Tragophylloceras Ammonite Fossil Lyme Regis Jurassic UK Lower Lias Green Ammonite Beds Dorset Authentic Natural Specimen

Description

Tragophylloceras Ammonite Fossil – Green Ammonite Beds, Jurassic Coast, Dorset

This genuine Tragophylloceras ammonite fossil originates from the well-known Green Ammonite Beds of Charmouth, Lyme Regis, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast in Dorset, UK. Dating to the Lower Lias of the Early Jurassic period, approximately 199–190 million years ago, this specimen represents a classic and highly desirable example of early Jurassic ammonite preservation.

Carefully selected for its natural beauty and scientific value, this fossil displays the smooth, elegant coiling typical of Tragophylloceras. The exact specimen shown in the photographs is the one you will receive and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

Geological Context – Green Ammonite Beds, Lower Lias Formation

The Green Ammonite Beds form a distinctive horizon within the Lower Jurassic Lias Group, characterised by greenish-grey calcareous sediments rich in fossil content. These deposits are especially renowned for producing well-preserved ammonites with excellent morphological detail.

Formed during the Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic, these sediments were deposited in a shallow marine environment covering much of southern England. The presence of glauconitic minerals contributes to the distinctive green colouring of the beds and indicates marine conditions with slow sedimentation rates.

The stable depositional environment, combined with periodic rapid burial, allowed ammonite shells to be preserved with remarkable clarity, making this horizon one of the most productive fossil-bearing layers along the Jurassic Coast.

Fossil Identification – Tragophylloceras (Order: Ammonitida)

Tragophylloceras is an Early Jurassic ammonite belonging to the order Ammonitida, a group of extinct marine cephalopods closely related to modern squid and octopus. This genus is typically placed within the family Phylloceratidae and the superfamily Phylloceratoidea.

Unlike heavily ribbed ammonites, Tragophylloceras is characterised by its smooth shell and gently curved whorls, representing a different evolutionary adaptation within ammonites. Members of the Phylloceratidae are often associated with deeper marine environments and are known for their streamlined shell forms.

Morphology and Notable Features

This specimen displays the distinctive characteristics of Tragophylloceras, making it both scientifically informative and visually refined:

• Smooth, evolute to moderately involute coiling
• Minimal ribbing with a sleek, streamlined shell surface
• Clearly defined whorls and suture patterns
• Natural preservation within original Jurassic matrix
• Subtle contrast between fossil shell and surrounding sediment

The smooth shell morphology is a defining feature of phylloceratid ammonites and reflects adaptations for efficient movement through the water column.

Depositional Environment and Fossil Formation

During the Early Jurassic, the Lyme Regis region was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea rich in marine biodiversity. Ammonites such as Tragophylloceras occupied a range of ecological niches, often swimming freely in the water column.

After death, the shell would descend to the seabed and become buried by fine sediment. Rapid burial and low oxygen conditions helped preserve the shell structure before it could be significantly altered or destroyed.

Over time, mineralisation processes replaced the original shell material, preserving its shape and fine details within the sedimentary rock. The Green Ammonite Beds provided particularly favourable conditions for maintaining the integrity of smoother-shelled ammonites like Tragophylloceras.

Scientific and Collecting Significance

Tragophylloceras is an important representative of the Phylloceratidae family and provides insight into the diversity of ammonite forms during the Early Jurassic. Its smooth shell contrasts with the more heavily ornamented ammonites of the same period, making it an interesting addition to any collection.

Fossils from the Jurassic Coast are globally recognised for their quality and historical importance. Lyme Regis, in particular, has played a central role in the development of palaeontology, with discoveries from this region contributing significantly to scientific understanding.

Specimens from the Green Ammonite Beds are especially prized due to their preservation quality and clear geological context.

Authenticity and Presentation

This fossil is a 100% genuine Tragophylloceras ammonite and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive.

Full sizing can be confirmed via the listing images, allowing you to clearly assess the scale and detail of the specimen before purchase.

Ideal for Collectors, Display, or Educational Use

This Tragophylloceras ammonite is an उत्कृष्ट addition to any fossil collection, offering a combination of geological significance, natural elegance, and historical provenance. Perfect for collectors, educators, or as a unique display piece, it represents a genuine fragment of Jurassic marine life from one of the most iconic fossil locations in the world.