Tragophylloceras Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Coast Charmouth Lyme Regis Dorset UK Genuine Specimen

Description

Authentic Tragophylloceras Fossil Ammonite from the Jurassic Coast

This superb Tragophylloceras fossil ammonite is a genuine specimen collected from the famous Black Ven Marls at Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis on the Dorset coast of the United Kingdom. Dating back to the Lower Lias of the Early Jurassic, this ammonite is around 195 million years old. Each specimen is individually selected for quality and preservation, and the photographs provided show the actual fossil you will receive. All of our fossils are guaranteed authentic and come complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, offering assurance of both provenance and scientific integrity.

Geological Age and Provenance

This ammonite originates from the Lower Jurassic period, specifically the Lower Lias, within the Black Ven Marls. These marls form part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across Dorset and East Devon. Stonebarrow Cliff and the neighbouring beaches at Charmouth and Lyme Regis are among the most important fossil-bearing localities in Europe. The sediments here were deposited in a shallow marine environment, preserving a wealth of ancient marine life in exceptional detail.

Taxonomy and Scientific Classification

Tragophylloceras belongs to the order Ammonitida, superfamily Psiloceratoidea, and family Tragophylloceratidae. Ammonites were cephalopods, relatives of modern squid and octopus, that thrived in ancient oceans for hundreds of millions of years before going extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period. This genus is recognised for its role in the Lower Jurassic fossil record and provides valuable information for geologists studying biostratigraphy and marine ecosystems of the time.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

The shell of Tragophylloceras is characteristically compressed and tightly coiled with a smooth to finely ribbed surface. Its whorls are relatively involute, meaning the inner coils are partially covered by subsequent whorls. The suture lines – the intricate junctions between the shell wall and internal chamber septa – are often well-defined and can be seen in well-preserved specimens. These features make it an attractive ammonite for collectors, while also aiding palaeontologists in identifying and classifying specimens within the early ammonite lineage.

Geological and Palaeontological Importance

Ammonites like Tragophylloceras serve as excellent index fossils due to their rapid evolution and wide geographic distribution. The Lower Jurassic ammonite zones, including those of the Black Ven Marls, allow scientists to date rock sequences with remarkable precision. Fossils from this area have been studied for over 200 years, with Lyme Regis famously associated with Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil collector whose discoveries helped to shape the science of palaeontology.

Depositional Environment of the Black Ven Marls

The Black Ven Marls consist of alternating layers of clay and limestone, deposited in a shallow epicontinental sea during the Early Jurassic. The fine-grained nature of the sediment ensured that delicate shells, such as those of ammonites, were buried rapidly and preserved in detail. Periodic landslips along Stonebarrow Cliff continue to reveal new fossils, making it a classic location for both scientific study and fossil collecting.

Collectors’ Appeal and Display Value

This Tragophylloceras ammonite is not only a fascinating scientific specimen but also a striking display piece. Its elegant spiral form and smooth shell make it highly attractive, while its provenance from one of the most famous fossil localities in the world adds further desirability. Whether you are a dedicated collector, an educator, or simply someone who appreciates natural history, this ammonite represents a genuine piece of Britain’s Jurassic heritage.

Authenticity Guaranteed

We guarantee that all our fossils are 100% genuine and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen pictured is the exact one you will receive, with clear scale shown for accurate sizing. This ensures transparency and provides reassurance that your fossil is a unique, irreplaceable piece of natural history.

This Tragophylloceras fossil ammonite from the Black Ven Marls at Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, is a rare opportunity to own a true classic from the Jurassic Coast. With its scientific significance, geological provenance, and visual beauty, it is a remarkable specimen for any fossil collection.