Originating from the renowned North Yorkshire coast, this slab of Jurassic shale preserves two finely detailed bivalves of the genus Pseudomytiloides, displayed as raised natural impressions.

The larger specimen (26 mm) exhibits intricate raised and well-defined shell morphology, while the accompanying 21 mm example retains areas of subtle natural pyritisation, lending a soft golden hue to the fossil.
On the reverse of the slab there is a small golden pyrite formation, which adds an additional layer of character to the piece. 

 The contrast between dark Jurassic shale, the pyrite, and the intricate shells creates a visually striking display specimen.

Preserved for approximately 180 million years, these marine bivalves once inhabited the shallow seas that covered what is now northern England. Their delicate structural detail remains remarkably clear, offering an intimate glimpse into Early Jurassic marine ecosystems.

This fossil was collected by Aaron of Collectors’ Cabin, from the beautiful North Yorkshire Coast.

Specimens such as this are naturally eroded onto the beach from the towering Jurassic-age cliffs, which are constantly shaped by the relentless waves of the North Sea. The window for collecting at such locations is short, due to rapidly changing tides and challenging terrain. 

The specimen has been carefully stabilised using reversible, museum-quality consolidation methods to preserve the fossils delicate structure while maintaining the natural character of the shale. No restoration or enhancements have been applied.

Specimen Details

Genus: Pseudomytiloides

Age: Early Jurassic (~180 million years old)

Locality: North Yorkshire Coast, England

Find Date: 28/2/26

Matrix: Fine-grained Jurassic shale

Overall Dimensions: 74 × 70 × 5 mm

Bivalve Sizes: 26 mm & 21 mm

Preservation: Raised impressions; one specimen partially pyritised

Preparation: Consolidated with paraloid B-72 (5%) to align with museum standards ( Preparation and consolidation undertaken by Collectors’ Cabin)

Reference: (RB07)