Unknown Miocene fossils in matrix

[Kimi64]

I found this fossil on Saturday during an otherwise uneventful trip to Flag Ponds. It is just about 3.1 cm long by 3 cm wide. These black objects seem more plant-like than anything else. I would appreciate any help with an ID. Thanks.

[caldigger]

What other items were found around this?

Edited April 2, 2019 by caldigger

[PaleoNoel]

Maybe an urchin spine cluster? I'm having a tough time with this one.

[Kimi64]

I imagined sea urchin spines would look thinner & more tapered, but after looking at a bunch of images of them, I think you have it right Noel, thanks. I didn't know to look for sea urchin spines at Flag Ponds, now I know better. So nice to add another species to my collection. 

[The Jersey Devil]

No idea about the range of inverts found at Flag Ponds, but it vaguely reminds me of worm tubes although I can't really see the texture very well.

[Rockwood]

I think it may actually be a gastropod.

I remembered them as serpulorbis, but they apparently have been renamed as Thylacodes.

[Fossildude19]

Brightened:

 

    

 

 

More pictures of all sides, top and bottom would be helpful. 

[Kimi64]

10 hours ago, caldigger said:

What other items were found around this?

Honestly, nothing of any interest. I scoured the area very well because this was so different from anything else I have found at Flag Ponds, but it was a 'one of' for now. 

[Auspex]

"End" views would be useful.

[thebluecatapilla]

The ends and "pores" of the "spines" seem to look like those of an urchin.

[caldigger]

I'm just a bit confused with the urchin spine ID as they look like they have curvature in this piece which I have never known urchin spines to do.

 

[thebluecatapilla]

4 minutes ago, caldigger said:

I'm just a bit confused with the urchin spine ID as they look like they have curvature in this piece which I have never known urchin spines to do.

 

As am I, but prehaps it is distortion from the fossilization process? 

[Plax]

this looks like many of the neogene crab concretions I've seen but don't see crustacean characteristics. @MB should have a look at this one just to rule it out.

[Fossildude19]

@Kimi64  More photos of the end would be helpful.   

[Plantguy]

That is pretty cool! Hoping more views will help sort it out soon. I'll admit to some of my wild ideas but when I first saw the photos it struck me as something we'd see in a fragment of small horse tooth from Bone Valley. Cant wait to see more views and have you all figure it out. Go team! 

Regards, Chris 

[Peto Lithos]

The curves do not appear to be due to preservation. They all curve in different directions. To me it looks almost like worn enamel or bone. One piece does seem to be broken, exposing marrow pores.

[Rockwood]

They look hollow, but rather crudely preserved in ironstone concretion to me.

[ynot]

Crab legs?

[Tidgy's Dad]

3 minutes ago, ynot said:

Crab legs?

No, it's just the way one walks. 

[Rockwood]

Still think Thylacodes is the best fit. They tend to coil like a length of rope sometimes. The outside of the coils is missing. That explains the curvature, and if it is poorly defined, bubble gummed on, it's concretion obscuring the fossil.

[Rockwood]

Here is an old photo of the example (Thylacodes) that I have.

[Kimi64]

I haven't forgotten the request for more photos, I am just waiting on some bright sunshine here in Maryland so I can get some better photos. This piece is resisting my best efforts. 

[I_gotta_rock]

I spend a lot of time in that area and I tend to agree with @Fossildude19. However, they do look odd with that curvature. You might want to contact Calvert Marine Museum. They are very helpful with identifying oddities for people. http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/203/Fossil-Identification

[Kimi64]

Here are all four sides, magnified & brightened. I know I can take it to the museum, but I wanted everyone here to have the first crack at it.

[Rockwood]