Fossilized Mammal Bone Fragment (likely Sirenia or Megaherbivore)
Incertae sedis; potentially cf. Trichechus spp. (Manatee) or cf. Mammut/Mammuthus (Mastodon/Mammoth) bone chunk • Body fossil; Vertebrate skeletal material
Geological Period
Neogene to Quaternary (Miocene to Pleistocene epochs)
Estimated Age
Approx. 0.01 to 23 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization; typical Peace River mineralization where organic material is replaced by dark minerals like phosphate and manganese
Condition Assessment
Fair; partial and fragmentary. Lacks specific diagnostic features (joints or teeth) that would allow for precise species identification. Shows notable chipping and rounding from water action.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order: Sirenia or Proboscidea (Undetermined due to fragmentation)
Morphological Description
Dense, mineralized cortical bone fragment with a dark brown, permineralized patina. Shows granular surface texture consistent with weathered osteological material. Lacks articulating ends or diagnostic processes; exhibits post-mortem breakage and river-worn smoothing.
Rock Matrix
Specimen is free of matrix but shows signs of phosphate-rich river gravel deposits and light mechanical abrasion from fluvial transport.
Formation & Location
Peace River, Arcadia, Florida; Hawthorn Group (Bone Valley Member) and overlying Pleistocene deposits.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 3.5 to 4.5 inches in length. Standard size for common non-diagnostic mammal bone chunks found in the Peace River gravel bars.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00
Auction Estimate
$0.00 - $25.00 (Typically sold in bulk lots)
Rarity Assessment
Common; bone fragments of this nature are the most frequently encountered fossils by river hunters in the Arcadia region of the Peace River.
Scientific Significance
Low to Moderate; contributes to the understanding of the faunal diversity of Florida's 'Land Mammal Ages,' showcasing the abundance of megafauna in the region during the Pliocene and Pleistocene.
Preparation Recommendations
No intensive preparation needed. Should be soaked in fresh water to remove salts and dried slowly. Can be sealed with a light coating of Paraloid B-72 if flaking occurs.
Notable Features
Significant dark mineralization characteristic of 'Peace River Fossils.' The density of the bone suggests it may be a fragment of a 'heavy-boned' animal like a Dugong or Manatee, which often have pachyostotic bones.
Notes
Arcadia Florida peace river