British Chalk Belemnite – Gonioteuthis granulata – Santonian, Cretaceous – Broadstairs, Kent, UK – Authentic Fossil with Certificate

Description

British Chalk Belemnite – Gonioteuthis granulata

Santonian Stage, Late Cretaceous (~86.3–83.6 million years ago)

From the Chalk Group – Broadstairs, Kent, United Kingdom

Taxonomic Classification:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Order: Belemnitida
• Superfamily: Belemnopseina
• Family: Belemnitellidae
• Genus: Gonioteuthis
• Species: Gonioteuthis granulata
• Originally described by Blainville in 1827

Geological & Stratigraphic Context:

• Geological Stage: Santonian (Upper Cretaceous)
• Formation: Upper Chalk Formation, British Chalk Group
• Location: Broadstairs, Kent, UK
• Depositional Environment: Quiet, deep marine shelf environment with slow accumulation of calcareous ooze, resulting in the iconic white chalk beds of southern England

Morphology and Fossil Features:

• Belemnites are extinct marine cephalopods, and Gonioteuthis granulata is a well-known belemnite species from the Late Cretaceous
• This species is characterised by a long, narrow guard (rostrum) with fine longitudinal striations and granulate surface texture — features that aid in identification
• The rostrum functioned as a stabiliser and counterweight in life, helping the belemnite swim in an upright position
• Often found in the same fossil-bearing chalk as ammonites, fish, and echinoids
• The fossil represents the hard internal shell of the animal and is typically bullet-shaped

Scientific Significance & Notable Use:

• Gonioteuthis granulata is an important index fossil used for correlating Upper Cretaceous (Santonian) marine strata across northwestern Europe
• The presence of this species is used to date Santonian-age chalk and marl deposits
• Its distinct morphology makes it valuable for both scientific research and private fossil collections

Specimen Information:

• This is a 100% genuine fossil of Gonioteuthis granulata
• Found in the world-renowned white chalk cliffs near Broadstairs, Kent
• Carefully selected and preserved to show defining features
• Scale cube = 1cm – see photo for precise size
• You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photo
• Comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity

Summary:

This is a superb example of the British belemnite Gonioteuthis granulata, collected from the famous chalk deposits of Kent. A fine Santonian specimen with clear diagnostic features, ideal for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of marine paleo-life from the Late Cretaceous.