fossil

Fossilized bone fragment, possibly vertebrate tooth or jaw

Mineralized vertebrate bone; commonly apatite [Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,Cl)] replacing original bone

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-gray, porous and strongly weathered, with cellular/trabecular structure and a dull to earthy luster; typically hardness about 5 on Mohs scale and specific gravity roughly 2.5–3.2. The visible repeating internal texture is more consistent with fossil bone than ordinary rock, though the exact element cannot be…

Identified September 9, 2026More fossil →

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At a glance

Common name: Fossilized bone fragment, possibly vertebrate tooth or jaw
Scientific name: Mineralized vertebrate bone; commonly apatite [Ca5(PO4)3(F,OH,Cl)] replacing original bone
Category: fossil
Identified: September 9, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$50 for an unattributed fragment; $50–$500+ if well-preserved, identifiable, legally collected, and accompanied by provenance.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when buried bone was mineralized during diagenesis, commonly by apatite, silica, or iron-bearing fluids; age cannot be established visually and may range from thousands to hundreds of millions of years. It likely comes from a sedimentary fossil-bearing deposit.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collecting, educational, and decorative specimen; some fossil bone is cut and polished for jewelry or art. Scientific value depends on secure locality and identification.

Geological facts

Fossil bone often preserves a distinctive honeycomb or vascular pattern, unlike most stones. A definitive identification requires locality, scale, and examination of broken surfaces or microscopy.

Field identification & locations

Look for lightweight porous structure, curved anatomical surfaces, and mineral-filled pores; compare with known bone fossils from the locality. Avoid acid testing, which can damage it; common sources include river gravels and sedimentary formations worldwide.