Rare Scaphites basseti Ammonite Fossil Cenomanian Sussex UK with COA

Description

RARE SCAPHITES BASSETI MICROCONCH AMMONITE

This genuine Scaphites basseti microconch is a rare British ammonite fossil from the Lower Chalk at Glynde, East Sussex, UK. It is recorded from the Lower Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous and displays the distinctive growth form associated with scaphitid, or heteromorph, ammonites. The photographs show the actual specimen you will receive, including its individual preservation, surface detail and natural matrix.

SPECIES AND MICROCONCH FORM

Scaphites basseti belongs to the order Ammonitida. Unlike the continuously coiled shells familiar from many ammonites, scaphitids typically began life with a tightly coiled juvenile shell before developing an uncoiled shaft and a recurved adult body chamber. This unusual change in shell growth gives Scaphites fossils an immediately recognisable outline and makes them valuable examples of ammonite diversity.

The specimen is recorded as a microconch. Microconchs are the smaller adult form found within dimorphic ammonite species and are commonly interpreted as male shells. They often differ from macroconchs not only in size but also in the form of the final body chamber and aperture. These contrasting adult forms provide palaeontologists with evidence about growth, maturity and possible biological roles within extinct ammonite populations.

LOWER CHALK OF EAST SUSSEX

Glynde is situated in the chalk landscape of East Sussex in southern England. The fossil comes from the Lower Chalk and is Lower Cenomanian in age. The Cenomanian began around 100.5 million years ago, when high sea levels covered much of southern Britain beneath warm marine waters.

Chalk accumulated from vast quantities of microscopic calcareous material settling onto the ancient seabed. Ammonites and other marine organisms lived in the water column above these sediments. When shells reached the sea floor, rapid burial and later mineralisation could preserve them within the rock. Fossils from the Lower Chalk help document the animals that inhabited the early Late Cretaceous sea and allow geological layers to be compared between localities.

A RARE REGIONAL COLLECTOR’S SPECIMEN

Scaphites fossils attract collectors because of their unusual shell geometry, scientific interest and relative scarcity compared with more conventional coiled ammonites. This specimen combines an identified species, a microconch growth form and a recorded British locality, making it especially suitable for a specialist ammonite collection or a display focused on the geology of southern England.

Natural fossils may retain matrix, weathered shell areas, mineral colour variation, fine cracks or incomplete surfaces. These characteristics reflect burial and geological preservation rather than modern manufacture. Please inspect every photograph for the full sizing, exact condition and natural character of this individual specimen.

AUTHENTICITY AND PRESENTATION

This is a genuine fossil specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. It is suitable for palaeontology study, a geological display, an educational collection or a distinctive natural-history gift. The fossil has been carefully selected, and all listing photographs show the exact specimen that will be supplied. It will be prepared for secure handling and dispatch so its rare microconch form and Cretaceous history can be studied and enjoyed.