Fossil Bivalve Inoceramus concentricus Chalk Marl Cretaceous Southernham Quarry UK

Description

Authentic Fossil Bivalve – Inoceramus concentricus

This listing offers a genuine fossil bivalve, Inoceramus concentricus, preserved within the Chalk Marl deposits of the Cretaceous period, collected at Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK. This carefully chosen specimen represents an important part of Britain’s palaeontological heritage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photos show the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube included for accurate sizing.

Geological Context – Chalk Marl of the Cretaceous

The fossil originates from the Chalk Marl strata, which date to the Cretaceous period (approximately 100–90 million years ago). During this time, much of southern England was submerged under a shallow, warm epicontinental sea. Sediments of fine calcareous muds accumulated over millions of years, forming the Chalk Marl, which is well known for its abundance of marine fossils.

Southernham Quarry Pit has long been an important site for fossil discoveries, producing diverse assemblages of ammonites, echinoids, gastropods, and bivalves. Fossils from this locality are not only scientifically valuable but also aesthetically appealing due to their fine preservation.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Order: Ostreida
• Superfamily: Inoceramoidea
• Family: Inoceramidae
• Genus: Inoceramus
• Species: Inoceramus concentricus

The genus Inoceramus includes some of the most distinctive bivalves of the Cretaceous seas. Their robust, thick shells and unique ornamentation make them easily recognisable. I. concentricus is particularly notable for its characteristic concentric growth lines.

Morphological Features

This specimen of Inoceramus concentricus displays:

• Large, thick shell valves, a hallmark of the inoceramids.
• Concentric ornamentation, giving the fossil its descriptive species name.
• Radial ribbing and strong growth lines, highlighting stages of development during the animal’s lifetime.
• A shell form adapted for stability in soft marine substrates.

The robustness of inoceramid shells made them well-suited to life in relatively deep, soft-bottomed environments where other bivalves might not thrive.

Palaeoecology and Scientific Importance

Inoceramus concentricus lived as a stationary epifaunal suspension feeder, resting on or slightly within soft seafloor sediments while filtering nutrients from the water column. Their abundance during the Cretaceous makes them vital in understanding marine community structures of the time.

Inoceramids are also important biostratigraphic index fossils, used by geologists to identify and correlate Cretaceous strata across different regions. The presence of I. concentricus within Chalk Marl beds helps to refine dating of these layers and provides insight into palaeoenvironmental conditions.

Collecting and Display Value

This specimen is more than just a fossil – it is a piece of Earth’s history, recording life in the seas of the Cretaceous period in southern England. Collectors value Inoceramus fossils for both their scientific significance and their striking appearance. The concentric ornamentation of I. concentricus makes this species particularly desirable.

Whether for a private collection, educational display, or as a unique natural history gift, this fossil bivalve provides both scientific depth and visual appeal. Its provenance from Southernham Quarry Pit ensures authenticity and adds to its rarity.

Provenance and Authenticity

• Species: Inoceramus concentricus
• Age: Cretaceous
• Geological Unit: Chalk Marl
• Locality: Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK

Every specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing it as a genuine fossil. The photos accurately represent the fossil you will receive, with a 1cm cube included for size reference.

This fossil bivalve Inoceramus concentricus is a fine and scientifically important example from the Cretaceous Chalk Marl of East Sussex. With excellent preservation, clear morphological features, and secure provenance, it represents both a collectible specimen and a piece of Britain’s rich geological record.