Description
Fossil Type & Species: Eusalenia (small fossil echinoid – sea urchin)
Geological Formation: Middle Oxford Clay Formation
Geological Period: Middle Jurassic (approx. 163 – 157 million years ago)
Locality: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Detailed Description: This listing features a well-preserved fossil echinoid from the extinct genus Eusalenia, a group of small, irregular sea urchins that inhabited the shallow marine environments of the Jurassic seas. This particular specimen was collected from the Middle Oxford Clay deposits in Oxfordshire, UK, an area celebrated for its rich and diverse marine fossil content.
The fossil echinoid exhibits classic characteristics of Eusalenia: a gently domed test (shell), small size, and bilateral symmetry, with subtle surface features and defined plate structures. These features reflect an adaptation to soft seafloor sediments, where these echinoids lived and fed as part of a thriving Mesozoic marine ecosystem.
Geological Insight: The Oxford Clay Formation represents a mid-Jurassic marine environment laid down in a warm, shallow epicontinental sea. It is particularly well known for its abundance of marine fossils, including ammonites, marine reptiles, and a variety of invertebrates like echinoids. The preservation within the fine clay matrix ensures that even small and delicate specimens like Eusalenia can retain excellent detail.
Item Specifics:
- Genus: Eusalenia
- Fossil Type: Echinoid (Sea Urchin)
- Condition: Natural, unrestored
- Geological Period: Middle Jurassic
- Formation: Oxford Clay
- Location: Oxfordshire, UK
- Size: Please see scale photo with 1cm squares
- Item: Exact specimen shown in listing
Authenticity Guarantee: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Each piece is carefully selected for quality and scientific interest. The fossil shown in the images is the actual one you will receive.
Shipping & Packaging: Shipped securely with protective packaging and tracking. An excellent item for collectors, educators, or anyone fascinated by Earth’s prehistoric past.
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