Choose Your SpecimenMarine Reptiles
·Real Fossil
Whitby Jurassic Ichthyosaur Bone Block
- Real Fossil
- 180–185 million years
- Ships worldwide
£54.99
● In stock — dispatched within 2 working days
A genuine specimen of fossilised ichthyosaur bone preserved in its original mudstone matrix, sourced from the historic Lower Jurassic cliffs of Whitby.
Choose Your Exact Specimen
You will receive the exact fossil shown for your chosen specimen.
Only 1 of this specimen — once it's gone, it's gone.
Specimen Record
DTF-1CF3F2F8-51D3DEBDExact specimen — your selection
Each option is photographed individually; you receive the specimen you select.
- Species
- Ichthyosauria indet.
- Identification confidence
- Not recorded
- Age
- 180–185 million years
- Geological period
- Lower Jurassic
- Formation
- Whitby Mudstone Formation
- Locality
- Whitby, North Yorkshire, England
- Dimensions
- 8.5 cm wide × 9 cm tall × 4.5 cm deep (3.3 in wide × 3.5 in tall × 1.8 in deep)
- Weight
- 420g (14.8oz)
Condition & Treatment
- Repair
- Present
- Restoration
- Not recorded
- Stabilisation
- Not recorded
- Polishing
- Not recorded
- Composite
- Not recorded
"Not recorded" means we hold no verified record for that detail — it is not a claim either way.
Curator Note
As vertebrate material from the Yorkshire coast is highly sought after, this specimen is a notable addition to any British fossil collection. The presence of authentic ichthyosaur bone in its original matrix provides an evocative look at the preservation styles that made the Whitby cliffs world-famous for marine reptile discoveries.
At a Glance
Type
Genuine fossil
Display
Displays beautifully on a flat surface or small easel to showcase the contrast between bone and matrix.
About This Fossil
This specimen presents genuine fossilised bone from an ichthyosaur, the iconic dolphin-shaped marine reptile that ruled the ancient seas of the Lower Jurassic. Preserved within its original dark rock matrix, this fossil bone block offers a direct connection to the deep marine history of the Yorkshire coast. Ichthyosaurs were highly adapted marine predators, boasting streamlined bodies and large eyes designed for hunting in deep waters.
Found along the famous coastline of Whitby, North Yorkshire, this piece captures a fragment of an ancient marine giant. It represents a classic vertebrate find from one of the UK's most historically significant palaeontological localities. Please note that this specimen features professional reconstruction and restoration to stabilise and present the fossilised bone in its best light.
Formation & Preservation
During the early part of the Jurassic period, what is now North Yorkshire was covered by a warm, relatively deep subtropical sea. When marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs died, their bodies sank to the muddy seabed. In the low-oxygen conditions of the seafloor, scavengers were scarce, allowing the bones to be buried by fine sediments before they could decay entirely. Over millions of years, these mineral-rich sediments compacted into shale and mudstone, with minerals slowly replacing the organic bone structure to preserve these remarkable remains.
What Makes This Specimen Special
As vertebrate material from the Yorkshire coast is highly sought after, this specimen is a notable addition to any British fossil collection. The presence of authentic ichthyosaur bone in its original matrix provides an evocative look at the preservation styles that made the Whitby cliffs world-famous for marine reptile discoveries.
Authenticity & Sourcing
Real vs Replica
- This is a genuine fossil — not a replica unless clearly stated. Clearly described and honestly presented.
- You will receive the exact specimen you select.
Ethical Sourcing
- Sourced from established suppliers and known commercial sites. We do not buy from localities we know to be protected, scientifically restricted, or subject to export controls. Origin and sourcing information is shared where known.
- ✓We will not knowingly handle specimens removed in breach of any country's heritage or export laws.
Origin & Natural Variation
Stated origin (Whitby, North Yorkshire, England) and formation (Whitby Mudstone Formation) are based on supplier information and available geological references. Identification can vary in certainty — especially for fragments — so where exact locality cannot be independently verified, we describe the formation rather than a single quarry.
Fossils are natural objects. Expect minor variation in colour, surface texture, and matrix, mineralisation and surface detail. Treatment information is shown under Condition & Treatment where it is recorded. “Not recorded” means we hold no verified record for that detail; it is not a claim that no treatment occurred.
Read our full authenticity & honest descriptions policy or the authenticity & sourcing clause in our terms.
Shipping, Returns & Packaging
• UK shipping: Free on orders of £50 or more. Standard £4.95 (Royal Mail Tracked 48, typically 2–3 working days after dispatch).
• International: Available worldwide. Rates at checkout.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, cushioned, and boxed. Fragile specimens receive extra protection.
• Dispatch: Within 2 working days (framed, mounted, or made-to-order pieces take 1 additional working day).
• Returns: 30-day returns. Contact us first. Item must be in original condition.