Description
Rare Anahoplites splendens Ammonite Fossil
Presented here is a rare Anahoplites splendens ammonite fossil from the world-renowned Gault Clay Formation, dating to the Albian Stage of the Cretaceous period, and collected at Folkestone, United Kingdom. This striking specimen is an authentic example of a species long regarded as an important biostratigraphic marker for the Albian. The ammonite displays the elegant ribbing and coiling that make Anahoplites splendens one of the most recognizable and desirable ammonites from this famous locality. The photos show the actual fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for accuracy. As always, this piece is 100% genuine and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Geological Age and Formation
This specimen comes from the Gault Clay Formation, a fossil-rich deposit that accumulated in southern England during the Albian Stage, approximately 113–100.5 million years ago. At this time, much of the region was submerged beneath a shallow epicontinental sea that connected to the Tethys Ocean. Fine-grained sediments deposited in this marine environment preserved a wealth of fossil material, including ammonites, mollusks, crustaceans, and vertebrate remains. The Gault Clay exposures at Folkestone, Kent are particularly famous and have provided some of the best-studied ammonites in the world. Within this context, Anahoplites splendens serves as a key zonal species, allowing geologists to divide the Albian into smaller, more precise intervals.
Taxonomy and Classification
Anahoplites splendens belongs to the genus Anahoplites, within the family Hoplitidae, superfamily Hoplitaceae, and order Ammonitida. Ammonites of this group are distinguished by their compressed shells, ribbing patterns, and distinctive sutures. A. splendens is one of the most iconic species within the genus and has been used extensively in stratigraphic studies due to its restricted time range. Its presence in the Gault Clay makes it especially valuable for correlating strata across northwestern Europe.
Morphological Features
The shell of Anahoplites splendens is moderately involute, with relatively narrow whorls and fine, straight to slightly flexuous ribs crossing the flanks. These ribs extend over the venter, often with a subtle interruption that creates a smooth but sharply defined appearance. Unlike some of its close relatives, A. splendens is less heavily tuberculated, favoring a more refined and elegant form, hence the species epithet “splendens,” meaning splendid or elegant. This specimen highlights these features beautifully, with well-preserved ribbing that makes it both a scientifically valuable and visually attractive fossil.
Scientific and Collector Value
As a zonal ammonite of the Albian, Anahoplites splendens has been central to the development of the Cretaceous timescale. Its restricted stratigraphic occurrence allows paleontologists to refine subdivisions of the Albian, making it essential for biostratigraphic correlation. Collectors, meanwhile, value it for its elegance, rarity, and strong association with the historically important Folkestone Gault Clay deposits. Fossils from Folkestone have been studied since the 19th century and remain highly sought-after among natural history enthusiasts.
Provenance and Authenticity
This ammonite comes directly from Folkestone, Kent, the most famous exposure of the Gault Clay Formation in the United Kingdom. Every specimen we supply is carefully selected for quality and authenticity, and each one comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Packaging is secure and protective, ensuring the fossil reaches you in excellent condition.
This rare Anahoplites splendens ammonite fossil is both a scientifically significant specimen and an elegant natural history piece. With its refined ribbing, historical provenance, and guaranteed authenticity, it represents an outstanding addition to any collection of ammonites, Cretaceous fossils, or British geological specimens.
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