Fossil Vertebra & Large Reptile Bones – Upper Triassic Westbury Formation – Aust Cliff Bristol UK – Genuine with Certificate

Description

A substantial fossil block featuring vertebra and large bone fragments, originating from the famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. This exceptional specimen was discovered on 07 April 2025 by our skilled field team, Alister and Alison, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison.

This fossil comes from the Westbury Formation, a unit within the Penarth Group, dated to the Upper Triassic Period, specifically the Rhaetian Stage (~208 to 201 million years ago). Aust Cliff is one of Britain’s most productive Late Triassic fossil localities, celebrated for its layered beds rich in vertebrate fossils—including fish, early marine reptiles, and distinctive coprolites.

This particular block contains a clearly preserved vertebra (likely marine reptile or large fish origin) along with several large, fragmented fossil bones, possibly representing limb, rib, or cranial elements. These bones are embedded within a natural matrix, maintaining their authenticity and geological context.

The depositional environment of the Westbury Formation reflects a low-energy, coastal lagoon or estuarine setting, conducive to the preservation of diverse vertebrate remains. The specimen provides an extraordinary glimpse into Late Triassic life in a transitional marine-terrestrial ecosystem.

The listing includes high-resolution photography with a 1 cm scale cube, ensuring you receive the exact specimen shown.

Geological & Taxonomic Information:

• Possible Taxa: Marine reptiles (e.g., Placodonts, Nothosaurs) or large Triassic fishes
• Fossil Type: Vertebra and large skeletal bone fragments
• Geological Period: Triassic
• Stage: Rhaetian (Upper Triassic)
• Formation: Westbury Formation
• Group: Penarth Group
• Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, United Kingdom
• Depositional Environment: Nearshore lagoonal/estuarine, low-energy marine setting
• Notable Zone: Vertebrate and coprolite-rich fossil bed
• Morphology: Vertebra and long bone structures embedded in block matrix; some weathered surface texture

What You Receive:

• The exact fossil specimen shown in the photo
• A Certificate of Authenticity confirming 100% genuineness
• Professionally packaged and securely shipped

Perfect for collectors, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts.

Note: All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Scale cube = 1cm. Please see photo for exact dimensions.