Ammonite - Fossilised shell - Pleuroceras (Yorkshire) - 21 mm - 87 mm (No Reserve Price)

Exceptional Pleuroceras Ammonite from Yorkshire

This striking Pleuroceras ammonite fossil originates from Kettleness, Yorkshire, one of the most renowned fossil-bearing localities in the United Kingdom. Dating to the Upper Toarcian Stage of the Jurassic, this authentic specimen represents an ancient marine world from approximately 180 million years ago. Kettleness is famed for its beautifully preserved ammonites, uniquely shaped by the region’s coastal shale and ironstone deposits. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive. All of our fossils are 100% genuine and include a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Setting and Age

The ammonite was found within Upper Toarcian deposits, a division of the Lower Jurassic known for its rich marine fossil content. During this geological stage, the Kettleness region formed part of a warm epicontinental sea where fine sediments accumulated rapidly. These environments were ideal for fossil preservation, allowing ammonites such as Pleuroceras to be sealed quickly beneath layers of silt, shale, and iron-rich mud. Over millions of years the sediments lithified, capturing intricate shell details and retaining the distinctive ornamentation for which this genus is known.

Taxonomy and Scientific Context

Pleuroceras belongs to the family Dactylioceratidae within the order Ammonitida, a diverse lineage of cephalopods that flourished during the Jurassic period. Members of this family are celebrated for their bold ribbing and dynamic shell structures, which make them highly recognisable and valuable for biostratigraphic work. Pleuroceras ammonites serve as important index fossils within the Toarcian, aiding researchers in correlating rock layers across Europe. Their widespread distribution and identifiable morphology have made them a cornerstone of early Jurassic palaeontology.

Morphological Features

This specimen displays the characteristic features of Pleuroceras: sharply defined ribs, cleanly divided whorls, and a robust shell structure that gives the ammonite a strong three-dimensional presence. The ribbing sweeps forward in a distinctive style, ending in pronounced ventral keels that reflect the active hydrodynamic adaptations of the animal. The whorl section is typically rounded to slightly compressed, showcasing the classic profile of the genus. Fossils from Kettleness often possess crisp, well-defined preservation due to the ironstone nodules and dense shale matrices that enclose them. This specimen offers exceptional clarity, with the ornamental details preserved in fine resolution.

Depositional Environment

The Upper Toarcian seas were dynamic ecosystems influenced by periodic low-oxygen events, which helped enhance fossil preservation by reducing scavenging and decay. Fine sediments settled in quiet marine basins, entombing shells rapidly and protecting them from physical disturbance. In the Kettleness area, the interplay between marine shales and ironstone concretions created conditions ideal for preserving ammonites in near-perfect condition. The result is a fossil record that captures both the diversity and the evolutionary development of Jurassic ammonites in remarkable detail.

Provenance and Collector Appeal

Kettleness is one of Britain’s most iconic Jurassic fossil destinations, known worldwide for its abundance of high-quality ammonites. This carefully selected Pleuroceras specimen stands out for its bold sculpturing, geological importance, and well-preserved structure. Its provenance and natural form make it a desirable addition for collectors seeking a scientifically relevant piece with strong visual impact. Whether acquired for display, study, or educational purposes, this ammonite represents an authentic fragment of British geological heritage and a superb example of early Jurassic marine life.

Size: 87 x 71 x 21mm
Weight: 162g