Description
Genuine Scarburgiceras Fossil Ammonite
This listing is for a Scarburgiceras fossil ammonite, collected from Warboys, United Kingdom, and dating to the Lower Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period. This striking specimen is a genuine piece of Earth’s ancient history, preserved for over 160 million years. Every fossil we offer is carefully selected for its quality and authenticity, and this ammonite is no exception. You will receive the exact fossil shown in the photographs, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a 100% genuine specimen.
Geological Context
The Oxfordian Stage marks the beginning of the Upper Jurassic, spanning approximately 163–157 million years ago. During this time, much of what is now England was covered by shallow, tropical seas that supported thriving marine ecosystems. These warm seas left behind extensive deposits of clay, limestone, and marl, which provided ideal conditions for the preservation of ammonites and other marine life.
Fossils from Warboys, Cambridgeshire, are part of this important geological record, offering insights into both the environmental conditions and the remarkable biodiversity of the Jurassic seas. The Oxfordian deposits are globally significant, and ammonites such as Scarburgiceras serve as key biostratigraphic markers that allow scientists to precisely date and correlate rock layers.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Scarburgiceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163 million years ago)
- Locality: Warboys, United Kingdom
Morphological Features
Scarburgiceras is notable for its elegant ribbing and moderately involute shell form. Its ribs are well-defined and extend across the flanks towards the outer whorl, often branching slightly as they curve toward the venter. These features give the ammonite a distinctive appearance, making it both scientifically important and visually appealing.
The ribbing and coiling style of Scarburgiceras reflect adaptations for life as a nektonic predator in Jurassic seas. Like other ammonites, it possessed a chambered shell that helped regulate buoyancy, enabling it to move efficiently through the water column while hunting small prey.
Palaeontological Importance
Ammonites like Scarburgiceras are not only prized collector’s items but also critical tools for palaeontologists. They serve as index fossils, meaning their presence is used to define and identify geological stages and biozones. Within the Oxfordian, Scarburgiceras is associated with characteristic ammonite zones that help geologists refine the dating of marine sediments across Europe.
The widespread distribution and rapid evolutionary turnover of ammonites make them invaluable for studying ancient marine environments. They also provide evidence of faunal migration and evolutionary adaptations during times of environmental change.
Depositional Environment
The fossil-bearing sediments at Warboys were deposited in a shallow marine environment with relatively calm waters. Fine-grained clays and marls allowed for rapid burial of ammonite shells after death, protecting them from erosion and preserving them in remarkable detail. Such conditions explain why fossils from this region are highly valued for both their scientific and display qualities.
Collectability and Display Value
This Scarburgiceras fossil ammonite from Warboys is an exceptional specimen that combines scientific relevance with aesthetic appeal. Its fine ribbing and characteristic shell structure highlight the natural artistry of ammonites, making it a prized addition for collectors, educators, or enthusiasts of natural history.
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Scarburgiceras
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163 million years ago)
- Origin: Warboys, United Kingdom
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (please refer to photographs for measurements)
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Guarantee: The fossil pictured is the exact one you will receive
This ammonite represents a tangible link to the ancient Jurassic seas, offering both historical significance and natural beauty. A superb piece for display, collection, or educational use.
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