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Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid Cretaceous Chalk Kent UK with Certificate Authentic

Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid Cretaceous Chalk Kent UK with Certificate Authentic

£18.00

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Selling Title

Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid Cretaceous Chalk Kent UK with Certificate Authentic

Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid from Cretaceous Chalk Kent UK Genuine Sea Urchin Fossil

Long Description

Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid from Kent, UK

This is a genuine Micraster coranguinum fossil echinoid, collected from the Cretaceous chalk deposits of Kent, England. A highly recognisable species due to its classic heart-shaped test, M. coranguinum is one of the most iconic and scientifically important echinoids of the Late Cretaceous period. The specimen offered here is the exact one pictured, photographed with a 1 cm scale cube to give a clear indication of size. Like all of our fossils, it is 100% authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context and Formation

This fossil dates from the Upper Cretaceous, specifically around 89–83 million years ago, during the Turonian to Coniacian stages. At that time, what is now Kent was submerged beneath a warm, shallow epicontinental sea. The accumulation of microscopic coccolithophores over millions of years produced vast chalk deposits, forming the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and other outcrops throughout southern England.

Within these chalk sediments, Micraster coranguinum lived and thrived. Their fossilised remains are key markers within the chalk stratigraphy and provide invaluable insights into the paleoenvironments of the Late Cretaceous seas.

Species and Classification

  • Genus: Micraster
  • Species: coranguinum
  • Class: Echinoidea
  • Order: Spatangoida
  • Family: Micrasteridae

As an irregular echinoid belonging to the spatangoids, Micraster coranguinum differs significantly from the regular sea urchins still living today. Its asymmetry and adaptation to a burrowing lifestyle make it a striking and unique fossil.

Morphological Features

This Micraster coranguinum fossil echinoid displays classic diagnostic features, including:

  • Heart-shaped Test: A characteristic outline with a distinct anterior groove.
  • Petaloid Ambulacra: Five petal-like grooves on the dorsal surface, which housed tube feet for respiration.
  • Peristome (Mouth): Positioned toward the front, adapted for feeding within sediment.
  • Periproct (Anus): Located on the posterior margin, typical of irregular echinoids.
  • Adaptations for Burrowing: A slightly flattened underside that enabled semi-infaunal living within soft chalk mud.

These features reflect the evolutionary adaptations that allowed Micraster to colonise chalk seabeds successfully, making it one of the most abundant and important echinoids of its time.

Scientific and Stratigraphic Importance

Micraster coranguinum is of particular value to paleontologists as a biostratigraphic index fossil. Its presence helps geologists precisely date chalk strata, making it indispensable for understanding the geological record of the Cretaceous in Europe. Evolutionary changes within the genus Micraster also provide a rare opportunity to study gradual morphological adaptations across millions of years.

Collector and Display Value

This specimen is not only scientifically significant but also highly attractive as a display piece. The symmetry and distinctive heart-shape make it visually appealing, while its chalk-white preservation connects it directly to the famous geological landscapes of southern England.

  • Collectors value it for its role in stratigraphy and evolutionary studies.
  • Educational Use makes it a superb teaching aid for illustrating both Cretaceous paleoenvironments and evolutionary biology.
  • Decorative Appeal ensures it stands out as a striking natural history display item.

Authenticity and Guarantee

This specimen is a carefully selected fossil from Kent, UK, and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. All our fossils are genuine, responsibly sourced, and prepared to a high standard for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts.

Key Information

  • Fossil Type: Echinoid (Sea Urchin)
  • Species: Micraster coranguinum
  • Age: Upper Cretaceous (c. 89–83 million years old)
  • Geological Unit: Chalk
  • Location: Kent, United Kingdom
  • Order: Spatangoida
  • Family: Micrasteridae
  • Condition: Well-preserved fossil echinoid with diagnostic heart-shaped form
  • Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This Micraster coranguinum fossil echinoid from Kent is a rare opportunity to own a scientifically important and visually distinctive fossil, connecting you directly to the marine life of the Late Cretaceous seas of England.

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Description

ChatGPT said:

Selling Title

Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid Cretaceous Chalk Kent UK with Certificate Authentic

Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid from Cretaceous Chalk Kent UK Genuine Sea Urchin Fossil

Long Description

Micraster coranguinum Fossil Echinoid from Kent, UK

This is a genuine Micraster coranguinum fossil echinoid, collected from the Cretaceous chalk deposits of Kent, England. A highly recognisable species due to its classic heart-shaped test, M. coranguinum is one of the most iconic and scientifically important echinoids of the Late Cretaceous period. The specimen offered here is the exact one pictured, photographed with a 1 cm scale cube to give a clear indication of size. Like all of our fossils, it is 100% authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context and Formation

This fossil dates from the Upper Cretaceous, specifically around 89–83 million years ago, during the Turonian to Coniacian stages. At that time, what is now Kent was submerged beneath a warm, shallow epicontinental sea. The accumulation of microscopic coccolithophores over millions of years produced vast chalk deposits, forming the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and other outcrops throughout southern England.

Within these chalk sediments, Micraster coranguinum lived and thrived. Their fossilised remains are key markers within the chalk stratigraphy and provide invaluable insights into the paleoenvironments of the Late Cretaceous seas.

Species and Classification

  • Genus: Micraster
  • Species: coranguinum
  • Class: Echinoidea
  • Order: Spatangoida
  • Family: Micrasteridae

As an irregular echinoid belonging to the spatangoids, Micraster coranguinum differs significantly from the regular sea urchins still living today. Its asymmetry and adaptation to a burrowing lifestyle make it a striking and unique fossil.

Morphological Features

This Micraster coranguinum fossil echinoid displays classic diagnostic features, including:

  • Heart-shaped Test: A characteristic outline with a distinct anterior groove.
  • Petaloid Ambulacra: Five petal-like grooves on the dorsal surface, which housed tube feet for respiration.
  • Peristome (Mouth): Positioned toward the front, adapted for feeding within sediment.
  • Periproct (Anus): Located on the posterior margin, typical of irregular echinoids.
  • Adaptations for Burrowing: A slightly flattened underside that enabled semi-infaunal living within soft chalk mud.

These features reflect the evolutionary adaptations that allowed Micraster to colonise chalk seabeds successfully, making it one of the most abundant and important echinoids of its time.

Scientific and Stratigraphic Importance

Micraster coranguinum is of particular value to paleontologists as a biostratigraphic index fossil. Its presence helps geologists precisely date chalk strata, making it indispensable for understanding the geological record of the Cretaceous in Europe. Evolutionary changes within the genus Micraster also provide a rare opportunity to study gradual morphological adaptations across millions of years.

Collector and Display Value

This specimen is not only scientifically significant but also highly attractive as a display piece. The symmetry and distinctive heart-shape make it visually appealing, while its chalk-white preservation connects it directly to the famous geological landscapes of southern England.

  • Collectors value it for its role in stratigraphy and evolutionary studies.
  • Educational Use makes it a superb teaching aid for illustrating both Cretaceous paleoenvironments and evolutionary biology.
  • Decorative Appeal ensures it stands out as a striking natural history display item.

Authenticity and Guarantee

This specimen is a carefully selected fossil from Kent, UK, and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. All our fossils are genuine, responsibly sourced, and prepared to a high standard for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts.

Key Information

  • Fossil Type: Echinoid (Sea Urchin)
  • Species: Micraster coranguinum
  • Age: Upper Cretaceous (c. 89–83 million years old)
  • Geological Unit: Chalk
  • Location: Kent, United Kingdom
  • Order: Spatangoida
  • Family: Micrasteridae
  • Condition: Well-preserved fossil echinoid with diagnostic heart-shaped form
  • Authenticity: Guaranteed with Certificate of Authenticity

This Micraster coranguinum fossil echinoid from Kent is a rare opportunity to own a scientifically important and visually distinctive fossil, connecting you directly to the marine life of the Late Cretaceous seas of England.

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