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

Description

Rare Euhoplites dentatus Ammonite Fossil

This listing features a rare and authentic Euhoplites dentatus ammonite fossil, collected from the Gault Clay Formation of Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. Dating from the Albian Stage of the Early Cretaceous (approximately 113–105 million years ago), this specimen is a striking example of one of the most scientifically significant ammonites of its age. The exact fossil shown in the photographs is the piece you will receive, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. A 1 cm scale cube is included in the images to provide accurate sizing.

Geological Context

The Gault Clay Formation is world-renowned for its exceptional fossil preservation. Deposited in a shallow epicontinental sea during the Albian, these clay-rich sediments have yielded an extraordinary diversity of marine fossils, from ammonites and belemnites to bivalves and rare vertebrate remains. The Folkestone exposures are particularly important, as they contain a continuous sequence of well-defined ammonite biozones used for stratigraphic correlation across Europe.

During this period, global sea levels were high, and the seas covering southern England supported abundant life. Fossils like Euhoplites dentatus not only provide a glimpse into the marine ecosystems of the Cretaceous but also serve as vital markers for understanding geological time.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Family: Hoplitidae
• Genus: Euhoplites
• Species: Euhoplites dentatus

This species belongs to the Hoplitidae, a family of ammonites characterised by heavily ornamented shells and complex suture lines. Euhoplites dentatus is a key ammonite for defining specific Albian biozones, making it especially important for palaeontological research.

Morphological Features

The shell of Euhoplites dentatus is distinctive, with bold ribbing, ventral keels, and pronounced tubercles. The ribs are typically straight or gently curved, crossing the venter in a consistent pattern. Tubercles often appear along the flanks and umbilical region, giving the shell a heavily sculptured appearance. These features are not only diagnostic but also enhance the fossil’s aesthetic appeal for collectors.

The morphology suggests a nektonic lifestyle, with the ribbing and tubercles potentially playing roles in shell strength and hydrodynamics. Such details make this ammonite an important subject of study for evolutionary palaeontology and Cretaceous marine ecology.

Scientific and Collector Significance

Euhoplites dentatus is a classic ammonite species from Folkestone, central to defining Albian ammonite zones. It has been extensively studied by palaeontologists and remains one of the most sought-after ammonites from the Gault Clay. Its scientific importance, combined with its rarity and striking shell ornamentation, makes it a prized specimen for serious collectors.

Owning this fossil provides both a tangible link to the Albian seas of the Cretaceous and a valuable specimen for display, teaching, or private study.

Provenance and Authenticity

This ammonite was collected from the Gault Clay at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom, one of the world’s most celebrated fossil localities. The specimen has been carefully prepared to preserve its natural detail. The fossil is exactly as photographed and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing its genuineness and origin.

This rare Euhoplites dentatus ammonite fossil is both scientifically significant and visually striking, making it an exceptional addition to any collection of natural history, palaeontology, or geological specimens.