fossil

Belemnoidea (Belemnite) Fossil

Belemnoidea (order), typically within the genus Belemnitida

Bullet-shaped or elongated cone, dark grey to black color, smooth to slightly roughened texture, Mohs hardness 3-4 (calcitic). Often displays radial structure if broken in cross-section.

Identified July 14, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Bullet-shaped or elongated cone, dark grey to black color, smooth to slightly roughened texture, Mohs hardness 3-4 (calcitic). Often displays radial structure if broken in cross-section.

Formation & geological history

Formed from the internal calcified shell (rostrum) of extinct cephalopods related to modern squid. These specimens typically date from the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods (approx. 200 to 66 million years ago).

Uses & applications

Primarily for educational purposes, museum displays, and private fossil collections. Historically used in folk medicine (known as thunderbolts).

Geological facts

Belemnites were once thought by folklore to be the tips of lightning bolts that hit the ground during storms. They are excellent index fossils for dating sedimentary layers.

Field identification & locations

Look for bullet-like shapes in marine sedimentary rocks like limestone or shale, or washed up on beaches in regions like the UK (Jurassic Coast) or Germany. They are often found in large clusters called 'belemnite battlefields'.

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Fossiliferous Limestone

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Fossiliferous Limestone

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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

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Fossiliferous Limestone

Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section

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