Description
Genuine Thomelites sp. Ammonite Fossil from Sussex, UK
This listing is for a genuine Thomelites sp. ammonite fossil from the Upper Cenomanian, Sussex, UK. This carefully chosen fossil specimen represents an extinct marine cephalopod from the Late Cretaceous seas that once covered much of southern Britain. The photograph shows the actual fossil you will receive, so please refer to the image for full sizing, shape, colour, preservation, surface detail, and overall display character.
Thomelites is an interesting ammonite genus with strong appeal for collectors of British fossils, Cretaceous ammonites, chalk fossils, marine cephalopods, and natural history specimens. A fossil such as this offers both display value and geological interest, connecting the collector to a time when warm seas covered the Sussex region and supported a rich community of marine life.
Fossil Type and Species Information
This fossil is identified as Thomelites sp., meaning it is assigned to the genus Thomelites, with the exact species left open. Ammonites were marine molluscs belonging to the cephalopods, the same broader group that includes modern squid, cuttlefish, octopus, and nautilus. They lived within coiled, chambered shells, with the animal occupying the final body chamber while the earlier chambers helped with buoyancy.
Thomelites ammonites are associated with the Cretaceous Period and are of particular interest to collectors because they represent one of the many specialised ammonite forms that evolved before the group became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous. Depending on preservation, the fossil may show shell curvature, whorl structure, ribbing, surface ornament, chamber detail, mineral replacement, natural matrix contact, or areas of partial preservation.
Geological Age and Upper Cenomanian Setting
This specimen dates from the Upper Cenomanian, a stage within the Late Cretaceous Period. The Cenomanian lasted approximately 100.5 to 93.9 million years ago and represents a time of high global sea levels. During the Upper Cenomanian, much of southern England was submerged beneath warm, shallow marine waters.
These ancient seas supported a wide variety of organisms, including ammonites, bivalves, gastropods, echinoids, sponges, brachiopods, fish, marine reptiles, and microscopic plankton. Over time, fine carbonate sediment accumulated on the sea floor, helping to form the chalk and associated fossil-bearing deposits that are now exposed in parts of Sussex and other areas of southern Britain.
Sussex Locality and Cretaceous Geology
Sussex is well known for its important Cretaceous geology, including chalk sequences and fossil-bearing coastal and inland exposures. Fossils from Sussex are popular with collectors because they combine classic British locality appeal with strong scientific and display interest.
The Upper Cenomanian deposits of southern England record a marine environment very different from the landscape seen today. The fossil shells and remains preserved in these rocks provide evidence of warm Cretaceous seas, changing sea levels, and the evolution of marine life during one of the most important intervals in Earth history.
Morphology and Natural Preservation
This Thomelites ammonite has been selected for its natural character and suitability as a display specimen. Ammonites are instantly recognisable for their elegant shell geometry, and even partial or naturally worn examples can show fascinating details of their original structure. The fossil may display natural curvature, shell ornament, whorl shape, sutural traces, surface texture, sedimentary matrix, or mineral staining.
As a genuine fossil specimen, natural features may include small cracks, weathered areas, matrix marks, edge wear, compression, surface variation, or areas where the fossil continues into the surrounding rock. These features are typical of authentic fossil material and form part of the individual identity of the specimen.
Collecting, Display and Gift Appeal
This Thomelites sp. ammonite fossil is ideal for a fossil cabinet, collector’s shelf, study, office, classroom, natural history display, museum-style arrangement, or geology-themed collection. Its Upper Cenomanian age, Sussex locality, Cretaceous origin, and ammonite classification make it a strong choice for collectors interested in British fossils and prehistoric marine life.
It would make a thoughtful gift for fossil collectors, ammonite enthusiasts, geology students, teachers, palaeontology fans, coastal fossil hunters, or anyone interested in genuine natural history specimens. The fossil is well suited to buyers searching for Cretaceous ammonites, Sussex fossils, UK fossils, cephalopod fossils, chalk fossils, and certified display specimens.
Authenticity and Certificate
This fossil is a genuine specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card. The included certificate provides reassurance that the item supplied is an authentic fossil specimen selected for collecting, study, display, and gifting.
The photograph shows the actual Thomelites sp. ammonite fossil you will receive. Please view the image carefully for full sizing, fossil detail, colour, preservation, natural features, and overall display quality.
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