Tropidoceras Pyrite Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Coast Charmouth Dorset UK COA Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Lyme Regis Golden Specimen

Description

Genuine Tropidoceras Golden Pyrite Ammonite Fossil

This listing is for a genuine Tropidoceras golden pyrite ammonite fossil from the famous Jurassic Coast of Dorset, UK. This beautiful fossil ammonite comes from the Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias, collected from the Charmouth and Lyme Regis area, one of Britain’s most celebrated fossil locations. Tropidoceras is a distinctive Early Jurassic ammonite genus, highly valued by collectors for its attractive coiled form, ribbed shell ornament, and strong association with the classic fossil-bearing cliffs of Dorset.

This is a carefully chosen specimen, and the photograph shows the actual fossil you will receive. Full sizing and scale information can be seen in the photo, allowing you to view the specimen’s shape, proportions, preservation, and display appeal before purchase.

Classic Jurassic Coast Locality

This Tropidoceras ammonite was found in the Black Ven Marls, part of the Lower Lias sequence exposed along the Jurassic Coast at Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. This coastline is internationally known for its exceptional Early Jurassic fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, fossil fish, marine reptile remains, crinoids, bivalves, and other ancient sea life.

The Black Ven Marls belong to the Charmouth Mudstone Formation and were deposited in a marine environment during the Early Jurassic. Fine muds accumulated on the sea floor and helped preserve the remains of ammonites and other marine organisms. Over millions of years, some fossils from these deposits became mineralised with iron pyrite, producing the beautiful golden metallic appearance that makes pyrite ammonites especially desirable.

About Tropidoceras

Tropidoceras was a small ammonite genus from the Lower Jurassic seas. Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods related to modern squid, octopus, and nautilus. They lived inside coiled shells divided into internal chambers, using the outer body chamber for the living animal and the inner chambers to help control buoyancy in the water column.

Tropidoceras is known for its evolute coiling, where the whorls are relatively open and the earlier coils remain visible. The shell commonly displays strong ribbing across the whorl sides, giving the fossil an attractive sculptured appearance. These ribs would have strengthened the shell during life and are now one of the key visual features that make Tropidoceras ammonites popular with fossil collectors.

Geological Age and Ancient Environment

This fossil dates from the Lower Jurassic, when southern Britain was covered by warm, shallow to offshore seas. The Dorset coastline preserves a remarkable record of this ancient marine world. Ammonites such as Tropidoceras swam through these seas alongside belemnites, fish, ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and other marine life.

The Black Ven Marls represent quiet marine mud deposition, where fine sediment settled on the sea floor. This environment was ideal for preserving small ammonites, particularly when rapid burial protected their shells from damage. The golden pyrite preservation seen in specimens from this area forms under low-oxygen conditions, where iron and sulphur minerals replace or coat parts of the fossil, creating a naturally metallic finish.

Fossil Features and Collector Appeal

This Tropidoceras golden pyrite ammonite is an attractive and genuine fossil specimen from a world-famous British fossil locality. Its natural pyrite preservation gives it a golden colour and distinctive display quality, while the ribbed ammonite shell form makes it instantly recognisable as a classic Jurassic fossil.

Specimens like this are ideal for fossil collectors, educational collections, natural history displays, geology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the Jurassic Coast. Pyrite ammonites from Charmouth and Lyme Regis are especially popular because they combine scientific interest, natural beauty, and strong locality appeal.

Discovery, Preparation and Authenticity

Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on the Jurassic Coast. It has been cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to help preserve and present the fossil while retaining its natural character.

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The fossil shown in the photograph is the exact specimen you will receive, making this a trustworthy and attractive addition to any fossil, ammonite, mineral, or natural history collection.