fossil

Fossilized bone or tooth fragment (indeterminate vertebrate fossil)

Mineralized vertebrate skeletal material; commonly apatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH), partly replaced by silica or calcite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dark brown-gray, weathered, irregularly fractured, with a lighter crystalline-looking internal area; fossil bone typically preserves porous or fibrous texture. Mohs hardness is commonly ~5, luster dull to earthy, and specific gravity roughly 2.7–3.2; exact properties require testing.

Identified August 17, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossilized bone or tooth fragment (indeterminate vertebrate fossil) 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 or tooth fragment (indeterminate vertebrate fossil)
Scientific name: Mineralized vertebrate skeletal material; commonly apatite, Ca₅(PO₄)₃(F,Cl,OH), partly replaced by silica or calcite
Category: fossil
Identified: August 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$100 for an unidentified fragment; $100–$1,000+ if legally collected, well preserved, and scientifically identified.

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

Originally deposited skeletal tissue that was buried and mineralized during diagenesis, often over thousands to millions of years. The image alone cannot establish geological age or species.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector or educational specimen; fossil material may be displayed, studied, or used in paleontology rather than construction or jewelry.

Geological facts

The shape suggests a fragment of vertebrate bone, tooth, or jaw, but visual identification is insufficient for species-level assignment. A diagnostic cross-section, scale, locality, and examination of internal pores or enamel would help.

Field identification & locations

Common fossil-bearing settings include river gravels, marine sediments, caves, and badlands. Avoid acid or destructive tests; compare weight, texture, and bone-like vascular pores with confirmed fossils, and verify provenance.