Dinosaur Footprint Trace Fossil
Dinosaurichnus cf. ichnogenus • Trace fossil (ichnofossil), vertebrate footprint impression/cast
Geological Period
Cretaceous
Estimated Age
66 to 145 million years
Preservation Type
Natural cast / sediment-filled undertrack or impression with iron oxide replacement/staining
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; highly weathered surface with eroded margins, but distinct structural outlines of multiple prints are visible.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Superorder Dinosauria, Order Ornithischia or Saurischia
Morphological Description
Large, weathered tridactyl (three-toed) depressions preserved as iron-stained sandstone infillings or natural casts on a bedding plane, showing blunt or clawed digit impressions and a distinct heel/metatarsal pad area.
Rock Matrix
Fine-grained quartz sandstone with iron oxide (limonite/hematite) weathering
Formation & Location
Dakota Group, Glen Rose Formation, or equivalent Cretaceous dinosaur track-bearing sandstone formations in North America
Size & Dimensions
The prominent central track measures approximately 20 to 30 cm in length, consistent with a medium-sized bipedal dinosaur.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $800
Auction Estimate
$400 - $1,000
Rarity Assessment
Uncommon as surface-collected erratic blocks, though individual track-sites can be locally abundant.
Scientific Significance
Provides valuable behavioral evidence regarding dinosaur locomotion, gait speed, herd dynamics, and paleoenvironmental conditions in ancient coastal or floodplain settings.
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with a soft brush to remove loose debris; avoid harsh acids due to the sandstone matrix. Store in a stable, dry environment.
Notable Features
Multiple partial tracks preserved on a single large slab, exhibiting distinct iron-rich coloration highlighting the footprint infills against the lighter matrix.