Echioceras Ammonite Fossil Lower Lias Jurassic Coast Dorset UK Charmouth

Description Echioceras Ammonite Fossil from the Lower Lias This genuine Echioceras ammonite fossil comes from the Lower Lias of the Jurassic Coast, collected from Stonebarrow, Charmouth, near Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. It is a classic British Lower Jurassic ammonite from one of the most famous fossil-bearing coastlines in the world, an area internationally known for its exceptional marine fossils, historic collecting localities and important geological exposures. Echioceras is a distinctive ammonite genus from the Early Jurassic and is especially recognised for its elegant, tightly coiled shell form and fine ribbed ornamentation. Ammonites were extinct marine cephalopods related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautilus. Their coiled shells were divided internally into chambers, with the living animal occupying the final outer chamber. These chambered shells helped control buoyancy as the animal moved through the Jurassic sea. Geological Location and Age This specimen comes from Stonebarrow, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK, within the Lower Lias succession of the Jurassic Coast. The Lower Lias forms part of the early Jurassic marine sequence exposed along this famous coastline, where mudstones, limestones and fossiliferous beds have yielded ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, marine reptile remains, fish fossils and other ancient sea life. The fossil dates to the Early Jurassic Period, within the Lower Lias, approximately around 190 to 200 million years old. During this time, the area now forming the Dorset coast was covered by a shallow to moderately deep marine environment. Fine sediment settled on the sea floor, preserving shells and hard parts of marine organisms that became buried, compacted and fossilised over millions of years. Species, Form and Fossil Detail Echioceras ammonites are known for their compressed, planispiral shell shape, open umbilicus and regular ribbing. The ribs usually pass across the whorl in a neat, repeated pattern, giving the fossil a finely detailed and attractive appearance. These shell features are important in ammonite identification, as palaeontologists use whorl shape, rib spacing, rib direction, shell profile and umbilicus width to separate related genera and species. The Echioceras group is strongly associated with Lower Jurassic ammonite faunas and is particularly valued by collectors of British fossils because of its classic Jurassic Coast provenance. The genus has long been used in geological study, as ammonites evolved rapidly and are among the most useful fossils for dating rock layers. Their occurrence helps geologists understand the age and correlation of the beds in which they are found. Scientific Classification and Palaeontology Echioceras belongs to the ammonite order Ammonitida and is associated with the family Echioceratidae. It forms part of the wider Early Jurassic ammonite assemblages that make the Lower Lias of Dorset so important for palaeontology. Ammonites such as Echioceras are not only attractive display fossils but also scientifically significant index fossils, helping to define and recognise particular horizons within the Jurassic sequence. The Lower Lias rocks around Charmouth and Lyme Regis are famous for preserving a rich marine ecosystem. Echioceras would have lived as a swimming marine predator or active nektonic animal, moving through the water column and feeding on small marine organisms. After death, the shell settled onto the sea floor, where burial in fine sediment allowed it to become part of the fossil record. Jurassic Coast Collecting Interest Stonebarrow, Charmouth and Lyme Regis are among the most iconic fossil collecting areas in Britain. The cliffs are continually eroded by weather and the sea, naturally releasing fossils from the Lower Jurassic beds. Ammonites from this coastline are highly desirable because they combine attractive natural form, strong geological context and a direct link to one of the world’s most celebrated fossil localities. This Echioceras ammonite is ideal for collectors of British ammonites, Lower Jurassic fossils, Jurassic Coast specimens, natural history displays and educational geology collections. Its named genus, Lower Lias age and Dorset locality make it a fine addition to a fossil cabinet or display collection. Authenticity and Presentation This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. Full sizing please see photo. The fossil is a carefully chosen piece, with the photo showing the actual specimen you will receive. This Echioceras ammonite represents an authentic piece of Britain’s Lower Jurassic marine heritage, collected from the famous Stonebarrow and Charmouth area of the Jurassic Coast near Lyme Regis, Dorset.