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Neptunea contraria fossil gastropod – rare left-handed whelk – red crag pliocene fossil – walton-on-the-naze, essex uk
Neptunea contraria fossil gastropod – rare left-handed whelk – red crag pliocene fossil – walton-on-the-naze, essex uk - Image 2

Neptunea contraria fossil gastropod – rare left-handed whelk – red crag pliocene fossil – walton-on-the-naze, essex uk

Original price was: £24.00.Current price is: £21.60.

This listing features a beautiful and scientifically notable Neptunea contraria fossil gastropod, discovered in the Red Crag Formation of Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, UK. Dating to the Pliocene Epoch (~2.6 to 5 million years ago), this fossil represents a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s prehistoric marine ecosystems.

Neptunea contraria is a large marine snail notable for its rare sinistral (left-coiling) shell—an unusual trait in gastropods, which typically exhibit dextral (right-handed) coiling. This reversed spiral pattern makes Neptunea contraria highly prized among collectors and fossil enthusiasts alike.

The Red Crag Formation, where this specimen was found, is composed of shelly sands laid down in warm, shallow seas that once covered parts of southeast England during the Pliocene. It is one of the UK’s most fossiliferous marine deposits, yielding a wide array of molluscs, corals, and vertebrate remains.

This gastropod fossil displays its classic spiral morphology, and its preservation in flinty sediments typical of the Red Crag adds to its visual and scientific interest. These fossils are increasingly rare due to coastal erosion and limited access to key fossil-bearing horizons.

Item Details:

  • Specimen: Neptunea contraria (Gastropod Shell Fossil)
  • Age: Pliocene Epoch (~2.6–5 million years ago)
  • Geological Formation: Red Crag Formation
  • Location Found: Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, UK
  • Scale Reference: Scale cube/squares = 1cm (please see photo for full sizing)
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included
  • Discovery Date: Found by our own team members Alister and Alison on 29 March 2025, and professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

The image shows the exact specimen you will receive. The fossil has been carefully chosen for quality and preservation, with all photography done in-house. Measurements are as accurate as possible, but keep in mind slight variations may occur due to the irregular natural shape of fossils.

Please Note:

  • Some fossils may be gently propped for photography.
  • Colour may vary slightly due to lighting and device display.
  • Once this item is sold, a new, similarly selected fossil will be listed with fresh photos and details.

100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF3083 Category:

Description

This listing features a beautiful and scientifically notable Neptunea contraria fossil gastropod, discovered in the Red Crag Formation of Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, UK. Dating to the Pliocene Epoch (~2.6 to 5 million years ago), this fossil represents a fascinating glimpse into Britain’s prehistoric marine ecosystems.

Neptunea contraria is a large marine snail notable for its rare sinistral (left-coiling) shell—an unusual trait in gastropods, which typically exhibit dextral (right-handed) coiling. This reversed spiral pattern makes Neptunea contraria highly prized among collectors and fossil enthusiasts alike.

The Red Crag Formation, where this specimen was found, is composed of shelly sands laid down in warm, shallow seas that once covered parts of southeast England during the Pliocene. It is one of the UK’s most fossiliferous marine deposits, yielding a wide array of molluscs, corals, and vertebrate remains.

This gastropod fossil displays its classic spiral morphology, and its preservation in flinty sediments typical of the Red Crag adds to its visual and scientific interest. These fossils are increasingly rare due to coastal erosion and limited access to key fossil-bearing horizons.

Item Details:

  • Specimen: Neptunea contraria (Gastropod Shell Fossil)
  • Age: Pliocene Epoch (~2.6–5 million years ago)
  • Geological Formation: Red Crag Formation
  • Location Found: Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex, UK
  • Scale Reference: Scale cube/squares = 1cm (please see photo for full sizing)
  • Certificate of Authenticity: Included
  • Discovery Date: Found by our own team members Alister and Alison on 29 March 2025, and professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison

ACTUAL AS SEEN:

The image shows the exact specimen you will receive. The fossil has been carefully chosen for quality and preservation, with all photography done in-house. Measurements are as accurate as possible, but keep in mind slight variations may occur due to the irregular natural shape of fossils.

Please Note:

  • Some fossils may be gently propped for photography.
  • Colour may vary slightly due to lighting and device display.
  • Once this item is sold, a new, similarly selected fossil will be listed with fresh photos and details.

100% Genuine Fossil – Professionally Selected – Certificate of Authenticity Included

Additional information

Era

Pliocene
Origin

United Kingdom

Pliocene Information

The Pliocene Epoch (5.3–2.58 million years ago) was a time of cooling climates, marking the transition to the Ice Ages of the Pleistocene. Grasslands and savannas expanded as forests shrank, driving the evolution of large grazing mammals like early horses, antelope, and elephants. The first modern mammals and birds became widespread, and early hominins, including Australopithecus, began walking upright in Africa. In the oceans, whales and seals thrived, while the Isthmus of Panama formed, connecting North and South America and altering ocean currents, which contributed to further global cooling. The Pliocene set the stage for both the Ice Ages and the eventual rise of modern humans.

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