British Chalk Belemnite – Gonioteuthis granulata – Santonian, Cretaceous – Broadstairs, Kent, UK – Authentic Fossil with Certificate

Description British Chalk Belemnite – Gonioteuthis granulata Santonian Stage, Late Cretaceous (~86.3–83.6 million years ago) From the Chalk Group – Broadstairs, Kent, United Kingdom Taxonomic Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Mollusca Class: Cephalopoda Order: Belemnitida Superfamily: Belemnopseina Family: Belemnitellidae Genus: Gonioteuthis Species: Gonioteuthis granulata Originally described by Blainville in 1827 Geological & Stratigraphic Context: Geological Stage: Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) Formation: Upper Chalk Formation, British Chalk Group Location: Broadstairs, Kent, UK Depositional Environment: Quiet, deep marine shelf environment with slow accumulation of calcareous ooze, resulting in the iconic white chalk beds of southern England Morphology and Fossil Features: Belemnites are extinct marine cephalopods, and Gonioteuthis granulata is a well-known belemnite species from the Late Cretaceous This species is characterised by a long, narrow guard (rostrum) with fine longitudinal striations and granulate surface texture — features that aid in identification The rostrum functioned as a stabiliser and counterweight in life, helping the belemnite swim in an upright position Often found in the same fossil-bearing chalk as ammonites, fish, and echinoids The fossil represents the hard internal shell of the animal and is typically bullet-shaped Scientific Significance & Notable Use: Gonioteuthis granulata is an important index fossil used for correlating Upper Cretaceous (Santonian) marine strata across northwestern Europe The presence of this species is used to date Santonian-age chalk and marl deposits Its distinct morphology makes it valuable for both scientific research and private fossil collections Specimen Information: This is a 100% genuine fossil of Gonioteuthis granulata Found in the world-renowned white chalk cliffs near Broadstairs, Kent Carefully selected and preserved to show defining features Scale cube = 1cm – see photo for precise size You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photo Comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity Summary: This is a superb example of the British belemnite Gonioteuthis granulata, collected from the famous chalk deposits of Kent. A fine Santonian specimen with clear diagnostic features, ideal for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of marine paleo-life from the Late Cretaceous.