fossil

Fossilized Bone

Vertebrate Fossil Fragment (Calcium Phosphate / Hydroxyapatite)

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Gray/brownish-gray, Luster: Dull/earthy, Structure: Shows internal trabecular (honeycomb) bone texture, Specific gravity: 2.7 to 3.1

Identified July 5, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 5 (Mohs scale), Color: Gray/brownish-gray, Luster: Dull/earthy, Structure: Shows internal trabecular (honeycomb) bone texture, Specific gravity: 2.7 to 3.1

Formation & geological history

Formed through the process of permineralization or replacement where minerals fill the organic pores of bone over millions of years. This specimen likely dates from the Mesozoic or Cenozoic eras depending on local geology.

Uses & applications

Scientific study, education, and private collecting. Fragments like this are often found by hobbyists for personal collections.

Geological facts

This specimen displays a distinct curved outer surface and a porous internal structure known as 'cancellous bone'. Licking fossilized bone often causes the tongue to stick slightly due to its porous nature.

Field identification & locations

Check for a 'honeycomb' or 'spongey' texture on the edges. Common in sedimentary basins, riverbeds, and areas with exposed Cretaceous or Tertiary strata. This specific piece appears to be a partial vertebra or limb bone fragment.

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