Rare Orphideroceras ziphoides Ammonite Fossil Jurassic Radstock UK Genuine Authentic COA
£ 18.00
AUTHENTIC JURASSIC FOSSIL FROM RADSTOCK, UKThis rare Orphideroceras ziphoides ammonite fossil is a genuine specimen from
the Upper Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic, collected in Radstock, Somerset, United Kingdom. A carefully chosen fossil, it showcases the distinctive morphology of this important ammonite species. The photographs provided show the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. Each fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its provenance and authenticity. GEOLOGICAL AGE AND PROVENANCEDating back approximately 197–190 million years, this ammonite originates from the Upper Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic. During this time, the Radstock region was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas on the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean. Fine-grained mudstones and silts accumulated on the seabed, creating ideal conditions for fossil preservation. The Lower Lias deposits in this region are world-renowned for their exceptional ammonite faunas, providing vital records of the biodiversity and evolutionary radiation of early Jurassic cephalopods. SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATIONOrphideroceras ziphoides belongs to the class Cephalopoda, order Ammonitida, superfamily Eoderoceratoidea, and family Dactylioceratidae. Members of this genus are characterised by their distinctive planispiral shells, bold ribbing, and suture patterns. The species ziphoides is an important ammonite of the Upper Sinemurian, often used in biostratigraphy to identify and correlate fossiliferous horizons across Europe. Its distinctive ribbing and coiling make it both scientifically valuable and visually appealing to collectors. MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE TRAITSThis specimen displays the diagnostic features of Orphideroceras ziphoides, including strong, well-defined ribs that run across the shell’s flanks and a tightly coiled whorl structure. The ribs may bifurcate (split) towards the outer whorl, creating a striking ornamentation that is highly recognisable. These traits provided both structural strength and hydrodynamic efficiency to the ammonite as it navigated the Jurassic seas. The compressed whorls and ribbing make this species particularly attractive to collectors seeking well-preserved, detailed fossils. SCIENTIFIC AND STRATIGRAPHIC IMPORTANCEOrphideroceras ziphoides is significant in paleontology and stratigraphy as it is closely associated with Upper Sinemurian ammonite biozones. Its presence in specific horizons allows geologists to accurately date and correlate strata across different regions, making it a valuable index fossil. Fossils of this species help to reconstruct marine ecosystems of the early Jurassic and shed light on cephalopod evolution during this critical period of diversification. Collectors and researchers alike prize specimens of this species for their dual role as scientific reference points and natural works of art. CONDITION AND PRESENTATIONThe fossil has been professionally prepared to highlight its natural features while ensuring structural integrity. The ribbing, shell curvature, and fine details of the whorls are sharply preserved, making it both scientifically valuable and visually striking. This is a genuine, one-of-a-kind ammonite fossil—not a replica or cast. The images provided show the actual specimen you will receive, giving you full confidence in its authenticity and quality. GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITYAll of our fossils are 100% genuine, responsibly sourced, and scientifically identified. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity to verify provenance. This rare Orphideroceras ziphoides ammonite fossil from Radstock is a scientifically important and visually beautiful piece, making it a perfect addition for fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, and educational collections.
the Upper Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic, collected in Radstock, Somerset, United Kingdom. A carefully chosen fossil, it showcases the distinctive morphology of this important ammonite species. The photographs provided show the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing. Each fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its provenance and authenticity. GEOLOGICAL AGE AND PROVENANCEDating back approximately 197–190 million years, this ammonite originates from the Upper Sinemurian stage of the Early Jurassic. During this time, the Radstock region was submerged beneath shallow epicontinental seas on the northern margin of the Tethys Ocean. Fine-grained mudstones and silts accumulated on the seabed, creating ideal conditions for fossil preservation. The Lower Lias deposits in this region are world-renowned for their exceptional ammonite faunas, providing vital records of the biodiversity and evolutionary radiation of early Jurassic cephalopods. SPECIES IDENTIFICATION AND CLASSIFICATIONOrphideroceras ziphoides belongs to the class Cephalopoda, order Ammonitida, superfamily Eoderoceratoidea, and family Dactylioceratidae. Members of this genus are characterised by their distinctive planispiral shells, bold ribbing, and suture patterns. The species ziphoides is an important ammonite of the Upper Sinemurian, often used in biostratigraphy to identify and correlate fossiliferous horizons across Europe. Its distinctive ribbing and coiling make it both scientifically valuable and visually appealing to collectors. MORPHOLOGY AND DISTINCTIVE TRAITSThis specimen displays the diagnostic features of Orphideroceras ziphoides, including strong, well-defined ribs that run across the shell’s flanks and a tightly coiled whorl structure. The ribs may bifurcate (split) towards the outer whorl, creating a striking ornamentation that is highly recognisable. These traits provided both structural strength and hydrodynamic efficiency to the ammonite as it navigated the Jurassic seas. The compressed whorls and ribbing make this species particularly attractive to collectors seeking well-preserved, detailed fossils. SCIENTIFIC AND STRATIGRAPHIC IMPORTANCEOrphideroceras ziphoides is significant in paleontology and stratigraphy as it is closely associated with Upper Sinemurian ammonite biozones. Its presence in specific horizons allows geologists to accurately date and correlate strata across different regions, making it a valuable index fossil. Fossils of this species help to reconstruct marine ecosystems of the early Jurassic and shed light on cephalopod evolution during this critical period of diversification. Collectors and researchers alike prize specimens of this species for their dual role as scientific reference points and natural works of art. CONDITION AND PRESENTATIONThe fossil has been professionally prepared to highlight its natural features while ensuring structural integrity. The ribbing, shell curvature, and fine details of the whorls are sharply preserved, making it both scientifically valuable and visually striking. This is a genuine, one-of-a-kind ammonite fossil—not a replica or cast. The images provided show the actual specimen you will receive, giving you full confidence in its authenticity and quality. GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITYAll of our fossils are 100% genuine, responsibly sourced, and scientifically identified. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity to verify provenance. This rare Orphideroceras ziphoides ammonite fossil from Radstock is a scientifically important and visually beautiful piece, making it a perfect addition for fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, and educational collections.