Zugodactylites thompsoni Fossil Ammonite – Upper Lias, Lower Jurassic – Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK – Alice Purnell Collection

Description

This exceptional fossil is a genuine specimen of Zugodactylites thompsoni, a distinctive ammonite species from the Upper Lias, dated to the Lower Jurassic period. It originates from Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK — one of the most iconic and prolific fossil sites in the world, renowned for yielding world-class ammonites and marine fossils.

Zugodactylites thompsoni is characterised by its elegant spiral form and intricate ribbing. It belonged to a family of extinct marine cephalopods, related to modern-day squids, octopuses, and cuttlefish. These creatures thrived in Jurassic seas around 183 to 180 million years ago, navigating the oceans using jet propulsion and feeding on small marine organisms.

This specimen comes from the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection and was discovered by our trusted team members, Alister and Alison, along the ammonite-rich cliffs near Whitby. It has been professionally cleaned, prepared, and treated by Alison to preserve its natural beauty and detail. The fossil is beautifully defined and preserved in sediment from the Whitby Mudstone Formation, a formation known for its finely laminated mudstones deposited in deep, oxygen-poor marine environments ideal for fossilisation.

Whether you’re a collector, a geology enthusiast, or looking for a meaningful gift, this rare ammonite represents a remarkable piece of prehistoric life from the UK’s Jurassic heritage.

Item Details:

• Species: Zugodactylites thompsoni
• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Geological Period: Lower Jurassic
• Stratigraphy: Upper Lias (Whitby Mudstone Formation)
• Location Found: Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK
• Discovered by: Alister & Alison
• Prepared by: Alison
• Collection: Alice Purnell Collection
• Date of Discovery: [Insert Date if known]
• Scale Cube Size: 1cm per square (see photo for sizing)
• Certificate of Authenticity: Included

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

The photograph displays the exact specimen you will receive. Each fossil is individually selected and documented. Sizes are as accurate as possible, though minor variations may exist due to the natural form of the specimen. Colours may vary slightly depending on monitor or device settings. Once this specimen is sold, this listing will be updated with a new item and images.

100% Authentic Fossil – Professionally Prepared – Backed by a Certificate of Authenticity – From the Alice Purnell Collection – Unearthed on the Historic Jurassic Coast of Whitby, UK