fossil

Fossilized bone fragment, possibly dinosaur or large mammal bone

Fossil bone; mineralized apatite (carbonate-fluorapatite), commonly Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,OH)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tan-brown, dense, dull to subtly earthy luster, with longitudinal grooves and porous/compact bone texture. Hardness is typically about 4–5 Mohs; the apparent layered structure is consistent with cortical bone, though the image alone cannot confirm species or fossilization.

Identified September 1, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossilized bone fragment, possibly dinosaur or large mammal bone in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Fossilized bone fragment, possibly dinosaur or large mammal bone
Scientific name: Fossil bone; mineralized apatite (carbonate-fluorapatite), commonly Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,OH)
Category: fossil
Identified: September 1, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$50 for an unprovenanced fragment; $100–$1,000+ if diagnostically identified, legally collected, and accompanied by strong 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

Original bone was buried in sediment and gradually replaced or impregnated by silica, calcite, or phosphate minerals during diagenesis; age may range from thousands to millions of years. The broken end and weathered surface suggest a fragment from sedimentary deposits.

Uses & applications

Used mainly for education, paleontology, and collecting; polished fossil bone can be decorative. Scientific value depends on confirmed provenance and diagnostic anatomy.

Geological facts

Fossil bone may preserve microscopic vascular canals even after organic material is lost. It can resemble petrified wood or ordinary weathered bone, so laboratory examination is often needed.

Field identification & locations

Look for a dense outer cortex, small pores or vascular channels, curved anatomical surfaces, and mineral-filled cavities; common sources include river gravels, badlands, deserts, and fossil-bearing sedimentary formations. Avoid destructive tests or acids without expert guidance.