fossil

Fossilized Bone

Permineralized Vertebrate Bone

Hardness varies depending on replacing minerals (often Mohs 5-7 if replaced by quartz/silica), color typically gray, brown, or tan, dull to sub-vitreous luster, dense, irregular and porous internal bone structure visible under magnification.

Identified August 3, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through permineralization or replacement, where minerals in groundwater (such as silica, calcite, or pyrite) replace the original organic material of buried bones over thousands to millions of years.

Uses & applications

Valuable for scientific research, paleontological study, educational displays, and as collector specimens.

Geological facts

Fossilized bones often retain the microscopic Haversian canals of living bone, allowing scientists to identify bone structure even after complete mineralization.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its distinctive cellular bone texture, heavier weight than typical rocks of similar size, and sometimes porous cellular structure. Found globally in sedimentary strata associated with ancient riverbeds, floodplains, and marine deposits.