Description
Xipheroceras Ammonite Fossil from the Jurassic Coast
This listing presents a genuine Xipheroceras ammonite fossil from the world-famous Jurassic Coast at Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Preserved within the Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias Formation, this ammonite is an exceptional example of Early Jurassic marine life, dating back approximately 195–200 million years. The specimen has been carefully selected for its scientific and collector’s value, and it comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. The actual fossil pictured is the exact piece you will receive.
Geological Context
- Geological Period: Jurassic
- Stage: Lower Lias (Early Jurassic, Hettangian–Sinemurian interval)
- Formation: Black Ven Marls
- Location: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, United Kingdom
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned globally for its fossil-rich cliffs that document nearly 185 million years of Earth’s history. The Black Ven Marls, a soft and unstable sequence of clays and shales, are particularly famous for yielding beautifully preserved ammonites. These layers represent marine environments where sediments accumulated in calm, oxygen-poor basins, allowing for exceptional preservation of shell detail.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Eoderoceratoidea
- Family: Dactylioceratidae
- Genus: Xipheroceras
The genus Xipheroceras is a notable member of the ammonite lineage, providing valuable insights into Early Jurassic cephalopod evolution.
Morphological Features
Specimens of Xipheroceras are prized for their distinctive shell morphology:
- Planispiral coiling with a moderately evolute shell form.
- Bold, ribbed ornamentation running across the whorls, a diagnostic feature of the genus.
- Venter (outer edge) often flattened or keeled, with ribs typically extending across it.
- Fine suture lines that mark the complex internal chamber divisions, visible in well-preserved examples.
This specimen preserves these striking features, making it not only a beautiful fossil for display but also an important specimen for scientific reference.
Palaeontological Importance
Xipheroceras ammonites are significant index fossils for the Lower Lias, helping geologists to correlate marine rock layers across Europe. Their presence within the Black Ven Marls adds to the fossil heritage of Lyme Regis, a site historically associated with pioneering fossil collectors such as Mary Anning, who brought international attention to the area in the early 19th century.
These ammonites provide valuable insights into the biodiversity of Early Jurassic oceans, revealing evolutionary adaptations in shell design, buoyancy, and marine ecology.
Key Details
- Species: Xipheroceras (Ammonite)
- Age: Approximately 195–200 million years old
- Stage: Lower Lias (Early Jurassic)
- Location: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, United Kingdom
- Formation: Black Ven Marls
- Authenticity: 100% genuine, with Certificate of Authenticity
Collectability and Display
This Xipheroceras ammonite fossil is a striking specimen from one of the most famous fossil localities in the world. Its ribbed detail, provenance from the Black Ven Marls, and excellent preservation make it a highly desirable addition for fossil collectors, educational institutions, or anyone with an interest in natural history.
Every fossil in our collection is carefully chosen for quality and authenticity. This ammonite is a one-of-a-kind specimen, supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete assurance. It represents not only a fascinating piece of ancient marine life but also a tangible connection to the deep history of the Jurassic Coast of Dorset. Owning this specimen means preserving a genuine fragment of Earth’s 200-million-year-old story.
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