Gault Clay Crab Fossil Cretaceous Folkestone Kent UK Genuine Specimen with Certificate of Authenticity

Genuine Cretaceous Crab Fossil from the Gault Clay of Kent

This listing offers an authentic fossil crab recovered from the renowned Gault Clay Formation at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. The specimen is a carefully chosen piece selected for its preservation, character, and scientific interest. The photographs provided show the exact fossil you will receive, ensuring complete transparency and confidence when purchasing. Full sizing details are clearly visible in the images.

This is a genuine fossil specimen and is supplied with a lifetime Certificate of Authenticity, provided as a generic card, guaranteeing its authenticity and natural origin.

Geological Setting – Gault Clay Formation

The Gault Clay is a marine sedimentary formation dating to the Albian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, approximately 113–100 million years ago. During this time, much of southern England was covered by a warm, shallow epicontinental sea. Fine clay-rich sediments accumulated slowly on the sea floor, creating calm, low-energy conditions that were ideal for preserving marine organisms.

Folkestone is internationally recognised as one of the most important exposures of the Gault Clay. It has produced an exceptionally diverse fossil assemblage, including ammonites, bivalves, echinoderms, fish remains, marine reptiles, and crustaceans. Fossils from this locality are highly prized by collectors due to their stratigraphic importance and strong association with classic British geology.

Fossil Type – Cretaceous Marine Crab

This specimen represents a fossilised marine crab, a member of the true crabs within the order Decapoda. Crabs were already well established in marine environments by the Early Cretaceous and played an important role in benthic ecosystems. They inhabited the sea floor, where they scavenged, burrowed, and fed among soft sediments and shell debris.

Crab fossils from the Gault Clay are relatively uncommon compared to other fossil types, making them particularly desirable. Preservation typically includes the carapace and, in some cases, partial appendages or surface detail, providing valuable insight into early crab morphology and adaptation.

Preservation and Morphological Features

The fine-grained nature of the Gault Clay allows for excellent preservation of crustacean remains. Surface textures, carapace outlines, and overall form can often be observed, giving the fossil both scientific and aesthetic appeal. The natural mineralisation seen on this specimen is the result of long-term geological processes and confirms its age and authenticity.

The fossil has been left in its natural state, without artificial restoration or enhancement, preserving its integrity as a true geological specimen.

Scientific, Educational, and Display Value

Gault Clay crab fossils are valued by collectors, educators, and researchers alike. They provide an excellent example of Early Cretaceous marine life and help illustrate the evolution of modern crabs and benthic ecosystems. Such specimens are frequently used in teaching collections to demonstrate fossilisation, paleoecology, and arthropod anatomy.

This fossil makes an excellent display piece for a cabinet or study, a meaningful addition to a British fossil collection, or a unique and educational gift. Its provenance from Folkestone, Kent adds significant historical and geological interest.

Supplied with a lifetime Certificate of Authenticity and showing the exact specimen you will receive, this Gault Clay crab fossil is a genuine piece of ancient marine history, preserved for over 100 million years and now available to be appreciated today.