Fossils for Sale - High-quality BRITISH and WORLDWIDE Fossils. An impressive selection of fossils, including Ammonites, Trilobites, Belemnites, Fossil Fish, Fossil Shark Teeth, Fossilised Insects in Amber, Dinosaurs, and Reptiles. UK Fossils was formed in 1988 and collects and preps our own fossils in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, collecting fossils from Lyme Regis, Charmouth and Somerset. Our passion for fossils is reflected in our carefully curated collection, which includes some of the rarest and most unique specimens available.

FREE UK DELIVERY - Save up to 60%

Sale!
Orthoceras Fossil Orthocone Wenlock Limestone Formation Silurian Wrens Nest UK | Genuine Specimen

Orthoceras Fossil Orthocone Wenlock Limestone Formation Silurian Wrens Nest UK | Genuine Specimen

Original price was: £42.00.Current price is: £35.70.

Own a genuine piece of Britain’s ancient marine heritage with this authentic Orthoceras fossil orthocone, discovered in the world-famous Wrens Nest site, part of the Wenlock Limestone Formation from the Wenlockian stage of the Silurian period. This fossil represents an extinct nautiloid cephalopod that once roamed the tropical seas covering the West Midlands over 420 million years ago.

Fossil Type: Orthocone Cephalopod

Genus: Orthoceras (in a broad sense; UK examples may await further taxonomic clarification)

Geological Period: Silurian (~443 to 419 million years ago)

Geological Stage: Wenlockian (specifically Wenlock Epoch, ~433 to 427 million years ago)

Formation: Wenlock Limestone Formation

Location: Wrens Nest, Dudley, West Midlands, UK

Scale Rule: Squares/Cube = 1cm (See photo for full sizing)

Specimen: The actual item shown is the specimen you will receive

Authenticity: All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity

Geological and Paleontological Information

Orthoceras is an extinct genus of straight-shelled nautiloid cephalopods, commonly found in Silurian marine limestones. Wrens Nest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), renowned for its rich and exceptionally preserved Silurian fossil fauna, especially trilobites, brachiopods, corals, and cephalopods like this specimen.

  • Phylum: Mollusca
  • Class: Cephalopoda
  • Order: Orthocerida
  • Family: Orthoceratidae
  • Superfamily: Orthocerataceae
  • Depositional Environment: Shallow warm marine shelf; limestone deposition under low-energy conditions conducive to fossil preservation
  • Morphological Features: Long, conical shell (orthocone) composed of multiple internal chambers (phragmocone) separated by curved septa; central or subcentral siphuncle used for buoyancy regulation; often displays subtle growth lines or ribbing on external shell surface
  • Notable: Wrens Nest is one of the most important Silurian fossil sites in the world. Cephalopods like Orthoceras provide key insights into early marine ecosystems and cephalopod evolution
  • Biozone: Likely correlated with graptolite or brachiopod biozones within the Wenlock Limestone, though exact placement requires detailed stratigraphy
  • Identifier: Early forms of Orthoceras were formally named in the 18th century; UK examples from Dudley may not always be classified to species level without further preparation

Why This Fossil is Special

This fossil is more than a geological curiosity—it’s part of a site that has contributed greatly to the development of geological science. Wrens Nest was instrumental in the early study of stratigraphy and paleontology. The well-preserved phragmocone and historical provenance make this piece ideal for collectors and educators alike.

Why Buy From Us?

  • 100% genuine fossil with Certificate of Authenticity
  • Exact specimen in photo is what you will receive
  • Carefully selected from scientifically significant UK sites
  • Ideal for display, teaching, or private collections

Bring home a remarkable relic from the ancient Silurian seas of Britain with this Orthoceras fossil orthocone from Wrens Nest, Dudley — a stunning addition to any fossil collection or natural history display.

(Actual as seen)

Only 1 left in stock

SKU: UF3370 Category:

Description

Fossil Identification

This Orthoceras fossil orthocone is identified with the Wenlock Limestone Formation, Wenlockian stage of the Silurian. The locality wording supplied for this specimen is: Wrens Nest Dudley West Midlands UK. It is a distinctive geological specimen for fossil collectors, natural history displays, educational collections and anyone interested in the ancient marine life preserved in British limestone.

An orthocone is a straight, cone-shaped shell form associated with extinct cephalopods. Unlike coiled cephalopod shells, an orthocone extends in a generally linear direction, creating the characteristic tapered fossil profile associated with this type of specimen. Orthoceras fossils are valued by collectors for their connection with early marine ecosystems and for the way fossilised shell structures record life in the geological past.

Geological Context

The Wenlockian belongs to the Silurian Period, a major interval in Earth history known for the development and diversification of marine organisms. The Wenlock Limestone Formation is associated with the Silurian geology of the Dudley area in the West Midlands. Wrens Nest is a well-known geological locality, making this specimen particularly appealing to collectors interested in regional British geology as well as fossil identification.

The combination of the named formation, geological stage and locality gives this fossil an informative context for display. It can be used alongside geological maps, fossil reference books or other Silurian specimens to illustrate the importance of stratigraphy and locality when studying natural history specimens.

Collector and Display Use

This Orthoceras orthocone is suitable for a personal fossil collection, a cabinet of geological specimens, a classroom or educational display, or a natural history themed interior. Its fossil identity and stated geological context provide useful talking points for learners exploring the Silurian Period, limestone formations, extinct cephalopods and the fossil record.

Full sizing is shown in the photographs. Please use the photographs to assess the specimen’s scale and visible presentation before purchase. The photograph shows the actual specimen you will receive. Images are intended to show the fossil’s appearance and help with display planning.

Authenticity and Documentation

This Fossil is a genuine specimen and Includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.

The certificate wording is included with the specimen as supplied. This makes the piece suitable for collectors who wish to retain documentation with their fossil display or collection records.

Care and Presentation

Display the fossil in a stable location away from knocks, drops and unnecessary handling. A level cabinet shelf, mineral display case or protected educational display is recommended. When moving the specimen, support it securely and avoid contact with edges or projecting areas. Keeping the fossil with its certificate and locality information will help preserve its geological context for future reference.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.

Related products