#Westbury Formation fossil

[valerievarnuska]

Paleontologists Discover New Horned Dinosaur in Arizona

Valerie Varnuska resides in Westbury, NY, where she enjoys taking long walks in nature. Among other interests, Valerie Varnuska likes reading about new discoveries by paleontologists. During the 1990s, Stan Krzyzanowski, a former New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) research associate, discovered dinosaur fossils in Tucson, Arizona's Fort Crittenden Formation, but it wasn't until this year that experts realized they belonged to a previously-undiscovered species of dinosaur. Another research associate at NMMNHS, Sebastian Dalman, explained that the discovery was made based on the unique shield of bones along the side of its face. It was named Crittendenceratops krzyzanowskii after the location where its fossils were found and the former NMMNHS researcher who discovered them. Experts believe the dinosaur was about 11 feet long and weighed more than 1,600 pounds. It was a relative of the Triceratops, but quite a bit smaller and appears to have died out as many as eight million years prior to the Triceratops. It was believed to be found in Arizona because, at the time, the region was both warm and wet and featured a rich environment for plant growth.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Reptile Bones & Coprolite – Upper Triassic – Aust Cliff, Westbury Formation, Bristol UK

Fossil Reptile Bones and Coprolite in Matrix – Upper Triassic – Aust Cliff, Westbury Formation, Bristol, UK

This exceptional block contains genuine reptile bone fragments and an accompanying coprolite (fossilised faeces), preserved together in a matrix from the world-famous fish, reptile, and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, Bristol. This geological unit, known as the Westbury Formation, is part of the Penarth Group and dates back to the Upper Triassic Period (around 205–210 million years ago).

Scientific and Geological Context:

Location: Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK

Formation: Westbury Formation

Group: Penarth Group

Geological Period: Upper Triassic

Depositional Environment: Coastal lagoon/estuarine system subject to episodic flooding and anoxic conditions, perfect for preservation of organic material

Lithology: Dark laminated mudstones and siltstones with fossil-rich horizons

Palaeoecology: Rich with vertebrate remains including fish, early marine reptiles (e.g. placodonts and ichthyosaurs), and evidence of terrestrial vertebrate activity via coprolites and bone beds

Fossil Features and Significance:

The coprolite is thought to originate from a carnivorous vertebrate and often contains inclusions such as crushed bone fragments, giving insights into the diet of Triassic predators. The reptile bones in this block may represent fragments from marine or marginal marine reptiles that inhabited or were washed into the depositional basin.

Morphology Highlights:

Long, cylindrical coprolite with preserved texture and mineral replacement

Bone fragments exhibit porous internal structure typical of vertebrate remains

Notable Use: Coprolites from this bed are significant for palaeoecological reconstructions and are used to study trophic chains in Late Triassic environments

Specimen Details:

Discovered by: Our own team – Alister and Alison – on 07 April 2025

Cleaned, prepped and treated by: Alison

Scale Reference: Cube in image = 1cm; full size detailed in photographs

Authenticity: Supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity – we guarantee all our specimens are 100% genuine

Photographed Specimen: What you see is exactly what you get – carefully chosen, clearly shown

Why This Specimen?

This is an ideal piece for collectors, educators, and anyone with an interest in prehistoric life. With both reptile bone and coprolite in situ from a stratigraphically and scientifically important UK fossil bed, it’s a rare and insightful snapshot of Triassic life.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Reptile Bone in Block Upper Triassic Westbury Formation Aust Cliff Bristol UK Authentic Vertebrate Specimen

This listing features an authentic fossil reptile bone, preserved in a block of matrix from the famous vertebrate-rich bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, United Kingdom. This fossil comes from the Westbury Formation, within the Penarth Group, and dates to the Upper Triassic Period (Rhaetian Stage, ~208–201 million years ago).

The specimen was discovered by UKGE team members Alister and Alison on 07 April 2025, and has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. The exact fossil shown in the photo is the one you will receive and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Geological Context:

The Westbury Formation at Aust Cliff represents a shallow marine to lagoonal depositional environment, laid down during a major marine transgression in the Late Triassic. This site is internationally known for its well-preserved vertebrate remains, including fish, marine reptiles, and abundant coprolites.

Reptile Bone Details:

While individual identification of isolated bone fragments can be challenging, the bone in this specimen likely belongs to a marine reptile such as a Placodont, Plesiosaur, or Ichthyosaur—all known from similar Triassic environments.

Morphological Features:

Dense, robust fossilised bone fragment

Preserved in laminated dark grey micaceous mudstone

May exhibit surface texture, curvature, or internal structure

Potential origin includes rib, limb, or jaw bone

This is a valuable and visually striking specimen from one of Britain’s most iconic Triassic fossil beds.

Specimen Information:

Fossil Type: Reptile Bone in Matrix Block

Geological Formation: Westbury Formation

Group: Penarth Group

Geological Stage: Rhaetian Stage, Upper Triassic

Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK

Depositional Environment: Shallow marine to lagoonal

Discovered By: Alister & Alison (UKGE Team)

Date of Discovery: 07 April 2025

Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to the photograph for exact sizing and details.

This fossil is an exceptional addition for collectors of marine reptile material, Triassic vertebrates, or British palaeontology.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Fish Tooth Westbury Formation Aust Cliff Bristol Upper Triassic UK Authentic Specimen Coprolite Bed

This listing features a fossil fish tooth embedded in matrix, collected from the famous vertebrate-rich layer of the Westbury Formation at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. It was discovered by our own team members Alister and Alison on 07 April 2025, and has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. The exact specimen you see in the photo is the one you will receive.

This piece comes from the Upper Triassic period, more specifically the Rhaetian stage, and is part of the Westbury Formation in the Penarth Group. The bed is globally recognised for yielding a wide array of vertebrate remains, including fish, marine reptiles, and fossil coprolites (poo).

Geological & Palaeontological Context:

Geological Formation: Westbury Formation, Penarth Group

Geological Stage: Upper Triassic, Rhaetian (~208–201 million years ago)

Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK

Depositional Environment: Lagoonal to marginal marine – rich in organic remains

Biozone: Rhaetian Zone (specific ammonite zonation not typically applied here)

Fossil Type & Possible Identification:

Fossil Type: Isolated Fish Tooth in matrix

Possible Taxa: Indeterminate; fish remains from Aust Cliff typically include Saurichthys, Severnichthys, and Lepidotes-like genera

Morphology Features: Sharp, conical tooth embedded in dark brown to reddish siltstone; likely from a predatory fish

Why It's Special:

This specimen comes from one of the most famous Triassic fossil beds in the UK, known for its unique preservation of diverse vertebrate faunas, including fish teeth, bones, reptile remains, and coprolites in a single layer. This particular block includes a distinct fish tooth with clear form and preservation.

The scale cube is 1cm to help gauge the size. Please refer to the photo for full sizing and details.

This genuine and authenticated fossil is ideal for collectors, educators, and anyone interested in Britain's rich prehistoric past.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Fish Tooth Westbury Formation Aust Cliff Bristol Upper Triassic UK Authentic Specimen Coprolite Bed

This listing features a fossil fish tooth embedded in matrix, collected from the famous vertebrate-rich layer of the Westbury Formation at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. It was discovered by our own team members Alister and Alison on 07 April 2025, and has been carefully cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. The exact specimen you see in the photo is the one you will receive.

This piece comes from the Upper Triassic period, more specifically the Rhaetian stage, and is part of the Westbury Formation in the Penarth Group. The bed is globally recognised for yielding a wide array of vertebrate remains, including fish, marine reptiles, and fossil coprolites (poo).

Geological & Palaeontological Context:

Geological Formation: Westbury Formation, Penarth Group

Geological Stage: Upper Triassic, Rhaetian (~208–201 million years ago)

Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK

Depositional Environment: Lagoonal to marginal marine – rich in organic remains

Biozone: Rhaetian Zone (specific ammonite zonation not typically applied here)

Fossil Type & Possible Identification:

Fossil Type: Isolated Fish Tooth in matrix

Possible Taxa: Indeterminate; fish remains from Aust Cliff typically include Saurichthys, Severnichthys, and Lepidotes-like genera

Morphology Features: Sharp, conical tooth embedded in dark brown to reddish siltstone; likely from a predatory fish

Why It's Special:

This specimen comes from one of the most famous Triassic fossil beds in the UK, known for its unique preservation of diverse vertebrate faunas, including fish teeth, bones, reptile remains, and coprolites in a single layer. This particular block includes a distinct fish tooth with clear form and preservation.

The scale cube is 1cm to help gauge the size. Please refer to the photo for full sizing and details.

This genuine and authenticated fossil is ideal for collectors, educators, and anyone interested in Britain's rich prehistoric past.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Fish Tooth in Block Upper Triassic Westbury Formation Aust Cliff Bristol UK Authentic Specimen

This listing features a fossil fish tooth, carefully preserved in a block of sediment from the renowned vertebrate and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. The fossil was recovered from the Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, and dates to the Upper Triassic Period (Rhaetian Stage, ~208–201 million years ago).

The specimen was discovered by our own UKGE team members, Alister and Alison, on 07 April 2025, and has been cleaned, prepped and treated by Alison. It is provided with a Certificate of Authenticity, and the photo shows the exact specimen you will receive.

Geological Context:

The Westbury Formation was laid down in a shallow marine to lagoonal environment, famous for its exceptional preservation of vertebrate remains, including fish, marine reptiles, and coprolites. Aust Cliff is one of Britain’s most scientifically important Triassic sites, offering an exceptional glimpse into marine ecosystems just before the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event.

Species Information:

While individual teeth are often difficult to attribute to a specific genus without more context, they are commonly assigned to bony fish such as Saurichthys, Severnichthys, or early actinopterygians known from this formation. These species are characterised by:

Elongate, conical teeth

Smooth enamel with minimal ornamentation

Adaptations for a carnivorous diet

Morphological Features:

Conical, pointed shape with slight curvature

Well-preserved enamel surface

Tooth embedded in micaceous dark-grey mudstone matrix

Possible presence of associated fish scale or coprolitic fragments nearby

Specimen Details:

Fossil Type: Fish Tooth in Matrix Block

Geological Formation: Westbury Formation

Group: Penarth Group

Geological Stage: Rhaetian (Upper Triassic)

Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK

Depositional Environment: Shallow marine to lagoonal

Discovered By: Alister & Alison (UKGE Team)

Date of Discovery: 07 April 2025

This specimen is a fantastic addition to any vertebrate palaeontology collection and serves as a window into one of the most significant geological intervals in Earth’s history.

Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to the image for full sizing and preservation detail.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Fish Bone in Block Upper Triassic Westbury Formation Aust Cliff Bristol UK Authentic Vertebrate Specimen

This listing features a well-preserved fossil fish bone embedded in a block from the famous vertebrate and coprolite bed at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. This specimen comes from the Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, and dates to the Upper Triassic Period (Rhaetian Stage, ~208–201 million years ago).

Your specimen was discovered by our own team members Alister and Alison on 07 April 2025, and has been cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison. It is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity, and the photo shows the exact piece you will receive.

Geological Context:

The Westbury Formation represents a shallow marine to lagoonal depositional setting, where cycles of transgression led to rich organic deposition. The dark, fine-grained mudstones of the Aust Cliff area are globally recognised for yielding a diverse assemblage of Late Triassic marine vertebrates—including fish, marine reptiles, and coprolites.

The fish bone likely derives from an actinopterygian (ray-finned fish), a group that includes species such as Severnichthys and Saurichthys—both common in this bed.

Morphology and Preservation:

Elongate, cylindrical or plate-like fossil bone fragment

Embedded in micaceous black or grey laminated mudstone

Bone may represent part of a rib, fin ray, or jaw fragment

Associated with fish scale or coprolitic debris in some cases

This bone fragment offers valuable insight into Late Triassic marine life and is an excellent educational or display piece.

Specimen Information:

Fossil Type: Fish Bone in Matrix Block

Geological Formation: Westbury Formation

Group: Penarth Group

Geological Stage: Rhaetian (Upper Triassic)

Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK

Depositional Environment: Shallow marine to lagoonal

Discovered By: Alister & Alison (UKGE Team)

Date of Discovery: 07 April 2025

Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to the image for full sizing and condition.

This is a unique opportunity to own a genuine piece of the UK’s rich fossil heritage, from one of its most iconic Triassic localities.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

[uk-fossils]

Fossil Fish Tooth in Coprolite Bed Block Upper Triassic Westbury Formation Aust Cliff Bristol UK Authentic Specimen

This listing features a carefully selected fossil fish tooth embedded in a block from the famous vertebrate-bearing horizon at Aust Cliff, near Bristol, UK. This specimen comes from the Westbury Formation, part of the Penarth Group, and dates to the Upper Triassic Period (Rhaetian Stage, ~208–201 million years ago). It is provided with a Certificate of Authenticity, and the photo shows the exact specimen you will receive.

Your specimen was discovered by our own team members Alister and Alison on 07 April 2025, and has been professionally cleaned, prepped, and treated by Alison.

The Westbury Formation at Aust Cliff is world-renowned for its rich assemblage of marine vertebrates, including fish, marine reptiles, and coprolites. These fossils are typically preserved in dark grey to black laminated shales and mudstones, deposited in a shallow marine to lagoonal environment during a major transgressive phase at the close of the Triassic.

Fossil Type and Morphology:

Elongated, conical fish tooth preserved in situ within a micaceous mudstone block

Likely derived from a bony fish such as Saurichthys or a predatory actinopterygian common in the Westbury Formation

Surface detail may include preserved enamel, striations, or feeding wear

Fossil block may also contain traces of fish scales or coprolite fragments nearby

These fossils offer a valuable glimpse into the Upper Triassic marine ecosystems that thrived prior to the Triassic-Jurassic extinction event.

Geological and Locality Details:

Fossil Type: Fish Tooth in Matrix Block

Formation: Westbury Formation

Group: Penarth Group

Geological Stage: Rhaetian Stage, Upper Triassic

Location: Aust Cliff, Bristol, UK

Depositional Environment: Shallow marine lagoonal setting

Date Discovered: 07 April 2025

Discovered and Prepped by: Alister & Alison (UKGE Team)

This fossil is a highly collectable specimen from one of Britain’s most iconic Triassic sites. It is ideal for collectors, educators, and enthusiasts of vertebrate paleontology and Mesozoic life.

Scale cube = 1cm. Please refer to the photo for full sizing and specimen detail.

All of our Fossils are 100% Genuine Specimens & come with a Certificate of Authenticity.