Plesiosaurus tooth

[Jaimin013]

Hi there,

 

I was wondering if I could get your opinion on this tooth. Its on the popular auction site. The first set is the 3 inch one and the second is slightly smaller at 2.5 inches. I am thinking of getting the first one which is £44.96

 

First tooth

From: Khouribga, Morocco

Weight: 0.9 Ounces

Dimensions: 3 Inches Long & 0.8 Inches Thick

 

[Jaimin013]

Tooth 2

From: Khouribga, Morocco
Weight: 0.6 Ounces

Dimensions: 2.5 Inches Long & 0.7 Inches Thick
 

[LordTrilobite]

Yup, both look like typical Zarafasaura oceanis teeth from Morocco. That's currently the only described plesiosaur species from the Khouribga phosphate beds. These teeth are fairly common, though not quite as common as mosasaur teeth. These are reasonably nice specimens, but there's plenty of these out there. And probably in better shape as well as these appear to have some possible repaired breakages.

[Jaimin013]

4 minutes ago, LordTrilobite said:

Yup, both look like typical Zarafasaura oceanis teeth from Morocco. That's currently the only described plesiosaur species from the Khouribga phosphate beds. These teeth are fairly common, though not quite as common as mosasaur teeth. These are reasonably nice specimens, but there's plenty of these out there. And probably in better shape as well as these appear to have some possible repaired breakages.

Great thank you so much. This has been very helpful in which case I will probably look around before impulse buying!

[DatFossilBoy]

Yup.

Nice teeth but not worth the money for me.

There are LOADS out there, similar if not better quality for 20-25€.

Got my small zarafasaurus tooth (4,5 cm) on matrix for 10€.

You will for sure find better.

Kind regards 

[Macrophyseter]

I agree with Zafarasaura oceanis. Normally, their teeth are really common, so I think that fourty pounds might be too big of a stretch. However, the first one seems to have enamel darker than usual and does look nice due to that.

 

Say, why are so many of these teeth commonly labeled as Plesiosaurus? 

 

[Taogan]

I agree with the others, they are what they say and they are OK, but I would rate them at about 60% of the price

[Jaimin013]

@DatFossilBoy @Macrophyseter @Taogan Thanks guys! I will look around for a better deal

[Tidgy's Dad]

28 minutes ago, Macrophyseter said:

I agree with Zafarasaura oceanis. Normally, their teeth are really common, so I think that fourty pounds might be too big of a stretch. However, the first one seems to have enamel darker than usual and does look nice due to that.

 

Say, why are so many of these teeth commonly labeled as Plesiosaurus? 

 

Two reasons. 

Firstly, ignorance. people don't know the described species, but know it's a plesiosaur so it's automatically a Plesiosaurus.

Secondly, salesmanship. People will put Plesiosaurus into a search, but not usually Zafarasaura. Most people just want a Plesiosaurus tooth. 

[Masp]

I agree with the other too.  They seem overpriced for the quality that they are base on the many that I’ve seen. If you want it that badly, see if you can make the seller an offer for a better price, I’m sure he’ll comply @Jaimin013

[Jaimin013]

3 minutes ago, Masp said:

I agree with the other too.  They seem overpriced for the quality that they are base on the many that I’ve seen. If you want it that badly, see if you can make the seller an offer for a better price, I’m sure he’ll comply @Jaimin013

He lowered it to $53 so I declined the offer and plus I don't live in the US so its 11 or more for shipping on top! I am going to look elsewhere