VERY RARE Fossil Heteromorph Ammonite Anisoceras woodsi – Middle Cenomanian, Cretaceous – Glynde, United Kingdom – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

VERY RARE HETEROMORPH AMMONITE – ANISOCERAS WOODSI

Geological Age: Middle Cenomanian (~97 million years ago)

Locality: Glynde, East Sussex, United Kingdom

Stratigraphic Formation: Upper Chalk succession of the Southern Province

Collection: Alice Purnell Collection

Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity

This exceptionally rare fossil is a genuine Anisoceras woodsi, a heteromorph ammonite species from the Middle Cenomanian of the Cretaceous period. It was collected from the marine chalk deposits of Glynde, East Sussex – a location of significant geological interest for Upper Cretaceous macrofossils. This is a carefully curated piece from the distinguished Alice Purnell Collection, and the listing includes detailed photographs with a 1cm scale cube for sizing reference.

TAXONOMY & GEOLOGICAL DETAILS:

• Species: Anisoceras woodsi
• Family: Anisoceratidae
• Superfamily: Turrilitoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Stage: Middle Cenomanian (Upper Cretaceous)
• Depositional Environment:
• Open marine, outer shelf to mid-shelf chalk environments
• Low sedimentation, high pelagic input—typical of the southern English Chalk Formation
• Biozone: Likely associated with the Acanthoceras rhotomagense or Mantelliceras dixoni ammonite zones
• Identification History: Originally described by Mantell (1822), the genus Anisoceras has remained a focal point for heteromorph taxonomy and palaeobiogeographic studies.

MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES & SIGNIFICANCE:

• Anisoceras ammonites are heteromorphic with an uncoiled, irregularly hooked adult shell
• Characterised by whorls that are initially loose and then recurved into a U or hook shape
• Ribbing is coarse, often bearing tubercles along the flanks or venter
• This morphology suggests a pelagic or nektobenthic lifestyle, poorly suited for active swimming but possibly drifting or hovering near the seafloor
• Fossils of Anisoceras are rare in the UK, particularly well-preserved examples like this from the classic Glynde locality

ABOUT THE SPECIMEN:

You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photographs, not a stock image. Scale is provided (1cm rule squares) for precise sizing. This ammonite is in solid condition and displays key diagnostic features, making it valuable for both collectors and academic purposes. It comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, a well-documented private collection known for its quality and authenticity.

INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE:

• One authentic Anisoceras woodsi heteromorph ammonite fossil
• Locality: Glynde, United Kingdom
• Age: Middle Cenomanian, Cretaceous
• Certificate of Authenticity included
• Secure packaging with tracked delivery

SUMMARY:

This is a very rare British heteromorph ammonite fossil, Anisoceras woodsi, from the Middle Cenomanian of East Sussex. Its distinct coiling and rare occurrence in UK chalk make it highly collectible and scientifically significant. Perfect for advanced fossil collections, palaeontology enthusiasts, or as a unique geological gift.