Echinocorys scutata Fossil Echinoid Cretaceous Chalk Margate Kent UK Genuine Specimen

Description

Echinocorys scutata Fossil Echinoid from Margate, Kent, UK

This listing is for a fine Echinocorys scutata fossil echinoid, collected from the famous Cretaceous chalk deposits of Margate, Kent, United Kingdom. Often referred to as the “Chalk Heart Urchin,” this species is one of the most iconic fossils of the British Upper Cretaceous. The specimen pictured is the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for accurate size reference. All our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Setting – Upper Cretaceous Chalk

The fossil dates to the Upper Cretaceous period, around 90–66 million years ago, when much of southern England was submerged under warm, shallow seas. The chalk that now forms the cliffs and outcrops of Kent was deposited as the calcareous remains of microscopic algae (coccolithophores) settled on the seabed, slowly compacting into thick chalk beds.

Margate, located on the Kent coast, is part of this same famous chalk belt. These deposits are world-renowned for their fossil content, especially echinoids, ammonites, and other marine invertebrates, which together provide a rich record of Late Cretaceous life.

Species and Classification

• Genus: Echinocorys
• Species: scutata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Holasteroida
• Family: Holasteridae

Echinocorys scutata is among the most recognisable and abundant chalk echinoids. First described in the 18th century, it remains a key species in biostratigraphy due to its distinctive form and wide distribution.

Morphological Features

This Echinocorys scutata echinoid fossil displays the classic features of the species:

• Shape: A heart-like or ovate test, slightly domed above and flattened below.
• Ambulacra: Five petal-like grooves forming a star-shaped pattern across the upper surface.
• Test Structure: Thick calcareous shell, often well preserved in chalk.
• Ecology: It lived semi-infaunally, partially buried in seabed sediments, filtering food particles from the surrounding marine environment.

These features make Echinocorys scutata not only scientifically significant but also highly attractive as a collector’s specimen.

Stratigraphy and Scientific Importance

Echinocorys scutata is a valuable index fossil, widely used in the stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous chalk. Its morphological variations over time have been carefully studied, allowing geologists to subdivide the chalk sequence into smaller, precise biozones. This makes it a key fossil for correlating chalk beds across Europe and reconstructing marine conditions of the Late Cretaceous seas.

Collector and Display Value

• Collectors will appreciate this fossil for its provenance from the classic chalk localities of Kent and for its distinctive heart-like form.
• Educators and researchers value it as a representative species for teaching Cretaceous palaeontology and stratigraphy.
• For display purposes, its elegant star-shaped pattern and natural chalk preservation make it a timeless and eye-catching piece.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are 100% genuine and responsibly sourced. This Echinocorys scutata specimen has been carefully chosen for its preservation, provenance, and scientific value. Each purchase comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, providing full confidence in its geological history.

Key Information at a Glance

• Fossil Type: Echinoid (Sea Urchin)
• Species: Echinocorys scutata
• Geological Age: Late Cretaceous (~90–66 million years old)
• Formation: Chalk
• Locality: Margate, Kent, United Kingdom
• Order: Holasteroida
• Family: Holasteridae
• Condition: Natural fossil echinoid with clear star-shaped ambulacral grooves
• Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This Echinocorys scutata fossil echinoid from Margate, Kent is a scientifically important and visually striking specimen, making it an ideal addition for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of Britain’s Cretaceous fossil record.