Description
Rare Scarburgiceras scarburgense Fossil Ammonite from Ashton Keynes, UK
This listing presents a rare Scarburgiceras scarburgense fossil ammonite, originating from the Lower Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic, approximately 163–157 million years ago. Discovered near Ashton Keynes, United Kingdom, this ammonite is a genuine piece of Britain’s rich Jurassic heritage. The fossil has been carefully selected, photographed alongside a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing, and comes exactly as shown in the images. Every specimen is 100% genuine and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring peace of mind for collectors and enthusiasts.
Geological Context and Formation
The Lower Oxfordian marks the early phase of the Oxfordian stage, which is part of the Upper Jurassic series. At this time, Britain was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas, where fine silts, clays, and carbonates accumulated. These sediments later hardened into the rocks that now preserve ammonites such as Scarburgiceras scarburgense.
The species occurs within specific biozones of the Oxfordian, making it an important marker for stratigraphic correlation. Fossils from Ashton Keynes contribute to understanding the Scarburgiceras horizons, aiding paleontologists in reconstructing the evolutionary timeline of Cardioceratidae ammonites and the shifting marine environments of the Jurassic seas.
Species Details and Classification
- Genus: Scarburgiceras
- Species: scarburgense
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Late Jurassic
As a member of the Cardioceratidae family, Scarburgiceras scarburgense is closely related to other finely ribbed and involute ammonites that dominated the Jurassic seas.
Morphological Features
The Scarburgiceras scarburgense ammonite is recognised for several distinctive characteristics:
- Strong ribbing that radiates across the whorls, giving the fossil a textured, serrated appearance.
- Compressed shell form with tightly coiled whorls, demonstrating the compact structure typical of Cardioceratidae.
- Fine suture lines marking the internal divisions of the shell, visible in well-preserved specimens.
- Evolutionary adaptations in its shell morphology that enabled efficient buoyancy and mobility in open marine settings.
These features not only make the fossil identifiable but also highlight the biological innovations of ammonites during the Oxfordian.
Scientific and Collectible Value
Ammonites of the genus Scarburgiceras hold particular importance in biostratigraphy because their relatively rapid evolutionary turnover allows geologists to pinpoint and correlate rock layers across Europe. Collectors value them not only for their rarity but also for their contribution to the scientific understanding of Jurassic marine ecosystems.
From a collector’s perspective, this specimen’s rarity from Ashton Keynes, combined with its defined ribbing and historical significance, makes it a standout piece. For educators, it represents a tangible example of how fossils help unlock the geological record and trace evolutionary change through time.
Key Information
- Fossil Type: Ammonite
- Species: Scarburgiceras scarburgense
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (c. 163–157 million years old)
- Geological Formation: Oxfordian deposits
- Location: Ashton Keynes, United Kingdom
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Authenticity: Guaranteed genuine with Certificate of Authenticity
Authenticity and Guarantee
All fossils offered are authentic specimens, not replicas. This piece has been responsibly sourced and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, making it a secure investment for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts.
This rare Scarburgiceras scarburgense fossil ammonite from Ashton Keynes is a remarkable specimen that captures the beauty and scientific importance of Jurassic ammonites. Whether for display, collection, or academic study, it offers a direct connection to the Oxfordian seas of ancient Britain.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.