Rare Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) subconcilIatus Ammonite Fossil from Lower Turonian Cretaceous Maiden Newton Somerset United Kingdom

Description

Geological Context and Provenance

This listing offers a genuine Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) subconcilIatus fossil ammonite, originating from Maiden Newton, Somerset, United Kingdom. The fossil dates to the Lower Turonian Stage of the Late Cretaceous Period, approximately 93.9 – 89.8 million years ago. During this time, much of southern England was submerged beneath warm epicontinental seas, forming extensive chalk deposits that are now celebrated for their fossil content.

The Turonian was a key interval in Cretaceous palaeontology, marked by important evolutionary developments among ammonites. Fossils from Maiden Newton are prized for their preservation and their role in refining the understanding of the geological succession of southern Britain.

Fossil Type and Species Information

Jeanrogericeras subconcilIatus, classified within the broader genus Spathites, belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Acanthoceratoidea, and Family Acanthoceratidae. This lineage of ammonites is distinguished by their intricate shell ornamentation, often including strong ribbing and nodal projections. The subgenus Jeanrogericeras reflects a well-defined group within Spathites, marked by subtle variations in shell morphology that assist specialists in biozonal correlations.

As cephalopods, ammonites were free-swimming predators that inhabited the upper water column. Their chambered shells functioned as buoyancy devices, enabling them to pursue prey such as crustaceans and small fish while also evading larger marine reptiles.

Morphological Features and Identification

This specimen of Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) subconcilIatus demonstrates the characteristic ribbing and shell sculpture of the species. The whorls are moderately inflated with pronounced ribs crossing the shell, occasionally forming nodes that enhance its ornate appearance. These features are not merely aesthetic; they provide key evidence used in ammonite taxonomy and stratigraphy.

The species is important in Lower Turonian biostratigraphy, as it forms part of the zonal framework used to correlate Turonian-aged deposits across Europe. Its distinctive ornamentation and suture patterns allow palaeontologists to identify specific intervals within the Turonian succession, making it both a collector’s treasure and a scientifically valuable specimen.

Depositional Environment

During the Lower Turonian, the environment of southern England was dominated by warm, shallow marine seas. The chalk and marl deposits of this period were formed largely from the microscopic skeletons of planktonic algae, providing a rich and stable environment for ammonites and other marine life. The preservation of ammonites such as Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) subconcilIatus in this setting reflects rapid burial within fine sediments, which protected the shells from destruction and allowed their exquisite morphology to be preserved.

Collector Appeal and Authenticity

This fossil offers collectors the rare chance to own a specimen of Spathites (Jeanrogericeras) subconcilIatus, an ammonite that combines scientific importance with striking natural beauty. Its ribbing and form showcase the evolutionary sophistication of the ammonites, while its provenance from Somerset connects it directly to one of the UK’s most significant fossil-bearing regions.

• 100% Genuine Specimen – All of our fossils are authentic and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.
• Exact Fossil Pictured – The images show the precise specimen you will receive.
• Scale Reference – Scale rule squares / cube = 1 cm. Please refer to photographs for accurate sizing.

This carefully selected ammonite is both a scientific reference fossil and a natural work of art, representing the dynamic marine ecosystems of the Turonian seas that once covered Britain. Collectors, educators, and enthusiasts alike will appreciate its rarity, authenticity, and enduring geological significance.