Description
Rare Tornquistes leckenbyi Ammonite Fossil from the United Kingdom
This is a rare Tornquistes leckenbyi ammonite fossil from the Middle Oxfordian stage of the Late Jurassic, discovered in Woodham, United Kingdom. Dating back around 163 – 160 million years, this ammonite represents a significant piece of British Jurassic history and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for both its rarity and its excellent preservation.
The specimen you see in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive. A 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate sizing, ensuring you know precisely what to expect. Every fossil we supply is a 100% genuine specimen and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Context – Middle Oxfordian, Late Jurassic
The Oxfordian stage is the first stage of the Upper Jurassic period, a time characterised by widespread shallow seas across Europe. These conditions provided the perfect environment for ammonites such as Tornquistes leckenbyi to thrive. The ammonite-rich deposits of Woodham in the United Kingdom are well known among collectors for producing beautifully preserved specimens from this stage.
The Oxfordian is an important stratigraphic interval in geology and paleontology, as it represents a key transition in ammonite evolution. Species like Tornquistes leckenbyi play a vital role in defining biostratigraphic zones that help geologists correlate rock layers across wide regions.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Tornquistes
- Species: Tornquistes leckenbyi
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Geological Stage: Middle Oxfordian, Late Jurassic (c. 163 – 160 million years ago)
- Locality: Woodham, United Kingdom
Morphological Features
This Tornquistes leckenbyi ammonite displays the defining features of the species, making it both scientifically valuable and visually striking:
- Evolute shell structure, with earlier whorls exposed for study.
- Distinct ribbing and ornamentation, typical of the genus Tornquistes.
- Well-preserved whorl section, showcasing the growth patterns of the ammonite.
- A strong, recognisable morphology that highlights its placement within the Cardioceratidae family.
The intricate ribbing and overall shell form make this ammonite a superb display piece while also holding academic interest for paleontological study.
Paleoecological Importance
During the Oxfordian seas, ammonites such as Tornquistes leckenbyi were active predators and scavengers, moving through the shallow marine environments hunting small invertebrates. Their chambered shells provided buoyancy control, allowing them to inhabit different depths of the ocean.
Ammonites in the Cardioceratidae family are particularly important as index fossils for the Jurassic, given their rapid evolutionary turnover and widespread distribution. This makes specimens like this crucial for refining our understanding of Jurassic marine environments and the evolutionary pathways of cephalopods.
Collector’s Significance
Tornquistes leckenbyi is a rare and desirable ammonite not often available for collectors, particularly from UK localities such as Woodham. This specimen combines excellent preservation with strong scientific significance, ensuring it appeals to both serious fossil collectors and those seeking an exceptional display fossil.
The rarity of this species, combined with its geological age, provenance, and striking appearance, makes it a standout specimen for any collection. Its historical and scientific importance, along with its natural beauty, ensure that it is not only a decorative item but also a valuable piece of natural history.
Key Details
- Species: Tornquistes leckenbyi
- Age: Middle Oxfordian, Late Jurassic (c. 163 – 160 million years old)
- Origin: Woodham, United Kingdom
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Distinctive ribbing and evolute shell clearly preserved
- Actual specimen shown in photos with 1 cm scale cube
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
This rare Tornquistes leckenbyi ammonite fossil is an extraordinary specimen that offers collectors a genuine connection to the Jurassic seas of the United Kingdom, blending rarity, beauty, and scientific importance in one authentic piece.





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