Very Rare Vermisphinctes martiusii Fossil Ammonite Inferior Oolite Jurassic Coast Burton Bradstock Dorset UK Genuine Specimen with COA

Exceptionally Rare Vermisphinctes martiusii Ammonite from the Inferior Oolite, Jurassic Coast, Dorset, UK

This very rare Vermisphinctes martiusii fossil ammonite was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on 2 October 2025, at Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom, along the world-famous Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. Expertly cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, this specimen reveals stunning ribbing and preservation of detail. It comes from the Inferior Oolite Formation, dating to the Middle Jurassic Period (Bajocian Stage, approximately 170–168 million years ago). As one of the rarer ammonites from this horizon, Vermisphinctes martiusii is highly prized for its distinctive morphology and exceptional scarcity.

Geological and Depositional Context

The Inferior Oolite Formation of Dorset is a celebrated Middle Jurassic marine deposit composed primarily of oolitic limestones and bioclastic sands. These sediments accumulated in a warm, shallow sea that once extended across much of southern England. The depositional environment was characterised by clear, sunlit waters rich in carbonate sediments, providing ideal conditions for ammonites, brachiopods, and echinoderms to thrive.
The Burton Bradstock section is a particularly important locality along the Jurassic Coast, exposing richly fossiliferous Bajocian strata. The ammonites found here represent diverse faunal assemblages that help define biostratigraphic zones across Europe. Vermisphinctes martiusii is one of the rarest members of these assemblages, occurring within the Garantiana Biozone, part of the Lower Bajocian sequence of the Inferior Oolite. Its occurrence in these layers makes it both a scientific marker and a collector’s treasure.

Species Overview – Vermisphinctes martiusii

Vermisphinctes martiusii belongs to the family Perisphinctidae, superfamily Perisphinctoidea, order Ammonitida. It is an elegant, evolute ammonite with moderately compressed whorls and distinctive ribbing patterns that sweep gracefully across the flanks. The ribs often bifurcate towards the outer shell, producing a delicate yet defined ornamentation. This refined sculpture gives Vermisphinctes a visual elegance distinct from its contemporaries in the Inferior Oolite.
Its name, martiusii, honours early fossil collectors who first described the species in 19th-century European deposits. The genus Vermisphinctes is known for its rarity and restricted stratigraphic range, making it an important taxon for understanding ammonite evolution during the early Bajocian. Its hydrodynamic shell shape suggests a free-swimming, nektonic lifestyle, adapted for life in open marine environments above the shallow Jurassic seafloor.

Scientific and Historical Importance

Vermisphinctes martiusii represents one of the lesser-seen ammonites from the Inferior Oolite, making it both scientifically significant and highly collectible. It serves as an index fossil for fine-scale stratigraphic correlation in Bajocian marine successions, helping paleontologists understand evolutionary trends within the Perisphinctid lineage. Specimens from Burton Bradstock are exceptionally uncommon and often display exquisite ribbing and matrix contrast, as seen in this example.
This specimen captures a moment from the Jurassic marine ecosystems, where life flourished in warm, nutrient-rich waters. The ammonite’s intricate morphology and exceptional state of preservation make it not only a rare geological artefact but also a striking natural display piece, embodying the fine craftsmanship of deep time.

Condition, Provenance, and Authenticity

This 100% genuine fossil has been professionally collected, prepared, and stabilised. The ammonite’s surface shows detailed ribbing and subtle mineralisation, enhancing the contrast and visibility of its features. The fossil has been treated with care to maintain its natural form, with no artificial enhancements. The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, ensuring full transparency and authenticity.
A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies your purchase, verifying the fossil’s identity, locality, geological age, and discovery details.

Details at a Glance

• Species: Vermisphinctes martiusii

• Family: Perisphinctidae

• Superfamily: Perisphinctoidea

• Order: Ammonitida

• Age: Bajocian Stage, Middle Jurassic (~170–168 million years ago)

• Biozone: Garantiana Biozone

• Formation: Inferior Oolite

• Locality: Burton Bradstock, Dorset, United Kingdom

• Discovered by: Alister and Alison on 02 October 2025

• Prepared by: Alison

• Condition: Genuine, professionally cleaned and prepared specimen

• Scale: Cube = 1 cm (see photo for full sizing)

• Included: Certificate of Authenticity

A Rare Collector’s Fossil from Britain’s Jurassic Coast

This Vermisphinctes martiusii fossil ammonite is a truly rare and scientifically valuable specimen from the classic Inferior Oolite of Dorset. Its elegant ribbing, rarity, and superb preservation make it an exceptional piece of Jurassic heritage — a perfect addition for collectors, educators, and admirers of Earth’s deep and ancient history.