Echioceras Fossil Ammonite Jurassic Coast Lyme Regis Dorset UK – Genuine Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Specimen with COA

Description Authentic Echioceras Fossil Ammonite from the Jurassic Coast, Dorset This beautiful Echioceras Fossil Ammonite was discovered in the world-famous Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias Formation, part of the Jurassic Coast at Black Ven, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Unearthed by our fossil collectors Alister and Alison on 05 November 2025, this specimen has been expertly cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to a professional finish. Dating to approximately 195–200 million years ago, during the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian) Stage, this ammonite represents one of the most distinctive and sought-after species from the fossil beds of Dorset’s iconic coastline. Geological and Scientific Context Echioceras belongs to the family Echioceratidae, within the superfamily Eoderoceratoidea and the order Ammonitida, a lineage of extinct marine cephalopods closely related to modern squids and cuttlefish. These ammonites thrived during the Sinemurian Stage of the Early Jurassic, an era characterised by shallow epicontinental seas that covered much of southern England. Echioceras is of particular geological importance because it defines the Echioceras raricostatum Biozone, a key stratigraphic interval used worldwide to date and correlate early Jurassic rock formations. The Black Ven Marls, part of the Charmouth Mudstone Formation, are among the richest fossil deposits in the world. Formed in a low-energy, shallow marine environment, these fine-grained sediments were deposited in calm, oxygen-poor conditions that limited decay and scavenging. Over millions of years, these mudstones hardened into rock, encapsulating and preserving marine life—including ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles—in extraordinary detail. Fossils from this locality have been prized by collectors and scientists for over two centuries, since the days of the pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning. Morphology and Distinctive Features The Echioceras ammonite is instantly recognisable by its evolute shell, meaning all the whorls are visible and not tightly coiled. It features fine ribbing that radiates outward from the umbilicus and a distinctive keel along the venter (outer margin). These ribs are strong and regular, giving the shell a strikingly sculpted appearance. The morphology of Echioceras reflects its adaptation to a free-swimming, nektonic lifestyle, moving through open water using jet propulsion much like modern cephalopods. This specimen exhibits superb preservation of its ribbed whorls and smooth, compressed shell structure. The strong ribs and symmetrical coiling exemplify the characteristic features of the genus, making it both scientifically significant and visually striking. The detailed surface texture and clearly defined suture lines reveal how this ammonite maintained internal chamber divisions for buoyancy control, enabling it to navigate the ancient seas with precision and speed. Geological Age and Depositional Environment The Lower Lias Formation, dating to the Sinemurian Stage (around 197 million years ago), represents one of the earliest and best-preserved marine fossil records of the Jurassic Period. During this time, southern Britain was covered by warm, tropical seas teeming with life. The Black Ven area near Lyme Regis formed part of a broad, muddy marine basin where slow sedimentation allowed the remains of sea creatures to accumulate undisturbed. These conditions were perfect for preserving ammonites like Echioceras in exceptional detail. The Jurassic Coast, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to yield fossils that tell the story of life and evolution through deep time. The Echioceras fossils from Black Ven are particularly prized for their role as index fossils, providing precise dating for the early Jurassic sediments that stretch across Europe. Preparation and Provenance This fossil was discovered and prepared by our in-house team, ensuring complete authenticity and the highest quality of preservation. Alison’s careful and meticulous preparation has revealed the ammonite’s detailed ribbing and elegant form while maintaining its natural integrity. Each fossil we sell is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its identification, origin, and geological age. Our team follows ethical collecting practices and uses professional laboratory techniques to stabilise and preserve each specimen for long-term display. This Echioceras specimen represents a scientifically important and visually captivating piece, suitable for collectors, educators, or anyone with a passion for Earth’s natural history. Size and Presentation Scale cube = 1 cm. Please refer to the photographs for full sizing details. The images show the exact specimen you will receive—not a stock image. The fossil is displayed within its natural marl matrix, enhancing its visual appeal and preserving its geological context. The ribbed coiling stands out beautifully against the fine-textured matrix, creating a timeless natural display. A Collector’s Fossil from the Heart of the Jurassic Coast This Echioceras Fossil Ammonite from Black Ven, Lyme Regis, represents both scientific heritage and natural artistry. It is a genuine piece of Britain’s geological past—an ammonite that once swam the ancient Jurassic seas and now stands as a testament to the beauty and complexity of life millions of years ago. Expertly prepared and authentically sourced, it is a perfect addition to any serious fossil collection.