A stunning and large example of a highly pyritised multi-ammonite fossil containing the species Crucilobiceras densinodulum from the world famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 41 mm (1.6 inches) across with matrix. The pyrite matrix of this piece is full of ammonite shells and tiny gastropods (snail-like shells) which all accumulated together on the seafloor in the Early Jurassic. The fossils are very well preserved with great detail and the whole piece has a wonderful pyritic metallic colour and shine. The level of detail goes down to a microscopic scale. The gastropods are especially unusual in these fossils.
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.