Hadrosaurid Dinosaur Tooth
Hadrosauridae indet. (duck-billed dinosaur tooth) • Vertebrate body fossil (shed tooth)
Geological Period
Late Cretaceous
Estimated Age
66 to 75 million years ago
Preservation Type
Permineralization and fossilization of the original dentine and enamel structures.
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good. Fragmentary crown portion with visible surface cracking and breakage at the base, representing an incomplete shed tooth.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Order Ornithischia, Family Hadrosauridae
Morphological Description
Elongated, sub-prismatic tooth crown showing distinct vertical carinae (ridges) on the enamel surface, characteristic of the complex dental batteries of ornithischian herbivorous dinosaurs. The crown exhibits wear facets indicative of mastication.
Rock Matrix
Minimal matrix adhering to the root/base, appearing as a fine-grained sandstone or siltstone with iron oxide staining giving it a brownish hue.
Formation & Location
Judith River Formation, Hell Creek Formation (North America), or equivalent Late Cretaceous deposits globally.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 to 2 cm in length, consistent with a medium-sized shed tooth when compared to a 2 Euro coin (25.75 mm diameter) for scale.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15 to $40 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 to $50 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, as hadrosaur teeth are among the most frequently recovered dinosaur fossils due to continuous tooth replacement in dental batteries.
Scientific Significance
Provides insight into the herbivorous diet, mastication mechanics, and faunal composition of Late Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems.
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with a soft brush to remove loose matrix. Store in a stable, low-humidity environment to prevent further cracking of the fossilized dentine.
Notable Features
Clear longitudinal ridges on the enamel surface and visible wear facet demonstrating the dental function in duck-billed dinosaurs.