Huge Pliosaur Vertebra Fossil 5.67 inch Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Dorset Specimen: Weymouth Marine Reptile Bone Premium COA

Description

Huge Genuine Pliosaur Vertebra Fossil from Dorset

This huge 5.67 inch pliosaur vertebra is a genuine fossil marine reptile bone from the famous Kimmeridge Clay Formation of Dorset, UK. Found at Smallmouth, Weymouth, this impressive specimen dates from the Upper Jurassic, Kimmeridgian stage, a time when powerful marine reptiles dominated the ancient seas that covered much of southern Britain.

The fossil is a carefully chosen piece, and the photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive. Full sizing can be seen in the photo. This specimen includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity, making it an excellent addition for collectors of British fossils, marine reptile fossils, Jurassic fossils and display-grade natural history specimens.

Fossil Type and Pliosaur Anatomy

Pliosaurs were large predatory marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria. Unlike long-necked plesiosaurs, pliosaurs typically had large skulls, powerful jaws, strong bodies, short necks and four paddle-like limbs. They were among the apex predators of the Jurassic seas, feeding on fish, cephalopods and other marine reptiles.

This fossil is a vertebra, part of the backbone that supported the animal’s body and helped transmit movement through the spine. Pliosaur vertebrae are highly collectable because they represent a direct skeletal element from one of the most formidable predators of the Mesozoic oceans. A large vertebra such as this has strong display appeal and provides a tangible connection to the anatomy of a powerful Jurassic marine reptile.

Vertebrae can show a range of important morphological features, including the central body of the bone, articular surfaces, natural bone texture and attachment areas where neural arches, ribs or surrounding structures were originally connected. The exact preservation and visible features can be seen in the photograph of the actual fossil.

Kimmeridge Clay Formation Geology

The Kimmeridge Clay Formation is one of the most famous fossil-bearing Jurassic formations in Britain. It consists mainly of dark marine mudstones, shales and clay-rich sediments deposited in a warm, shallow epicontinental sea. These oxygen-poor seabed conditions helped preserve a wide variety of fossils, including ammonites, fish, marine reptiles, bivalves, belemnites and occasional plant material.

The formation is especially important for its marine reptile fossils, including ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and pliosaurs. The fine-grained sediments of the Kimmeridge Clay often protected bones after burial, allowing impressive vertebrae, limb bones, teeth and other skeletal remains to fossilise over millions of years.

Age, Stage and Location

This fossil comes from the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridgian stage, making it approximately 152 to 157 million years old. The Kimmeridgian was a key interval of Late Jurassic marine life, with rich ecosystems supported by fish, ammonites, belemnites and other prey species. Large pliosaurs occupied the top of the food chain in these seas.

Smallmouth, Weymouth, in Dorset, lies within one of the most celebrated fossil regions in the UK. The Dorset coast is internationally recognised for its Jurassic geology, and fossils from this area are valued for their scientific interest, strong provenance and historical connection to British palaeontology.

Display and Collectability

At 5.67 inches, this is a substantial pliosaur vertebra fossil with excellent collector appeal. Marine reptile bones from the Kimmeridge Clay are sought after by fossil collectors because they combine impressive age, dramatic prehistoric association and classic British geological provenance. This specimen would suit a fossil cabinet, natural history display, educational collection, office display or museum-style collection.

The fossil is particularly appealing to collectors interested in Jurassic reptiles, pliosaurs, plesiosaurs, vertebrate fossils, Dorset fossils and Kimmeridge Clay specimens. Its large size and authentic origin make it a strong centrepiece fossil for any collection.

Authenticity and Premium Certificate

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a fully hand-signed Premium Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate provides added confidence in the specimen’s authenticity, origin and collectable status. The photo shows the actual fossil you will receive, so the form, preservation, colour and display character can be reviewed before purchase.