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Australorbis euomphalus Gastropod Fossil Eocene Isle of Wight Totland Bay UK Authentic Certified Rare Planorbis Shell
Australorbis euomphalus Gastropod Fossil Eocene Isle of Wight Totland Bay UK Authentic Certified Rare Planorbis Shell - Image 2

Australorbis euomphalus Gastropod Fossil Eocene Isle of Wight Totland Bay UK Authentic Certified Rare Planorbis Shell

£14.40

Australorbis euomphalus Gastropod Fossil – Genuine Eocene Specimen

This authentic Australorbis euomphalus gastropod fossil, commonly referred to as Planorbis, originates from the Hatherwood Limestone Member of the Headon Hill Formation at Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight. This location is one of the most important Eocene fossil sites in the UK, known for its exceptionally preserved freshwater fauna. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive, carefully selected for its detail and quality. It is a genuine fossil and includes a Certificate of Authenticity with a lifetime guarantee.

Discovery and Expert Preparation

Your fossil was discovered by our dedicated team members, Alister and Alison, ensuring full provenance from discovery to final presentation. After careful extraction, the specimen was expertly cleaned, stabilised, and prepared by Alison. This professional preparation highlights the delicate shell morphology while preserving the natural integrity of the fossil, making it ideal for both study and display.

Geological Context – Hatherwood Limestone Member, Eocene Epoch

The Hatherwood Limestone Member forms part of the Headon Hill Formation and dates to the late Eocene epoch, approximately 34 to 38 million years ago. This formation represents freshwater to marginal lagoonal environments, deposited in calm, low-energy conditions that allowed for the exceptional preservation of shells and delicate organisms. Totland Bay is particularly well known for these fossil-rich limestones, offering insight into ancient freshwater ecosystems during a warm, subtropical phase of Earth’s history.

About Australorbis euomphalus – Planorbid Freshwater Gastropod

Australorbis euomphalus belongs to the family Planorbidae within the class Gastropoda. These freshwater snails are often referred to as ramshorn snails due to their distinctive coiling. Unlike many gastropods, their shells are planispiral, meaning they are coiled in a single flat plane rather than forming a tall spire. This adaptation is well suited to life in still or slow-moving freshwater environments such as lakes and ponds, where they grazed on algae and organic material.

Shell Morphology and Preservation Features

This fossil displays the classic planispiral shell structure of Australorbis, with tightly coiled whorls forming a symmetrical, disc-like shape. The smooth curvature and fine detailing of the shell are well preserved, often showing subtle growth lines that reflect the life history of the organism. The fossilisation process has enhanced the shell’s durability while retaining its natural form, with mineralisation adding variation in tone and texture that makes each specimen unique.

Palaeoenvironment and Ecological Role

During the Eocene, the Isle of Wight was home to extensive freshwater and lagoonal systems teeming with life. Australorbis played an important ecological role within these environments, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as part of the food chain for larger organisms. Its presence in the fossil record helps reconstruct these ancient ecosystems, providing valuable information about water conditions, climate, and biodiversity.

Collector Appeal and Display Value

Planorbid gastropod fossils from the Headon Hill Formation are highly sought after due to their distinctive shape and geological significance. This specimen combines scientific interest with strong aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent addition to any fossil collection. Its compact size and elegant coiling make it ideal for display in cabinets, educational settings, or personal collections.

Authenticity, Provenance and Presentation

This fossil has been carefully chosen for its authenticity, quality, and visual appeal. It is a genuine piece of natural history, professionally prepared and ready for display. Full sizing can be confirmed via the provided photographs, ensuring transparency before purchase. Each specimen represents a unique fragment of ancient freshwater life preserved from the Eocene of the Isle of Wight.

(Actual as seen)

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Description

Australorbis euomphalus Gastropod Fossil – Genuine Eocene Specimen

This authentic Australorbis euomphalus gastropod fossil, commonly referred to as Planorbis, originates from the Hatherwood Limestone Member of the Headon Hill Formation at Totland Bay on the Isle of Wight. This location is one of the most important Eocene fossil sites in the UK, known for its exceptionally preserved freshwater fauna. The specimen shown in the photographs is the exact fossil you will receive, carefully selected for its detail and quality. It is a genuine fossil and includes a Certificate of Authenticity with a lifetime guarantee.

Discovery and Expert Preparation

Your fossil was discovered by our dedicated team members, Alister and Alison, ensuring full provenance from discovery to final presentation. After careful extraction, the specimen was expertly cleaned, stabilised, and prepared by Alison. This professional preparation highlights the delicate shell morphology while preserving the natural integrity of the fossil, making it ideal for both study and display.

Geological Context – Hatherwood Limestone Member, Eocene Epoch

The Hatherwood Limestone Member forms part of the Headon Hill Formation and dates to the late Eocene epoch, approximately 34 to 38 million years ago. This formation represents freshwater to marginal lagoonal environments, deposited in calm, low-energy conditions that allowed for the exceptional preservation of shells and delicate organisms. Totland Bay is particularly well known for these fossil-rich limestones, offering insight into ancient freshwater ecosystems during a warm, subtropical phase of Earth’s history.

About Australorbis euomphalus – Planorbid Freshwater Gastropod

Australorbis euomphalus belongs to the family Planorbidae within the class Gastropoda. These freshwater snails are often referred to as ramshorn snails due to their distinctive coiling. Unlike many gastropods, their shells are planispiral, meaning they are coiled in a single flat plane rather than forming a tall spire. This adaptation is well suited to life in still or slow-moving freshwater environments such as lakes and ponds, where they grazed on algae and organic material.

Shell Morphology and Preservation Features

This fossil displays the classic planispiral shell structure of Australorbis, with tightly coiled whorls forming a symmetrical, disc-like shape. The smooth curvature and fine detailing of the shell are well preserved, often showing subtle growth lines that reflect the life history of the organism. The fossilisation process has enhanced the shell’s durability while retaining its natural form, with mineralisation adding variation in tone and texture that makes each specimen unique.

Palaeoenvironment and Ecological Role

During the Eocene, the Isle of Wight was home to extensive freshwater and lagoonal systems teeming with life. Australorbis played an important ecological role within these environments, contributing to nutrient cycling and serving as part of the food chain for larger organisms. Its presence in the fossil record helps reconstruct these ancient ecosystems, providing valuable information about water conditions, climate, and biodiversity.

Collector Appeal and Display Value

Planorbid gastropod fossils from the Headon Hill Formation are highly sought after due to their distinctive shape and geological significance. This specimen combines scientific interest with strong aesthetic appeal, making it an excellent addition to any fossil collection. Its compact size and elegant coiling make it ideal for display in cabinets, educational settings, or personal collections.

Authenticity, Provenance and Presentation

This fossil has been carefully chosen for its authenticity, quality, and visual appeal. It is a genuine piece of natural history, professionally prepared and ready for display. Full sizing can be confirmed via the provided photographs, ensuring transparency before purchase. Each specimen represents a unique fragment of ancient freshwater life preserved from the Eocene of the Isle of Wight.

Additional information

Era

Eocene
Origin

United Kingdom

Eocene Information

The Eocene Period (56–33.9 million years ago) was a time of warm global temperatures and the rapid evolution of mammals following the extinction of the dinosaurs. The climate was hot and humid, with lush rainforests covering much of the planet, even near the poles. Mammals diversified into new ecological roles, with early primates, whales (like Basilosaurus), large herbivores, and carnivores emerging. Birds and reptiles also thrived, and the first grasses began spreading, setting the stage for later grassland ecosystems. By the late Eocene, the Earth’s climate cooled significantly, leading to the formation of the first Antarctic ice sheets and the eventual transition to the drier, cooler Oligocene Period.

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