Petrified skull with an Extraordinary amount of Soft Tissue Petrification
15 December 2024
Description

The presence of high arsenic levels is a particularly intriguing aspect of this specimen. Arsenic is well-documented for its preservative qualities in certain geological and environmental contexts. In paleontological terms, such high concentrations can facilitate the inhibition of microbial activity, thereby significantly reducing the degradation of organic materials. This phenomenon warrants further analytical investigation to better understand the geochemical conditions that contributed to this extraordinary preservation. Given the fossil's unique characteristics and its potential contribution to advancing our understanding of ancient life and fossilization processes, I strongly advocate for its detailed authentication It is not of human origin. The perforations along the mandible indicate a reptile of unknown origin. The facial symmetry is also distorted due to the force of impact or prolonged exposure to the arsenic or both. Considering the suture lines have been destroyed however the most likely cause of distortion would be impact related. Possibly from volcanic activity or a geothermal vent. The last photo is a microscopic image from a sample take from this fossil. It clearly shows a cellular structure that has been effected by arsenic.

Dimensions

Standard size for a skull

Acquired from
Inherited
For sale
Yes

Do you have a similar item and want to know how much it’s worth?

Communicate directly with a qualified specialist and get a fair market valuation of your item, typically in 48 hours or less.

Similar item appraisals

31 Dec, 2024
Crinoid segment 3...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Dec, 2024
It's a flat stone...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Dec, 2024
Baby dinosaur maybe
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Dec, 2024
Ammonite
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
30 Dec, 2024
Fossil of some kind
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
29 Dec, 2024
Asaphus expansus ...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
27 Dec, 2024
Looks like a shell
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
26 Dec, 2024
Fossil of some so...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
25 Dec, 2024
Oreodont
Fossils
Estimate: $175 - $350