Authentic Inoceramus lamarcki Fossil Bivalve Cretaceous Eastbourne Sussex United Kingdom

Description

Genuine Fossil Bivalve – Inoceramus lamarcki

Offered here is a fine specimen of the fossil bivalve Inoceramus lamarcki, sourced from the Cretaceous deposits of Eastbourne, Sussex, UK. This specimen dates to the mid-Cretaceous, approximately 90–100 million years ago, during a time when southern England was covered by warm, shallow seas. The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. Every piece is carefully chosen for both preservation and scientific value, and it comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context

The Eastbourne area is one of the most significant fossil localities within the Chalk Group of southern England, a geological unit that stretches across much of northwest Europe. This chalk and marl sequence records deposition in a broad, shallow marine basin during the Late Cretaceous, when sea levels were some of the highest in Earth’s history.

The chalk-rich sediments provided exceptional conditions for fossil preservation. Marine life flourished in this environment, including ammonites, echinoids, belemnites, and a diverse array of bivalves such as Inoceramus lamarcki. These organisms became entombed in the fine carbonate muds, leaving behind detailed fossil remains that allow us to reconstruct the ecosystems of this ancient seaway.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Order: Ostreida
• Family: Inoceramidae
• Genus: Inoceramus
• Species: Inoceramus lamarcki

The Inoceramidae family is characterised by its large, thick-shelled bivalves that lived as filter-feeders on or within soft seabeds. Inoceramus lamarcki is one of the best-known representatives of the group, and it is frequently used as an index fossil for correlating Cretaceous strata across Europe.

Morphological Features

This fossil displays the broad, gently curved shell and well-defined growth lines typical of Inoceramus lamarcki. The robust nature of the shell allowed these bivalves to withstand life in soft, shifting seabeds. Their filter-feeding lifestyle enabled them to take advantage of the nutrient-rich waters that covered Eastbourne during the Cretaceous.

The fossilisation process has preserved the surface ornamentation of the shell, including the characteristic radial and concentric markings. Such detail is not only appealing for collectors but also provides important information to palaeontologists regarding the animal’s life habits and the environmental conditions in which it lived.

Scientific and Collector Significance

Inoceramus lamarcki is a biostratigraphic marker fossil, meaning its presence is crucial for dating and correlating Cretaceous strata worldwide. This makes it both scientifically valuable and highly desirable for collectors. Its wide distribution, combined with its recognisable morphology, ensures it holds an important place in the fossil record.

Collectors will appreciate:

• A well-preserved specimen of a classic Cretaceous inoceramid bivalve.
• Direct provenance from Eastbourne, Sussex, a historic fossil site.
• Its role as an index fossil, adding both scientific and historical significance.

Provenance and Authenticity

This specimen was collected from the Cretaceous Chalk deposits of Eastbourne, Sussex, UK, an area world-famous for its fossil-rich cliffs and quarries. As with all of our fossils, it is 100% genuine and is sold with a Certificate of Authenticity. No restoration or artificial enhancement has been carried out – the fossil is presented in its natural condition.

This Cretaceous bivalve fossil of Inoceramus lamarcki represents a fascinating glimpse into England’s deep-time marine heritage. With its excellent preservation and clear provenance, it is a worthy addition for fossil enthusiasts, collectors, and those who value authentic pieces of natural history.