Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

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Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil Jurassic Dorset UK Genuine Marine Reptile Bone Charmouth Lyme Regis Lower Lias with COA
Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil Jurassic Dorset UK Genuine Marine Reptile Bone Charmouth Lyme Regis Lower Lias with COA - Image 2

Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil Jurassic Dorset UK Genuine Marine Reptile Bone Charmouth Lyme Regis Lower Lias with COA

£21.60

Authentic Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil from the Jurassic Coast

This is a genuine Ichthyosaur vertebra fossil recovered from the famous Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. The Jurassic Coast is one of the most celebrated fossil localities in the world, and this specimen represents a true piece of ancient marine reptile history. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully selected for its quality, structure, and visual appeal. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card, confirming its genuine origin.

Geological Age and Formation

This vertebra dates to the Early Jurassic period, approximately 199–190 million years ago, within the Lower Lias sequence. The Black Ven Marls consist of fine-grained marine sediments deposited in a calm, shallow sea environment. These conditions were ideal for preserving vertebrate remains, including those of ichthyosaurs, which lived and died in these ancient waters. The marl matrix helped protect skeletal elements from disturbance, allowing fossils like this vertebra to remain intact over millions of years.

Ichthyosaur Fossil – Marine Reptile Anatomy

Ichthyosaurs were fast-swimming marine reptiles that resembled modern dolphins in body shape, though they were reptiles rather than mammals. Belonging to the order Ichthyosauria, they were apex predators of the Early Jurassic seas. Vertebrae are among the most commonly preserved elements of ichthyosaur skeletons and provide valuable insight into their anatomy and movement.

This vertebra displays the classic biconcave (amphicoelous) structure typical of ichthyosaurs, where both ends of the centrum are concave. This design allowed for flexibility along the spine, aiding powerful swimming motion. The circular to slightly flattened disc shape is clearly visible, often with subtle surface texture preserved from the original bone structure.

Morphology and Preservation

The fossil exhibits the characteristic disc-like form of an ichthyosaur vertebral centrum, with well-defined edges and a natural surface texture. Preservation within the Black Ven Marls often results in a strong contrast between the fossil bone and surrounding matrix, enhancing its display quality. This specimen retains its natural form without excessive preparation, maintaining its authenticity and geological integrity.

Historic Location – Charmouth and Lyme Regis

Charmouth and Lyme Regis are globally renowned for their fossil-rich cliffs and beaches, forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The area has produced some of the most significant ichthyosaur discoveries in history, famously collected and studied since the early 19th century. Fossils from this region are highly valued due to their provenance, scientific importance, and connection to early palaeontology.

Depositional Environment and Fossilisation

During the Early Jurassic, southern England was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea teeming with life. Ichthyosaurs hunted fish and cephalopods in these waters. Upon death, remains would settle onto the seabed, where rapid burial by fine sediments limited decay and scavenging. Over time, mineralisation replaced organic material, preserving the bone as a fossil within the marl.

Display, Collection, and Educational Value

This Ichthyosaur vertebra is an excellent addition for collectors of marine reptile fossils, Jurassic specimens, or British palaeontology. Its recognisable structure makes it ideal for display, teaching, or as part of a curated fossil collection. Each specimen from this locality represents a direct connection to ancient marine ecosystems and the evolution of reptiles in the oceans.

Authenticity and Guarantee

This fossil is 100% genuine and not a replica. It comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card. The specimen has been carefully chosen, and the photographs show the exact item you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing and scale.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

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Description

Authentic Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil from the Jurassic Coast

This is a genuine Ichthyosaur vertebra fossil recovered from the famous Black Ven Marls of the Lower Lias, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. The Jurassic Coast is one of the most celebrated fossil localities in the world, and this specimen represents a true piece of ancient marine reptile history. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, carefully selected for its quality, structure, and visual appeal. It includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card, confirming its genuine origin.

Geological Age and Formation

This vertebra dates to the Early Jurassic period, approximately 199–190 million years ago, within the Lower Lias sequence. The Black Ven Marls consist of fine-grained marine sediments deposited in a calm, shallow sea environment. These conditions were ideal for preserving vertebrate remains, including those of ichthyosaurs, which lived and died in these ancient waters. The marl matrix helped protect skeletal elements from disturbance, allowing fossils like this vertebra to remain intact over millions of years.

Ichthyosaur Fossil – Marine Reptile Anatomy

Ichthyosaurs were fast-swimming marine reptiles that resembled modern dolphins in body shape, though they were reptiles rather than mammals. Belonging to the order Ichthyosauria, they were apex predators of the Early Jurassic seas. Vertebrae are among the most commonly preserved elements of ichthyosaur skeletons and provide valuable insight into their anatomy and movement.

This vertebra displays the classic biconcave (amphicoelous) structure typical of ichthyosaurs, where both ends of the centrum are concave. This design allowed for flexibility along the spine, aiding powerful swimming motion. The circular to slightly flattened disc shape is clearly visible, often with subtle surface texture preserved from the original bone structure.

Morphology and Preservation

The fossil exhibits the characteristic disc-like form of an ichthyosaur vertebral centrum, with well-defined edges and a natural surface texture. Preservation within the Black Ven Marls often results in a strong contrast between the fossil bone and surrounding matrix, enhancing its display quality. This specimen retains its natural form without excessive preparation, maintaining its authenticity and geological integrity.

Historic Location – Charmouth and Lyme Regis

Charmouth and Lyme Regis are globally renowned for their fossil-rich cliffs and beaches, forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. The area has produced some of the most significant ichthyosaur discoveries in history, famously collected and studied since the early 19th century. Fossils from this region are highly valued due to their provenance, scientific importance, and connection to early palaeontology.

Depositional Environment and Fossilisation

During the Early Jurassic, southern England was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea teeming with life. Ichthyosaurs hunted fish and cephalopods in these waters. Upon death, remains would settle onto the seabed, where rapid burial by fine sediments limited decay and scavenging. Over time, mineralisation replaced organic material, preserving the bone as a fossil within the marl.

Display, Collection, and Educational Value

This Ichthyosaur vertebra is an excellent addition for collectors of marine reptile fossils, Jurassic specimens, or British palaeontology. Its recognisable structure makes it ideal for display, teaching, or as part of a curated fossil collection. Each specimen from this locality represents a direct connection to ancient marine ecosystems and the evolution of reptiles in the oceans.

Authenticity and Guarantee

This fossil is 100% genuine and not a replica. It comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee card. The specimen has been carefully chosen, and the photographs show the exact item you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing and scale.

Additional information

Era

Jurassic
Origin

United Kingdom

Jurassic Information

The Jurassic Period (201–145 million years ago) was the golden age of dinosaurs, with iconic species like Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus dominating the land. It was a time of warm, humid climates, with high sea levels that created vast shallow seas, supporting abundant marine reptiles, ammonites, and early coral reefs. The first birds, such as Archaeopteryx, evolved from small theropod dinosaurs, while early mammals remained small and nocturnal. Lush forests of cycads, conifers, and ferns covered the land, providing food for giant herbivores. The breakup of the supercontinent Pangaea accelerated, shaping Earth's geography and setting the stage for the diverse ecosystems of the Cretaceous.

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