Rare 12″ Mayorites wingi Fossil Ammonite Campanian Cretaceous Folkestone Kent UK – Genuine Collector Specimen with COA

Description

Rare Mayorites wingi Fossil Ammonite from Folkestone, Kent

This impressive 12-inch Mayorites wingi fossil ammonite is a rare and striking specimen from the Campanian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period. Discovered in the world-renowned fossil beds of Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom, it represents an extraordinary example of a large, well-preserved ammonite from this geologic interval. The exact specimen pictured is the one you will receive, chosen for its exceptional preservation, scientific importance, and display appeal.

Geological Age and Provenance

Mayorites wingi lived approximately 83–72 million years ago during the Campanian stage, a time when much of what is now southern England was covered by warm, shallow seas. These seas were part of a vast epicontinental environment that supported a diverse array of marine life, including ammonites, bivalves, marine reptiles, and a rich planktonic community.

Folkestone is one of the UK’s most celebrated Cretaceous fossil localities, known for its exposures of Upper Chalk and related sediments that yield an abundance of marine fossils. The fine-grained nature of the sediment provided ideal conditions for fossil preservation, capturing exquisite shell details and delicate ornamentation.

Scientific Classification

• Species: Mayorites wingi
• Family: Kossmaticeratidae
• Superfamily: Desmoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Geological Stage: Campanian, Late Cretaceous

This ammonite species holds significance for paleontologists studying the biostratigraphy of the Late Cretaceous, serving as an important guide fossil for dating and correlating Campanian-age deposits.

Morphology and Distinctive Features

This specimen of Mayorites wingi displays classic features of the genus, including:

• Broad, rounded whorls with prominent ribbing that extends cleanly from the umbilicus to the outer flank.
• Regular, gently curved ribs that add to the aesthetic appeal and provide insight into the growth stages of the shell.
• Fine suture patterns visible in places, showing the complex internal architecture of the ammonite shell.
• A large, well-defined aperture and near-complete body chamber, rare for specimens of this size.

The combination of size, form, and rib structure make it an exemplary representative of the species.

Depositional Environment

The Campanian seas around Folkestone were warm, nutrient-rich, and teeming with life. Ammonites such as Mayorites wingi were nektonic predators, actively swimming and hunting small marine invertebrates and planktonic organisms. Upon death, their shells settled to the seafloor and were quickly buried by fine sediment, protecting them from erosion and scavenging. The chalk and marl deposits of the region preserved them in remarkable detail.

Collector Value and Display Appeal

A 12-inch Mayorites wingi from Folkestone is an exceptional addition to any fossil collection. Its size alone makes it a showpiece, while its well-defined ribbing and preservation enhance its scientific and aesthetic value. Folkestone ammonites are highly sought after due to their locality’s historic importance and the exceptional condition in which many specimens are found.

Authenticity and Guarantee

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. This Mayorites wingi has been carefully selected to meet the highest standards for serious collectors, educators, and fossil enthusiasts, offering both natural beauty and paleontological importance.