Ichthyosaur Coracoid Bone Fossil Jurassic Marine Reptile Blue Lias Somerset UK Quantoxhead Specimen Genuine COA Included

Description

Genuine Ichthyosaur Coracoid Fossil – Jurassic Marine Reptile Bone from Somerset, UK

Offered here is an authentic Ichthyosaur fossil partial coracoid bone, a rare and scientifically interesting skeletal element from one of the most iconic marine reptiles of the Jurassic seas. This specimen originates from the famous Blue Lias Formation at Quantoxhead, Somerset, England, a classic British locality renowned for early Jurassic marine reptile remains.

This is a carefully chosen specimen, selected for its preservation quality, anatomical interest, and natural display appeal. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with full sizing details clearly visible in the provided images.

Every fossil we offer is a genuine specimen, and this piece includes a Certificate of Authenticity with lifetime guarantee, supplied as a generic authenticity card for permanent documentation and buyer confidence.

Importantly, this specimen was discovered by our own experienced team members, Alister and Alison, on 15 January 2026, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, ensuring excellent presentation and long-term stability.

Geological Setting – Blue Lias Formation, Early Jurassic

This fossil comes from the world-famous Blue Lias, a sequence of alternating limestones and shales dating to the Early Jurassic, approximately 200 million years ago. During this period, Somerset lay beneath a warm shallow sea filled with ammonites, fish, and large marine reptiles.

The Blue Lias is internationally known for preserving a rich marine fauna, including some of Britain’s most important ichthyosaur discoveries. The sediments formed in relatively quiet offshore conditions, where rapid burial in fine muds helped protect bones from destruction and allowed fossilisation to occur in exceptional detail.

Quantoxhead is one of the key coastal exposures of the Blue Lias and remains a productive locality for high-quality marine reptile fossils.

Fossil Type – Ichthyosaur Partial Coracoid Bone

Ichthyosaurs were highly specialised marine reptiles that dominated Jurassic oceans, resembling modern dolphins in body form and swimming style. They were powerful predators, feeding on fish and squid in open marine environments.

The coracoid is an important component of the pectoral (shoulder) girdle, helping support the forelimbs or flippers. In ichthyosaurs, the coracoid played a vital structural role, anchoring muscles used for steering and stabilising the animal in the water.

Coracoid fossils are less commonly encountered than vertebrae, making this partial bone an especially desirable specimen for collectors interested in Jurassic marine reptile anatomy.

Morphology and Preservation Features

This specimen preserves part of the original coracoid structure, fossilised within its natural Blue Lias matrix. The bone displays authentic Jurassic mineral preservation, offering a tangible connection to the powerful swimming adaptations of ichthyosaurs.

The fossil has been carefully prepared to reveal anatomical detail while maintaining its genuine character. Partial bones such as this are highly valued because they provide insight into the skeletal framework beyond the more commonly seen vertebrae, representing a rarer aspect of marine reptile palaeontology.

Discovery, Preparation and Authenticity

This is a 100% genuine ichthyosaur coracoid fossil, responsibly collected from Quantoxhead by Alister and Alison and expertly cleaned and stabilised by Alison for long-term preservation.

A lifetime Certificate of Authenticity is included with every purchase, ensuring confidence and provenance.

Ideal For Collectors, Displays and Education

This specimen is perfect for:

• Jurassic marine reptile fossil collectors
• Ichthyosaur anatomy enthusiasts
• Natural history and geology displays
• Educational teaching specimens of vertebrate palaeontology
• Unique prehistoric gifts with real discovery provenance

A rare opportunity to own an authentic ichthyosaur coracoid bone from the famous Blue Lias of Somerset, discovered and prepared by our own expert team and preserved from an ancient sea over 200 million years old.