fossil

Fossil bone fragment

Fossilized vertebrate bone, likely mammalian; exact taxon cannot be determined from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Cream to tan, porous and irregular, with a dense outer cortex and lighter cancellous interior; hardness commonly about 3–5 Mohs, dull to slightly waxy luster, and no regular crystal cleavage.

Identified September 12, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Cream to tan, porous and irregular, with a dense outer cortex and lighter cancellous interior; hardness commonly about 3–5 Mohs, dull to slightly waxy luster, and no regular crystal cleavage.

Formation & geological history

Originally formed as living bone, then mineral-replaced or impregnated during burial and diagenesis, often by silica, calcite, or iron minerals. Its geological age and host formation cannot be established visually.

Uses & applications

Primarily a teaching, collecting, and display specimen; exceptionally identifiable or scientifically documented fossils may have value, but excavation and sale can be legally regulated.

Geological facts

The apparent porous internal structure and cortical surface are consistent with bone rather than an ordinary mineral or rock, though modern bone or antler is also possible without testing.

Field identification & locations

Look for a compact outer cortex surrounding a porous trabecular interior; fossils are commonly found in sedimentary rocks, especially river, lake, and floodplain deposits. A magnifier, acid test, density, and professional examination can distinguish fossilized bone from recent bone.