Plesiosaur Bone Fossil Reptile Black Ven Marls Lower Lias Jurassic Coast Lyme Regis Dorset UK

Description

Genuine Plesiosaur Bone Fossil from the Jurassic Coast

This listing offers a rare and authentic Plesiosaur bone fossil, discovered in the Black Ven Marls, Lower Lias Formation, Jurassic Coast: Stonebarrow Cliff, Charmouth, Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK. Dating back to the Early Jurassic period (around 190–200 million years ago), this specimen comes from one of the world’s most celebrated fossil localities, a site renowned for its marine reptile discoveries.

Your fossil was discovered on 15th September 2025 by our team members, Alister and Alison, and expertly cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison to ensure both stability and presentation quality. The item pictured is the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for size reference. Every piece is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its provenance and genuine nature.

Geological Context

The Black Ven Marls form part of the Lower Lias Formation, which stretches along the iconic Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Deposited in shallow marine conditions, these sediments preserve a rich record of Early Jurassic marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, ichthyosaurs, and plesiosaurs.

This site is historically significant, with early fossil discoveries in the Lyme Regis area made famous by Mary Anning, one of the pioneers of palaeontology. The fine-grained clays of the Lower Lias allowed for exceptional fossil preservation, giving us remarkable insights into the creatures that inhabited these ancient seas.

About Plesiosaurs

Plesiosaurs were large marine reptiles belonging to the order Plesiosauria, thriving during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. They were characterised by:

• Long necks with numerous cervical vertebrae (in some species).
• Broad bodies with powerful flippers adapted for efficient underwater locomotion.
• Sharp, conical teeth suited to catching fish and other marine prey.
• Adaptations for a fully aquatic lifestyle, surfacing only to breathe.

They were apex predators in their ecosystems, sharing the Jurassic seas with ichthyosaurs, crocodile-like marine reptiles, and vast schools of fish and cephalopods.

Features of This Fossil Bone

This specimen of Plesiosaur bone displays key features typical of reptile bone preservation from the Lower Lias:

• Well-mineralised structure with natural Jurassic patina.
• Clear fossil bone texture, retaining its anatomical detail.
• Compact form suitable for handling, display, or close study.
• A direct representation of an animal that once swam the seas around Charmouth nearly 200 million years ago.

Such bones could belong to limb elements, ribs, or vertebrae, each playing an important role in the movement and support of these iconic marine reptiles.

Collector and Educational Value

Owning a genuine Plesiosaur fossil from Lyme Regis connects you directly with one of the most famous fossil sites in the world. This specimen is suitable for:

• Private collectors seeking authentic Jurassic reptile material.
• Educational displays in schools, universities, or museums.
• Natural history enthusiasts fascinated by Britain’s palaeontological heritage.

Prepared with care and authenticity, this fossil represents not just an object of beauty but also a tangible record of evolutionary history.

A Link to Britain’s Jurassic Seas

Fossils from the Jurassic Coast are globally significant, and each discovery adds to the legacy of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Plesiosaur bone fossil is a unique reminder of the marine reptiles that dominated the seas nearly 200 million years ago, offering you the chance to own a genuine piece of deep time.

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