Description
Enhance your fossil collection with this well-preserved Cerithium fossil chalk gastropod, originating from the Grey Chalk Formation of the Cretaceous period, discovered in Clyde, Sussex, UK. This marine gastropod is an elegant example of ancient molluscan life that once thrived in warm, shallow seas over 90 million years ago.
Fossil Type: Marine Gastropod
Genus: Cerithium (tentative, based on shell morphology)
Geological Period: Late Cretaceous (~100.5 to 89.8 million years ago)
Formation: Grey Chalk Formation
Location: Clyde, Sussex, United Kingdom
Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (Please refer to photo for full sizing)
Specimen: The exact item shown in the photo is the one you will receive
Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity
Geological and Paleontological Information
This fossil represents a gastropod mollusc, commonly known as a sea snail. The genus Cerithium includes spiral-shelled marine gastropods, some of which are still found in modern oceans. In the Cretaceous Grey Chalk of southern England, these organisms were part of a diverse marine ecosystem dominated by bivalves, echinoids, ammonites, and other invertebrates.
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Gastropoda
- Order: Sorbeoconcha
- Superfamily: Cerithioidea
- Family: Cerithiidae
- Genus: Cerithium (identification tentative based on external features)
- Geological Stage: Possibly Cenomanian (~100.5 to 93.9 million years ago), based on Grey Chalk stratigraphy
- Depositional Environment: Shallow, warm marine shelf with calcareous sedimentation; the fine-grained chalk matrix provided excellent conditions for fossilisation of shelled marine life
- Morphological Features: High-spired, turreted shell with multiple whorls, often ornamented with fine ribs or ridges; aperture may display siphonal canal or notch
- Notable: Gastropods from the Grey Chalk are less common than bivalves and echinoids, making this a particularly interesting find for collectors
- Biozone: Likely associated with Lower to Middle Cenomanian ammonite or inoceramid biozones, though precise placement would depend on local stratigraphy
- Identifier: Fossils of Cerithium-like gastropods from the Cretaceous have been documented since the 19th century; identification to species level requires close morphological analysis
Why This Fossil Is Special
This Cerithium fossil captures the elegant form and coiled structure of a Mesozoic gastropod, providing insight into Cretaceous marine biodiversity. Its preservation in the chalk matrix adds visual and scientific value, ideal for collectors and educators alike.
Why Buy From Us?
- 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
- The actual item in the listing photo is the one you will receive
- Ethically sourced from well-known fossil localities in the UK
- Perfect for fossil collectors, natural history enthusiasts, and educators
Bring home a genuine piece of ancient ocean life with this beautifully preserved Cerithium chalk gastropod fossil from the Grey Chalk Formation of Clyde, Sussex—a spiral-shelled relic from over 90 million years ago.
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