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

Description

This listing features an authentic British Chalk fossil echinoid – Echinocorys scutata, sourced from the Upper Chalk Formation of the Santonian stage in the Late Cretaceous, collected at Broadstairs, Kent, UK. This iconic species is among the most commonly found and scientifically useful echinoids from the British chalk deposits.

Fossil Type: Echinoid (Sea Urchin)

Species: Echinocorys scutata

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

Geological Stage: Santonian

Formation: Upper Chalk (Chalk Group)

Location: Broadstairs, 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 is a widely distributed echinoid species known from chalk deposits throughout Europe. These irregular echinoids lived buried in soft carbonate seafloor sediment and were adapted for life just beneath the surface, feeding on organic particles.

• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Holasteroida
• Family: Holasteridae
• Genus: Echinocorys
• Depositional Environment: Quiet, shallow marine environment formed from the accumulation of coccolith-rich calcareous mud
• Morphological Features: Subglobular to slightly oval test, broad aboral surface with five ambulacral petals, central periproct and oral aperture located on the flattened underside
• Biozone: Commonly found in mid to late Santonian biozones; used frequently in stratigraphic correlation in Upper Cretaceous chalk sequences
• Notable: Due to its abundance and variability, Echinocorys scutata plays an important role in paleobiological and biostratigraphic studies of the Late Cretaceous

Why This Fossil Is Special

This specimen of Echinocorys scutata is a well-preserved example of a key Cretaceous echinoid. Its symmetry and completeness make it ideal for collectors, educational settings, and museum-quality displays. Broadstairs remains one of the most productive and classic localities for chalk echinoids in the UK.

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 classic example of Britain’s Cretaceous marine life with this Echinocorys scutata fossil echinoid from the Upper Chalk of Broadstairs, Kent—a lasting reminder of Earth’s marine ecosystems from over 85 million years ago.