RARE Ichthyosaur Vertebra in Coprolite & Bone Block – Upper Triassic Westbury Formation – Aust Cliff Bristol UK – Genuine with Certificate

Description

A truly rare and scientifically significant fossil block featuring a well-preserved Ichthyosaur vertebra, along with multiple fossilised bones and coprolites, collected from the renowned fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. This exceptional piece was discovered by our experienced field team, Alister and Alison, on 07 April 2025, and was professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison.

This fossil comes from the Westbury Formation of the Penarth Group, part of the Upper Triassic Period (specifically the Rhaetian Stage, ~208 to 201 million years ago). Aust Cliff is a globally recognised palaeontological site, known for its highly fossiliferous layers containing remains of early marine reptiles, fishes, and distinctive spiral coprolites.

The featured Ichthyosaur vertebra exhibits classic disk-like centrum structure with preserved articulation surfaces, and is embedded in a bone- and coprolite-rich matrix, making this block a snapshot of Late Triassic marine life. Ichthyosaurs were fast-swimming marine reptiles that dominated the oceans, and their fossils from this horizon are highly sought-after.

The depositional environment was a coastal estuarine to lagoonal setting, ideal for the accumulation and preservation of vertebrate remains.

A high-resolution image with a 1 cm scale cube is provided to ensure you receive the exact specimen photographed.

Geological & Taxonomic Information:

• Species: Ichthyosaur (vertebra, genus indeterminate)
• Fossil Type: Vertebra, associated bones, and coprolites
• Geological Period: Triassic
• Stage: Rhaetian (Upper Triassic)
• Formation: Westbury Formation
• Group: Penarth Group
• Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, United Kingdom
• Depositional Environment: Coastal lagoon/estuarine marine setting
• Notable Zone: Reptile and coprolite fossil bed
• Morphology: Disc-shaped vertebra with central concavity, multiple fossilised bone fragments, spiral coprolites

What You Receive:

• The exact fossil specimen pictured
• A Certificate of Authenticity verifying its 100% genuine status
• Secure packaging and professional dispatch

Ideal for fossil collectors, science educators, museums, or enthusiasts of Triassic marine reptiles.

Note: All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Scale cube = 1cm. Please see photo for full dimensions.