Fossilized dinosaur head
This fossil has opening on both sides that mirror the other and are consistant with ocular orbits with one globe fossilized as well, nasal opening and oratory openings. There are teeth visable along both sides and in the area you would expect to see teeth. There are symmetrical features consistant with a mandible joint and a clear outline (from one side to the opposite side) of a mouth, which is where you can see the teeth. On the underside you can plainly see where the spinal column passed from vertebrae into the cranial cavity. There are three to four symmetrical bumps or skull formations centered between the sides and inline on center of the openings I mentioned earlier.
Length is approximately 9 to 9.5 inches, height is approximately 6 to 6.25 inches and sagittal measurement would probaly result in 3 to 4 inches at the thickest area.
I pulled this fossil from the exposed sediment layer of an erroded bank of a dry creek bed, just about a foot or two above solid bedrock. This was not laying on the ground, it was in the bank.
Other
Maybe
Fossiliferous Limestone Display
Unknown Age
Unknown Provenance
Fossiliferous limestone sections often contain larger fossils or fossil traces. From the images; it appears this specimen has areas of an impression of some type of plant material or possible bone. In other areas a fossilized bone structure does appear to be a relief, set out from the matrix. Negligible color differences between the fossil and matrix. It is difficult to identify the form. If animalia: the form is a possible partial animal skull, with smaller teeth, as no denture is visible. This could be an example of an endochondral limb section; with interspersed geologic concretions or chert nodules. No apparent cracks across the fossil or matrix, with no filling or repairs noted. Approximate measurements: L 9.25" x H 6.25"; Sagittal measurement 3" to 4" at thickest area. Unknown weight. Unable to verify its authenticity from images. The item does not have excavation sight information or previous sales records. It is important to recognize local, state, and US federal laws and prohibitions of sale and shipment of Fossils and Paleontology items.
Hello,
Please excuse this redundancy if you have received my previous message; I did not see my response saved on my end of this program.
I formed these valuations for you after researching other items in databases that I believe could be comparable. I also suggest that, when you have time, you take your item to a regional natural science museum or university department. They will be able to tell you, absolutely, if the item is an animal fossil or a different mineral composition. Your local library may also be able to connect you with resources; sometimes these organizations will host specialist days for in-person assessment. Mearto also has an appraiser directory resource page: https://mearto.com/appraisers
Thank you for responding, it is greatly appreciated. I have reached out to a professor at a large well know university. We are in the process of playing phone tag.
What I want you to understand is that I am certain that what I have is animal. I have found teeth, claws, and half a dozen or so large fossilized remains, three different locations.
Please tell me what you need from to further authenticate or what information exactly you require for provenance. If you feel a more accurate appraisal would result from an in person appraisal, tell me where to send it. If photos of the area where I found this are needed, I can and will send phitos, however, the exact location will not be given to keep the public away from the site.