fossil

Fossilized Bone

Permineralized Vertebrate Bone

Hardness varies (typically Mohs 5-7 depending on the replacing minerals such as quartz or calcite); Color ranges from tan, brown, grey, to reddish-brown; Luster is dull to vitreous; Porous, cancellous (spongy) bone structure often clearly visible on the surface.

Identified July 30, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization where groundwater rich in minerals (commonly silica or calcite) infiltrates buried organic bone, replacing the original organic material with mineral deposits over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Valuable for scientific research, paleontology, museum display, and as collector specimens.

Geological facts

Fossilized bones do not contain original bone material; instead, they are solid stone replicas preserving the microscopic cellular structure of the once-living creature.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by the distinct porous or honeycomb-like texture characteristic of cancellous bone, high density compared to modern bone, and positive reaction to hardness or scratch tests typical of stone.