Rare Platypleuroceras brevispina Ammonite Fossil Genuine Jurassic Upper Pliensbachian St Peters Field Radstock UK with COA

Description

100% Genuine Rare Platypleuroceras brevispina Ammonite Fossil

This listing is for a rare Platypleuroceras brevispina ammonite fossil from the Upper Pliensbachian stage of the Jurassic period, collected at St Peters Field, Radstock, United Kingdom. The exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube included for accurate size reference. All of our fossils are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming their provenance and authenticity.

Geological Background – Upper Pliensbachian, Jurassic

This ammonite originates from the Upper Pliensbachian stage of the Early Jurassic, dating to approximately 185 million years ago. The Pliensbachian was a time when shallow seas covered much of Europe, creating ideal conditions for the deposition of fine marine sediments that preserved a rich variety of ammonites and other marine fossils.

St Peters Field at Radstock in Somerset is an important locality within the UK Jurassic sequence. The rocks here belong to the Lower Lias Group, a succession of marine mudstones, siltstones, and limestones deposited in a calm epicontinental sea. These conditions provided an excellent environment for the preservation of ammonites, including rare genera such as Platypleuroceras.

Fossil Type and Species – Platypleuroceras brevispina

Platypleuroceras is a genus of extinct ammonites within the order Ammonitida, superfamily Eoderoceratoidea, and family Pleuroceratidae. The species Platypleuroceras brevispina is notable for its distinctive ribbed and spined morphology, making it one of the more striking ammonites from the Early Jurassic. These ammonites were nektonic carnivores, actively swimming and hunting within Jurassic seas.

The rarity of this species in British deposits adds to its scientific and collector’s value, as specimens are far less common than other contemporaneous ammonites. Its presence also provides important stratigraphic information, being associated with specific ammonite biozones of the Upper Pliensbachian.

Morphology and Distinguishing Features

The Platypleuroceras brevispina ammonite displays a compressed, evolute shell with strong ribbing across the flanks. The ribs often extend into short spines or tubercles, a defining feature of this species and the origin of its name (“brevispina” meaning “short spine”). These spines provided hydrodynamic stability and may have offered some protection against predators.

The suture pattern is complex, with deeply folded lobes and saddles typical of ammonites from this family. The well-defined ribbing and spination make Platypleuroceras one of the most visually distinctive ammonites of the Pliensbachian stage.

Biozone and Scientific Importance

Platypleuroceras brevispina is associated with the Spinatum Zone of the Upper Pliensbachian, a key ammonite biozone used in Early Jurassic stratigraphy. This makes the species an important index fossil for the correlation of Pliensbachian deposits across Europe. Specimens from St Peters Field are highly regarded due to their rarity and stratigraphic significance.

Collectors and Enthusiasts

For collectors, a Platypleuroceras brevispina ammonite fossil represents a particularly desirable specimen due to its rarity, distinctive morphology, and well-documented provenance. Its ribbing, spines, and stratigraphic importance make it a standout addition to any ammonite or Jurassic fossil collection. For paleontologists and enthusiasts, it offers both scientific relevance and aesthetic appeal.

Why This Specimen is Unique

• Rare Platypleuroceras brevispina ammonite fossil
• From the Upper Pliensbachian, Jurassic (~185 million years old)
• Discovered at St Peters Field, Radstock, United Kingdom
• Associated with the Spinatum Zone biozone
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen shown in the photo will be sent
• 1cm cube included for precise size reference

This rare Platypleuroceras brevispina ammonite fossil from St Peters Field, Radstock, is a scientifically valuable and visually striking specimen from the Jurassic seas of Britain. With its ribbed and spined morphology and excellent provenance, it is a remarkable addition to any serious fossil collection.