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

Description

Rare Euhoplites truncatus Ammonite Fossil

This listing offers a rare and genuine Euhoplites truncatus ammonite fossil, sourced from the Gault Clay Formation of the Albian Stage, Cretaceous period, collected at Folkestone, United Kingdom. An outstanding example of one of Britain’s most scientifically significant ammonite species, this specimen is both a valuable collector’s piece and an important paleontological reference. The fossil you see in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, shown alongside a 1 cm scale cube for precise sizing. As with all our items, this specimen is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context

The Gault Clay Formation, well exposed along the cliffs at Folkestone, dates to the Lower to Middle Albian (approximately 113–105 million years ago). This geological unit was deposited in a shallow marine environment during a time of significant global sea-level rise. The fine clay sediments of the Gault created ideal conditions for preserving fossils, including ammonites, belemnites, crustaceans, and occasional vertebrate remains. Fossils from this deposit are internationally recognised for their exceptional preservation and importance to stratigraphy.

Euhoplites truncatus is particularly associated with the Middle Albian biozones, where it serves as a key index fossil, helping geologists correlate layers of rock across different regions. Its presence in the Gault Clay contributes to a detailed and reliable framework for understanding Albian stratigraphy in northwestern Europe.

Taxonomy and Classification

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

Belonging to the Hoplitidae family, Euhoplites is distinguished by its heavily ornamented shell structure and stratigraphic importance. E. truncatus represents a characteristic species of its genus, easily recognisable for its ribbing and overall shell profile.

Morphological Features

The shell of Euhoplites truncatus is moderately involute, with a robust whorl cross-section. Its ornamentation is marked by bold, angular ribs that bifurcate from umbilical tubercles and cross the flanks strongly before curving over the venter. This ribbing gives the fossil a striking appearance and highlights its evolutionary adaptation to its marine environment. The truncated ventral region and prominent tubercles are key identifying traits, adding to its rarity and scientific value.

These morphological features not only make E. truncatus an attractive display fossil but also demonstrate the diversity and evolutionary experimentation within ammonites of the Early Cretaceous seas.

Scientific and Collector Importance

As a classic ammonite species from the Albian of England, Euhoplites truncatus is a cornerstone of biostratigraphy. Its role as an index fossil allows precise correlation of rock layers across Europe, making it a key tool in geological dating. For collectors, the fossil embodies both aesthetic appeal and scientific heritage, making it a must-have specimen for those interested in Cretaceous ammonites.

Provenance and Authenticity

This specimen originates from Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom, one of the most famous fossil localities in Britain. The Gault Clay exposures here have been studied for centuries and continue to produce fossils of high scientific importance. Each fossil in our collection is carefully selected for authenticity and quality, and every purchase is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring peace of mind for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

This rare Euhoplites truncatus ammonite fossil from the Albian Gault Clay of Folkestone represents both a remarkable piece of natural history and a scientifically valuable specimen. With its distinct morphology, historic provenance, and guaranteed authenticity, it makes an exceptional addition to any fossil collection.