Description
Authentic Scarburgiceras scarburgense Fossil Ammonite
This listing presents a fine example of Scarburgiceras scarburgense, a fossil ammonite from the Lower Oxfordian Stage of the Jurassic Period, discovered near Peterborough, United Kingdom. This ammonite lived approximately 163–160 million years ago during a time when shallow seas covered much of Britain. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact one you will receive, carefully chosen for its preservation and display value. Every fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a genuine specimen for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts alike.
Geological Background
The Lower Oxfordian Stage represents the beginning of the Upper Jurassic and is a crucial interval for understanding the diversification of ammonites and marine ecosystems. In the region around Peterborough, deposits from this stage belong primarily to the Oxford Clay Formation, a world-famous fossil-bearing deposit that has yielded a wealth of marine reptiles, fish, invertebrates, and exceptionally preserved ammonites such as this Scarburgiceras scarburgense.
These sediments were laid down in a broad, shallow, epicontinental sea. The fine-grained mudstones and clays preserved shells and skeletal remains with remarkable fidelity. The Peterborough area is particularly celebrated for the abundance and scientific significance of its Oxfordian fossils, which continue to provide insights into Jurassic palaeobiology and stratigraphy.
Scientific Classification
- Species: Scarburgiceras scarburgense
- Genus: Scarburgiceras
- Family: Cardioceratidae
- Superfamily: Stephanoceratoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Geological Stage: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–160 million years ago)
- Locality: Peterborough, United Kingdom
Morphological Features
Scarburgiceras scarburgense is notable for its strongly ribbed shell, which shows sharp, well-developed ribs radiating across its compressed whorls. These ribs often bifurcate (split into two) as they progress across the shell, giving it a highly diagnostic pattern that allows palaeontologists to identify the species with confidence. The suture lines of the ammonite are also intricate, displaying the complexity that is typical of Jurassic ammonites.
The species belongs to the Cardioceratidae, a family known for their elegant and distinctive ribbing. These features not only make the specimen scientifically valuable but also visually striking, adding to its desirability as a collector’s piece.
Stratigraphic and Scientific Importance
Scarburgiceras scarburgense plays an important role in Jurassic biostratigraphy. Its presence is used by geologists to identify specific biozones within the Lower Oxfordian, helping to establish relative ages of rock sequences across Europe. Fossils like this ammonite are therefore key tools for correlating stratigraphic layers and reconstructing the palaeogeography of the Jurassic seas.
The Peterborough region, with its famous Oxford Clay deposits, is one of the most significant Jurassic fossil sites in the world. Ammonites such as Scarburgiceras scarburgense add crucial detail to our understanding of marine faunas during this time, complementing the spectacular finds of marine reptiles for which the formation is best known.
Depositional Environment
The ammonite lived in a shallow marine environment dominated by muddy seabeds. After death, its shell was buried quickly in soft sediments, which prevented damage and allowed detailed preservation. The Oxford Clay’s low-oxygen conditions reduced scavenging and decomposition, which is why ammonites from Peterborough are often found in excellent condition with delicate morphological details intact.
Collector and Display Value
This Scarburgiceras scarburgense ammonite fossil is a valuable acquisition for collectors due to its combination of scientific importance and natural beauty. Its sharp ribbing, clear identification, and provenance from the world-renowned Peterborough deposits make it an outstanding display piece. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, it carries significant stratigraphic value as an index fossil for the Lower Oxfordian.
- Type: Fossil Ammonite – Scarburgiceras scarburgense
- Age: Lower Oxfordian, Jurassic (~163–160 million years ago)
- Location: Peterborough, United Kingdom
- Scale: Rule squares/cube = 1 cm (see photographs for precise sizing)
- Authenticity: 100% genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity
- Guarantee: The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive
This ammonite embodies both the scientific legacy and natural artistry of the Jurassic seas, making it a perfect addition for fossil collectors, museums, or as a unique natural history display.
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