Fossilized Vertebrate Bone Fragment
Indeterminate vertebrate bone fragment (cf. Dinosauria indet.) • Permineralized body fossil, vertebrate bone
Geological Period
Cretaceous
Estimated Age
66 to 145 million years ago
Preservation Type
Permineralization with silica or calcite replacement, heavily weathered and oxidized surface
Condition Assessment
Fair; worn edges, heavily weathered surface, incomplete and fragmented
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Order indeterminate, Family indeterminate
Morphological Description
Curved, irregularly shaped fragment showing spongy cancellous bone texture internally and a weathered outer cortical layer, suggesting a partial limb element or rib fragment.
Rock Matrix
Sandy limestone or weathered sandstone matrix adhering to surfaces
Formation & Location
Commonly found in formations such as the Hell Creek Formation (North America) or the Kem Kem Group (Morocco)
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 4 cm to 6 cm in length, consistent with a small skeletal fragment from a medium-sized vertebrate
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $30 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common; isolated unidentifiable bone fragments are frequently encountered in fossiliferous deposits
Scientific Significance
Provides general evidence of past vertebrate presence and local depositional environments, though limited diagnostic value due to wear
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with a soft brush to remove loose surface dirt; stabilization with a dilute polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or Paraloid B-72 solution if further crumbling occurs
Notable Features
Distinctive curved morphology with visible porous trabecular structure exposed on the broken ends