What is it?
This ammonite belongs to the genus Liparoceras, it has had many smaller ammonites preserved with it. It is approximately 190 million years old.
Who found it?
This fossil was found by fossil collector Lizzie Hingley, aka Stonebarrow Fossils. Lizzie has been collecting fossils for 32 years and is also an exceptional preparator, cleaning fossils for 10 years.
When was it found?
January 2022.
Where was it found?
Stonebarrow Beach, Charmouth.
Why is it special?
This fossil isn’t just one ammonite but dozens of ammonites and can tell us about some of the conditions on the sea floor at the time. The larger ammonite has developed a hole in the back of the body chamber that’s allowed currents to pass through it. These currents have washed in and deposited numerous ammonites in the mouth of the shell.
How was it found?
Following a cliff fall on Stonebarrow Beach, Lizzie waited several days and checked that conditions were safe again before going to check on it. This also allowed the tides to wash through the material revealing some of the fossils brought down.
How did she know what it was?
The keel of the ammonite was already sticking out of the rock when she found it so she already knew what she’d found. Typically clues aren’t always visible on this sort of rock for what’s inside, but using a hammer on this type of limestone almost always destroys whatever is in there. Collectors who go out frequently know what to look for to know what rocks may be hiding hidden treasures.
How long did it take to prepare and how was it prepared?
It took about 5 hours to prepare this ammonite using air pens and air abrasives after taking it back to her workshop. Anything like a hammer would have simply destroyed the fossil.