Xipheroceras Calcite Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Coast Dorset UK Lower Lias Black Ven Marls Stonebarrow Cliff Charmouth Specimen COA

Description

Genuine Xipheroceras Calcite Ammonite Fossil – Jurassic Coast Discovery from Dorset

Offered here is a beautiful and authentic Xipheroceras fossil ammonite, preserved in striking calcite from the famous Black Ven Marls, part of the Lower Lias Formation along the world-renowned Jurassic Coast. This specimen was collected from Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK, one of the most important and productive fossil ammonite localities in Europe.

This is a carefully chosen piece, selected for its quality, preservation, and natural display appeal. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with full sizing details clearly visible in the images provided. Every fossil we offer is a genuine specimen, and this ammonite includes a Certificate of Authenticity with lifetime guarantee, supplied as a generic authenticity card for permanent documentation.

Importantly, this specimen was discovered by our own experienced team members, Alister and Alison, on 22 January 2026, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, ensuring excellent presentation and long-term stability.

Geological Setting – Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias

This fossil comes from the famous Black Ven Marls, a fossil-rich sequence within the Lower Lias Group, dating to the Early Jurassic around 190–200 million years ago. During this period, southern England lay beneath a warm, shallow sea teeming with marine life.

The marls at Charmouth were deposited in an offshore marine environment where fine sediments settled on the seabed, creating ideal conditions for fossil preservation. Rapid burial and low oxygen levels protected shells from decay, allowing ammonites to fossilise in exceptional detail.

Stonebarrow Cliff and the surrounding Lyme Regis coastline are internationally celebrated for producing some of the finest ammonite fossils in the world.

Fossil Species – Xipheroceras Ammonite

Xipheroceras is a distinctive Lower Jurassic ammonite genus belonging to the extinct subclass Ammonoidea, within the class Cephalopoda. These marine molluscs were close relatives of modern squid and cuttlefish and were among the most successful predators of Jurassic seas.

Xipheroceras ammonites are especially prized for their elegant coiled shell form and often sharp, well-defined ribbing. They are classic index fossils of the Lower Lias, helping geologists date and correlate Early Jurassic marine sediments across Europe.

Collectors value Xipheroceras not only for its scientific importance but also for its aesthetic presence, particularly when preserved with mineral enhancement such as calcite.

Calcite Preservation and Morphological Features

This specimen displays attractive calcite mineralisation, which can occur when the original aragonite shell is replaced or infilled during fossilisation. Calcite preservation often enhances contrast and surface detail, making the ammonite especially eye-catching for collectors.

The fossil preserves the characteristic spiral whorls of ammonites, with visible ribbing and growth structure that reflects the life stages of the animal. The preparation has been carefully carried out to reveal these details while maintaining the authenticity of the original matrix from the Black Ven Marls.

Provenance, Preparation and Authenticity

This is a 100% genuine Xipheroceras calcite ammonite fossil, responsibly collected on the Dorset Jurassic Coast. Found personally by Alister and Alison, and expertly cleaned and prepared by Alison, this specimen offers true provenance and professional handling.

A lifetime Certificate of Authenticity is included with every purchase for complete buyer confidence.

Ideal For Collectors, Displays and Unique Gifts

This specimen is perfect for:

• Ammonite and Jurassic fossil collectors
• Lyme Regis and Charmouth fossil enthusiasts
• Natural history and geology displays
• Educational teaching specimens from the Lower Jurassic
• Unique prehistoric gifts with real discovery provenance

A rare opportunity to own an authentic British calcite ammonite from the legendary Black Ven Marls of Charmouth, discovered and prepared by our own expert team, and preserved from an ancient sea nearly 200 million years old.