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Found on an embankment near Vernonia, Oregon in the Pittsburg Bluff Formation(which I believe is Ogliocene). I thought it could possibly be a Crinoid but the little nubs are confusing, and so is the ‘bean’ shape of the side profile.

The first (and only- for now) Oreodont skull I prepped was in remarkably good condition and required virtually no reconstruction, just a thorough and careful cleaning + a little stabilizing. Afterwards I was looking for a good way to display this little skull in a manner where it wouldn't just be sitting on a flat surface. I'm not great at bending metal to create an elevated cradle so I came up with this: I laid a sheet of plastic wrap on the underside of the skull and gently pressed Apoxie sculpt on top of the plastic so it molded to the contours of the skull. I then pressed a metal rod bent in two 90 degree angles into the Apoxie making sure it was straight. After setting for a little while- still soft enough to pull it away from the skull without getting stuck, but firm enough to hold its shape- I pulled the mold out and allowed it to dry. Once fully hardened I lightly sanded to smooth out some of the rougher contours and reduce the overall size so it wouldn't be as visible with the skull resting on it. A bit of tweaking here and there and I got it so that the skull could gently 'clip' in and out of the mold. Attached are a couple shots of the original piece with matrix, and the finished fossil and stand. I am really happy with the end result and plan on using this in the future- I hope you find it interesting and useful as well!

I've been collecting Oligocene and Miocene marine fossils in Summerville SC for decades, but I need help identifying this tooth. It came out of the same Chandler Bridge formation, that I've found museum quality Angustidens, Rics, Megs etc. Shark teeth as well as Squaladon teeth, 2 intact skulls, etc. so I'm familiar with most of the marine fossils from that area. However. I cant seem to nail this one down. I thought perhaps a juvenile Squaladon, but I don't think so. It doesn't have the 2 roots common on those. It is narrow. Any help would be appreciated. I'll post the lone tooth first and a couple of others I've found in the same place.

The Florida Paleontological Society (FPS) held its annual Fall meeting and field trip this weekend. Normally, I participate and meet other fossil enthusiasts at the meeting. This time I was raving about shells I found at SMR Aggragates on October 10th while at dinner with friends and they decided to join FPS and attend the meeting. Since they were going, my wife decided she too would participate in only her 2nd hunting with me. Miracle of miracles. Also, Digit, his wife, and Khyssa all decided to join FPS (good choice!!!) and participate in the festivities. This is a great event, Dinner/drinks on Friday, Field trip to Haile Quarry 9-1 on Saturday and a great meal/meeting at the Opera House in Newberry on Saturday night. Lots of good discussion on echinoids, shells, fossils, with friends, presentations from PHd students at UofF, Gainesville, an auction of paleontology items and books, and the opportunity to make plans for future trips. Great to meet up with Ken, Tammy, and Kara.. So , on to finds, some knowns and unknowns. FULL Disclosure : my better half found most of the pristine smaller stuff -- she has better eyesight, I guess. Going for a 2nd thread to post more, especially the CRAB....