Ichthyosaur Bone Fossil Reptile Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Jurassic Coast Lyme Regis Dorset UK

Description

Authentic Ichthyosaur Bone Fossil

This listing features a genuine Ichthyosaur bone fossil, recovered from the world-renowned Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias, Jurassic Coast: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Dated to the Early Jurassic period (approximately 190–200 million years ago), this specimen provides a fascinating link to one of the most iconic marine reptiles of prehistory.

Your fossil was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, on the 15th of September 2025 and has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to ensure its preservation and display quality. The photographs show the exact piece you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for reference. As with all our fossils, this specimen comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuine origin.

Geological Context

The fossil originates from the Black Ven Marls, a unit of the Lower Lias Formation, which forms part of the internationally famous Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. These dark, fossil-rich clays and shales were deposited in a shallow marine environment during the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian–Hettangian stages), a time when seas covered much of southern England.

The fine-grained sediments of the Lower Lias provided ideal conditions for the preservation of marine reptiles, ammonites, belemnites, and fish. Fossils from Charmouth and Lyme Regis are celebrated for their scientific importance and historical significance, with many early discoveries made in this region by pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning.

About Ichthyosaurs

Ichthyosaurs were marine reptiles belonging to the order Ichthyosauria, which first appeared in the Triassic and thrived throughout the Jurassic seas. Their streamlined, dolphin-like bodies, elongated snouts, and large eyes adapted them perfectly to life in the ocean.

These predators hunted squid, fish, and ammonites, using their powerful tails to swim with speed and precision. Unlike most reptiles, ichthyosaurs gave birth to live young in the sea, an adaptation that allowed them to remain fully marine throughout their lives.

Features of the Fossil Bone

This specimen is a beautifully preserved example of an ichthyosaur bone, showcasing:

• Distinct mineralised texture, typical of Lower Lias preservation.
• Clear fossilised bone structure, retaining anatomical features.
• Stable preparation, ready for handling, display, or study.
• A tactile, three-dimensional quality that highlights the skeletal framework of Jurassic marine reptiles.

The bone may have formed part of the ichthyosaur’s axial skeleton or limb structure, integral to its movement through the Jurassic seas.

Collector and Scientific Value

Ichthyosaur bones from the Charmouth–Lyme Regis region are prized by collectors and researchers alike due to their combination of excellent preservation and rich historical background. Each fossil represents not only a piece of natural history but also a contribution to the legacy of palaeontology in Britain.

This specimen, prepared with care and precision, makes a striking addition to any fossil collection, educational display, or natural history showcase. It is both a scientific relic and a tangible connection to the Jurassic world.

A Piece of the Jurassic Coast

This ichthyosaur bone is more than just a fossil – it is a direct link to the Jurassic Coast, a site of global geological importance and a treasure trove of prehistoric life. Owning this fossil allows you to hold a fragment of deep time, representing an animal that once swam the ancient seas of Dorset nearly 200 million years ago.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.