Phyllodont Fish Tooth Segment / Black Petrified Wood Fragment
Phyllodus cf. toliapicus or undetermined fossil wood species • Permineralized body fossil (Vertebrate tooth plate element or Plant fragment)
Geological Period
Likely Cretaceous to Neogene
Estimated Age
Approx. 5 to 100 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization or replacement (likely phosphatic or carbonaceous mineralization)
Condition Assessment
Good; shows water-worn edges and some erosion of the primary surface but maintains diagnostic linear texture
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Actinopterygii, Order: Tetraodontiformes (cf.), Family: Phyllodontidae OR Pinopsida (Conifer wood)
Morphological Description
Elongated, rectangular shape with distinct longitudinal parallel striations and ridges. High-gloss black finish consistent with phosphate replacement or carbonization. The specimen shows a layered, dense structure.
Rock Matrix
None present on specimen; likely originally from a sandy, glauconitic coastal or fluvial deposit
Formation & Location
Possible source: London Clay (UK), Phosphatic beds of South Carolina/Florida (USA), or Moroccan Phosphate deposits
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 2-3 cm in length; typical for individual segments of dermal/oral tooth plates or small debris from woody stems
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $25 USD (likely as part of a bulk collection lot)
Rarity Assessment
Common; frequently found in beach-combed or river-sifted fossil deposits
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of ancient aquatic ecosystems if marine fish, or terrestrial paleobotanical environments if wood; aids in stratigraphic dating of sedimentary layers
Preparation Recommendations
No invasive preparation needed; clean with soft brush and distilled water; store in a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent pyrite disease if found in marine clays
Notable Features
Highly lustrous black patina ('desert varnish' or marine polish) and very distinct, rhythmic parallel ridges along the longitudinal axis.