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

Description

Genuine Fossil Reptile Bones from Aust Cliff

This is an outstanding specimen of large reptile bones preserved in a block from the world-famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. The fossil comes from the Upper Triassic Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, a unit celebrated for its abundance of vertebrate remains. Carefully selected for its preservation and scientific interest, this block provides a rare opportunity to own substantial vertebrate material from a renowned Late Triassic fossil locality. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube for accurate size reference.

Geological Age and Provenance

Dating to the Upper Triassic period, approximately 208–201 million years ago, this specimen captures a crucial time in Earth’s history. The Westbury Formation is globally recognised for its vertebrate fossils, recording the ecosystems that existed just prior to the Triassic–Jurassic extinction event. Aust Cliff itself has been studied for over a century and remains one of the most important sites in Europe for Upper Triassic fossils. Fossil material from this deposit has been instrumental in reconstructing the biodiversity, palaeoecology, and evolutionary history of vertebrates during the Late Triassic.

Reptile Bone Characteristics

The block contains large reptile bone fragments, which likely represent marine reptiles that inhabited the shallow seas and lagoons of the Triassic period. Ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs are among the best-known reptile groups from these deposits, though bones from other vertebrates are occasionally recovered. The preserved fragments display the characteristic textures and structures of reptilian bone, making this specimen valuable for both collectors and researchers. The size and robustness of the material highlight the remains of higher vertebrates, providing a tangible connection to some of the most dominant animals of the Late Triassic seas.

Depositional Environment and Preservation

The Westbury Formation formed in a shallow marine to lagoonal environment, where fine sediments, episodic storms, and fluctuating conditions allowed vertebrate remains to accumulate and become preserved. The famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff is particularly noted for its density and diversity of fossils, ranging from tiny fish teeth to large reptile bones. The depositional setting ensured rapid burial of skeletal material, protecting it from decay and scavenging, and producing fossils of exceptional clarity. This block is a striking example of these conditions, preserving multiple bone fragments within their original sedimentary matrix.

Discovery and Preparation

This specimen was discovered on the 7th of April 2025 by our field team members, Alister and Alison, during a collecting expedition to Aust Cliff. Following recovery, the block was professionally cleaned, prepared, and stabilised by Alison to ensure durability and to enhance the visibility of the reptile bones. The fossil has been carefully treated to preserve its natural features while avoiding artificial alteration, guaranteeing that you receive a fully authentic specimen.

Authenticity and Collectability

All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. Fossil reptile bones from Aust Cliff are highly collectible due to their rarity, scientific significance, and provenance from one of the UK’s most famous Triassic localities. This specimen is an ideal addition to any fossil collection, offering both aesthetic display value and scientific importance. With its direct connection to the great reptiles of the Upper Triassic seas, it stands as a remarkable piece of natural history, representing life that flourished over 200 million years ago.