Polished Belemnite Fossil Jurassic Lyme Regis Dorset UK Lower Lias Black Ven

Description

Authentic Polished Belemnite from the Jurassic Coast

Offered here is a genuine polished fossil belemnite collected from the renowned Black Ven Marls, Black Ven, Charmouth and Lyme Regis, Dorset, along England’s world-famous Jurassic Coast. This specimen has been carefully selected and professionally polished to enhance the natural form and internal structure of the fossil while retaining its geological authenticity. The photographs show the exact specimen you will receive, and full sizing details can be seen in the images.

This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card, providing long-term confidence in provenance and collectability.

Geological Formation and Age

This belemnite originates from the Lower Lias Group, deposited during the Early Jurassic Period, approximately 199–191 million years ago, within the Sinemurian Stage. The Black Ven Marls consist of fine-grained marine mudstones and marls formed in a shallow epicontinental sea that once covered southern Britain. This formation is internationally significant for its abundance of marine fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, and marine reptiles, and is fundamental to our understanding of Early Jurassic marine environments.

Fossil Type and Biological Context

Belemnites were extinct marine cephalopods, closely related to modern squid and cuttlefish. The fossil preserved here is the guard (rostrum), a solid internal structure that provided counterbalance and stability during swimming. Belemnite guards are among the most common and recognisable fossils of the Jurassic seas and are important indicators of marine conditions. Their abundance within the Lower Lias reflects the success of these fast-moving predators in Early Jurassic oceans.

Morphology and Polished Presentation

This specimen displays the classic elongated, bullet-shaped form characteristic of belemnite guards. Polishing reveals the internal crystalline structure, growth lines, and subtle colour variations formed during fossilisation. The smooth finish enhances both durability and visual appeal, making the fossil particularly suitable for handling and display. Despite polishing, the specimen retains its natural proportions and diagnostic features, preserving its scientific integrity while offering an elegant presentation.

Depositional Environment

During the Early Jurassic, the Lyme Regis and Charmouth area lay beneath a warm, shallow marine environment rich in cephalopods, fish, and marine reptiles. Fine sediments settled slowly on the sea floor, allowing belemnite remains to become buried and preserved. Periodic low-oxygen conditions reduced scavenging and decay, contributing to the high concentration of belemnite fossils within the Black Ven Marls. These conditions explain why belemnites are such a defining fossil of the Jurassic Coast.

Collecting, Display, and Educational Value

This polished belemnite fossil is ideal for private collections, educational use, gifting, or refined interior display. Its classic British provenance, clear geological context, and enhanced visual presentation make it appealing to both new collectors and seasoned fossil enthusiasts. Belemnites from Lyme Regis have been collected for centuries and are closely linked to the early history of palaeontology in Britain. Each specimen we offer is individually selected, ensuring you receive an authentic and carefully curated piece of Early Jurassic marine history from one of the most important fossil localities in the world.