Description
A rare and highly collectable fossil echinoid of the species Crassiholaster subglobosus, preserved in chalk from the Lower Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous, found at Eastbourne, Sussex, United Kingdom. This specimen offers an outstanding opportunity to own a well-preserved echinoid from an iconic British fossil locality.
- Fossil Type: Echinoid (extinct sea urchin)
- Species: Crassiholaster subglobosus
- Size: Please refer to scale in image (1cm cube)
- Geological Period: Cretaceous
- Stage: Lower Cenomanian (~100.5–98 million years ago)
- Locality: Eastbourne, Sussex, England, UK
- Family: Holasteridae
- Superfamily: Holasteroidea
- Order: Holasteroida
- Depositional Environment: Shallow, low-energy marine shelf environment, characterised by coccolith-rich sediments typical of the early Chalk Group
Geological & Scientific Significance:
Crassiholaster subglobosus is a relatively rare holasteroid echinoid that inhabited the soft carbonate-rich seabeds of the Early Late Cretaceous. Distinguished by its subglobular, slightly flattened shape, this species has a gently domed test and well-defined apical area. Its morphology reflects a burrowing lifestyle within the soft chalky substrate.
The Lower Cenomanian chalk of Eastbourne belongs to the basal section of the Chalk Group, a globally important unit for mid-Cretaceous marine palaeontology. Fossils from this interval record a time of elevated sea levels, warm climates, and major faunal diversification in marine ecosystems.
Crassiholaster is considered an important taxon for understanding the early diversification of holasteroids in the Cretaceous and is only sporadically found in British chalk exposures.
Notable Features:
- Rare echinoid species with well-preserved test and apical system
- Subglobular form adapted for burrowing in fine chalky sediments
- From a scientifically important and historically collected Lower Chalk locality
- Valuable for specialist collectors and educational reference
Authenticity Guaranteed: All of our fossils are 100% genuine and come with a Certificate of Authenticity, verifying their identity and provenance.
Photo Disclosure: You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photographs. The scale cube in the image represents 1cm per square for accurate measurement.
This Crassiholaster subglobosus fossil echinoid is a rare and scientifically important specimen from Eastbourne’s classic chalk coast—ideal for collectors of British palaeontology, Cretaceous invertebrates, or marine fossil specialists.
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