Cretaceous coprolites or nodules/concretions??

[fossil_lover_2277]

Are these coprolites or simply nodules/concretions? I have zero knowledge on how to distinguish a coprolite, other than that these materials have a distinct, smooth shape that I could certainly envision reptilian poop looking like. But so do concretions oftentimes. These come from the Bladen/Tar Heel formations of North Carolina from an area known to preserve coprolites.
 

Btw I read the coprolite ID thread and these appear to meet some of the criteria, although they’re not porous enough for the “lick” test, and I haven’t had a chance to view them under a microscope yet.

Edited October 9, 2021 by Lando_Calrissian_4tw

[Fossildude19]

Second item looks a bit coprolite-ish, but they could be phosphate nodules. 

[fossil_lover_2277]

17 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

Second item looks a bit coprolite-ish, but they could be phosphate nodules. 

If I get a chance, I’ll view them under a stereo scope and post images, thanks though

[abyssunder]

I have a feeling that those might be coprolites, but I'm not a specialist in the domain. Please wait for Lori and Carl.

[Fossildude19]

@GeschWhat   @Carl

[abyssunder]

8 minutes ago, Fossildude19 said:

@GeschWhat   @Carl

Thanks Tim! 

[Carl]

I have to agree with Tim: They look pretty good, but it would be hard to rule out phosphate nodules. Any chance you are seeing any inclusions in them?

[GeschWhat]

I'm in the coprolite camp. 

 

I hear people say things could just be phosphate nodules. Since carnivore coprolites are comprised of calcium phosphate and were actually mined for their phosphate content, how do we know "just phosphate nodules" did not have fecal origins - especially if they have the right morphology and come from a fossiliferous layer?  

[Plax]

All coprolites for me. Also; just locally, I'd say that most coprolites don't have visible inclusions. Coprolites are very common in our lag deposits here in NC. Some of them are worn to the point that they are your "phosphate  nodules'. A lot of shark teeth etc get ground into phosphatic bits in lags. Look at what you dump from your screens after picking in the field for numerous examples.