RARE Schloenbachia varians subplana Fossil Ammonite – Lower Cenomanian Cretaceous – Glynde UK – Alice Purnell Collection – COA

Description

Offered here is a rare and scientifically significant fossil ammonite, Schloenbachia varians subplana, originating from the Lower Cenomanian Stage of the Cretaceous Period, approximately 100–96 million years old. This striking specimen was collected at Glynde, United Kingdom, a known site for marine Lower Chalk fossils.

This ammonite is part of the prestigious Alice Purnell Collection, a name synonymous with quality and fossil authenticity. It is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and the actual fossil shown in the photograph is the one you will receive.

Scale Rule Squares / Cube = 1cm – see photo for full sizing.

Geological & Palaeontological Details:

• Species: Schloenbachia varians subplana
• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Lower Cenomanian (~100.5 – 96 million years ago)
• Location: Glynde, East Sussex, United Kingdom
• Depositional Environment: Marine chalk sea shelf with calcareous sediments rich in plankton and nekton, indicating an open marine setting

Taxonomic Classification:

• Family: Schloenbachiidae
• Superfamily: Hoplitoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca

Stratigraphy & Biozone:

• Found within the Mantelliceras mantelli Biozone or closely related Lower Cenomanian zones, depending on exposure
• Ammonites like Schloenbachia varians subplana are used in biostratigraphic zonation across Europe, due to their rapid evolutionary turnover and distinct forms
• This species is an important marker fossil within the early Late Cretaceous transition and associated Chalk Group strata

Morphological Features:

• Schloenbachia varians subplana exhibits a slightly involute shell with a flattened and smooth outer whorl, in contrast to more ribbed or tuberculate forms of the same genus
• Characterised by a wide umbilicus and compressed flanks with only light ornamentation
• The “subplana” variety is less ornamented than the typical varians, reflecting intraspecific variation—of high interest in evolutionary studies of Cretaceous ammonites
• A subtle keel may be present along the venter, depending on preservation

Scientific Significance & Notability:

• Schloenbachia varians is a highly polymorphic species complex, making subplana an important form in understanding ammonite evolutionary plasticity and habitat adaptations
• Often referenced in literature on early Late Cretaceous marine faunas in NW Europe
• Rare to find with such excellent preservation and stratigraphic context, especially from inland Glynde sites

Summary:

This is a rare fossil ammonite, Schloenbachia varians subplana, from the Lower Cenomanian Chalk formations of Glynde, UK. It is both scientifically valuable and aesthetically striking, preserved in fine detail and originating from the renowned Alice Purnell Collection.

A perfect addition to any collection focused on Cretaceous marine life, ammonite evolution, or UK geology.

Additional Notes:

• All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity
• The photo shows the exact fossil you will receive
• Scale cube = 1cm for accurate measurement reference