Hamites attenuatus Heteromorph Ammonite Fossil Albian Kent UK with COA

Description

This listing is for the exact genuine fossil shown in the photographs: a Hamites attenuatus heteromorph ammonite from the Gault Clay Formation at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. It dates from the Albian stage of the Lower Cretaceous and is supplied with our lifetime Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate records its identification, formation, age and locality, providing a permanent reference for your collection.

Hamites is one of the classic heteromorph ammonite genera. Unlike the familiar tightly coiled ammonites, heteromorph shells developed open curves, shafts and hook-like sections during growth. Hamites attenuatus is valued for this unusual morphology and provides a striking example of the evolutionary diversity achieved by Cretaceous cephalopods. Its distinctive form makes it highly suitable for comparison with conventionally coiled ammonites and gives the specimen both scientific and display appeal.

The Gault Clay Formation is one of Britain’s most famous fossil-bearing marine deposits. At Folkestone, fine dark clay accumulated on a relatively quiet seabed while southeastern England lay beneath the sea. Slow sedimentation preserved a diverse fauna including ammonites, bivalves, gastropods, crustaceans and other marine invertebrates. The cliffs and foreshore around Folkestone have become internationally important for studying Early Cretaceous life, and a specimen with this recorded locality carries excellent geological context.

The Albian is the final stage of the Early Cretaceous, spanning approximately 113 to 100.5 million years ago. Sea levels were rising and broad marine environments extended across Europe. Ammonites were cephalopod molluscs related to modern squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses. Their chambered shells helped regulate buoyancy while the animal occupied the last body chamber. The unusual shell shapes of heteromorph ammonites may have influenced their orientation and movement in the water, making them particularly interesting subjects for palaeobiological study.

Ammonite lineages evolved rapidly and many species were widely distributed. Palaeontologists therefore use them as index fossils to correlate and date marine rock layers. A fossil with an identified species, formation, stage and locality is more than a decorative object: it is a physical record of biological evolution and the geological history of Cretaceous Britain.

Please examine every photograph carefully because the images form an essential part of the description. You will receive the exact fossil pictured, not a stock example or a substitute. Natural matrix, surface texture, colour variation, incomplete shell areas, mineral deposits and small imperfections are normal characteristics of an authentic fossil and are shown honestly. For full sizing and proportions, please use the measuring reference visible in the photographs.

This Hamites attenuatus would suit a collector of British ammonites, Gault Clay fossils, heteromorph cephalopods or Early Cretaceous life. Its unusual shape also makes it an effective educational specimen for explaining ammonite growth, adaptation and diversity. It would make a thoughtful gift for a fossil collector, geology student or natural history enthusiast.

The specimen will be packed carefully for dispatch. Handle it gently and keep it in a stable, dry display environment. The included generic lifetime Certificate of Authenticity identifies it as Hamites attenuatus, records the Gault Clay Formation and Albian age, and gives Folkestone, Kent, UK as the locality. This is a genuine natural fossil with scientific, historic and display interest.