Right Hemisphere Of A Petrified Human Head
This petrified head was found in a load of landscaping stone, around 2018, in Rapid City, South Dakota/Black Hills. I would say that the condition is quite good considering its possible age, however, I do not know the exact age. The head is defnitely "humanoid" although it may be something other than specifically human. The face is clearly visible. The nose is missing. There is the mouth with visible teeth in front, as well as remains of lips/side of the mouth. Well defined facial muscles, scalp, skin and bone tissue visible on the outside. Most noteable is the eye socket. Protruding from the socket is an eyeball and the eyeball is actually still connected to an optic nerve. You can see the pupil and remains of the cornea, when you zoom in. The whole skull is quite solid. "Hard as steel." On the "inside" where it is split, there is more petrified flesh material. In the top 25-30% inside the split, the darker material is the petrified brain. The head weighs 2lbs 10.6oz. The measurements are approximate: From chin to crown of head, diagonal - 6.5 inches From top to bottom, profile - 5 inches Thickness - 3 inches Direct link to video: https://rumble.com/v44enji-skull.html
From chin to crown of head, diagonal - 6.5 inches From top to bottom, profile - 5 inches Thickness - 3 inches The head weighs 2lbs 10.6oz.
Other
Yes
Hello Joseph,
Thank you very much for submitting your item and for your patience! The presented object appears to be:
Large Quartz Formation
Black Hills, South Dakota, United States
Cretaceous (145 to 66 million years ago)
6.5" x 5" x 3", 2lbs 10.6oz
This formation does have the appearance of a humanoid skull. However, from images provided, the formation of the stone does not resemble bone growth patterns. I believe it is not a mammalian (animal/ human) fossil. You could consult with a regional university or natural history museum for a second, in-person, opinion.
I do believe this is a mineral crystal formation named massive quartz. The ochre and greys are from iron oxides of the interior of the crystallization and the outer matrix from where the formation was removed. The reddish hues are from hematite. Yellow is limonite. Excitingly, the grey/green bands are from chlorite and indicate a history of metamorphism ("an altering of the composition or structure of a rock by heat, pressure, or other natural agency" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamorphism). Quartz veins with hematite are often associated with gold. Gold and quartz are often found together as they are formed by mineral deposition from hot fluids flowing through cracks deep in Earth's crust. Auriferous quartz and the large crystalline chunk you have often have trace amounts of gold. And, given the mining history surrounding the location your example is from; this is very likely. I suggest you look into the mineral claims and property rights of the area you made your discovery; to be certain of your legal rights on ownership. This can be researched with the county of origin, or, again, with a regional library or museum. In addition, the FMV of this item could increase with an in-person authentication from a geologist or surveying agency. It is a beautiful formation and could be used as decor for a room in a home or office.
