Are these real Spinosaurus tooth?

[Ginger0412]

Are these real Spinosaurus teeth? Made in Morocco Size 15.3 cm If anyone knows, please let me know. I appreciate everyone's

comments! thank you!

 

[dhiggi]

At best looks like a composite of a number of teeth. Probably with a lot of sand and glue for the extra length 

[Opabinia Blues]

They are at least partially real. There is almost certainly at least some restoration, although it is hard to tell exactly where just from pictures. You also have to look out for compositing (using pieces from multiple different teeth glued together to create a larger complete tooth). There's a lot of really great legitimate fossils that come out of Morocco, but you have to be really careful with Moroccan material too because there's lots of shady business practices, ranging from minor restoration (without telling the buyer) all the way up to complete forgeries.

 

Teeth belonging to Spinosaurus (or more accurately a Spinosaurid of some sort since there may be multiple genera present) are very common and they're ubiquitous on the market. But these teeth in particular, while almost certainly being at least partially real and natural, appear to have some restoration and perhaps compositing. Best to buy in-person with this sort of material.

 

EDIT: Also adding that Spinosaurus teeth of that size are not very common, and all-natural ones would demand a near-fortune. That makes it even more probable there is restoration and compositing present.

Edited October 6, 2022 by Opabinia Blues
Noted in text

[Ginger0412]

4 minutes ago, dhiggi said:

At best looks like a composite of a number of teeth. Probably with a lot of sand and glue for the extra length 

Thank you for your comment! Is that so. I learned a lot!

[Ginger0412]

4 minutes ago, Opabinia Blues said:

They are at least partially real. There is almost certainly at least some restoration, although it is hard to tell exactly where just from pictures. You also have to look out for compositing (using pieces from multiple different teeth glued together to create a larger complete tooth). There's a lot of really great legitimate fossils that come out of Morocco, but you have to be really careful with Moroccan material too because there's lots of shady business practices, ranging from minor restoration (without telling the buyer) all the way up to complete forgeries.

 

Teeth belonging to Spinosaurus (or more accurately a Spinosaurid of some sort since there may be multiple genera present) are very common and they're ubiquitous on the market. But these teeth in particular, while almost certainly being at least partially real and natural, appear to have some restoration and perhaps compositing. Best to buy in-person with this sort of material.

 

EDIT: Also adding that Spinosaurus teeth of that size are not very common, and all-natural ones would demand a near-fortune. That makes it even more probable there is restoration and compositing present.

Thank you for your comment! I learned a lot! I will continue to pay attention to Moroccan fossils!

[Praefectus]

I second the others. It is a reconstructed tooth. Fake sections near the tip and on the root to make it look larger.