Description
Rare Tragophylloceras Golden Pyrite Ammonite – Jurassic Coast Treasure from Dorset
Offered here is a beautiful and highly collectible Tragophylloceras golden pyrite ammonite fossil, a rarer ammonite genus preserved from the famous Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias Formation. Collected along the world-renowned Jurassic Coast, this specimen comes from Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, England, one of Europe’s most celebrated fossil ammonite localities.
This is a carefully chosen piece, selected for its distinctive shell form, strong preservation, and striking golden pyrite mineralisation. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with full sizing details clearly visible in the provided images.
Every fossil we offer is a genuine specimen, and this ammonite includes a Certificate of Authenticity with lifetime guarantee, supplied as a generic authenticity card for permanent documentation and complete buyer confidence.
Importantly, this specimen was discovered by our own experienced team members, Alister and Alison, on 23 January 2026, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, ensuring excellent presentation and long-term stability.
Geological Setting – Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias
This fossil originates from the famous Black Ven Marls, part of the Lower Lias Group, dating to the Early Jurassic approximately 190–200 million years ago. During this period, Dorset lay beneath a warm, shallow marine sea rich in ammonites, belemnites, fish, and marine reptiles.
The marls were deposited in a quiet offshore environment where fine sediments settled onto the seabed. Low oxygen conditions helped reduce decay and scavenging, allowing ammonite shells to fossilise in exceptional detail.
Stonebarrow Cliff and the Charmouth coastline are internationally famous for producing some of the finest Early Jurassic ammonites in the world, making specimens from this locality extremely desirable.
Fossil Species – Tragophylloceras Ammonite
Tragophylloceras is a distinctive genus of Early Jurassic ammonite belonging to the extinct subclass Ammonoidea, within the class Cephalopoda. Ammonites were marine molluscs closely related to modern squid and cuttlefish and were among the most successful predators of Jurassic seas.
Tragophylloceras is valued for its elegant, often smooth-sided shell morphology with subtle ornamentation compared to more heavily ribbed ammonites. This refined appearance, combined with its relative scarcity, makes Tragophylloceras especially sought after among collectors.
As with many Lower Lias ammonites, this genus also contributes to biostratigraphic dating of Early Jurassic marine strata, helping geologists correlate fossil-bearing layers across Europe.
Golden Pyrite Preservation and Visual Appeal
This specimen displays beautiful golden pyrite mineralisation, often called “fool’s gold.” Pyrite forms during fossilisation when the original shell is replaced or infilled, producing a metallic golden lustre that makes these fossils exceptionally eye-catching.
The ammonite retains its characteristic spiral whorls, enhanced by the striking contrast of pyrite against the Jurassic matrix. Golden pyrite ammonites are highly prized for combining fossil history with mineral beauty, making them standout display pieces.
Preparation, Provenance and Authenticity
This is a 100% genuine Tragophylloceras golden pyrite ammonite fossil, responsibly collected from Stonebarrow Cliff by Alister and Alison, and expertly cleaned, prepared, and stabilised by Alison for long-term preservation.
A lifetime Certificate of Authenticity is included with every purchase, ensuring complete confidence in provenance and genuineness.
Ideal For Collectors, Gifts and Educational Displays
This fossil is perfect for:
- Ammonite and Jurassic fossil collectors
- Pyrite mineral and fossil enthusiasts
- Lyme Regis and Charmouth Jurassic Coast fans
- Natural history and geology displays
- Unique prehistoric gifts with discovery provenance
A rare opportunity to own an authentic golden pyrite Tragophylloceras ammonite from the legendary Black Ven Marls of Charmouth, discovered and prepared by our own expert team and preserved from an ancient sea nearly 200 million years old.






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