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

Description

Genuine Ichthyosaur Vertebra Fossil – Jurassic Marine Reptile Bone from Lyme Regis

Offered here is an authentic Ichthyosaur fossil vertebra, a striking piece of prehistoric marine reptile anatomy from the world-famous Jurassic Coast of Dorset, England. This specimen comes from the renowned Black Ven Marls, collected at Black Ven, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, one of the most productive fossil marine reptile localities in Europe.

This is a carefully chosen vertebra specimen, selected for its preservation quality, collectability, and strong display character. 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 vertebra includes a Certificate of Authenticity with lifetime guarantee, supplied as a generic authenticity card for permanent documentation and peace of mind.

This specimen was discovered by our own experienced team members, Alister and Alison, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, ensuring it is stable, well-presented, and ready for collection or display.

Geological Setting – Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias Formation

This fossil originates from the famous Black Ven Marls, part of the Lower Lias Group, dating to the Early Jurassic approximately 190–200 million years ago. During this period, southern Britain was submerged beneath a warm, shallow sea teeming with ammonites, fish, and large marine reptiles.

The marls and shales of Black Ven were deposited in a quiet offshore environment where fine sediments settled on the seabed. These low-oxygen conditions allowed bones and shells to fossilise exceptionally well, making Lyme Regis and Charmouth internationally celebrated for fossil discoveries.

The cliffs of Black Ven are among the most famous fossil-bearing exposures on Earth, associated with iconic finds of ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, and other Jurassic marine life.

Fossil Type – Ichthyosaur Marine Reptile Vertebra

Ichthyosaurs were highly adapted marine reptiles that dominated Jurassic seas, resembling modern dolphins in body shape and swimming style. They were fast predators, feeding on fish and squid in the open oceans.

The vertebra is one of the most characteristic and durable skeletal elements of ichthyosaurs, often preserved as robust disc-shaped bones that formed the spinal column. Fossil vertebrae provide direct evidence of these animals’ powerful swimming adaptations, supporting their streamlined bodies and strong tail propulsion.

This specimen represents a genuine piece of Jurassic vertebrate palaeontology, connecting directly to the marine reptiles that ruled the seas long before dinosaurs became dominant on land.

Morphology and Preservation Features

This vertebra fossil preserves the natural cylindrical form typical of ichthyosaur spinal bones. Specimens from Black Ven often retain excellent surface texture and density due to mineral replacement during fossilisation.

The fossil has been carefully cleaned and prepared to highlight anatomical features while maintaining its authentic Jurassic matrix character. Vertebrae make outstanding display fossils because they are instantly recognisable, tactile, and scientifically significant.

Each bone tells part of the story of a marine reptile that swam in ancient Dorset seas nearly 200 million years ago.

Provenance, Preparation and Authenticity

This is a 100% genuine ichthyosaur vertebra fossil, responsibly collected from Black Ven by Alister and Alison, and expertly prepared by Alison for long-term stability and display.

A lifetime Certificate of Authenticity is included with every purchase for complete buyer confidence.

Ideal For Collectors, Displays and Unique Gifts

This specimen is perfect for:

• Jurassic marine reptile fossil collectors
• Lyme Regis and Charmouth fossil enthusiasts
• Natural history and geology displays
• Educational vertebrate palaeontology teaching pieces
• Unique prehistoric gifts with real provenance

A rare opportunity to own an authentic ichthyosaur vertebra from the legendary Black Ven cliffs of Dorset, preserved from an ancient sea nearly 200 million years old and professionally prepared with lifetime authenticity guarantee.