Epileymeriella hitzeli Ammonite Fossil Rare Lower Albian Cretaceous Wrotham Black Pit UK

Description

Rare Epileymeriella hitzeli Ammonite Fossil from Wrotham Black Pit, UK

This exceptional Epileymeriella hitzeli ammonite fossil is a rare specimen from the Lower Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period, dating to approximately 113–107 million years ago. Sourced from the historically significant Wrotham Black Pit in Kent, United Kingdom, this fossil represents both a geological treasure and an important scientific specimen. The ammonite photographed is the exact piece you will receive, carefully selected for quality and preservation. A Certificate of Authenticity is provided with every purchase, ensuring complete peace of mind for collectors.

Geological Context – Lower Albian of the Early Cretaceous

The Albian stage is a key subdivision of the Early Cretaceous, marked by global marine transgressions and warm, shallow seas that extended across Europe. The Wrotham Black Pit locality is part of the Lower Greensand Group, a well-known English formation rich in ammonites, bivalves, and other marine fossils. These deposits provide insight into the ecology of the Early Cretaceous seas that once covered southern England.

Ammonites such as Epileymeriella hitzeli are used by geologists and paleontologists as biostratigraphic markers, helping to define zones and subzones within the Albian. Their evolutionary changes and widespread distribution make them crucial index fossils for correlating layers across Europe and beyond.

Scientific Classification

• Fossil Type: Ammonite
• Species: Epileymeriella hitzeli
• Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–107 million years ago)
• Locality: Wrotham Black Pit, Kent, United Kingdom
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Leymeriellaceae
• Family: Leymeriellidae

Morphology and Distinctive Features

Epileymeriella hitzeli displays the characteristic features of the Leymeriellidae family, with unique details that make it identifiable:

• Coiling and Form: A strongly evolute shell with compressed, flat-sided whorls, giving it a streamlined appearance.
• Ornamentation: Fine ribs and ridges running across the shell, often slightly flexuous, enhancing both identification and aesthetic appeal.
• Sutures: Complex suture patterns typical of ammonites, adding intricate detail to the fossil’s surface.
• Preservation: This specimen retains excellent structural detail, showcasing its natural morphology with clarity.

The combination of compressed whorls, ribbing, and suture definition make E. hitzeli a distinctive and easily recognisable ammonite within Lower Albian faunas.

Importance in Paleontology

Ammonites like Epileymeriella hitzeli are scientifically important for their role in biostratigraphy and evolutionary studies. They evolved rapidly during the Early Cretaceous, allowing researchers to subdivide the Lower Albian into smaller chronological intervals or biozones. Specimens from classic sites such as Wrotham Black Pit are often cited in the scientific literature as reference points for these faunal successions.

Beyond their scientific role, ammonites were active marine predators, occupying the mid-levels of the food chain. Their fossilised remains provide valuable insight into Cretaceous marine ecosystems, which were dynamic and teeming with life.

Depositional Environment of Wrotham Black Pit

The Lower Greensand deposits at Wrotham Black Pit were formed in a shallow marine environment dominated by sandy sediments and periodic influxes of silt and clay. These conditions promoted the preservation of ammonite shells, especially those buried rapidly in fine sediments. Fossils from this site are highly regarded by collectors for their historical significance and connection to Britain’s rich geological heritage.

Collector Value and Display

This rare Epileymeriella hitzeli ammonite fossil is a superb specimen for collectors of British and European Cretaceous fossils. Its distinctive morphology, excellent preservation, and provenance from the classic Wrotham Black Pit locality make it highly desirable.

The fossil is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its genuine origin. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate sizing. This ammonite is suitable for display in both private collections and educational contexts, highlighting the beauty and importance of Early Cretaceous ammonites.

Key Details

• Fossil: Epileymeriella hitzeli Ammonite
• Age: Lower Albian, Early Cretaceous (c. 113–107 million years old)
• Locality: Wrotham Black Pit, Kent, United Kingdom
• Classification: Order Ammonitida – Superfamily Leymeriellaceae – Family Leymeriellidae
• Features: Compressed evolute shell with ribbing and detailed suture lines
• Supplied with Certificate of Authenticity
• Exact specimen photographed with 1 cm scale cube

This fossil offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine Epileymeriella hitzeli ammonite from one of the United Kingdom’s most important Albian fossil localities.