Description
Genuine Scarburgiceras Fossil Ammonite
This listing features an authentic Scarburgiceras fossil ammonite from the Lower Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, discovered near Warboys, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom. Dating back approximately 163–160 million years, this fossil offers an exceptional opportunity to own a true piece of Britain’s deep geological history. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, selected for its quality and scientific importance. Each ammonite comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring it is a genuine fossil and not a replica.
Geological Context
The Oxfordian Stage marks the beginning of the Upper Jurassic and is an important stratigraphic interval across Europe. Warboys in Cambridgeshire provides significant exposures of Oxfordian deposits that yield well-preserved ammonites, bivalves, and other marine fossils. During this stage, Britain was largely covered by shallow seas, which supported a thriving ecosystem of marine invertebrates. Sedimentation in this region primarily consisted of clays and limestones, providing ideal conditions for the fossilisation of ammonite shells and other marine organisms.
The ammonites of the Oxfordian are particularly important for biostratigraphy, as they allow geologists to subdivide and correlate strata across wide regions. Scarburgiceras is one such genus, associated with the lower Oxfordian zones and widely studied for its evolutionary and palaeoenvironmental significance.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Scarburgiceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–160 million years ago)
- Locality: Warboys, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Morphological Features
Scarburgiceras is known for its elegant and well-defined shell features, which make it both a scientifically important and aesthetically striking fossil. The shells typically show moderately involute coiling with whorls that display strong ribbing. The ribs may bifurcate from the umbilical edge and sweep gracefully across the flanks before reaching the outer whorl. This ribbing pattern helps distinguish the genus and provides valuable markers for palaeontologists studying Jurassic ammonite lineages.
The complexity of the suture lines, with their intricate lobes and saddles, also highlights the evolutionary sophistication of ammonites as cephalopods. These traits not only aid in classification but also enhance the visual appeal of the fossil for collectors.
Palaeontological Importance
Ammonites like Scarburgiceras serve as key index fossils, enabling geologists to date rock formations and correlate them across different regions of Europe. Their relatively rapid evolutionary turnover ensures that each species is confined to a narrow stratigraphic range, making them particularly useful for fine-scale dating. Fossils such as this one provide essential information on the diversity, adaptation, and extinction patterns of Jurassic cephalopods.
Furthermore, ammonites played a vital ecological role within their marine environments. As nektonic predators, they were likely active hunters of smaller marine organisms, while in turn serving as prey for marine reptiles and larger fish. Their abundance in Jurassic seas is a testament to their evolutionary success during this period.
Depositional Environment
The Warboys deposits where this ammonite was found reflect a shallow marine environment characterised by the accumulation of fine clays and calcareous muds. Low-energy conditions facilitated the preservation of delicate shells, which were quickly buried by sediment after the ammonites’ death. This created a natural record of the Jurassic seabed, preserving these fascinating marine creatures for millions of years.
Collectability and Display Value
This Scarburgiceras fossil ammonite from Warboys is not only a scientifically significant specimen but also a visually attractive natural history piece. Its ribbed shell and well-defined features make it highly desirable for fossil collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Jurassic marine life.
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Scarburgiceras
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–160 million years ago)
- Origin: Warboys, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (please refer to photographs for exact sizing)
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Guarantee: The fossil pictured is the exact specimen you will receive
A remarkable ammonite fossil, this piece offers a tangible connection to the Jurassic seas of Britain and is a fine addition to any fossil or natural history collection.
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