Fossilized Dinosaur Bone Fragment
Dinosauria indet. (indeterminate dinosaur bone fragment) • Petrified body fossil (vertebrate bone)
Geological Period
Mesozoic (likely Cretaceous or Jurassic)
Estimated Age
66 to 150 million years
Preservation Type
Permineralization and complete mineral replacement by silicates or iron oxides
Condition Assessment
Good; shows surface weathering and exposed internal trabecular structure due to natural fracture or erosion, structurally stable
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Superorder Dinosauria
Morphological Description
Exhibits highly porous cancellous (spongy) bone structure clearly visible with distinct trabeculae forming intricate honeycomb-like internal cavities. The outer surfaces show brownish-yellow mineral replacement.
Rock Matrix
Weathered sandstone and ironstone matrix enclosing the bone structure
Formation & Location
Morrison Formation (USA), Hell Creek Formation (USA), or similar dinosaur-bearing fluvial deposits
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 15 cm to 25 cm in length, representing a partial chunk of limb bone or axial element from a medium to large dinosaur
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150
Auction Estimate
$40 - $120
Rarity Assessment
Common; dinosaur bone fragments of this type are frequently found in prolific fossil-bearing formations
Scientific Significance
Provides evidence of vertebrate anatomy and taphonomic processes in fluvial depositional environments during the Mesozoic era
Preparation Recommendations
Gentle mechanical cleaning with soft brushes, potential consolidation with dilute polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or Paraloid B-72 if fragile, store in a stable, dry environment
Notable Features
Exceptionally clear preservation of the internal cancellous spongy bone trabeculae network, making it a wonderful tactile and visual educational specimen