Microfossils
"Under the microscope lies a world of remarkable beauty—complex forms and intricate structures that appear almost alien, existing entirely apart from our awareness. It is a quiet reminder of the vastness of life’s expressions, many of which go unnoticed. I often feel a sense of sadness that most people will never have the chance to witness such hidden beauty firsthand."
Microscopic fossils hold a very special place in my heart. I have often found myself speaking at length about their beauty—sometimes to the point of seeing the listener’s eyes glaze over in polite disinterest. For many, it can be difficult to imagine that something so small could be worth such fascination.
A microfossil is generally defined as a fossil visible to the naked eye or under low magnification, such as with a hand lens.
However, some specimens in my collection, while still considered macrofossils, require higher magnification under a microscope to reveal their finer details. For instance, a tiny shark tooth or foraminifera might appear no larger than a grain of sand when placed on my fingertip. Only under strong magnification does its remarkable structure become visible—yet it remains classified as a macrofossil rather than a microfossil.
The sheer abundance of microfossils that can be extracted from a small matrix sample at Folkestone far exceeds what one could collect in an entire weekend on the foreshore. These specimens offer a window into an extraordinary miniature world long lost to time.
The fossils shown on this page range between 0.5 mm and 4 mm in size. My aim is to capture their beauty and provide a glimpse into a hidden world that few ever have the chance to see.
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On this page you will find some of the better examples in my collection currently. There are many different species to be found at Folkestone. For a better catalogue I recommend a copy of "Fossils of the Gault Clay"
Microcoprolites
You will find these tiny coprolites in high quantities. The are usually calcified and shiny.
Occasionally you can find them with distinct spirals from the gut track. Most likely from either small fish or crustaceans/worms.
Find frequency on the foreshore: Common
Starfish segments
These have been uncommon to find for me within the sand samples I have taken to search for fossils. These are by far the easiest type of starfish segment to spot.
The left picture shows a very distinctive groove, almost makes the segment look split in half. The right photo shows the top view with a bumpy texture. Difficult to spot but easy once you have your eye in.
The species is described as ?Zoroasteridae indet, only very tentatively.
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Citharinella pinnaeformis
Chapman, 1893
This is a foraminifera. These are single celled organisms that used streaming granular ectoplasm for catching food.
You can still find foraminifera to this day and they are a main food source for many living creatures. Foraminifera fossils are used by geologists in the search for oil. If there is a vast bed containing foraminifera in core samples then oil can sometimes be found beneath.
My ID may be wrong on all foraminifera. As the scientific field on them is constantly changing and specimens are getting renamed. If changed please notify me so I can correct.
Find frequency on the foreshore: Uncommon
Lenticulina sternalis
Berthelin, 1880
Lenticulina rotulata
Lamarck, 1804
Lenticulina rotulata
Lamarck, 1804
Epistomena spinulifera
Reuss
Pterothrissus galtinus
Koken, 1891
The above is an Otolith. These are the inner ear bones of fish.
Otoliths are unique within vertebrate fossils as they are not a part of the skeleton, instead they are separate specialised hard parts.
Hard to find in sand samples as they are easily mistaken for flakes of flint/stone. Sampling of the clay directly will probably yield better results.
Find frequency on the foreshore: Uncommon
Ophiomusium sp.
The above is a articulated segment of brittlestar arm.
Usually found a individual segments, they are found rarely as articulated segments as above.
As far as I am aware. Complete brittlestar and starfish fossils have not been found within the Gault. If you have come across one and have pictures please get in contact as I would love to see.
Find frequency on the foreshore: Very rare
Crustacean burrow 1
Close up A
Under magnification, the fossil burrow reveals clear fish scales along with several rare vertebrae that retain their neural spines.
This image shows a representative example of the type of fish vertebrae commonly found loose on the foreshore, typically isolated and lacking associated skeletal elements.
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
Crustacean burrow 1
Close up B
Another section of the burrow reveals two well-preserved fish jaws from separate individuals, offering rare insight into the diversity of fish material preserved within a single sedimentary feature.
The first jaw, located toward the left, is relatively clear, with the teeth visibly fused to the jawbone, common in many bony fish species.
The second jaw, positioned toward the top of the image, spans nearly the entire length of the photograph but measures only around 1.5 cm in total length. This specimen is particularly notable, as the teeth appear to be socketed rather than fused, a rare feature that may indicate a different taxonomic group or feeding strategy.
Find frequency on the foreshore: Rare
