Large Fossil Reptile Bone Block Famous Fish Reptile Coprolite Bed Aust Cliff Westbury Formation Penarth Group Upper Triassic UK

Description

Authentic Large Fossil Reptile Bone from Aust Cliff

This listing presents a rare and impressive large fossil reptile bone preserved in a block from the famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed of Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK. Collected from the Westbury Formation within the Penarth Group, this specimen dates to the Upper Triassic period, approximately 215–201 million years ago. The fossil shown in the photographs is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube provided for reference.

The specimen was discovered on 07 April 2025 by our own team members, Alister and Alison. Following collection, it was professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to reveal the maximum amount of scientific detail while ensuring its long-term preservation. As with all our specimens, it comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity, confirming its provenance and genuine nature.

Geological Provenance and Age

Aust Cliff is one of the most celebrated Upper Triassic fossil sites in the UK. The Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, is a bone-rich layer renowned for its dense accumulation of vertebrate remains. The deposit was formed in a shallow coastal to lagoonal environment, where the remains of marine and terrestrial animals were washed together, buried, and preserved within dark shales and limestones.

This bed is particularly notable for its abundance of reptile remains, coprolites, and fish fossils, all of which provide crucial insight into the ecosystems of the late Triassic period. The preservation of large reptile bones within this deposit highlights the presence of sizeable marine and semi-aquatic reptiles living in these waters just before the dawn of the Jurassic.

Fossil Features – Large Reptile Bone

This specimen consists of a large fragment of reptile bone, embedded naturally within its host block. The size, structure, and density of the fossil suggest it may derive from a marine reptile such as an ichthyosaur or a crocodile-like phytosaur, both groups being known from the Upper Triassic of Europe. The surface detail of the bone reveals characteristic fossilised texture, with mineralisation typical of specimens from Aust Cliff.

Such bones provide valuable information about the anatomy and biology of Triassic reptiles. They are also important for reconstructing palaeoecology, offering a direct link to the vertebrate faunas that thrived in coastal and estuarine environments over 200 million years ago.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Blocks containing large reptile bones from Aust Cliff are highly sought after because of their rarity and association with one of Britain’s most famous fossil beds. They serve as an important reminder of the diverse faunas that lived at the end of the Triassic, a time of significant evolutionary transition that set the stage for the dominance of dinosaurs and marine reptiles in the Jurassic.

For collectors, this specimen offers both aesthetic appeal and scientific authenticity. Its well-documented provenance adds to its value, making it suitable for private collections, educational use, or display in museums and teaching institutions.

A Unique Piece of Natural History

This large fossil reptile bone block represents a tangible piece of Earth’s deep past. Its size and preservation make it an outstanding addition to any collection, whether for display, study, or educational purposes. With its strong connection to the famous Aust Cliff fossil site and its clear Triassic heritage, it is a rare opportunity to own an authentic vertebrate fossil of significant scientific interest.

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