Description
Exceptional Tragophylloceras Ammonite from the Green Ammonite Beds, Golden Cap, Dorset, UK
This remarkable Tragophylloceras fossil ammonite was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 2 October 2025, at Golden Cap, near Seatown, Dorset, United Kingdom, part of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, this specimen displays outstanding ribbing and shell structure. It originates from the Green Ammonite Beds of the Lower Lias Formation, dating to the Early Jurassic Period (Sinemurian–Pliensbachian Stage, approximately 190–183 million years ago). This ammonite represents one of the classic fossil types that made the Jurassic Coast famous for its scientific and aesthetic treasures.
Geological and Depositional Context
The Green Ammonite Beds form part of the Lower Lias sequence exposed along the Dorset coast and are especially prominent at Golden Cap, the highest point on the southern English coastline. These strata were deposited in a shallow, subtropical sea during the Early Jurassic, when southern England lay close to the equator. The fine-grained mudstones and marls accumulated in relatively low-energy conditions on the sea floor, allowing the delicate shells of marine invertebrates to be fossilised in exquisite detail.
The greenish colouration of these beds results from the mineral glauconite, an iron silicate mineral that formed within the sediment under low-oxygen conditions. This mineral not only imparts the distinctive hue but also contributes to the exceptional preservation quality of the fossils. The Green Ammonite Beds are globally significant for their abundance of well-preserved ammonites, including Tragophylloceras, Arietites, and Promicroceras, which are used as biostratigraphic markers for the Lower Jurassic.
Species Overview – Tragophylloceras
Tragophylloceras belongs to the family Eoderoceratidae, superfamily Eoderoceratoidea, order Ammonitida. It is characterised by its moderately evolute shell, fine ribbing, and elegant, gently curved whorls that create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing form. The ribs are typically simple or bifurcate (split into two), running uninterrupted across the venter, producing a clean, rhythmic ornamentation.
This genus is closely associated with the Tragophylloceras loscombi Biozone, a stratigraphic interval of the Lower Jurassic that provides crucial correlation data for European ammonite faunas. The species’ name derives from its distinctive ribbed morphology (“tragos” meaning “rib” and “phyllon” meaning “leaf” in Greek), reflecting its delicate, leaf-like pattern. Tragophylloceras ammonites were active swimmers, part of a nektonic marine ecosystem, preying on small crustaceans and planktonic organisms within the shallow Jurassic seas.
Scientific and Historical Importance
The Jurassic Coast is celebrated for its geological history, and fossils from Golden Cap and Seatown hold both scientific and cultural importance. The area is part of the same stretch of coastline where the pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning made her groundbreaking discoveries in the early 19th century. Ammonites such as Tragophylloceras are key to understanding the evolutionary radiation of early Jurassic cephalopods and the environmental changes following the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event.
The Green Ammonite Beds in particular have been extensively studied by paleontologists and stratigraphers. Tragophylloceras serves as an important index fossil, marking a distinct biozone within the Lower Lias that is used to correlate sedimentary layers across Europe. Specimens like this one are prized not only for their scientific value but also for their natural beauty, representing millions of years of geological history frozen in stone.
Condition, Provenance, and Authenticity
This is a 100% genuine fossil ammonite, carefully collected and prepared to reveal its full natural beauty. The specimen displays well-defined ribbing, graceful coiling, and a natural mineral patina typical of the Green Ammonite Beds. The fossil has been stabilised and treated by Alison to preserve its integrity while maintaining authenticity. The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, not a stock image, ensuring transparency and confidence in your purchase.
A Certificate of Authenticity is included with the specimen, verifying its identity, geological formation, and discovery details.
Details at a Glance
-
Genus: Tragophylloceras
-
Family: Eoderoceratidae
-
Superfamily: Eoderoceratoidea
-
Order: Ammonitida
-
Age: Sinemurian–Pliensbachian, Early Jurassic (~190–183 million years ago)
-
Biozone: Tragophylloceras loscombi Biozone
-
Formation: Green Ammonite Beds, Lower Lias
-
Locality: Golden Cap, Seatown, Dorset, United Kingdom
-
Discovered by: Alister and Alison on 02 October 2025
-
Prepared by: Alison
-
Condition: Genuine, professionally cleaned and stabilised fossil specimen
-
Scale: Cube = 1 cm (see photo for full sizing)
-
Included: Certificate of Authenticity
A Classic Collector’s Fossil from Britain’s Jurassic Coast
This Tragophylloceras fossil ammonite from the Green Ammonite Beds is a timeless example of Britain’s Jurassic heritage. With its fine preservation, rich geological history, and provenance from the legendary Golden Cap, it stands as both a scientifically significant specimen and a stunning collector’s piece — a true work of natural art from the ancient seas of the Early Jurassic.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.