A nice example of an ichthyosaur vertebra fossil from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Lyme Regis, Dorset UK.
The vertebra is matrix free and measures 26 mm (1 inch) across, which is a good size for this fossil type. The bone is very well preserved and has been prepared using air abrasive techniques to remove all matrix.
It has very good detail in its preservation and a nice unusual light colour. The neural and rib facets are present and very well preserved, showing it was not exposed to the sea before it was found. Some impressions on one side are holes bored by modern bivalve shellfish called piddocks, which live in the limestone around Lyme Regis.
These fossils were first found by pioneering Victorian fossils hunters like Mary Anning. Ichthyosaur bones are very popular fossils from this location.
Around 198 million years old (Sinemurian, Early Jurassic), this fossil would make a wonderful addition to any collection.