Fossil Belemnite (Cylindroteuthis) – Aptian, Lower Cretaceous, Faringdon Sponge Gravels, Wicklesham Pit Oxfordshire UK – Genuine + COA

Description

A fossil belemnite (Cylindroteuthis), from the Aptian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous, collected in the Faringdon Sponge Gravels, Wicklesham Pit, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom. This specimen represents the internal guard (rostrum) of an extinct marine cephalopod, closely related to modern squid and cuttlefish. The fossil pictured is the exact one you will receive, and it is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Fossil Type & Species:

• Type: Belemnite (extinct marine cephalopod)
• Genus: Cylindroteuthis
• Order: Belemnitida
• Superfamily: Belemnitellacea
• Family: Belemnitidae

Geological Context:

• Period: Cretaceous
• Epoch/Stage: Lower Cretaceous – Aptian (approx. 125 to 113 million years ago)
• Biozone: Associated with Aptian faunas of southern England
• Formation: Faringdon Sponge Gravels, a fossiliferous deposit rich in reworked Aptian marine fauna
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine channel deposits with mixed gravels, sponges, and cephalopod remains

Locality:

• Region: Wicklesham Pit, Faringdon, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

Morphology & Features:

• Slender cylindrical rostrum typical of Cylindroteuthis
• Smooth external surface with tapering end
• Represents the internal skeleton of the animal, aiding in buoyancy and locomotion
• Well-preserved with clear external features

Scientific Notes:

• Cylindroteuthis is a characteristic belemnite of the Lower Cretaceous and widely documented across Europe
• Belemnites are extinct relatives of squid and cuttlefish, with calcitic rostra as their most common fossil remains
• The Faringdon Sponge Gravels are a famous fossil site, yielding sponges, ammonites, bivalves, echinoids, and belemnites

Notable Details:

• Rare British Aptian belemnite from a classic historical locality
• Excellent preservation of the guard structure
• 100% genuine, natural fossil – no restoration
• Scale Reference: Each square or cube = 1cm. Please see photographs for accurate sizing

Authenticity & Guarantee: All of our fossils are 100% genuine, responsibly sourced, and professionally curated. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The fossil pictured is the exact one you will receive.

This Cylindroteuthis belemnite is an excellent example from the Aptian Faringdon Sponge Gravels of Oxfordshire – a fine addition for collectors, researchers, or natural history displays.