RARE Fossil Turtle Bone | Durlston Formation | Cretaceous Swanage Dorset UK | Genuine Fossil w/ Certificate

Description

This listing offers a rare Fossil Turtle Bone from the Durlston Formation, dating to the Early Cretaceous period (Berriasian Stage). The specimen was discovered by our team members Alister and Alison on 22 March 2025 at Swanage, Dorset, UK—a classic fossil locality along England’s Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison, revealing fine details of the fossilised bone structure.

As with all of our specimens, the photo shows the actual fossil you will receive. A 1cm scale cube is included in the photo for reference. This is a genuine, one-of-a-kind piece.

Fossil Information:

• Fossil Type: Bone fragment from a Turtle (Testudine reptile)
• Likely Taxon: Indeterminate Chelonian (possibly Pleurosternidae family, based on locality and age)
• Formation: Durlston Formation (formerly part of the Purbeck Beds)
• Geological Age: Early Cretaceous – Berriasian Stage (approx. 145–139 million years ago)
• Location: Swanage, Dorset, United Kingdom
• Discovery Date: 22 March 2025
• Prepared By: Alison
• Authenticity: Certificate of Authenticity Included

Geological Context:

• Depositional Environment: Lagoonal to marginal marine with fluctuating salinity—ideal for preserving diverse vertebrate remains including turtles, crocodiles, and fish
• Lithology: Laminated limestones, mudstones, and marls; high preservation potential for bone and shell
• Biozone: Associated with the Durlston Bay Vertebrate Fauna, which includes fish, crocodilians, turtles, and early mammals

Morphological Features:

• Texture: Porous cortical bone, exhibiting diagnostic chelonian features
• Form: Partial flat/curved bone plate, consistent with carapace or plastron fragment
• Colouration: Ranges from light brown to greyish depending on mineralisation
• Notable Features: Subtle growth lines, surface vascularisation and shape consistent with turtle shell plates

Scientific Significance:

The Durlston Formation is renowned for yielding rare remains of Early Cretaceous turtles, including some of the earliest modern testudines. Turtle fossils from this locality provide valuable data on the evolution of aquatic reptiles during a key transitional period between the Jurassic and Cretaceous. This piece is not just a collectible—it represents a window into ancient Mesozoic ecosystems.

Taxonomic Context (where possible):

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Superfamily/Family: Possibly Pleurosternidae (uncertain without full ID)
• Identified By: Not formally identified to genus/species level due to fragmentary nature

Summary:

• Specimen: Fossil Turtle Bone
• Size Reference: See 1cm scale cube in photo
• Formation: Durlston Formation
• Geological Age: Early Cretaceous (Berriasian)
• Location: Swanage, Dorset, UK
• Date Discovered: 22 March 2025
• Treatment: Cleaned and prepped by Alison
• Certification: Certificate of Authenticity included

Note:

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. The specimen listed is the exact one shown in the photos. A rare opportunity to own a real piece of turtle evolutionary history from the iconic Jurassic Coast.