Permineralized Large Mammal Bone Fragment
cf. Bison sp. or Equus sp. (Large Ungulate) • Body Fossil (Vertebrate bone)
Geological Period
Pleistocene - Early Holocene
Estimated Age
0.01 to 2.58 million years
Preservation Type
Sub-fossilization to Permineralization; the bone has likely undergone some mineral replacement but retains its organic porous structure.
Condition Assessment
Fair; the specimen is an incomplete fragment with significant post-mortem wear and missing epiphyses.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Chordata, Class: Mammalia, Order: Artiodactyla or Perissodactyla
Morphological Description
A partial fragment of a long bone or metapodial displaying a thick outer layer of cortical bone and a well-exposed internal cancellations (trabecular) bone structure. The specimen shows weathered edges and a distinct medullary cavity section.
Rock Matrix
None present (isolated find); likely originally deposited in fluvial (river) gravels or alluvial silts.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in North American river beds (e.g., Peace River, Florida) or European glacial deposits (e.g., North Sea gravels).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 4-6 cm in width; representative of a medium-to-large sized herbivore.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$10 - $25 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $40 USD (usually sold in bulk lots)
Rarity Assessment
Common; isolated fragments of Ice Age megafauna are frequently discovered in waterway deposits.
Scientific Significance
Provides data on Pleistocene megafauna distribution and paleo-environment; helps reconstruct ancient food webs and local fauna of the Ice Age.
Preparation Recommendations
Requires cleaning with soft brushes and stabilization with a reversible consolidant (like Butvar B-76 or Paraloid B-72) to prevent crumbling as it dries.
Notable Features
Excellent contrast between the dense exterior cortical bone and the preserved interior 'honeycomb' marrow structure (trabecular bone).