Beudanticeras albense Fossil Ammonite Gault Clay Aptian Cretaceous Kent UK Genuine

Description

Genuine Beudanticeras albense Fossil Ammonite from Kent, UK

This listing presents a superb Beudanticeras albense fossil ammonite, discovered in the world-famous Gault Clay Formation at Small Dole, Kent, United Kingdom. This striking specimen dates to the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, around 125–113 million years ago. The ammonite offered here is the actual piece photographed, carefully selected for its scientific and collector appeal. Every specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring you receive a 100% genuine fossil.

Geological Context – Aptian Stage, Cretaceous Period

The Aptian stage is a division of the Early Cretaceous, a time when much of southern England was submerged beneath warm shallow seas. The Gault Clay Formation is particularly well-known for its dark marine clays rich in exceptionally preserved ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, and other marine fauna.

The depositional environment of the Gault Clay was a relatively deep marine shelf, where fine muds accumulated slowly in oxygen-poor waters. These conditions promoted the remarkable preservation of ammonites such as Beudanticeras albense. The presence of this species is an important marker for the Aptian stratigraphy of northern Europe, used extensively in biostratigraphic correlation.

Species Overview – Beudanticeras albense

Beudanticeras albense is a distinctive member of the Family Desmoceratidae, within the Superfamily Desmoceratoidea and the Order Ammonitida. Ammonites within this family are particularly significant as they provide key reference points for dating Aptian–Albian sediments across Europe.

Notable characteristics of B. albense include:

• Involute coiling, with inner whorls mostly hidden by the outer whorl.
• A moderately compressed shell profile, giving the fossil an elegant and streamlined appearance.
• Ornamentation that may vary, with faint ribs or striations often preserved in Gault Clay specimens.
• A relatively smooth venter and complex suture lines that highlight its advanced ammonite morphology.

This species is widely recognised as a reliable index fossil for part of the Aptian stage, contributing to the subdivision of zones and subzones within the Gault Clay sequence.

Scientific and Collector Importance

The presence of Beudanticeras albense in the fossil record allows geologists to identify and correlate Aptian-aged rocks across different regions. Its restricted stratigraphic range means that each find contributes valuable data to the scientific understanding of Early Cretaceous seas.

For collectors, B. albense holds significant appeal not only for its scientific role but also for its historical context. Fossils from the Gault Clay have been studied since the early days of British geology, with Kent’s exposures yielding type specimens and reference collections still held in museums today.

Provenance and Classification

• Species: Beudanticeras albense
• Age: Aptian Stage, Early Cretaceous (~125–113 million years ago)
• Formation: Gault Clay
• Locality: Small Dole, Kent, United Kingdom
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Family: Desmoceratidae

A Unique Fossil for Enthusiasts and Researchers

This Beudanticeras albense ammonite fossil is an authentic relic of England’s Early Cretaceous seas. It represents a predator closely related to today’s squid and octopuses, a reminder of the thriving marine ecosystems that existed long before humans. The combination of geological importance, species rarity, and elegant natural form makes it a desirable specimen for collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts alike.

As always, this fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, and the photographs show the exact specimen you will receive. Scale rule squares are 1 cm for size reference; please see the provided images for full details. This is a carefully selected piece of Britain’s deep geological past, now ready to be part of your collection.