Description
Rare Hoplites spathi Fossil Ammonite from Folkestone
This listing offers a rare Hoplites spathi fossil ammonite from the renowned Gault Clay Formation of Folkestone, Kent, United Kingdom. Dating to the Aptian stage of the Early Cretaceous Period, approximately 125–113 million years ago, this specimen is a scientifically significant ammonite highly prized for both its rarity and distinct morphological features.
Every fossil we sell is guaranteed 100% genuine and is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photographs display the exact specimen you will receive, with a 1 cm scale cube and rule squares shown for accurate sizing.
Geological Context and Age
The Gault Clay Formation is one of the most celebrated fossil-bearing deposits in southern England, formed during the Aptian to Albian stages of the Early Cretaceous. These fine marine clays were deposited in a shallow epicontinental sea connected to the Tethys Ocean, an environment that was rich in marine life, including ammonites, belemnites, crustaceans, fish, and marine reptiles.
Within this formation, Hoplites spathi is a relatively rare but scientifically important ammonite species. Its fossils are particularly significant for biostratigraphic correlation, helping to define key zones of the Aptian stage. As with other Hoplitidae ammonites, the presence of Hoplites spathi allows geologists to refine dating within the Gault Clay and equivalent deposits elsewhere in Europe.
Morphology and Distinctive Features
Hoplites spathi belongs to the family Hoplitidae, within the order Ammonitida. It is characterised by a compressed, involute shell, meaning the whorls tightly overlap, leaving only a small portion of the earlier coils visible. The shell surface is adorned with fine, sharp ribs that may bifurcate (branch) and curve gently across the flanks before crossing the venter.
One of the distinctive features of Hoplites spathi is the strong keel along the venter, which provided stability and efficiency in swimming. The ribbing is less coarse than in some related species, giving the shell a refined, elegant appearance. These traits make the species easily recognisable and of great interest to both collectors and researchers.
Scientific Importance
Hoplites spathi is a valuable index fossil for the Aptian stage. Its distinctive morphology and restricted stratigraphic range allow it to serve as a marker for precise intervals within the Early Cretaceous. This makes it especially important in the study of Cretaceous biostratigraphy and ammonite evolution.
The evolutionary adaptations of Hoplites spathi, including its streamlined shell and keeled venter, highlight the ecological role of ammonites as active swimmers in mid-Cretaceous seas. These fossils provide insight not only into ammonite evolution but also into the broader environmental conditions of the Aptian oceans.
Collector and Display Value
This rare Hoplites spathi fossil ammonite from Folkestone is both a scientifically important specimen and a striking display fossil. Its elegant ribbing and well-defined keel make it a visually impressive piece, while its rarity ensures strong appeal to serious fossil collectors.
Ammonites from the Gault Clay are internationally renowned, and Hoplites spathi is among the more desirable species due to its scarcity and importance in stratigraphy. This specimen will make an excellent addition to any collection focused on ammonites, Cretaceous palaeontology, or the classic fossil sites of southern England.
Your Guarantee of Authenticity
- 100% genuine Hoplites spathi ammonite fossil
- Geological age: Aptian stage, Early Cretaceous (approx. 125–113 million years ago)
- Formation: Gault Clay Formation, Folkestone, Kent, UK
- Family: Hoplitidae, Order: Ammonitida
- Distinctive features: compressed shell, fine ribbing, keeled venter
- Exact specimen shown in the photographs (not a stock image)
- Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity
- Scale cube and rule squares = 1 cm for accurate size reference
This rare Hoplites spathi ammonite fossil combines scientific importance with natural beauty, making it an exceptional addition to any fossil collection.
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