Description
Presenting a rare and historic Schloenbachia varians fossil ammonite from the Lower Cenomanian Stage of the Cretaceous period. This unique specimen was recovered from the hand-dug service tunnel of the Channel Tunnel, approximately 400 metres from the point where the British and French tunnel excavations met. A scientifically fascinating piece from one of the most significant engineering projects in modern history.
Schloenbachia varians is a well-known heteromorph ammonite, often characterised by its variable morphology, including compressed to inflated shells, fine ribbing, and sometimes weak tuberculation. The variability within this species makes it an important index fossil for correlating Cenomanian marine strata.
Geological & Scientific Details:
- Species: Schloenbachia varians
- Phylum: Mollusca
- Class: Cephalopoda
- Subclass: Ammonoidea
- Order: Ammonitida
- Superfamily: Hoplitoidea
- Family: Schloenbachiidae
- Geological Stage: Lower Cenomanian (Early Late Cretaceous)
- Age: ~100.5–93.9 million years ago
- Formation/Location: Excavated from the Lower Chalk, Channel Tunnel, UK side
- Depositional Environment: Shallow marine chalk sea
- Biozone: Typically found within the Mantelliceras mantelli and Schloenbachia varians biozones
- Morphology Features: Variably coiled with fine ribbing, sometimes weak tubercles, wide umbilicus in inflated forms
Why This Specimen Stands Out:
- Recovered from the historic hand-dug Channel Tunnel section near the UK-France meeting point
- A rare location find unlikely to be repeated
- Displays diagnostic Schloenbachia features
- Supplied with full provenance and Certificate of Authenticity
Scale Reference: Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm – Please refer to the photo for full sizing. The image shows the exact specimen you will receive.
Shipping & Packaging:
- Securely packaged for protection
- Tracked worldwide shipping available
A truly exceptional ammonite with historical and geological importance, perfect for collectors of British fossils, Cretaceous ammonites, or rare provenance specimens.
All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.
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