A nice example of an ichthyosaur vertebra fossil from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Lyme Regis, Dorset UK.
The vertebra sits in the original matrix in which it was found. The matrix measures 42mm and the bone measures 22mm. The bone is very well preserved and has been prepared using air abrasive techniques to reveal all the detail. There are some small holes in the matrix that were caused by "piddocks" - modern bivalve shellfish that burrow into soft rock on the seafloor.
It has good detail in its preservation and a nice light brown colour. The neural and rib facets are present and very well preserved. Overall, it has a very high level of detail.
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.