Dinosaur Limb Bone (likely Humeral/Femoral fragment)
Dinosauria indet. (requires diagnostic articular ends for specific genus identification) • Body Fossil (Vertebrate bone)
Geological Period
Cretaceous (likely Late Cretaceous)
Estimated Age
66 to 100 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization with surface mineral encrustation and partial replacement.
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; the specimen is weathered, missing its primary articular ends, and shows evidence of old fractures that have been stabilized or filled.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Reptilia, Superorder: Dinosauria, Order: Ornithischia/Saurischia indet.
Morphological Description
A large, robust long bone fragment featuring a distinct curvature and shaft narrowing. One end shows a broad, flattened expansion suggesting a proximodistal joint surface. The cortical surface shows moderate weathering with fine longitudinal cracking and several transverse structural fractures.
Rock Matrix
Medium-grained sandstone or silty mudstone, common in terrestrial fluvial deposits.
Formation & Location
Hell Creek Formation (USA), Kem Kem Beds (Morocco), or similar Cretaceous continental fluvial deposits.
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 35-45 cm in length based on the scale of the 5p/10p sized coin; consistent with a sub-adult or medium-sized dinosaur limb bone.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$400.00 - $800.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$350.00 - $650.00 USD
Rarity Assessment
Uncommon (Isolated dinosaur limb fragments are found relatively frequently in certain deposits, but large portions are desirable).
Scientific Significance
Provides data on local paleoecology and the presence of megafauna in specific strata; useful for histological study of bone growth and vascularity in dinosaurs.
Preparation Recommendations
Requires cleaning of surface matrix with micro-abrasives and stabilization with Paraloid B-72 to prevent further crumbling of the cortical bone.
Notable Features
Prominent curved shaft and a visible cross-sectional break showing the internal cancellous bone structure and mineral-filled medullary region.