Fossil gryphaea bivalve, “devil’s toenail” an iconic fossil from the jurassic of gloucestershire

Description

Scale cube=1cm: Full sizing please see photo

 

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Specimen: Gryphaea bivalve

Age: Jurassic

Location: Gloucestershire, UK

 

The Gryphaea bivalve, commonly known as the “Devil’s toenail,” is an iconic fossil from the Jurassic period, particularly abundant in the geological formations of Gloucestershire, England. These distinctive fossils offer a glimpse into ancient marine ecosystems, and their unique appearance has earned them a place of fascination among collectors and paleontology enthusiasts.

 

Belonging to the family Gryphaeidae, Gryphaea is an extinct genus of bivalve mollusks that existed from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous periods. The species found in Gloucestershire is often referred to as the “Devil’s toenail” due to its curved, nail-like shape and the folklore that associated such fossils with the devil.

 

The Gryphaea bivalve had a distinctive shell characterized by a coiled, or sometimes uncoiled, shape resembling a curved toenail or horn. The shell’s exterior displayed a series of ridges or concentric growth lines, providing clues about the growth history of the mollusk. The interior of the shell housed the animal, and the fossilized remains often preserve details such as the hinge and ligament, which are important features for the identification of the species.

 

These fossils are typically found in the rocks of the Inferior Oolite Formation in Gloucestershire, dating back to the Middle Jurassic period, approximately 174 to 163 million years ago. The Inferior Oolite Formation represents a marine environment where Gryphaea bivalves thrived in shallow, warm seas.

 

The abundance of Gryphaea fossils in Gloucestershire has made them not only significant for scientific study but also popular among fossil collectors. The “Devil’s toenail” is often used as a colloquial term for these fossils, reflecting the folklore and mythology associated with their unique shape.

 

The Gryphaea bivalve fossils from Gloucestershire contribute to our understanding of Jurassic marine ecosystems, providing insights into the biodiversity and environmental conditions of the time. Their distinct appearance and cultural significance make them both scientifically valuable and aesthetically appealing to those with an interest in the ancient history of life on Earth.

 

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