Fish Shark Vertebrae Fossil Gault Clay Cretaceous Folkestone Kent UK Genuine Marine Vertebra Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Fish/Shark Vertebrae Fossil – Gault Clay, Folkestone, Kent, UK

This genuine fish or shark vertebra fossil originates from the famous Gault Clay deposits of Folkestone, Kent, one of the most important marine fossil sites in the United Kingdom. Preserved within Lower Cretaceous sediments dating back around 100–113 million years, this specimen represents ancient marine life from a warm, shallow sea that once covered southern Britain.

The photograph shows the exact fossil you will receive. Each piece is carefully chosen for preservation quality, structural detail, and display appeal. Full sizing can be confirmed in the listing photographs.

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

---

Geological Context – The Gault Clay Formation

The Gault Clay is a well-known marine sedimentary formation exposed along the coastline at Folkestone. It was deposited during the Early Cretaceous, primarily within the Albian Stage, when much of southern England lay beneath a tropical to subtropical sea.

Key geological details include:

• Age: Lower Cretaceous (Albian Stage)

• Formation: Gault Clay

• Locality: Folkestone, Kent, UK

• Depositional Environment: Offshore marine muds in a calm seabed setting

• Lithology: Fine-grained clay rich in fossils

The Gault Clay is especially renowned for preserving a diverse marine fauna, including ammonites, crustaceans, bivalves, fish remains, and shark material. Its fine sediments and low-energy environment allowed skeletal elements such as vertebrae to become buried and fossilised with excellent retention of shape.

---

Fossil Type – Marine Vertebrae Remains

This specimen consists of fossilised vertebrae from an ancient fish or shark. Vertebrae are among the most commonly preserved skeletal elements in marine deposits because they are dense, durable, and resistant to decay.

Typical features of fossil vertebrae may include:

• Central concave or amphicoelous shape

• Circular or disk-like form

• Surface texture showing growth structure

• Mineral replacement preserving original morphology

Shark vertebrae are composed of calcified cartilage rather than true bone, often resulting in distinctive concentric internal structure. Fish vertebrae may appear more bony and compact depending on the species.

The specimen provides a tangible connection to the predators and schooling fish that once inhabited the Cretaceous seas of Kent.

---

Palaeoenvironment – Cretaceous Seas of Southern England

During the Albian Stage, the region around modern Folkestone was part of a broad epicontinental sea. Fine muds accumulated on the seafloor, creating ideal conditions for fossil preservation.

Marine life in this environment included:

• Sharks and rays

• Bony fish

• Ammonites and belemnites

• Marine reptiles in deeper waters

• Diverse invertebrate communities

Vertebra fossils such as this one are valuable evidence of the fish and shark populations that formed part of the Cretaceous marine ecosystem.

---

Collecting & Display Value

Folkestone Gault Clay fossils are highly regarded by collectors due to their historic significance and the rich diversity of the deposit. This vertebra specimen is ideal for:

• Fossil fish and shark collections

• British geological locality displays

• Educational teaching specimens

• Natural history cabinets

• Gifts for fossil and marine life enthusiasts

Its compact size makes it easy to display while still representing an important chapter of Earth’s marine history.

---

Authenticity & Certificate Included

This is a genuine fossil vertebra specimen from the Gault Clay of Folkestone, Kent, UK. The photo shows the exact piece you will receive, carefully selected for quality and preservation.

Your purchase includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. Please refer to the listing photographs for full sizing and scale.

A classic Cretaceous marine fossil from one of Britain’s most famous fossil formations, this fish/shark vertebra is a wonderful addition to any collection or educational display.