Scottish Sliced Fossil Coral Isastraea – Jurassic Period, Kintradwell Scotland – Genuine Polished Display Specimen

Description

This Scottish Sliced Fossil Coral (Isastraea) is a beautiful and scientifically significant specimen from the Jurassic Period, collected from the famed Kintradwell locality on the east coast of Scotland. Expertly sliced and polished to reveal the intricate internal structure of the coral, this piece provides both aesthetic appeal and a tangible connection to marine life from over 160 million years ago. It is a fine example of ancient colonial coral preserved in remarkable detail, perfect for fossil collectors, geology enthusiasts, and educational purposes alike.

 

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens and are carefully selected for their quality and clarity of detail. Each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity to verify its provenance and geological significance. The photographs show an example of the specimen type you will receive, with natural variations in structure and colour making each piece unique.

 

Scale cube = 1 cm. For precise dimensions, please refer to the product images.

 

 

Geological and Palaeontological Significance

 

Isastraea is an extinct genus of stony coral belonging to the family Montlivaltiidae, within the order Scleractinia(modern stony corals). These colonial corals thrived in warm, shallow seas during the Mesozoic Era, particularly in the Jurassic Period. The Jurassic seas of what is now Scotland were home to thriving reef systems and biodiverse marine ecosystems.

 

The Kintradwell locality is well-known for producing exceptionally preserved Jurassic marine fossils, including corals, ammonites, and bivalves. The depositional environment was a shallow, tropical marine shelf with clear, warm waters ideal for coral growth. Over millions of years, silica and calcite minerals replaced the original aragonite skeleton of the coral, preserving its intricate septal structures and radial symmetry in exquisite detail.

 

 

Morphology and Notable Features

 

This sliced specimen reveals the internal structure of the coral colony, showing the radial arrangement of septa and the polygonal outlines of individual corallites. The fine preservation allows for the study of growth patterns and colony organisation. Colours range from creamy whites and light greys to subtle earthy tones, depending on the mineral content during fossilisation.

 

Polishing enhances these details, making the growth rings and septal walls more visible and transforming the fossil into both a scientifically valuable and visually striking display piece.

 

 

Collecting and Display Value

 

• Collector’s Item: A must-have for those specialising in Scottish or Jurassic fossils.
• Educational Use: Ideal for teaching about palaeoecology, reef environments, and fossilisation processes.
• Display Piece: The slice makes a perfect addition to a home or office fossil display, combining natural history with aesthetic appeal.

 

 

Care and Preservation

 

Fossil coral is a durable material, but it should be handled with care to avoid chips or scratches to the polished surface. Clean with a soft, dry cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. Store in a stable environment away from extremes of temperature and humidity to ensure long-term preservation.

 

This Scottish Sliced Fossil Coral – Isastraea is not only a beautiful decorative item but also a window into Scotland’s ancient Jurassic seas, offering a fascinating glimpse into life over 160 million years ago. Each specimen carries its own unique patterns and geological story, making it a truly special addition to any fossil collection.