Fossil Sea Urchin Conulus albogalerus – Chalk Echinoid – Santonian, Cretaceous – Dumpton Gap, Kent, UK | COA

Description

This listing features a Fossil Chalk Echinoid – Conulus albogalerus, collected from the Santonian Stage of the Late Cretaceous, specifically from Dumpton Gap, Kent, England. A scientifically interesting and well-preserved echinoid specimen from the iconic white chalk of southern Britain.

As with all of our specimens, this is a 100% genuine fossil and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact fossil shown in the photos is the one you will receive. Please refer to the image with the scale cube (1cm squares) for full sizing.

 

Fossil Overview:

• Species: Conulus albogalerus (Leske, 1778)
• Common Name: Chalk Sea Urchin / Fossil Echinoid
• Geological Period: Late Cretaceous
• Stage: Santonian (~86.3–83.6 million years ago)
• Formation: Upper Chalk (possibly Seaford Chalk Formation)
• Location: Dumpton Gap, Kent, England, UK
• Preservation Type: Test in chalk matrix

 

Geological & Depositional Environment:

The Santonian deposits of Kent formed within a warm, shallow epicontinental sea, rich in calcareous plankton. These chalk formations accumulated slowly from the microscopic remains of coccolithophores, creating the fine, white limestone that now forms England’s famous cliffs.

Conulus albogalerus is typical of these chalk environments and is found within the Seaford Chalk Formation, known for its abundance of echinoids, brachiopods, and molluscs. The Dumpton Gap section exposes high-quality chalk with fossiliferous potential.

 

Taxonomy & Classification:

• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Echinoneoida
• Superfamily: Conulidea
• Family: Conulidae
• Genus: Conulus
• Species: Conulus albogalerus (first described by Leske in 1778)

 

Morphological Features:

Conulus albogalerus is recognised by:

• A compact, dome-shaped test with a gently heart-shaped outline
• Smooth surface with subtle ambulacral zones
• Slightly raised apical system
• Flat or mildly concave oral side

This species likely lived semi-infaunally, buried within the chalky seafloor sediment, feeding as a deposit feeder. Its symmetrical shape and smooth surface helped it remain stable in soft substrate.

 

Notable Points:

• Classic chalk echinoid species from the Santonian biozone
• Originally described by N.G. Leske in the 18th century, one of the earliest fossil echinoid descriptions
• From a historically important and accessible fossil locality on the Kent coast
• Great for collectors, educational use, and display

 

Why Buy From Us?

• All fossils are 100% genuine, responsibly sourced
• Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
• The exact specimen shown in the listing photos is what you will receive
• Professionally packed and promptly dispatched

Add a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved Conulus albogalerus to your fossil collection—an authentic remnant of Britain’s Cretaceous chalk seas, from the renowned Dumpton Gap locality.