fossil

Belemite Rostrum

Belemnoidea (Order)

Hardness: 3-4 (calcite composition), Color: brown to tan, Luster: dull to earthy, Crystal Structure: radial calcitic structure, Shape: bullet-shaped or conical.

Identified July 6, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3-4 (calcite composition), Color: brown to tan, Luster: dull to earthy, Crystal Structure: radial calcitic structure, Shape: bullet-shaped or conical.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the internal calcified shell of extinct cephalopods that lived from the Triassic through the Cretaceous periods. These fossils are found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone or shale.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for geological education, paleontological research, and as a collector's item in the hobbyist market.

Geological facts

In folklore, they were often called 'thunderbolts' because they were believed to fall from the sky during storms. They are related to modern squids and cuttlefish.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinctive bullet shape and circular cross-section. Commonly found in coastal Jurassic or Cretaceous sedimentary formations like those in the UK or Morocco.