Rare Euhoplites armatus Ammonite Fossil Gault Clay Albian Cretaceous Folkestone United Kingdom Authentic Certified

Description

Rare Euhoplites armatus Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a rare Euhoplites armatus ammonite fossil from the celebrated Gault Clay Formation at Folkestone, United Kingdom, dating to the Albian Stage of the Cretaceous period. This is an authentic and scientifically important fossil that demonstrates the striking ribbing and ornamentation for which Euhoplites armatus is renowned. The specimen pictured is the exact fossil you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube shown for accuracy. As with all of our specimens, this ammonite is 100% genuine and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Age and Formation

The fossil originates from the Gault Clay Formation, deposited during the Albian Stage (approximately 113–100.5 million years ago) of the Early Cretaceous. At this time, much of southern England was covered by a shallow epicontinental sea linked to the Tethys Ocean. Fine-grained clays accumulated in these marine environments, producing sedimentary layers rich in exceptionally preserved ammonites, mollusks, and marine invertebrates. The Gault Clay exposures at Folkestone, Kent are globally renowned and continue to be one of the most important paleontological sites in Europe, particularly for their abundance of ammonites like Euhoplites armatus.

Taxonomy and Scientific Context

Euhoplites armatus belongs to the family Hoplitidae, within the superfamily Hoplitaceae and order Ammonitida. Members of this genus are noted for their strong ribbing, nodosity, and robust shell architecture. The species armatus is particularly distinctive, with bold ornamentation that gives it an armored appearance, which is reflected in its name. As a zonal ammonite of the Middle Albian, Euhoplites armatus plays an important role in refining biostratigraphic correlations within the Gault Clay and equivalent formations across Europe.

Morphological Features

The shell of Euhoplites armatus is typically compressed to moderately involute, with whorls partially covering earlier coils. The ribbing is pronounced, often bifurcating or branching from the umbilical shoulder and extending strongly across the flanks. Along the ventrolateral margins, distinct tubercles or nodes are present, which give the species its robust and “armored” appearance. These features are diagnostic and make the ammonite easily identifiable to specialists, while also ensuring it is an attractive specimen for collectors of natural history.

Scientific and Collector Value

Euhoplites armatus is an important index fossil of the Albian, meaning it is used by geologists to identify and date particular layers of rock. Its restricted time range and distinctive morphology make it a key reference point in Cretaceous stratigraphy. Beyond its scientific utility, the fossil’s striking appearance and provenance from Folkestone make it a highly desirable collector’s piece. Fossils from the Gault Clay have long fascinated geologists, collectors, and museums, with E. armatus among the most significant representatives of the fauna.

Provenance and Authenticity

Collected from the Gault Clay at Folkestone, Kent, this fossil represents one of the classic ammonites of the British Cretaceous. Every specimen we offer is carefully chosen for its authenticity and scientific value. A Certificate of Authenticity is provided, and each order is securely packaged to ensure safe delivery.

This rare Euhoplites armatus ammonite fossil from Folkestone’s Gault Clay is both scientifically important and visually striking, making it an outstanding addition to any collection of Cretaceous fossils, ammonites, or natural history specimens.