Rare Hoplites Fossil Ammonite Gault Clay Aptian Cretaceous Folkestone Kent United Kingdom with COA

Description

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Rare Hoplites Fossil Ammonite Gault Clay Aptian Cretaceous Folkestone Kent United Kingdom with COA

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Rare Hoplites Fossil Ammonite from Folkestone

This listing is for a rare Hoplites fossil ammonite from the renowned Gault Clay Formation at Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. Dating to the Aptian Stage of the Lower Cretaceous Period, approximately 120–113 million years ago, this fossil represents a scientifically important and highly collectible specimen from one of Britain’s most famous fossil localities.

Every specimen we offer is a 100% genuine fossil and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs show the actual piece you will receive, with a 1cm scale cube and rule squares provided for accurate sizing.

Geological Age and Formation

This ammonite originates from the Gault Clay Formation, a Lower Cretaceous marine clay deposit exposed along the coastline at Folkestone. The Gault Clay is internationally recognised for producing exceptionally well-preserved ammonites and other marine fossils. The deposit was laid down in a shallow, epicontinental sea rich in life during the Aptian Stage, a time of significant evolutionary change in marine ecosystems.

Fossils from this formation are notable for their fine preservation and are key to understanding Early Cretaceous palaeoenvironments. The ammonites recovered here often serve as index fossils, critical for correlating rock layers across Europe.

Fossil Type and Scientific Classification

• Genus: Hoplites
• Order: Ammonitida
• Superfamily: Hoplitoidea
• Family: Hoplitidae

The genus Hoplites includes ammonites that are of high stratigraphic importance, widely used to define specific zones of the Aptian Stage. They are especially valuable to palaeontologists as they provide a precise means of dating and correlating Aptian-aged strata. For collectors, their rarity and scientific relevance make them highly desirable additions to any collection.

Morphological Features

Hoplites ammonites are instantly recognisable for their strongly ornamented shells, with features that often include:

• Evolute Coiling: Exposed whorls producing a wide shell profile.
• Prominent Ribbing: Strong ribs running across the flanks, often bifurcating into branches.
• Tuberculation: Nodes or tubercles along rib intersections and keel margins.
• Keel Development: A narrow keel along the venter aiding hydrodynamic efficiency.

These features not only make Hoplites visually striking but also provide the diagnostic traits palaeontologists rely on when classifying Aptian ammonites.

Scientific and Collector Importance

Hoplites ammonites are stratigraphically crucial fossils, defining zonal divisions within the Aptian. Their presence in the Gault Clay allows for precise biostratigraphic correlation, making them essential for geological study.

For collectors, Hoplites specimens from Folkestone are highly prized due to their rarity, historical significance, and the increasing difficulty of finding well-preserved examples. With ongoing erosion and limited access to sites, quality fossils from the Gault Clay are becoming scarcer each year.

Display and Educational Value

This fossil has been carefully chosen for its preservation and display quality. The visible ribbing and shell form showcase the defining traits of the genus, making it a perfect specimen for teaching, research, or private collection display.

Whether placed in a curated fossil cabinet, educational setting, or as part of a geological exhibition, this ammonite offers both aesthetic appeal and deep scientific significance.

Owning a rare Hoplites ammonite from Folkestone’s Gault Clay provides not only a fascinating addition to any fossil collection but also a direct connection to the Cretaceous seas of England, preserving a chapter of Earth’s natural history that is both beautiful and scientifically important.