Scaphites basseti Ammonite Fossil Cenomanian East Sussex UK with COA

Description

shown in the photographs: a rare specimen of Scaphites basseti from the Lower Chalk at Glynde, East Sussex, United Kingdom. It comes from the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous Period and is supplied with our lifetime Certificate of Authenticity. The certificate records the fossil identification and locality, providing a lasting reference for your collection.

Scaphites is an unmistakable heteromorph ammonite. While most familiar ammonites retain a tightly coiled shell throughout growth, scaphitid ammonites developed a more complex adult form. Their early shell was coiled, followed by a body chamber that moved away from the coil and then curved back towards it. This unusual growth pattern gives Scaphites its characteristic hooked outline. The species name costatus refers to the prominent ribbing associated with the shell, an important feature in recognising and comparing fossil ammonites. These distinctive morphological qualities make Scaphites basseti especially appealing to collectors of unusual Cretaceous cephalopods.

The Cenomanian belongs to the early part of the Late Cretaceous, within an interval that began about 100.5 million years ago. At that time, high sea levels covered large areas of what is now southern Britain. Warm marine waters supported a rich ecosystem of ammonites, bivalves, echinoids and other invertebrates. Sediment settling on the seabed later became the rock in which fossils such as this were preserved. The Chard locality in Somerset forms part of the important fossil record of these ancient British seas.

Ammonites were marine molluscs related to living squid, cuttlefish and nautiluses. Their chambered shells provided buoyancy while the animal occupied the final body chamber. Because ammonite species evolved rapidly and were widely distributed, palaeontologists use them as index fossils to compare and date marine strata. A clearly localised specimen therefore has value beyond its decorative appearance: it is a tangible record of both biological evolution and the changing geography of Cretaceous Britain.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an essential part of the description. You will receive the exact fossil pictured rather than a stock example or a similar substitute. Natural matrix, surface texture, colour variation, incomplete shell areas and small imperfections are normal characteristics of an authentic fossil and are shown honestly in the images. For full sizing and proportions, please refer to the measuring reference visible in the photographs.

This fossil would make an excellent addition to a British ammonite collection, a heteromorph ammonite display, or a broader selection representing the Cretaceous Period. Its unusual shell shape also makes it an engaging educational specimen for discussing ammonite growth, marine adaptation and biostratigraphy. It would be equally suitable as a thoughtful gift for a fossil collector, geology student or natural history enthusiast.

The specimen will be packed carefully for dispatch. Handle it gently and keep it in a stable, dry environment away from repeated knocks or sudden changes in temperature. The included generic lifetime Certificate of Authenticity identifies it as Scaphites basseti, records its Cenomanian age and gives Glynde, East Sussex, UK as the locality. This is a genuine natural fossil with scientific, historical and display interest.