A stunning 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 76 mm (3 inches) across with matrix, which is large for this fossil type. The pyrite matrix contains lots of ammonite shells which all accumulated together on the seafloor in the Early Jurassic. One of the ammonites is exceptionally large for this species, which is rare in these multi-ammonite fossils. The ammonites are very well preserved with great detail and the whole piece has a wonderful pyritic colour and shine. There are also some unusual bivalve shells in the matrix. These beautiful fossils are getting much harder to find and each one is totally unique.
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.