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

1 Apr, 2025
Potential fossil
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Mar, 2025
Curious if it's v...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Mar, 2025
Fossil
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Mar, 2025
It’s like a knee ...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
31 Mar, 2025
Fossil slab possi...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
30 Mar, 2025
Fossil slab with ...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
29 Mar, 2025
Fossil containing...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
29 Mar, 2025
Toad with intact ...
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals
27 Mar, 2025
Mushroom fossil
Fossils
Estimate: No appraisals