A nice example of a bone from an ichthyosaur from the world-famous Jurassic Coast beach of Lyme Regis, Dorset UK.
The piece or Jurassic shale matrix measures 101 mm (4 inches) across and contains a single complete neural spine from a large adult ichthyosaur. this is the bone that sits on top of each vertebra along the spine of the animal, with an arch at the bottom through which the spinal cord runs. This bone protected the spinal cord and provides an anchor point for muscles along the back of the animal.
The level of preservation in the bone is exquisite - It is perfectly preserved in 3D, which is uncommon in these bones, which can be crushed flat in the rock. It has been carefully prepared using air abrasive techniques to reveal all the details of the bone. It has a lovely toffee-brown colour.
The fossil weighs 115 grams and can be displayed flat or standing on its side as it has a cut-flat base.
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.