A stunning and large example of a highly pyritised multi-ammonite & bivalve fossil containing the species Crucilobiceras densinodulum from the world famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 74 mm (2.9 inches) across with matrix, which is large for this fossil type. The pyrite matrix of this piece contains lots of ammonite and bivalve shells which all accumulated together on the seafloor in the Early Jurassic. It is very unusual as it contains mostly Crucilobiceras ammonites, but it also contains one large Oxynoticeras ammonite on the reverse. It is unusual to get these ammonite genera together in one piece. The fossils are very well preserved with great detail and the whole piece has a wonderful pyritic metallic colour and shine. These beautiful fossils are getting much harder to find.
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.