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Howdy! I'd be very appreciative if you could tell me if these purchases are fake as well. Thanks.

I'm going to a fossil expo in Sweden. I will buy mainly stuff from morocco, Lebanon, Madagascar and so on. But how do i notice and avoid fakes, Restorations and repair? Im fine with a fossil being repaired as many of the fossils from Morocco are repaired. I will mostly buy from a dealer that i have bought from many times, And hes a well known dealer. I have no worries from him as all i have bought has no fakes or restorations. But there will be other dealers that have fossils im looking for that the dealer i usually buy from does not have. And how do i know if a dealer is overpricing me also? Thanks for the tips in advance

Corbacho, J. and Sendino, C., 2012. Fossil fakes and their recognition. Deposits Magazine, 30, pp.35-40. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265208436_Fossil_fakes_and_their_recognition https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320686323_Fossil_fakes_and_their_recognition https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Corbacho Corbacho, J., I. Corbacho, S. Morrison, and M. Valent, 2015,. Latest techniques detected in the falsification of fossils. Batallería. vol. 22, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284737545_Latest_techniques_detected_in_the_falsification_of_fossils Corbacho, J., Morrison, S., Llácer, S., and K. Hammond 2019, Use of CT Scanning and Radiography as Legal Expert Evidence in Paleontology (Trilobites of Morocco) American Journal of Life Sciences, 7(2), pp. 47-53 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335176218_Use_of_CT_Scanning_and_Radiography_as_Legal_Expert_Evidence_in_Paleontology_Trilobites_of_Morocco https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Corbacho https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Use-of-CT-Scanning-and-Radiography-as-Legal-Expert-Corbacho-Morrison/63ac6432f865ccfa55d63a9ed97ef5dcde31607c Corbacho, J., 2019. Legal expert in paleontology: a new profession. trilobite Papers, 21, February. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331260703_Legal_expert_in_paleontology_a_new_profession http://paleonet.org/TTP/TTP21.pdf Corbacho, J., Sendino, C. and Tahiri, M., 2011. Palaeontological fakes. Batalleria, 16, pp.37-45. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265168169_Palaeontological_fakes_Falsificaciones_paleontologicas https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Corbacho Corbacho, J., Adserà, P. and de Barcelona, M.G.D.S., 2017. Sobre unas falsificaciones de fósiles de Tailandia. Batalleria (Barcelona): revista de paleontología, (24), pp.13-15. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316669424_Sobre_unas_falsificaciones_de_fosiles_de_Tailandia Corbacho, J., Vela, J.A. and Cuevas, J.A., 2007. Falsificación de trilobites del norte de África. Batalleria, 13, pp.29-36. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265168347_FALSIFICACION_DE_TRILOBITES_DEL_NORTE_DE_AFRICA Corbacho, J., 2008. Falsificación de fósiles del N. de África (no trilobites). Batalleria (Barcelona): revista de paleontología, (14), pp.49-56. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265168516_FALSIFICACION_DE_FOSILES_DEL_N_DE_AFRICA_NO_TRILOBITES Corbacho, J., Corbacho, I., Morrison, S. and Valent, M., 2015. Últimas técnicas detectadas en la falsificación de fósiles. Batalleria, 22, pp.22-27. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280938775_Ultimas_tecnicas_detectadas_en_la_falsificacion_de_fosiles A related web page. Avilés, J. 2017. To Identify Fossil Fakes: What You Need To Know: https://www.jurassic- dreams.com/pages/free-guide-how-to- identify-fossil-fakes-what- you-need-to-know Finally, a paper about authentic trilobite fossils. Giant Trilobites from Lower Ordovician of Morocco https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265168252_Giant_Trilobites_from_Lower_Ordovician_of_Morocco https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joan_Corbacho Yours, Paul H.

Any opinions on this clutch of eggs?Real,faked?Thanks

Looks like a new set of photography techniques will assist us in determining what is associated and what was added to those drool worthy discoveries. Progressive Photonics

Today I decided to drive 75 miles to a auction that was taking place near my house, yes I consider 75 miles near my house. This auction usually runs for several hours and has various items for sale, the bulk being Native American artifacts from the area and on most occasions, fossils. I had checked the info on auction prior to deciding if I wanted to go and seeing that they had a couple large mammoth teeth, I decided to go. Unfortunately when I arrived I learned that some of the pictures that were posted were from an auction several months ago that I did not attend. There were other “so called fossils “, but as you will see from the below pics, there was nothing that I would want. If I stayed and bid, I could have won each “beer flat” for $50.00- that would be all of the fossils in the tray. They also had 2 pieces identified as Permian Trackways. The Permian was correct, since it was sandstone from the Coconino Formation, but both pieces were void of any trackways. I am not going to even comment on the Moroccan Starfish. Now for your viewing pleasure-

Hi, next month I am going to Paleotime, a fossil fair in Belgium and I am hoping to find a Keichousaurus fossil. Now I know their are lots of fakes out there (although after doing some reading on this forum most of them I came to the understanding most of them aren’t entirely faked, just enhanced, painted and composites) And I am going to be honest, I don’t really care that much if the Keichou is a little bit enhanced of painted. But I hope to find a specimen that is at least 75 % or more authentic. So I was hoping if you guys could give me some tips as to what I should look for when I examine a specimen I hope to buy, cause since I will buy it at the fair, I won’t be able to post picture here during the process. I know that these are some of the thing I already have to look for to enhance the chance of getting an authentic one · Missing bones · Broken bones · Strange or akward poses · Imperfections (fake always try to be as beautiful and perfect as possible) · Calcite cracks running through the skeleton · Looking for detailing in the skull like teeth and obvious skull fragments · Looking for paint with a magnifying glass · Taking a picture and doing a negative to see paint mischief · Looking for 3D relief on the specimen These are the things I know of the look for, but does anyone else have some tips for me on how to recognize it’s a genuine of faked piece. I will also be taking my LED Mini microscope 60x for on the phone with me for closer examination. Thanks in advance!

This is another update from one of my older posts where we questioned whether or not my dinosaur track slate is authentic or fake. A reliable friend helped me out with this mission. A lot of controversy was behind this fossil. This thick paint/polish applied to these rocks makes it very difficult to determine what is actually is. I decided to completely start from scratch and remove all paint. When I purchased these tracks, I knew little to nothing about these matters...Now I want to share this post to help anyone else who is interested in buying a dinosaur track online to avoid deception. You have to be very careful. ONLY BUY FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE. Please ask for as many pictures as possible from different angles from the seller and ask as many questions as possible. Locality, who, when, background, etc. There should be no reason why the seller wouldn’t be more than happy to help. When I see that thick polish/paint applied to the tracks, I avoid those listings like the plague, because it usually means something’s off, at least from my experience (others agree). Also note that listings with muliple tracks on one rock is subject to even greater suspicion. More the reason to ask questions and request better pictures. With these being sold I see two strategies played out: 1.) The seller takes a rock with one or two real tracks, and then paints on other fakes to deceive you into thinking, “oh...well this track on the left is clearly a footprint, So the other ones painted must be too...I just don’t see it as much.” And 2.) The seller takes rocks that are similar shale, etc. and paints any groove that looks like a toe, paints another one, and there you have it...a “footprint”. Before you know it, you have 20 small, medium, and large completely fabricated tracks on one rock...all fake. But back to my fossil, below are pictures of the process from beginning to end. I still have a little more work to do, but the fossil already looks much better. I dedicated 2 hours to the cleaning. A lot of scrubing. I was happy to find that the Eubrontes track was authentic. Unfortunately the other tracks, not so much. There may be something else there.. but not sure...doubtful. If there are any, they’re definitely not as evident as the Eubrontes. What I used to remove the paint: 1.) Goo Gone (does a great job for cleaning bones and other fossils in general without leaving any marks or damage, great suggestion by @DPS Ammonite). I suggest the spray. Reason being because it’s easier to apply with one hand and scrub with the other. 2.) One roll of paper towels, or rags ( but be prepared to use a ton of rags). I personally did what I can with the paper towels and then used the rags towards the end to give it a better scrub. If anyone has any other questions please privately DM me. I encourage It. I can advise further in terms of where to avoid.

Hi all, Recently saw an opalized ammonite out at a rock and fossil shop in Colorado. It was really quite beautiful but as I'm pretty much an amateur when it comes to identifying fossils, I have concerns about its authenticity. I'm wondering if anyone can give tips on how to spot fakes. thank you!

How real does this look to ya'll

Hi everyone. I've come across this hadrosaur egg on a well known fossil/gem dealer's site. It's described as from the "Xixia Basin, in the Henan province of China", which research tells me has an embargo on hadrosaur eggs. It's a very well known gem/fossil site selling it, and states "This fossil specimen will come with a certificate of authenticity." (Authenticated by who exactly? Sure...) Naturally these pictures are as good as the resolution gets, and the price point (over $1k USD) seems pretty high risk for a possible fake. I've stayed away from eggs in the past since they're so rampantly faked, but eventually want one (from any dino, really) for my collection. Thoughts? Thanks!

Hi all, I am an amateur fossil collector and ever since reading the book "Trilobite! eyewitness to evolution" by Richard Fortey I have been extremely interested in trilobites. as a result I was wondering where one buys a real trilobite specimen from and how you can guarantee its real or at least what do you look for in a fake/ real trilobite? I also would like to know if there are any reputable dealers in New Zealand or ones that deliver to New Zealand. Thanks in advance for your help.

Came across these ridiculous fakes this morning. Disturbing how many people are bidding on them. "Mammal Fossil" "Chimera fish fossil" "Butterfly fossil" "Dragonfly Fossil" "Scorpion fossil" on the same slab as "dragonfly" and "fish fossil" on the backside of same slab... Continued...

Chinese are now faking Butterfly and Dragonfly fossils. Here are some examples of some current auctions. They are getting sneakier, for sure. Buyer, beware....

Here's a dinosaur tooth I found today by my bench grinder. I only spent 15 minutes on it but I can see where with a little more work someone could be fooled into buying it. Ordovician "Grewenkia" dino teeth I started on a Miss. tooth, but discovered it was covered in Beekite, I decided to polish it any way, so here it is.

hello at the fossil forum! as my introduction to the forum: i readily admit that i have no knowledge re: fossils - i am, however, fascinated - as probably many laypeople out there. plus we live very close to a popular fossil site. recently, i followed up on my fascination and obtained 3 fossils (just some simple trilobites ;-)) from a US seller on ebay - although i am well aware of all the fakes that are cruising... since they did not cost a whole lot, i decided to 'go for it' but i am now left wondering if these are 'too pretty to be true'... here are a few pictures and your comments are greatly appreciated: