Fossil Sea Urchin Conulus in Flint – Cretaceous Chalk Reworked in Thames Gravels – Essex, England | COA

Description

This listing features a unique Fossil Echinoid – Conulus sp., preserved in flint and collected from the reworked Thames Terraces gravels in Essex, England. This fossil originated in the Cretaceous chalk seas and was later re-deposited through natural processes into the fluvial gravel systems of the Thames Basin.

As with all our fossils, this is a 100% genuine specimen, carefully selected and provided with a Certificate of Authenticity. The exact fossil in the images is the one you will receive. For sizing, please refer to the photo with a 1cm cube/scale rule.

 

Fossil Overview:

• Genus: Conulus (exact species undetermined)
• Common Name: Fossil Sea Urchin / Echinoid
• Original Geological Age: Late Cretaceous (~100–66 million years ago)
• Preservation Medium: Flint (silicified replacement of chalk fossil)
• Reworked Context: Thames Valley River Gravels (Pleistocene reworking of older chalk fossils)
• Location: Essex, England, UK

 

Geological & Depositional Context:

This Conulus echinoid originally lived during the Late Cretaceous, in the warm, shallow seas that produced the chalk deposits of southern and eastern England. Over time, these chalk beds became buried and fossilised. Later, during the Pleistocene, glacial and fluvial processes eroded and transported these fossils into river gravels along the Thames Valley.

The fossil is preserved in flint, a silica-rich material that often forms within chalk. The process of silicification allows fine details of the echinoid’s test to be preserved with remarkable clarity. Flint echinoids are particularly sought-after for their durability and aesthetic appearance.

 

Taxonomy & Classification:

• Phylum: Echinodermata
• Class: Echinoidea
• Order: Echinoneoida
• Superfamily: Conulidea
• Family: Conulidae
• Genus: Conulus
• Species: Undetermined

 

Morphological Features:

This Conulus specimen retains classic features despite flint preservation:

• Sub-pentagonal, slightly heart-shaped test
• Smooth upper surface with weakly defined ambulacra
• Gently domed aboral side and flatter oral side
• Central apical region and anterior mouth

These sea urchins were semi-infaunal, likely living partially buried in soft marine sediment and feeding as deposit feeders.

 

Notable Aspects:

• Unusual flint preservation, more durable than chalk matrix
• A fossil that has survived two depositional events: marine and fluvial
• Collected from the historic Thames Terrace gravels of Essex
• Fascinating crossover between Cretaceous marine life and Pleistocene geology
• Ideal for collectors, educators, and natural history enthusiasts

 

Why Buy From Us?

• All fossils are 100% genuine and natural
• Includes a Certificate of Authenticity
• The specimen pictured is the one you’ll receive
• Fast dispatch and secure packaging

Add a striking and scientifically intriguing flint echinoid to your collection with this Conulus from the Thames Gravels — a rare fusion of Cretaceous seas and Ice Age rivers.