Rare Anahoplites splendens Ammonite Fossil Lower Albian Cretaceous Gault Clay Folkestone United Kingdom Certified

Description

Rare Anahoplites splendens Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a rare Anahoplites splendens ammonite fossil, from the Gault Clay Formation, dating to the Lower Albian Stage of the Cretaceous period. Collected at Folkestone, United Kingdom, this specimen is an outstanding example of one of the classic ammonites of the British Albian. The photographs show the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube included for precise size reference. Every fossil we sell is a 100% genuine specimen and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Context

The Albian Stage (approximately 113–100.5 million years ago) is the last stage of the Early Cretaceous. The Lower Albian is particularly important for its diverse ammonite faunas, which are widely used as zonal fossils in Europe. The Gault Clay Formation of Folkestone, Kent, is one of the most famous Lower Cretaceous fossil localities in the world. Deposited in a shallow marine environment, the Gault Clay is richly fossiliferous and yields superbly preserved ammonites, bivalves, belemnites, and crustaceans. Fossils from this locality, especially ammonites like Anahoplites splendens, are highly prized both scientifically and historically.

Taxonomy and Classification

Anahoplites splendens is part of the genus Anahoplites, belonging to the family Hoplitidae, superfamily Hoplitaceae, and order Ammonitida. The Hoplitidae are a characteristic group of Lower Albian ammonites, noted for their robust ornamentation and zonal significance. The species splendens is an important marker for the Anahoplites splendens Zone, one of the key ammonite biozones of the Lower Albian. As such, this ammonite holds strong value in biostratigraphic research while also being highly collectable.

Morphological Features

The shell of Anahoplites splendens is typically involute, with whorls partly enveloping earlier coils. The ornamentation consists of strong ribs that often bifurcate (split) as they cross the flanks, giving the shell a bold, sculptured appearance. The venter is relatively broad, with ribs continuing symmetrically across it. These distinctive features make the species easy to identify and provide structural reinforcement to the shell. The specimen offered here preserves these morphological details clearly, making it both scientifically significant and visually striking.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Ammonites such as Anahoplites splendens are crucial for biostratigraphy, as they serve as index fossils for the Lower Albian. Their precise stratigraphic distribution allows geologists to correlate marine deposits across wide geographic regions. Specimens from Folkestone’s Gault Clay are especially desirable, both because of their quality preservation and because of the historical importance of the locality in the development of 19th- and 20th-century paleontology. For collectors, this fossil is an exceptional piece that combines scientific value, rarity, and classic provenance.

Provenance and Authenticity

This ammonite fossil was collected in Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom, from the Gault Clay Formation, one of the most important and historic Lower Cretaceous fossil localities in Europe. Every specimen we offer is carefully chosen for its quality, preservation, and authenticity. Each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, and we ensure secure professional packaging so that your fossil arrives safely and in excellent condition.

This is a rare Anahoplites splendens ammonite fossil from the Lower Albian of Folkestone, UK. With its bold ribbing, stratigraphic importance, and provenance from the world-famous Gault Clay, it is a superb addition to any ammonite, Cretaceous fossil, or natural history collection.