Mosasaur tooth fragment
Mosasaurus cf. beaugei or related mosasaurid taxon • Vertebrate body fossil (shed tooth crown)
Geological Period
Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian)
Estimated Age
66 to 72 million years old
Preservation Type
Mineral replacement and permineralization with original enamel preservation
Condition Assessment
Fair, incomplete tooth fragment lacking the full root and presenting an apical break or wear
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Order Squamata, Family Mosasauridae, Genus Mosasaurus
Morphological Description
Conical tooth crown fragment showing the smooth, polished enamel on the lower section transitioning into a textured, pitted bone-like structure near the root/base. The apex appears broken or worn. It exhibits a subtle curvature typical of marine reptile teeth adapted for gripping slippery prey.
Rock Matrix
Unattached individual tooth crown, free of host rock matrix (phosphate matrix remnants possibly micro-adhered)
Formation & Location
Ouled Abdoun Basin, Khouribga region, Morocco
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 1.5 cm to 2 cm in height, consistent with a medium-sized mosasaur tooth crown, compared to a 2 euro coin (25.75 mm diameter) placed alongside for scale.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
10 to 25 USD
Auction Estimate
15 to 30 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common, frequently found in the phosphate deposits of North Africa
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of apex marine apex predators in Late Cretaceous epicontinental seas, contributing to our understanding of Cretaceous marine food webs and tooth replacement mechanisms in squamates
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with a soft brush; no harsh acids required. Store in a stable, low-humidity environment.
Notable Features
Distinct color zonation with a dark brown, lustrous enamel base and a lighter, weathered upper/root section, showing a clear textural contrast.