Description
Authentic Fossil Ammonite – Hysteroceras subbinum
Offered here is an authentic fossil ammonite of the species Hysteroceras subbinum, collected from the famous Gault Clay Formation of Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. This specimen dates back to the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, around 125–113 million years ago, and represents a significant fossil from one of England’s most important geological sites. The fossil displayed in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube shown for accurate sizing.
Geological Context – Gault Clay, Aptian Stage
The Gault Clay Formation is a classic Lower Cretaceous deposit exposed along the cliffs and foreshore at Folkestone. It is world-renowned for its abundance of well-preserved ammonites, bivalves, gastropods, and other marine fossils. The fine-grained blue-grey clay was laid down in a marine shelf environment, where quiet, low-energy waters allowed delicate shells to be preserved in detail.
This deposit spans the Aptian to Albian stages, bridging a crucial interval in the Early Cretaceous when ammonites underwent significant diversification. Within this stratigraphic framework, Hysteroceras subbinum is an important species, often used for biostratigraphic correlation across Europe due to its relatively restricted age range.
Species Details – Hysteroceras subbinum
Hysteroceras subbinum belongs to the Order Ammonitida, Superfamily Desmoceratoidea, and Family Hysteroceratidae, a group of ammonites characterised by their elegant shell forms and distinctive ribbing. The species is particularly valued for its well-defined morphology, which provides key insights into Early Cretaceous ammonite evolution.
Key morphological features of this specimen include:
- Moderately evolute shell coiling, with the inner whorls partially visible.
- Strong, flexuous ribs radiating across the shell surface, curving forward toward the aperture.
- A compressed, laterally flattened profile, typical of the genus Hysteroceras.
- A gracefully curved venter with ribs extending uninterrupted across the outer shell margin.
These features not only aid in species identification but also give the ammonite a striking and aesthetic appearance, making it desirable for collectors.
Scientific and Historical Importance
The genus Hysteroceras is one of the most significant ammonite groups of the Lower Cretaceous, providing critical data for geological dating and correlation. Hysteroceras subbinum, in particular, is often recorded in the upper Aptian ammonite biozones, helping geologists refine the timing of sedimentary sequences and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions.
Folkestone has long been one of Britain’s most famous fossil localities, attracting naturalists and collectors since the 19th century. The Gault Clay fossils collected from this area are curated in both private and institutional collections worldwide, with Hysteroceras species frequently highlighted in scientific publications. Owning a specimen from this locality offers both historical resonance and scientific authenticity.
Provenance and Classification
- Species: Hysteroceras subbinum
- Age: Aptian, Early Cretaceous (~125–113 million years old)
- Locality: Gault Clay Formation, Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
- Family: Hysteroceratidae
Collectors’ Value and Authenticity
This specimen is a carefully chosen example, selected for both its preservation and its clear diagnostic features. It comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing that it is a 100% genuine fossil. Its combination of historical provenance, scientific significance, and natural beauty make it an ideal acquisition for any serious collector, educational institution, or fossil enthusiast.
The Hysteroceras subbinum fossil ammonite from Folkestone is more than just a relic of Earth’s ancient past; it is a tangible record of life in the Early Cretaceous seas, preserved within the iconic Gault Clay of southern England.
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