British Chalk Fossil Echinoid – Echinocorys scutata depressula – Santonian Cretaceous, Broadstairs UK

Description

This listing offers a scientifically significant British Chalk Fossil Echinoid, identified as Echinocorys scutata depressula, collected from Broadstairs, Kent, UK. Dating to the Santonian Stage of the Late Cretaceous, this echinoid is a well-preserved relic of ancient marine life found within England’s Upper Chalk sequences.

Taxonomic Classification:

• Order: Holasteroida
• Superfamily: Echinocorythoidea
• Family: Echinocorythidae
• Genus & Species: Echinocorys scutata depressula

Geological Context:

• Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Santonian (approx. 86–83 million years ago)
• Formation: White Chalk Subgroup (likely part of the Seaford Chalk Formation)
• Depositional Environment: Calm, warm epicontinental sea with low-energy conditions that favoured the preservation of delicate marine life in fine carbonate sediments.

Morphological Features:

• Flattened (depressed) test shape – the defining feature of the depressula form
• Bilateral symmetry, smooth tuberculation, and defined apical system
• Distinct periproct and peristome regions with posterior sloping
• Infaunal, deposit-feeding lifestyle within soft chalky mud

Scientific Importance:

• The depressula morphotype represents a particular ecological adaptation or developmental variation within the broader Echinocorys scutata species group
• Its occurrence within specific chalk biozones contributes to detailed stratigraphic and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of the Late Cretaceous

Locality Information:

• Broadstairs, Kent, UK – a notable fossil locality in southeast England, part of the classic White Chalk exposures. The region offers beautifully preserved echinoids, ammonites, and other marine fossils from the Upper Cretaceous.

Presentation & Authenticity:

All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The images included in this listing show the exact specimen you will receive. Please refer to the photo for full sizing – scale rule cube = 1cm.

This is a hand-picked piece of palaeontological heritage, selected for its clarity of features and preservation quality. Ideal for educational collections, scientific reference, or as a fascinating natural history display.

Own a unique and genuine part of Britain’s ancient seabed – over 80 million years in the making!