British Chalk Fossil Echinoid – Echinocorys scutata elevata | Santonian Upper Chalk Foreness Point Kent UK | Genuine Specimen with COA

Description

This listing features an authentic British Chalk fossil echinoid – Echinocorys scutata elevata, sourced from the Upper Chalk Formation of the Santonian stage in the Late Cretaceous, collected at Foreness Point, Margate, Kent, UK. This rare subspecies is recognised for its higher domed test and more elevated profile compared to other Echinocorys forms.

Fossil Type: Echinoid (Sea Urchin)

Species/Subspecies: Echinocorys scutata elevata

Geological Period: Late Cretaceous (~86.3 to 83.6 million years ago)

Geological Stage: Santonian

Formation: Upper Chalk (Chalk Group)

Location: Foreness Point, Margate, Kent, United Kingdom

Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (See photo for full sizing details)

Specimen: You will receive the exact item shown in the photos

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological and Paleontological Context

Echinocorys scutata elevata is a distinctive and relatively uncommon form of echinoid from the British Upper Chalk. It lived in soft marine sediments in a calm, shallow sea during the Late Cretaceous, and its form reflects adaptations for infaunal life.

• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Holasteroida
• Family: Holasteridae
• Genus: Echinocorys
• Subspecies: scutata elevata
• Depositional Environment: Quiet, carbonate-rich shallow marine shelf dominated by coccolith deposition; ideal for fossilisation of echinoids and other invertebrates
• Morphological Features: More strongly domed test with a slightly narrower base, distinct ambulacral petals and well-developed oral and aboral structures; typically larger and taller than vulgaris forms
• Biozone: Found within the Santonian stratigraphic intervals in association with inoceramids and foraminifera commonly used in UK chalk biostratigraphy
• Notable: Echinocorys scutata elevata is prized for its morphological contrast with flatter echinoid forms and is useful in evolutionary and paleoenvironmental interpretation of Cretaceous chalk faunas

Why This Fossil Is Special

This is a beautifully preserved, A-grade example of Echinocorys scutata elevata. Its height and symmetry set it apart from more common subspecies, making it a visually striking and scientifically interesting addition to any collection.

Why Buy From Us?

• 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
• You will receive the exact specimen shown in the listing photos
• Ethically collected from reputable geological sites in the UK
• Ideal for collectors, educators, museums, or natural history enthusiasts

Secure a rare and striking example of Britain’s Cretaceous marine fauna with this Echinocorys scutata elevata fossil echinoid from the Upper Chalk of Foreness Point, Kent—a unique relic of ancient seas dating back over 85 million years.