Fossil belemnite – cylindroteuthis puzosiana, oxford clay, oxfordian, jurassic, bedfordshire, uk – genuine specimen with coa

Description

This is a genuine Cylindroteuthis puzosiana belemnite fossil from the Oxfordian stage of the Jurassic period, discovered in Bedfordshire, United Kingdom. Belemnites were an extinct group of marine cephalopods related to modern squid and cuttlefish. Unlike ammonites, they possessed an internal shell known as a guard, which fossilised over millions of years and is a common feature of Jurassic marine deposits.

Geological Context

This specimen originates from the Oxford Clay Formation, a well-documented marine deposit from the Oxfordian stage (Late Jurassic, approximately 157-163 million years ago). The Oxford Clay is rich in fossils, including ammonites, marine reptiles, and belemnites, which thrived in the shallow seas that covered what is now southern England during the Jurassic period. The fine-grained, organic-rich sedimentary rock of this formation provides excellent conditions for fossil preservation.

Fossil Type & Species Information

Belemnites, like Cylindroteuthis puzosiana, were marine predators with a torpedo-shaped body and a hard, internal rostrum (guard) that provided stability in the water. Unlike ammonites, belemnites lacked an external shell and had ten arms lined with small hooks for catching prey. They are thought to have played a vital role in the Jurassic marine food chain, serving as prey for large marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and pliosaurs.

Cylindroteuthis puzosiana is characterized by:

• A robust, elongated guard with a smooth surface
• A distinctive bullet-like shape tapering to a point
• Calcitic composition, replacing the original aragonite structure over time

Key Features:

• Authentic Cylindroteuthis puzosiana fossil belemnite
• Age: Approximately 157-163 million years old (Oxfordian, Jurassic)
• Geological Formation: Oxford Clay Formation
• Origin: Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
• Distinctive bullet-shaped guard with well-preserved surface details
• From the Alice Purnell Collection, one of the largest ammonite and fossil collections in the world
• 100 percent genuine specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Size & Condition

• Scale Rule / Cube = 1cm – Please refer to the photos for accurate sizing.
• This fossil is professionally prepared, preserving its natural features.

Why Collect Belemnites?

Belemnites are excellent additions to any fossil collection, offering insight into the evolutionary history of cephalopods. Their abundance in Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits makes them important index fossils for dating rock layers.

All of our fossils are guaranteed genuine and securely packaged for worldwide shipping.