A stunning and large example of a highly pyritised multi-ammonite fossil containing the species Crucilobiceras densinodulum, Gleviceras glevense, Oxynoticeras lymense and Eoderoceras armatum from the world famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 80 mm (3.1 inches) across with matrix which is huge for this type of fossil. The pyrite matrix of this pieces is absolutely full of ammonite shells which all accumulated together on the seafloor in the Early Jurassic. There are at least four species of ammonite in this piece (many of which are not normally found together) as well as some very uncommon little gastropods (sea snails) with beautiful coiled shells and some clam-type bivalves. The fossils are very well preserved with great detail and the whole piece has a wonderful golden colour and shine. A number of cracks in the matrix have been stabilised, as is normal when these fossils get this big. These beautiful fossils are getting much harder to find. A really unique piece found many years ago.
These multi-ammonite assemblages (or 'death beds') occur when lots of shells came together on the seafloor before being fossilised together, often collecting around an obstacle in the mud like a piece of wood or larger shell. They are a beautiful snapshot of life (and death) on the seafloor almost 200 million years ago.
Around 196 million years old, this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection.