fossil

Fossilized Bone

Vertebrate fossil (mineralized bone)

Hardness typically varies from 5 to 6 on the Mohs scale depending on the replacing minerals; color ranges from dark brown to black due to organic carbon or iron/manganese oxides; luster is dull to vitreous; structure retains the porous trabecular or compact osteological texture of original bone.

Identified August 1, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization, where groundwater rich in minerals (such as silica, calcite, or iron) seeps into buried organic bone, replacing the original organic material with stone over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Valued by paleontologists for scientific study and by collectors as display specimens or curiosities.

Geological facts

Fossilized bones can preserve microscopic cellular structures, allowing scientists to study the biology and pathology of extinct animals.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its distinctive porous internal matrix and external cortical bone texture, often found in sedimentary rock formations rich in ancient river or marine deposits.

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Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

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Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

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Fossiliferous Limestone

Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section

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Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems

Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils

sedimentary