Very Rare Dactylioceras mitis Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Middle Toarcian Kettleness UK

Description

Very Rare Dactylioceras mitis Fossil Ammonite from Kettleness, Yorkshire

This listing presents a very rare Dactylioceras mitis fossil ammonite, an exceptional specimen from the Middle Toarcian stage of the Jurassic period, discovered at Kettleness on the Yorkshire coast of the United Kingdom. Fossils of this species are far less commonly found than other Dactylioceras types, making it a highly desirable specimen for collectors. The fossil pictured is the exact one you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference. As always, this ammonite is guaranteed 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting – Middle Toarcian, Jurassic

This ammonite dates to the Middle Toarcian stage of the Early Jurassic, around 178–174 million years ago. At this time, the Yorkshire coast lay beneath shallow seas that supported thriving marine ecosystems. The sedimentary environment consisted of fine-grained shales and mudstones, forming part of the famous Whitby Mudstone Formation. These conditions allowed for the exceptional preservation of ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles, making Whitby and Kettleness internationally important fossil localities.

The Toarcian is a particularly significant interval in Earth’s history, marked by the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event, during which large amounts of organic-rich sediments were deposited. Fossils from this period capture not only the diversity of life but also critical evolutionary and environmental changes.

Species and Taxonomy

• Genus: Dactylioceras
• Species: mitis
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hildoceratoidea
• Family: Dactylioceratidae

Dactylioceras is one of the most iconic and scientifically important ammonite genera of the Early Jurassic, but Dactylioceras mitis is a much rarer and more distinctive species. Its distribution and stratigraphic position make it particularly valuable to collectors and researchers alike.

Morphological Features

The Dactylioceras mitis ammonite is defined by a combination of features that distinguish it from related species:

• Coiling: Evolute shell form, with earlier whorls remaining visible.
• Ribbing: Strong, widely spaced ribs extend cleanly across the flanks and over the venter.
• Whorl profile: Broad and rounded, giving the shell a robust yet elegant appearance.
• Sutures: Intricate suture lines, typical of ammonites, adding fine structural detail.

These features combine to make Dactylioceras mitis a highly recognisable and desirable ammonite, both aesthetically and scientifically.

Stratigraphy and Biozone Importance

This ammonite is associated with the Middle Toarcian succession and is tied to the Dactylioceras mitis Biozone, an important stratigraphic interval used by palaeontologists to correlate Jurassic rock layers. Its role as a biostratigraphic marker species makes it invaluable for scientific study, while its rarity enhances its significance to collectors.

Collector and Scientific Value

• Collectors will appreciate its scarcity, striking ribbing, and provenance from the famous Kettleness locality.
• Scientists and educators value it for its biostratigraphic importance and role in understanding Jurassic ammonite diversity.
• For display, its bold morphology and rarity make it a centrepiece in any serious fossil collection.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All our fossils are responsibly sourced and are 100% genuine specimens. This Dactylioceras mitis has been carefully selected for its rarity, preservation, and scientific value. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring confidence in its geological origin.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Dactylioceras mitis
• Geological Age: Middle Toarcian, Jurassic (~178–174 million years old)
• Locality: Kettleness, Yorkshire, United Kingdom
• Family: Dactylioceratidae
• Order: Ammonitida
• Condition: Natural fossil with strong ribbing and excellent preservation
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This very rare Dactylioceras mitis ammonite fossil from Kettleness is both a scientifically significant specimen and a striking piece of natural history, making it an exceptional acquisition for fossil enthusiasts, educators, and serious collectors.