Echinocorys scutata Fossil Echinoid | Cretaceous Chalk | Margate Kent UK | Genuine Sea Urchin Specimen with Certificate

Description

This listing features a genuine and beautifully preserved Echinocorys scutata fossil echinoid (sea urchin), collected from the Chalk Formation of the Cretaceous Period, near Margate, Kent, United Kingdom. This species is among the most recognisable of all chalk echinoids and is prized for both its symmetrical form and excellent preservation.

Geological & Stratigraphic Context:

• Location: Margate, Kent, UK
• Formation: Chalk Formation (Upper Cretaceous)
• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Likely Late Campanian to Maastrichtian (~83 to 66 million years ago)
• Depositional Environment: Calm, deep marine shelf composed of fine calcareous muds (chalk) dominated by coccoliths and marine microfossils; ideal for preservation of echinoderms and other invertebrates

Fossil Type & Taxonomic Classification:

• Type: Fossilised Echinoid (Sea Urchin)
• Species: Echinocorys scutata (Leske, 1778)
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Holasteroida
• Superfamily: Holasteroidea
• Family: Echinocorythidae

Morphological Features:

• Oval to slightly heart-shaped test (shell) with a high, domed profile
• Fine tubercles and pore pairs arranged in ambulacral and interambulacral zones
• Apical system often preserved on the upper surface
• Smooth surface due to secondary calcite infilling and chalk mineralisation

Biozone (If Applicable):

• Frequently found in association with Belemnitella mucronata and Inoceramus zones within the Upper Chalk succession

Notable Details:

• Echinocorys scutata is commonly known as the “shepherd’s crown” due to its distinctive symmetrical shape
• This fossil is often used in palaeontological studies for chalk zone correlation and marine ecology reconstruction
• The Margate coast is a classic chalk exposure area yielding many well-preserved invertebrate fossils
• This specimen has been carefully chosen for completeness, shape, and preservation, making it perfect for display, teaching, or scientific interest

Specimen & Scale Information:

• Scale Rule Squares/Cube = 1cm — Please refer to the listing photo for actual dimensions
• You will receive the exact specimen pictured, professionally photographed and selected

Certification & Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. This echinoid was ethically sourced and curated for quality.

Add a genuine piece of Cretaceous marine history to your collection with this well-preserved Echinocorys scutata fossil echinoid from the world-famous chalk deposits of Margate, Kent, UK.