RARE: Mantelliceras mantelli British Chalk Ammonite Fossil – Cenomanian Cretaceous – Glynde East Sussex UK – Certified Authentic Specimen

Description

RARE MANTELLICERAS MANTELLI FOSSIL AMMONITE – CERTIFIED SPECIMEN

This listing features a rare and beautifully preserved specimen of the ammonite Mantelliceras mantelli, originating from the Cenomanian Stage of the Cretaceous Period, collected at Glynde, East Sussex, United Kingdom. This fossil comes from the esteemed Alice Purnell Collection and is presented exactly as photographed. Scale rule cube = 1cm. Please see photos for full sizing and condition details.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and come with a Certificate of Authenticity for complete buyer confidence.

Fossil Identification:

• Species: Mantelliceras mantelli
• Genus: Mantelliceras
• Family: Acanthoceratidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Common Name: Ammonite fossil

Geological and Stratigraphic Details:

• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Cenomanian (approx. 100.5 – 93.9 million years ago)
• Formation: Chalk Group – Lower Chalk / Plenus Marls equivalent
• Locality: Glynde, East Sussex, United Kingdom
• Biozone: Mantelliceras mantelli Zone (Lower Cenomanian) – a widely recognised zonal ammonite used in regional stratigraphy
• Depositional Environment: Warm, shallow epicontinental sea with low sedimentation and high carbonate accumulation, resulting in fine white chalk

Morphological Features:

Mantelliceras mantelli is recognised for its moderately evolute, thickly discoidal shell with strong and widely spaced ribs. The whorl section is typically rounded to slightly compressed with pronounced umbilical shoulders and tubercles that become more developed in later growth stages. This species often displays a keel on the venter and fine shell ornamentation, making it an excellent biostratigraphic marker and collector’s specimen.

Scientific & Historical Significance:

Originally described in the 19th century and named in honour of Dr. Gideon Mantell, a pioneer in British palaeontology, Mantelliceras mantelli is a stratigraphically important species within the Cenomanian of the British Chalk. Its global biostratigraphic relevance makes it useful in correlating sections across Europe and beyond. It represents an early acanthoceratid, transitional in form, and significant in understanding evolutionary radiation during the mid-Cretaceous.

Collection Provenance:

From the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, known for its selection of well-documented British fossils, particularly ammonites from stratigraphically significant horizons. Every specimen in this collection is ethically sourced and professionally conserved for educational, display, or scientific use.

Condition and Authenticity:

• Carefully prepped and conserved
• Genuine British chalk ammonite fossil
• Scale cube = 1cm for reference (see photos)
• Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
• Display-ready specimen ideal for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts

This Mantelliceras mantelli is an exceptional addition to any fossil collection, both for its rarity and scientific importance. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a passionate student of palaeontology, this specimen offers a remarkable glimpse into the marine ecosystems of Cretaceous England.