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RARE Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Middle Toarcian UK Genuine Specimen

RARE Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Middle Toarcian UK Genuine Specimen

£9.00

Rare Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite from Yorkshire, UK

This listing presents a rare and genuine Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite, discovered in the Middle Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period from the historic fossil beds of Gristhorpe, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. With its distinctive shell structure and remarkable preservation, this ammonite stands as a superb specimen for both collectors and enthusiasts.

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% authentic specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive, with a scale cube in 1 cm squares for accurate size reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

This ammonite originates from the Middle Toarcian stage of the Lower Jurassic, approximately 180 – 177 million years ago. The Toarcian is a vital interval in the Jurassic, marked by significant evolutionary developments in ammonites and other marine life.

Gristhorpe, Yorkshire, lies within the world-famous Jurassic Coastline of northern England, a region celebrated for its richly fossiliferous strata. The marine sediments deposited here preserve an incredible diversity of cephalopods, bivalves, belemnites, and marine reptiles, offering an unrivalled record of early Jurassic life. The Toarcian beds of Yorkshire, in particular, provide ammonites of exceptional importance to paleontology.

Taxonomy and Scientific Significance

This specimen has been identified as Pleurolytoceras hircinum, a species within the family Lytoceratidae, superfamily Lytoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. Ammonites of this group are instantly recognisable by their evolute shells and highly elaborate suture patterns, which form intricate, lace-like lines across the shell.

The genus Pleurolytoceras is distinguished by its refined whorl structure and symmetry. The species hircinum is especially valued for its rarity and for its role as a useful biostratigraphic marker in the Toarcian stage. Fossils like this are used by geologists to correlate strata across different regions, underscoring their scientific importance.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

The morphology of Pleurolytoceras hircinum is characterised by:

  • Evolute coiling, with all whorls visible.
  • Complex suture patterns, with deep lobes and high saddles forming ornate structures.
  • Smooth to lightly ornamented outer shell, enhancing the contrast of its suture detail.

These features are not only visually striking but also demonstrate evolutionary adaptations for buoyancy and efficient swimming in the open seas. The design allowed these ammonites to be highly mobile cephalopods, preying on smaller marine organisms in Jurassic oceans.

Depositional Environment

The Gristhorpe ammonite beds represent shallow marine depositional environments, where fine sediments accumulated on the seafloor. Rapid burial and low-oxygen conditions contributed to the preservation of ammonite shells, retaining fine details of their structure. This specimen is a direct record of the thriving ecosystems that flourished in Britain’s Jurassic seas nearly 180 million years ago.

Collectible and Display Value

Fossils of Pleurolytoceras hircinum are relatively rare, and specimens from Gristhorpe are especially prized due to their provenance and historical importance. For collectors, this ammonite represents not only a scientifically significant specimen but also a beautiful natural artifact with intricate suture lines and elegant coiling. Its rarity, provenance, and striking features make it an outstanding addition to any fossil collection.

Key Features of This Fossil

  • Rare Pleurolytoceras hircinum ammonite from Gristhorpe, Yorkshire, UK
  • Jurassic (Middle Toarcian stage), approx. 180 – 177 million years old
  • Member of the Lytoceratidae family, with distinctive evolute shell and sutures
  • Found in the historically important Yorkshire Jurassic Coast
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • The exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive

This Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite combines scientific importance, rarity, and aesthetic appeal, making it a truly exceptional specimen from the classic Jurassic deposits of the United Kingdom.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: SF0927 Category:

Description

Rare Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite from Yorkshire, UK

This listing presents a rare and genuine Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite, discovered in the Middle Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period from the historic fossil beds of Gristhorpe, Yorkshire, United Kingdom. With its distinctive shell structure and remarkable preservation, this ammonite stands as a superb specimen for both collectors and enthusiasts.

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% authentic specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs provided show the exact specimen you will receive, with a scale cube in 1 cm squares for accurate size reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

This ammonite originates from the Middle Toarcian stage of the Lower Jurassic, approximately 180 – 177 million years ago. The Toarcian is a vital interval in the Jurassic, marked by significant evolutionary developments in ammonites and other marine life.

Gristhorpe, Yorkshire, lies within the world-famous Jurassic Coastline of northern England, a region celebrated for its richly fossiliferous strata. The marine sediments deposited here preserve an incredible diversity of cephalopods, bivalves, belemnites, and marine reptiles, offering an unrivalled record of early Jurassic life. The Toarcian beds of Yorkshire, in particular, provide ammonites of exceptional importance to paleontology.

Taxonomy and Scientific Significance

This specimen has been identified as Pleurolytoceras hircinum, a species within the family Lytoceratidae, superfamily Lytoceratoidea, and order Ammonitida. Ammonites of this group are instantly recognisable by their evolute shells and highly elaborate suture patterns, which form intricate, lace-like lines across the shell.

The genus Pleurolytoceras is distinguished by its refined whorl structure and symmetry. The species hircinum is especially valued for its rarity and for its role as a useful biostratigraphic marker in the Toarcian stage. Fossils like this are used by geologists to correlate strata across different regions, underscoring their scientific importance.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

The morphology of Pleurolytoceras hircinum is characterised by:

  • Evolute coiling, with all whorls visible.
  • Complex suture patterns, with deep lobes and high saddles forming ornate structures.
  • Smooth to lightly ornamented outer shell, enhancing the contrast of its suture detail.

These features are not only visually striking but also demonstrate evolutionary adaptations for buoyancy and efficient swimming in the open seas. The design allowed these ammonites to be highly mobile cephalopods, preying on smaller marine organisms in Jurassic oceans.

Depositional Environment

The Gristhorpe ammonite beds represent shallow marine depositional environments, where fine sediments accumulated on the seafloor. Rapid burial and low-oxygen conditions contributed to the preservation of ammonite shells, retaining fine details of their structure. This specimen is a direct record of the thriving ecosystems that flourished in Britain’s Jurassic seas nearly 180 million years ago.

Collectible and Display Value

Fossils of Pleurolytoceras hircinum are relatively rare, and specimens from Gristhorpe are especially prized due to their provenance and historical importance. For collectors, this ammonite represents not only a scientifically significant specimen but also a beautiful natural artifact with intricate suture lines and elegant coiling. Its rarity, provenance, and striking features make it an outstanding addition to any fossil collection.

Key Features of This Fossil

  • Rare Pleurolytoceras hircinum ammonite from Gristhorpe, Yorkshire, UK
  • Jurassic (Middle Toarcian stage), approx. 180 – 177 million years old
  • Member of the Lytoceratidae family, with distinctive evolute shell and sutures
  • Found in the historically important Yorkshire Jurassic Coast
  • Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • The exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive

This Pleurolytoceras hircinum Fossil Ammonite combines scientific importance, rarity, and aesthetic appeal, making it a truly exceptional specimen from the classic Jurassic deposits of the United Kingdom.

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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