Fossil Large Reptile Bone Block Aust Cliff Westbury Formation Upper Triassic Penarth Group UK

Description

Authentic Large Reptile Bone Fossil from Aust Cliff

This is a genuine fossil block containing a large reptile bone from the world-famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. The specimen comes from the Upper Triassic Westbury Formation of the Penarth Group, one of the most scientifically important fossil localities in Europe. Carefully chosen for its preservation and size, this block provides a rare opportunity to own vertebrate remains from the Late Triassic. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accurate size reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

The fossil originates from the Upper Triassic, dating to approximately 208–201 million years ago. The Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, represents one of the final Triassic deposits laid down before the onset of the Jurassic. Aust Cliff is internationally renowned for its fossiliferous beds containing abundant fish remains, reptile bones, and coprolites, all preserved in fine sediment. This location has been studied since the 19th century and remains a key reference point for palaeontologists examining vertebrate faunas of the Late Triassic.

Reptile Bone Features

The block contains a substantial reptile bone fragment, most likely from a marine reptile such as an ichthyosaur or plesiosaur, which are well-documented in the Westbury Formation. These reptiles were dominant predators of the Triassic seas, feeding on fish and smaller vertebrates. The bone shows robust structure and preserved texture typical of large vertebrate skeletal material, making it both scientifically valuable and visually striking. Fossils like this demonstrate the diversity of large reptiles that inhabited Britain’s shallow marine environments during the Triassic period.

Depositional Environment and Preservation

The famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff formed in a shallow marine to lagoonal environment where vertebrate remains accumulated. Episodic storm activity and shifting conditions caused fish, reptile, and other animal material to be deposited together, often in dense concentrations. Low-oxygen conditions at the seafloor reduced decomposition, enabling the preservation of both large skeletal elements and delicate remains. This combination makes Aust Cliff one of the richest Triassic vertebrate sites in Europe. The preservation of a large reptile bone in this block highlights the importance of these deposits for understanding predator-prey relationships and ecosystem dynamics before the Triassic–Jurassic extinction event.

Discovery and Preparation

This fossil was discovered by our field team members, Alister and Alison, on the 7th of April 2025 during a collecting expedition to Aust Cliff. After careful recovery, the block was meticulously cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to ensure its stability and clarity. The preparation has enhanced the natural details of the reptile bone without any artificial alteration, guaranteeing an authentic and scientifically accurate specimen.

Authenticity and Collectability

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. Large reptile bones from Aust Cliff are rare and highly collectible due to their provenance from one of the UK’s most significant Triassic fossil localities. This specimen represents a tangible link to the apex predators of the Upper Triassic seas, making it an ideal addition for collectors, educators, or museums. Its impressive size, clear preservation, and historical significance ensure it will stand out as a centrepiece in any fossil collection.