RARE: Schloenbachia varians subvarians British Chalk Ammonite Fossil – Upper Cenomanian Cretaceous Berwick Sussex UK – Certified

Description

RARE SCHLOENBACHIA VARIANS SUBVARIANS AMMONITE FOSSIL

This is a premium-quality specimen of the rare Schloenbachia varians subvarians, a beautifully preserved fossil ammonite from the Upper Cenomanian stage of the Cretaceous period, found at Berwick, Sussex, United Kingdom. This species is a sought-after member of the British Chalk fauna and comes from the esteemed Alice Purnell Collection.

The specimen photographed is the actual piece you will receive. Please refer to the images for full sizing, with scale rule cubes = 1cm.

As with all our fossils, this ammonite is 100% genuine and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

Fossil Classification:

• Species: Schloenbachia varians subvarians
• Genus: Schloenbachia
• Family: Schloenbachiidae
• Superfamily: Acanthoceratoidea
• Order: Ammonitida
• Class: Cephalopoda
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Common Name: Fossil Ammonite

Geological & Stratigraphic Context:

• Geological Period: Cretaceous
• Stage: Upper Cenomanian (approx. 95–93 million years ago)
• Formation: Chalk Group (Upper Chalk)
• Locality: Berwick, East Sussex, United Kingdom
• Depositional Environment: Shallow marine chalk sea, formed in a low-energy, carbonate-rich shelf environment. These conditions are ideal for the preservation of marine invertebrates such as ammonites.

Morphological Features:

Schloenbachia varians subvarians is a distinguished subspecies noted for its strongly ribbed and moderately inflated shell. It typically exhibits alternating strong and weak ribs, occasional tuberculation, and a moderately involute form. The whorl section is usually compressed, with keels along the venter, and the ornamentation varies between individual specimens—hence the species name “varians”.

Subspecies subvarians tends to display slightly finer ribbing and more symmetrical coiling than the nominate form, making it an identifiable and desirable taxon for collectors and researchers alike.

Palaeontological Significance:

Schloenbachia varians is an important biostratigraphic ammonite, often used to define the boundary between the Cenomanian and Turonian stages in global stratigraphy. While subvarians is not a zonal index itself, it occurs within the Schloenbachia varians Zone, providing valuable stratigraphic correlation data.

The fossil record of this ammonite offers insights into evolutionary pathways, palaeobiogeography, and palaeoenvironmental changes during the Late Cretaceous.

Provenance & Collection:

This specimen comes from the Alice Purnell Collection, a respected assembly of British Mesozoic fossils focused on scientifically documented and locality-verified pieces. The collection is recognised for its accuracy, ethical sourcing, and well-preserved examples of significant fossil taxa.

Condition & Authenticity:

• Fully authentic and ethically sourced fossil
• Cleaned, professionally prepped and stabilised
• Display-ready with clear diagnostic features
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Sourced from the Upper Chalk of Berwick, Sussex, UK

This rare Schloenbachia varians subvarians is a superb collector’s item and a stunning example of Upper Cretaceous British palaeontology. Whether for educational, scientific, or display purposes, it represents a fascinating chapter in the evolutionary history of cephalopods.