen)

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Description

Rare Peronopsis acanthopsis Fossil Ammonite from Ilminster, Somerset

This listing is for a rare Peronopsis acanthopsis fossil ammonite, dating to the Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period. Collected near Shepton Beauchamp, Ilminster in Somerset, United Kingdom, this specimen represents one of the more unusual and desirable ammonites from the classic Ilminster Beds. The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for accurate size reference. All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and every purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Setting – Toarcian, Jurassic

This ammonite is from the Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, approximately 182–174 million years ago. During this time, southern England formed part of a shallow marine basin connected to the broader European seas. Fine sediments were deposited in the area that is today Somerset, creating what are now the Ilminster Beds. These deposits are internationally recognised for their rich ammonite faunas and the exceptional scientific value of the fossils they yield.

The Toarcian period was also marked by major global events, including the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE), during which widespread changes in marine environments occurred. Ammonites like Peronopsis acanthopsis are essential in helping palaeontologists understand both local and global conditions during this important geological interval.

Species and Classification

  • Genus: Peronopsis
  • Species: acanthopsis
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
  • Family: Hildoceratidae

Peronopsis acanthopsis is part of the Hildoceratidae, a family of ammonites well known for their ornate ribbing and sometimes tuberculate ornamentation. These ammonites are widely used as biostratigraphic index fossils, enabling precise dating and correlation of Jurassic rock layers across Europe.

Morphological Features

The Peronopsis acanthopsis ammonite displays striking features that distinguish it from other genera and species:

  • Shell form: Evolute, with visible inner whorls contributing to its distinct profile.
  • Ribbing: Strong, radiating ribs that may bifurcate as they cross the flanks, creating a bold and attractive ornamentation.
  • Tubercles: Small nodal swellings, giving the species its specific name acanthopsis (“spiny appearance”).
  • Whorl profile: Rounded, sturdy, and robust, making it a visually impressive fossil.
  • Sutures: Complex suture lines characteristic of the Hildoceratidae, adding fine detail.

These features not only make the fossil scientifically valuable but also aesthetically striking for collectors.

Stratigraphic and Biozone Importance

Peronopsis acanthopsis is associated with the Toarcian ammonite biozones, where it acts as an important index fossil. Its presence in the Ilminster Beds allows for accurate stratigraphic correlation, linking Somerset’s Jurassic deposits to wider European successions. Such fossils are crucial for refining the geological timescale and understanding ammonite evolution during the Toarcian stage.

Collector and Scientific Value

  • Collectors will value this ammonite for its rarity, distinctive ribbing, and nodal ornamentation.
  • Scientists and educators appreciate it for its biostratigraphic importance and role in refining the Toarcian framework.
  • For display, its robust form and striking ribbed structure make it a standout specimen suitable for private or museum collections.

Authenticity and Guarantee

We guarantee that all of our fossils are 100% genuine and responsibly sourced. This Peronopsis acanthopsis specimen has been carefully chosen for its preservation, quality, and rarity. Each purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity, giving you complete confidence in its provenance.

Key Information at a Glance

  • Fossil Type: Ammonite
  • Species: Peronopsis acanthopsis
  • Geological Age: Toarcian, Jurassic (~182–174 million years old)
  • Locality: Shepton Beauchamp, Ilminster, Somerset, United Kingdom
  • Family: Hildoceratidae
  • Order: Ammonitida
  • Condition: Natural fossil with ribbing and tuberculate ornamentation preserved
  • Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This rare Peronopsis acanthopsis ammonite fossil from Ilminster, Somerset is a scientifically valuable and visually impressive specimen, perfect for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Britain’s Jurassic heritage.

 

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

United Kingdom

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

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