Rare British Chalk Fossil Echinoid – Cardiaster granulosus – Upper Turonian Cretaceous, Ringstead Dorset UK

Description

Available is a rare and scientifically valuable British Chalk Fossil Echinoid, identified as Cardiaster granulosus, from the Upper Turonian Stage of the Cretaceous Period. This beautifully preserved specimen was discovered at Ringstead, Dorset, UK, a locality noted for its rich and diverse marine chalk fossils.

Taxonomic Classification:

• Order: Spatangoida
• Superfamily: Cardiasteridae
• Family: Cardiasteridae
• Genus & Species: Cardiaster granulosus

Geological Context:

• Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Upper Turonian (approx. 90–89 million years ago)
• Formation: White Chalk Subgroup (likely basal part of the New Pit Chalk or upper Holywell Nodular Chalk)
• Depositional Environment: Calm, offshore marine shelf. Chalks formed from slowly settling coccolith ooze in low-energy, nutrient-rich seas, resulting in ideal preservation conditions for infaunal organisms like Cardiaster.

Morphological Features:

• Strongly heart-shaped test (shell) with well-developed anterior sulcus
• Granular tuberculation with sunken petaloid ambulacra
• Moderately domed profile with flattened base, indicating an infaunal burrowing lifestyle
• Apical system offset towards the posterior, typical of adapted sediment dwellers
• High preservation quality makes visible the fine detail and symmetry of this rare species

Scientific Notes:

• Cardiaster granulosus is a distinctive echinoid species used in stratigraphic zoning and faunal correlation in the Turonian chalks of Europe.
• Rarer than more common forms such as Micraster, this species is a prized find for collectors and researchers alike.

Locality Information:

• Ringstead, Dorset, UK – a geologically significant coastal site forming part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, with extensive exposures of Upper Cretaceous chalk and fossil-rich beds.

Authenticity & Display:

All of our fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The listing shows actual photographs of the precise specimen you will receive. The scale rule cube = 1cm, and full sizing is clearly displayed in the accompanying photo.

This is a scientifically important and highly collectible fossil from the Late Cretaceous seas of southern England. A must-have for palaeontological enthusiasts, collectors of rare echinoids, or educators seeking authentic geological specimens.

Bring home a rare and remarkable piece of natural history—over 89 million years old!