Ironhead42 Posted May 25, 2022 Share Posted May 25, 2022 So I found this at Post Oak Creek, Sherman, Texas. I know it is a vertebra, but I can't tell if it is fossil or modern bone. Is there a way to distinguish between the two for a fossil of this size? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tidgy's Dad Posted May 25, 2022 Share Posted May 25, 2022 A flame test usually works. Burn an edge of it. If it smells absolutely vile, it's probably modern. If there's no smell, it'll be a fossil. 1 1 Life's Good! Tortoise Friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Pristis Posted May 25, 2022 Share Posted May 25, 2022 A 'burn test' or 'match test' will indicate only whether there is collagen remaining in a bone -- scorched collagen has an awful smell. Briefly apply an open flame (I prefer a butane lighter) to an inconspicuous area of the object . . . you cannot keep a pin hot enough long enough to scorch collagen. Tooth enamel contains hydroxyapatite, but doesn't contain collagen, so the 'burn test' on tooth enamel would be a waste of time. 2 http://pristis.wix.com/the-demijohn-page What seest thou else In the dark backward and abysm of time? ---Shakespeare, The Tempest Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ironhead42 Posted May 25, 2022 Author Share Posted May 25, 2022 Thank you both for the information! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPS Ammonite Posted May 26, 2022 Share Posted May 26, 2022 It appears that collagen lasts hundreds to thousands of years in bone, but rarely more than three million years. https://www.science.org/content/article/signs-ancient-cells-and-proteins-found-dinosaur-fossils My goal is to leave no stone or fossil unturned. See my Arizona Paleontology Guide link The best single resource for Arizona paleontology anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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