Rare Fossil Ammonite Sonneratia dutempleana, Albian, Cretaceous, Westerham Squeries Pit UK, Genuine with COA

Description

Available here is a Rare Fossil Ammonite of Sonneratia dutempleana from the Albian Stage of the Early Cretaceous, discovered in Squeries Pit, Westerham, Kent, United Kingdom. This locality is known for its classic exposures of Lower Cretaceous marine sediments and is a well-documented fossil site within British palaeontology.

The ammonite specimen in the photographs is the exact one you will receive, chosen for its quality, preservation, and scientific integrity.

Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm — please refer to the photo for full sizing.

Key Geological and Scientific Information:

• Species: Sonneratia dutempleana
• Fossil Type: Ammonite (extinct marine cephalopod)
• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Geological Stage: Albian (Early Cretaceous)
• Location: Squeries Pit, Westerham, Kent, England, UK
• Formation: Upper Greensand / Folkestone Beds (depending on stratigraphy)
• Approximate Age: ~113 to 100.5 million years ago
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hoplitoidea
• Family: Hoplitidae
• Formally Described By: Alcide d’Orbigny (mid-19th century)

Morphology and Features:

Sonneratia dutempleana is a large, robust ammonite species characterised by broad, evolute whorls with prominent, widely spaced radial ribs that often cross the venter uninterrupted. The shell is generally thick and compressed, making it a visually striking species. Its ribbing and suture patterns are diagnostic of the Hoplitidae family. The specimen you are purchasing shows fine detail and strong preservation of these features.

Biozone & Stratigraphy:

This species is associated with the Sonneratia biozone of the Middle to Upper Albian, which is useful for correlating strata across Southern England and Northern Europe. Its presence helps to define regional ammonite zones used in Cretaceous stratigraphy.

Depositional Environment:

The fossil was deposited in a shallow marine shelf environment, likely under high-energy coastal conditions interspersed with calmer phases that allowed for excellent fossil preservation. The sandy and silty beds of the Folkestone and Greensand formations were rich in invertebrate faunas including ammonites, belemnites, and bivalves.

Scientific Importance:

Sonneratia dutempleana is a key taxon for understanding ammonite evolution and biostratigraphy in the Albian of Northwest Europe. It is part of a lineage that saw rapid diversification during the Cretaceous, aiding in correlation of global marine sequences. Its robust shell also makes it a popular display fossil in museums and collections.

Authenticity Guarantee:

All of our fossils are 100% genuine, professionally curated, and responsibly sourced. Each fossil comes with a Certificate of Authenticity to ensure confidence in your purchase.

This Sonneratia dutempleana ammonite from Westerham is a highly collectible piece with scientific and aesthetic appeal — perfect for collectors, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts.

Let us know if you’d like to include an educational display card with your order.