Description
Genuine Lithostrotion Fossil Coral from Somerset, UK
An authentic Lithostrotion fossil coral preserved within Carboniferous Limestone from Middle Hope, Somerset, United Kingdom. This remarkable fossil dates to the Lower Carboniferous period and represents part of an ancient coral reef ecosystem that flourished in warm tropical seas over 330 million years ago.
This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive. Full sizing please see photo.
Your specimen was discovered by our own team members, Alister and Alison, and has been carefully cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison to preserve the natural fossil structure and long-term condition of the specimen.
About Lithostrotion Coral
Lithostrotion is an extinct genus of colonial rugose coral belonging to the Order Rugosa, commonly known as horn corals. These corals were major reef-building organisms during the Carboniferous period and are among the most recognisable fossils found within British Carboniferous Limestone deposits.
Unlike modern corals, rugose corals possessed calcite skeletons with highly distinctive internal structures. Lithostrotion formed large colonial masses composed of tightly packed individual coral corallites, often creating spectacular honeycomb-like patterns visible in cross-section.
The fossil commonly displays beautifully preserved septa and tabulae — internal skeletal structures that supported the living coral polyps. These geometric patterns make Lithostrotion highly desirable among fossil collectors and natural history enthusiasts.
During life, colonies of Lithostrotion thrived in warm, shallow tropical seas that covered large areas of Britain during the Lower Carboniferous. These coral communities contributed significantly to the formation of the limestone deposits now exposed across Somerset and other parts of the United Kingdom.
Geological Formation and Carboniferous Environment
This specimen originates from the Carboniferous Limestone exposures at Middle Hope, Somerset, a classic British geological locality renowned for exceptionally preserved marine fossils.
The Lower Carboniferous period was characterised by extensive shallow carbonate seas situated near the equator. Warm, clear marine waters allowed reef ecosystems to flourish, supporting corals, crinoids, brachiopods, trilobites and many other marine organisms.
Over millions of years, accumulated skeletal remains from reef communities became compacted and lithified into thick limestone formations. Fossils from these deposits provide an extraordinary glimpse into prehistoric marine ecosystems that existed long before the age of dinosaurs.
Middle Hope forms part of a geologically important coastal area where Carboniferous strata are well exposed and highly fossiliferous.
Fossil Preservation and Natural Detail
This genuine Lithostrotion coral fossil has been professionally prepared to reveal the intricate natural coral structure while preserving the integrity of the surrounding limestone matrix. The specimen may display detailed corallite patterns, septal divisions and natural mineralisation developed during fossilisation.
Each specimen is completely unique, with natural variations in colouration, preservation and skeletal detail resulting from geological processes acting over hundreds of millions of years.
No replicas or artificial casts are involved. The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive.
The careful preparation by Alison ensures the fossil remains stable and suitable for long-term collecting, display and study.
A Classic British Fossil Specimen
Lithostrotion fossils are among the most iconic fossils of the British Carboniferous and remain highly sought after by collectors due to their age, beauty and scientific significance.
This specimen is ideal for:
- Fossil collectors
- Carboniferous fossil collections
- Coral fossil collections
- British geology collections
- Educational displays
- Natural history enthusiasts
- Marine fossil collections
- Geological study collections
The attractive natural patterns and ancient reef origins make these fossils particularly eye-catching display pieces.
Certificate of Authenticity Included
All of our fossils are guaranteed 100% genuine specimens and include a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. We personally recover many of our fossils from UK localities and professionally prepare them in-house to ensure authenticity and quality.
The fossil photographed is the exact specimen you will receive, making this a unique and genuine piece of prehistoric marine history from the famous Carboniferous Limestone deposits of Somerset, England.
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