Rare: isurolamna affinis british eocene shark tooth, woolwich beds, paleocene-eocene, beltinge, kent, uk

Description

This listing features a genuine Isurolamna affinis shark tooth fossil from the Woolwich Beds, dating back to the Paleocene-Eocene transition (~56 million years ago). This well-preserved fossil was found in Beltinge, Kent, UK, a location famous for producing high-quality fossil shark teeth from ancient marine deposits.

What is Isurolamna affinis?

Isurolamna affinis was an extinct species of lamniform shark, closely related to modern mako sharks and great whites. This species thrived in the warm shallow seas of the early Paleogene period, feeding on fish and marine invertebrates. Their teeth are characterized by a slender, slightly curved central cusp with fine cutting edges and small lateral cusplets, which allowed them to effectively grasp and tear prey.

This particular specimen exhibits excellent preservation, displaying the classic tooth shape of Isurolamna affinis, with sharp, well-defined cusps and fine enamel detail, making it a fantastic addition to any collection.

Fossil Details:

✅ Species: Isurolamna affinis

✅ Fossil Type: Shark Tooth

✅ Geological Formation: Woolwich Beds

✅ Geological Age: Paleocene-Eocene (~56 million years old)

✅ Location: Beltinge, Kent, UK

✅ Collection: Alice Purnell Collection – One of the world’s largest ammonite collections

Geological Significance:

The Woolwich Beds are a significant Paleocene-Eocene marine deposit, formed in shallow coastal and estuarine environments. This period marks an important phase in the evolution of sharks, as species diversified and adapted to the changing marine ecosystem following the end-Cretaceous mass extinction. These fossil-rich beds preserve a variety of early Cenozoic marine life, including sharks, rays, mollusks, and other invertebrates.

Why This Fossil is Special:

🔹 Rare British Shark Tooth – Fossils of Isurolamna affinis are much less common than those of other Eocene shark species.

🔹 Exceptional Preservation – Crisp enamel detail, sharp cusp, and well-preserved lateral cusplets.

🔹 Museum-Grade Specimen – Sourced from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection.

🔹 Guaranteed Authenticity – 100% genuine fossil, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

📏 Scale Rule / Cube = 1cm – Please refer to the photos for full sizing details.

📸 What You See Is What You Get – The specimen in the photos is the exact fossil you will receive.

This rare British Eocene shark tooth fossil is a must-have for fossil collectors, educators, and paleontology enthusiasts, offering a direct connection to the fascinating marine ecosystems of the early Cenozoic era.

💎 Don’t miss out on this unique piece of prehistoric shark history!