Fossil Belemnite Gonioteuthis granulata Cretaceous Campanian Margate Kent UK | Authentic UK Fossil

Description

This is a genuine Cretaceous fossil of Gonioteuthis granulata, an extinct belemnite species from the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous period. The fossil was collected from the Upper Chalk exposures near Margate, Kent, United Kingdom, a locality well known for producing high-quality marine fossils from the Upper Cretaceous chalk.

Geological Context:

• Fossil Type: Belemnite (Extinct marine cephalopod related to squid and cuttlefish)
• Species: Gonioteuthis granulata (Blainville, 1827)
• Order: Belemnitida
• Superfamily: Belemnitoidea
• Family: Belemnitellidae
• Geological Stage: Campanian (c. 83.6 to 72.1 million years ago)
• Formation: Upper Chalk Formation
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine carbonate platform

Belemnites such as Gonioteuthis granulata are known for their robust internal skeletons (rostra) that fossilise well. This species typically features a long, slender guard with finely granular surface textures, which gives it the name granulata. It is often used in biostratigraphic correlations within the Campanian chalk sequences across northwestern Europe.

Morphology & Notable Features:

• Long, narrow rostrum with sub-cylindrical profile
• Granular texture along the surface, particularly towards the anterior
• Distinctive groove (alveolus) for muscle attachment at the apical end
• Excellent preservation typical of Kentish chalk belemnites

Biozone Association: Gonioteuthis granulata appears in the upper Campanian biozones and is often linked with the Belemnitella mucronata Zone in the UK chalk stratigraphy.

Specimen Details:

• Origin: Margate, Kent, United Kingdom
• Age: Campanian Stage, Late Cretaceous (~80 million years old)
• Scale: Scale rule square/cube = 1cm. See photos for full measurements
• Condition: Selected for quality and completeness, with clear structural detail
• Photo: The fossil shown is the exact specimen you will receive

Certification & Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Every piece is carefully hand-selected for its scientific, educational, and display value.

This authentic Gonioteuthis granulata belemnite fossil is a remarkable relic of the Late Cretaceous marine ecosystem. Ideal for fossil collectors, geology enthusiasts, or educational purposes, it represents a striking example of ancient cephalopod evolution from Britain’s chalk seas.