ABSTRACTLarge discoid (1–30 cm), carbonate‐rich limonitic concretions or “snuff‐boxes” are contained in stratigraphically condensed limestones from the Jurassic of southern England and parts of Europe. Their general association with conglomerates and algal stromatolites suggests formation in turbulent shallow water on submarine swells, or a shallow marginal shelf. The surprisingly uniform growth‐form of the “snuff‐boxes”, together with their gradation into obvious calcareous oncolites and stromatolites, is taken as evidence that they too may have been formed, at least partially, under algal influence.The geochemistry of the concretions, dominantly ferruginous, with subordinate phosphate, suggests deposition in an epicontinental environment, probably under the influence of considerable river drainage. They therefore contrast with the more trace‐element rich ferromanganese nodules which occur in some condense