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Rare Ray Tooth Fossil – Genuine Miocene Specimen from S’Algar, Menorca, Alice Purnell Collection
Rare Ray Tooth Fossil – Genuine Miocene Specimen from S’Algar, Menorca, Alice Purnell Collection - Image 2

Rare Ray Tooth Fossil – Genuine Miocene Specimen from S’Algar, Menorca, Alice Purnell Collection

£48.00

Authentic Rare Ray Tooth Fossil – Miocene Epoch, S’Algar, Menorca

This exceptional Rare Ray Tooth Fossil originates from the Miocene deposits of S’Algar, Menorca, part of the Balearic Islands, Spain. This genuine specimen represents the preserved remains of a ray fish that lived in the warm, shallow seas that once covered this region approximately 23 to 5 million years ago. Collected from the historic Alice Purnell Collection, this fossil is a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved example of Miocene marine life, encapsulating a fascinating period in Earth’s evolutionary history.

Each fossil is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, displayed beside a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing—please see the photo for full details.

Geological Context and Age

The fossil originates from Miocene-aged marine sediments within the S’Algar coastal deposits of Menorca, part of the Balearic Basin, which was once submerged beneath a warm, tropical sea. During the Miocene Epoch (approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago), this area formed part of a shallow continental shelf connected to the western Mediterranean. Sediments from this time are rich in marine fossils, including rays, sharks, molluscs, and invertebrates, reflecting a thriving and biodiverse ocean ecosystem.

The fossil-bearing strata in Menorca primarily consist of limestones and marls, deposited in calm, shallow-water conditions. These environments provided an ideal setting for the preservation of cartilaginous fish remains such as ray teeth. The fine-grained sediment encased the tooth after deposition, protecting it from erosion and mineralising it over millions of years. The result is a remarkably detailed fossil, retaining both shape and surface texture despite its ancient origin.

Taxonomy and Morphology

Ray teeth belong to the subclass Elasmobranchii, order Myliobatiformes, which includes modern stingrays, eagle rays, and manta rays. These marine cartilaginous fish possess specialised flattened dental plates used for crushing the shells of molluscs and crustaceans—a feeding adaptation perfectly suited to the shallow Miocene seas of Menorca.

The tooth displays the smooth, domed crown and sturdy base typical of rays adapted to durophagy (shell-crushing feeding). Its surface structure is subtly ornamented with fine ridges, and its enamel exhibits a natural sheen from mineral replacement during fossilisation. The compact, flattened morphology indicates it was part of the pavement dentition—a tightly interlocking array of teeth that formed a continuous grinding surface across the jaws.

This particular specimen, with its preserved detail and gentle patination, exemplifies the dental adaptations that allowed rays to dominate shallow marine environments for millions of years. Its rarity and provenance from Menorca make it a prized specimen for both collectors and academic study.

Depositional Environment and Palaeoecology

The S’Algar Formation represents a shallow marine depositional environment influenced by warm currents and rich in carbonate sedimentation. The region was home to a vibrant ecosystem that included sharks, rays, bony fish, molluscs, echinoids, and coral fauna. Rays like the one represented by this tooth would have been abundant on the sandy seabed, feeding on benthic invertebrates and leaving behind scattered teeth as part of their natural tooth replacement cycle.

Over geological time, these remains were buried within fine limestone and compacted under successive layers of marine sediment. The minerals in the surrounding matrix replaced the organic material within the tooth, creating a durable fossilised record of one of the ocean’s most efficient predators. The resulting fossil not only preserves biological detail but also captures the environmental conditions of the Miocene Mediterranean.

Collector and Historical Provenance

This specimen comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, a private palaeontological collection known for its well-documented and high-quality European fossils. Its inclusion in this collection highlights its importance as a scientifically valuable and well-preserved fossil specimen. Fossils from Menorca are less frequently encountered on the market compared to those from mainland Spain, adding to the rarity and collectable appeal of this piece.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying provenance and geological origin. The photograph shows the exact Rare Ray Tooth Fossil from S’Algar, Menorca you will receive, displayed beside a 1 cm scale cube for reference—please see the photo for full sizing details.

This beautiful and scientifically significant fossil from the Miocene of Menorca represents a tangible link to ancient Mediterranean seas and an exquisite example of marine evolution, making it a distinguished addition to any private collection or educational display.

 

(Actual as seen)

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Description

Authentic Rare Ray Tooth Fossil – Miocene Epoch, S’Algar, Menorca

This exceptional Rare Ray Tooth Fossil originates from the Miocene deposits of S’Algar, Menorca, part of the Balearic Islands, Spain. This genuine specimen represents the preserved remains of a ray fish that lived in the warm, shallow seas that once covered this region approximately 23 to 5 million years ago. Collected from the historic Alice Purnell Collection, this fossil is a scientifically significant and beautifully preserved example of Miocene marine life, encapsulating a fascinating period in Earth’s evolutionary history.

Each fossil is 100% genuine and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. The photograph shows the exact specimen you will receive, displayed beside a 1 cm scale cube for accurate sizing—please see the photo for full details.

Geological Context and Age

The fossil originates from Miocene-aged marine sediments within the S’Algar coastal deposits of Menorca, part of the Balearic Basin, which was once submerged beneath a warm, tropical sea. During the Miocene Epoch (approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago), this area formed part of a shallow continental shelf connected to the western Mediterranean. Sediments from this time are rich in marine fossils, including rays, sharks, molluscs, and invertebrates, reflecting a thriving and biodiverse ocean ecosystem.

The fossil-bearing strata in Menorca primarily consist of limestones and marls, deposited in calm, shallow-water conditions. These environments provided an ideal setting for the preservation of cartilaginous fish remains such as ray teeth. The fine-grained sediment encased the tooth after deposition, protecting it from erosion and mineralising it over millions of years. The result is a remarkably detailed fossil, retaining both shape and surface texture despite its ancient origin.

Taxonomy and Morphology

Ray teeth belong to the subclass Elasmobranchii, order Myliobatiformes, which includes modern stingrays, eagle rays, and manta rays. These marine cartilaginous fish possess specialised flattened dental plates used for crushing the shells of molluscs and crustaceans—a feeding adaptation perfectly suited to the shallow Miocene seas of Menorca.

The tooth displays the smooth, domed crown and sturdy base typical of rays adapted to durophagy (shell-crushing feeding). Its surface structure is subtly ornamented with fine ridges, and its enamel exhibits a natural sheen from mineral replacement during fossilisation. The compact, flattened morphology indicates it was part of the pavement dentition—a tightly interlocking array of teeth that formed a continuous grinding surface across the jaws.

This particular specimen, with its preserved detail and gentle patination, exemplifies the dental adaptations that allowed rays to dominate shallow marine environments for millions of years. Its rarity and provenance from Menorca make it a prized specimen for both collectors and academic study.

Depositional Environment and Palaeoecology

The S’Algar Formation represents a shallow marine depositional environment influenced by warm currents and rich in carbonate sedimentation. The region was home to a vibrant ecosystem that included sharks, rays, bony fish, molluscs, echinoids, and coral fauna. Rays like the one represented by this tooth would have been abundant on the sandy seabed, feeding on benthic invertebrates and leaving behind scattered teeth as part of their natural tooth replacement cycle.

Over geological time, these remains were buried within fine limestone and compacted under successive layers of marine sediment. The minerals in the surrounding matrix replaced the organic material within the tooth, creating a durable fossilised record of one of the ocean’s most efficient predators. The resulting fossil not only preserves biological detail but also captures the environmental conditions of the Miocene Mediterranean.

Collector and Historical Provenance

This specimen comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, a private palaeontological collection known for its well-documented and high-quality European fossils. Its inclusion in this collection highlights its importance as a scientifically valuable and well-preserved fossil specimen. Fossils from Menorca are less frequently encountered on the market compared to those from mainland Spain, adding to the rarity and collectable appeal of this piece.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity verifying provenance and geological origin. The photograph shows the exact Rare Ray Tooth Fossil from S’Algar, Menorca you will receive, displayed beside a 1 cm scale cube for reference—please see the photo for full sizing details.

This beautiful and scientifically significant fossil from the Miocene of Menorca represents a tangible link to ancient Mediterranean seas and an exquisite example of marine evolution, making it a distinguished addition to any private collection or educational display.

 

Additional information

Era

Miocene
Origin

Spain

Miocene Information

The Miocene Epoch (23–5.3 million years ago) was a time of major climatic and ecological change, shaping many of today’s ecosystems. The climate was generally warmer and drier, but it gradually cooled as ice sheets expanded in Antarctica. This shift led to the spread of grasslands and savannas, replacing many ancient forests and driving the evolution of grazing mammals like early horses, antelope, and elephants. Ape species diversified, with some moving toward more ground-dwelling lifestyles, setting the stage for early hominins. Marine life thrived, with giant sharks like Megalodon ruling the oceans. The Miocene laid the foundation for modern ecosystems, with many plant and animal groups adapting to the drier, open landscapes that became dominant.

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