Rare Mimachlamys henrici Fossil Bivalve Chalk Marl Cretaceous East Sussex Southernham Quarry Pit

Description

Authentic Fossil Bivalve – Mimachlamys henrici

This listing offers a genuine fossil bivalve, Mimachlamys henrici, from the Chalk Marl deposits of the Cretaceous period, sourced at Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK. This specimen represents a remarkable piece of marine life from the Late Cretaceous seas, beautifully preserved in detail. Each fossil is carefully selected and photographed to show the exact piece you will receive. A Certificate of Authenticity is included with every specimen, guaranteeing that your fossil is 100% genuine.

Geological Context

The fossil originates from the Chalk Marl of East Sussex, part of the Upper Cretaceous succession in southern England. The Chalk Marl represents a unique transitional deposit, laid down during a time when warm, shallow seas covered much of the region. These conditions created calcareous sediments that preserved shells and skeletal remains in exquisite detail.

The Cretaceous period (approximately 145–66 million years ago) was an era of significant diversification in marine ecosystems, including the flourishing of bivalves such as Mimachlamys. Southernham Quarry Pit is particularly well-regarded for producing marine fossils from these chalk-rich layers, offering insight into palaeoenvironments dominated by soft-bottom, nutrient-rich seabeds.

Taxonomy and Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Bivalvia
• Order: Pectinida
• Superfamily: Pectinoidea
• Family: Pectinidae
• Genus: Mimachlamys
• Species: M. henrici

The genus Mimachlamys belongs to the scallops (Pectinidae), a family still widespread in today’s oceans. Their evolutionary history spans millions of years, with distinctive features that make them highly recognisable and scientifically valuable.

Morphological Features

This fossil showcases the elegant and distinctive features of Mimachlamys henrici:

• Rounded, fan-shaped shell with radiating ribs.
• Fine radial ornamentation, which gave strength to the shell and supported its filter-feeding lifestyle.
• Asymmetry between valves, common in scallops, reflecting adaptations to life resting on the seabed.
• Growth lines often preserved, offering evidence of the animal’s life history and environmental conditions.

These features highlight the scallop’s adaptation as a sessile or semi-mobile filter-feeder, drawing in suspended nutrients from the surrounding seawater.

Scientific and Collector Value

Fossils of Mimachlamys henrici are significant both scientifically and for collectors. For palaeontologists, they contribute to the understanding of Cretaceous shallow marine ecosystems, with scallops providing valuable biostratigraphic markers that help correlate rock layers across regions.

For collectors, this specimen is highly appealing due to its:

• Clear preservation of scallop morphology.
• Provenance from the historically important Southernham Quarry.
• Representation of a classic fossil group within the Chalk Marl deposits of East Sussex.

Its combination of scientific utility and aesthetic shell form makes it a prized specimen for display, teaching, or research collections.

Provenance and Authenticity

This Mimachlamys henrici fossil was recovered from Southernham Quarry Pit, East Sussex, UK, in the Chalk Marl deposits of the Cretaceous period. It is guaranteed 100% authentic and unaltered, with no artificial reconstruction. Each specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity for full assurance of its scientific and collectible value.

Owning this Cretaceous bivalve fossil allows you to hold a genuine piece of Britain’s deep geological heritage. Whether you are a serious fossil collector, a student of palaeontology, or simply fascinated by natural history, this Mimachlamys henrici offers a beautiful and authentic link to the ancient seas of East Sussex.