Rare Pseudocadoceras borale Ammonite Fossil Lower Callovian Jurassic Semington United Kingdom

Description

Rare Pseudocadoceras borale Fossil Ammonite from Semington, United Kingdom

This is a rare and beautifully preserved Pseudocadoceras borale fossil ammonite from the Lower Callovian stage of the Jurassic period, discovered in the classic locality of Semmington, United Kingdom. Every specimen we sell is a genuine piece of natural history, individually photographed so you know exactly what you are buying. A 1 cm scale cube is included in the photographs to give an accurate sense of size. As with all our items, this fossil is guaranteed 100% authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context – Lower Callovian, Jurassic

The fossil dates back to the Lower Callovian stage, part of the Middle Jurassic, approximately 166–164 million years ago. At this time, much of Britain was submerged beneath shallow, warm seas that were rich in marine life. The area that is now Semington lay within a depositional environment of soft clay and marl, which created excellent conditions for the preservation of ammonites and other marine fossils. These conditions allowed for detailed shell features, ribbing, and suture patterns to be captured in stone, providing us with exceptional specimens today.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Genus: Pseudocadoceras
• Species: borale
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
• Family: Stephanoceratidae

The genus Pseudocadoceras belongs to the Stephanoceratidae, a family of ammonites characterised by their ornate ribbing and often dramatic shell ornamentation. Members of this family are important in Jurassic ammonite biostratigraphy and are highly regarded among fossil collectors.

Morphological Features of Pseudocadoceras borale

This species is recognised for its striking shell form and ribbing patterns:

• Coiling: The shell is moderately involute, with earlier whorls partly exposed.
• Ribbing: Bold, radiating ribs extend across the whorl, giving the shell a distinctive texture and strength.
• Tubercles: Small nodal swellings may occur where ribs bifurcate, adding to the ammonite’s visual character.
• Suture lines: Complex and highly detailed, characteristic of the Stephanoceratidae lineage.

These morphological features are both aesthetically appealing and scientifically useful, helping palaeontologists identify biozones and refine the stratigraphy of Jurassic deposits.

Stratigraphic and Biozone Significance

Pseudocadoceras borale is an index species for the Lower Callovian succession, making it an important marker fossil for Jurassic stratigraphy. Its presence helps geologists correlate sedimentary layers across different localities in Europe. The fossil’s association with specific ammonite zones underscores its scientific importance in understanding evolutionary developments during the Jurassic seas.

Collector and Scientific Value

This fossil represents an opportunity to own a rare and scientifically significant ammonite from a locality renowned for its Jurassic deposits. It appeals to both collectors and academic institutions:

• Collectors prize its rarity, preservation, and historic locality.
• Researchers value it for its taxonomic clarity and biozone significance.
• Educators find it useful as a teaching specimen, illustrating Jurassic ammonite diversity.

Authenticity and Quality Guarantee

All our fossils are sourced responsibly and are 100% genuine specimens. This ammonite has been carefully cleaned and preserved, highlighting its natural features without artificial enhancement. Each piece is sold with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring confidence in its provenance and integrity.

Key Details at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Pseudocadoceras borale
• Age: Lower Callovian, Jurassic (~166–164 million years ago)
• Locality: Semington, United Kingdom
• Family: Stephanoceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil, prepared for display
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This Pseudocadoceras borale ammonite fossil is a rare and remarkable addition to any fossil collection. Its combination of geological history, scientific importance, and natural beauty makes it a highly desirable specimen for collectors, enthusiasts, and museums alike.