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 features a genuine large fossil reptile bone preserved in a natural block from the world-famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK. Originating from the Westbury Formation of the Penarth Group, this specimen dates to the Upper Triassic period (approximately 215–201 million years ago). The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, and a 1 cm scale cube is included for accurate size reference.

Discovered on 07 April 2025 by our own field team, Alister and Alison, the fossil has been expertly cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to reveal its natural detail and ensure its long-term preservation. As with all our fossils, this piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and authenticity.

Geological Setting and Age

Aust Cliff is one of the UK’s most important Upper Triassic fossil localities. The Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, is especially renowned for its dense accumulations of vertebrate fossils. These bone-rich layers formed in shallow marine and lagoonal environments, where the remains of fish, reptiles, and other vertebrates were swept together, deposited, and preserved within dark shales and limestones.

The unique conditions at Aust Cliff led to the exceptional preservation of reptile bones, coprolites, and fish remains. These fossils offer a rare and valuable glimpse into the life of late Triassic ecosystems, just before the dramatic evolutionary transition into the Jurassic period.

Fossil Features – Large Reptile Bone

This specimen contains a substantial fragment of reptile bone embedded naturally within its shale matrix. Its size and robust structure indicate it likely belonged to a sizeable marine or semi-aquatic reptile such as an ichthyosaur or phytosaur, both of which are known from the Upper Triassic deposits of Britain.

The fossil shows characteristic mineralisation typical of Aust Cliff specimens, with surface texture that reflects the original bone structure. Large reptile bones of this quality are much rarer than smaller fragments and add considerable scientific and collector value.

Scientific and Collector Significance

Fossils from the Aust Cliff Westbury Formation are highly prized by collectors and palaeontologists alike. The combination of fish, reptile bones, and coprolites found in these beds makes them uniquely important for reconstructing Triassic ecosystems. Large reptile bones, such as the one offered here, represent some of the most impressive finds from this locality and are direct evidence of the sizeable marine reptiles that inhabited these coastal waters over 200 million years ago.

Collectors value these fossils for their rarity, provenance, and scientific importance. This specimen provides an authentic opportunity to own a significant vertebrate fossil from a classic UK site, suitable for private collections, museums, or educational use.

A Rare Opportunity to Own a Triassic Reptile Fossil

This large fossil reptile bone block captures a moment from the Upper Triassic seas of Britain, preserving the remains of a prehistoric reptile in a way that is both visually striking and scientifically informative. With its clear provenance, careful preparation, and Certificate of Authenticity, it represents a unique and genuine piece of natural history.

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