A stunning and large example of a highly pyritised multi-ammonite fossil containing the species Crucilobiceras densinodulum and Oxynoticeras lymense from the world famous Jurassic Coast beach of Charmouth, Dorset UK.
The fossil measures 31 mm (1.2 inches) across with matrix, making this a small fossil. The pyrite matrix of this piece contains multiple little ammonite shells that accumulated together on the seafloor in the Early Jurassic. The shells are very well preserved with great detail and the whole piece has a wonderful pyritic metallic colour and shine. A small but beautiful fossil.
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.