Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 Hi everyone! I am new here & new to fossil hunting. I recently gravitated towards this & threw it in my backpack on a hike near the Vermillion River in Hastings MN. Upon cleaning it up, I immediately thought it was part of a vertebra due to the shape but I thought it could also be some type of coral. Would love some feedback! Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 Welcome to the Forum. It does look like bone, but I wonder if it is modern. ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 Thanks Kane! I have found lots of bone down there. There isnt much wildlife in the area aside from deer & this seems too large to be from a deer. Then again, I have no idea! It is lighter weight than rocks of similar size in the area which is why I knew it was "something". Haha! I also found a piece of what I believe to be a tusk in the same area but I am a little unsure of that too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 I would say that one is a tooth (from what, I’m not sure ). One way of testing modern versus fossil bone is to try the burn test: apply a flame to a small area, and if it gives off a smell like burnt hair, it means there is collagen present, which would mean it is modern and not fossilized. 4 ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 How cool! I really appreciate the help. It has been driving me crazy not knowing what the stuff I am finding is. I'm so glad I found this forum! Many thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sacha Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 That is a horse (Equus) incisor and looks to be modern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 I just tried the "burn test". Smelled a little mossy but there was moss on it...otherwise no smell. Tested another one I have that I know is modern to get an idea of the smell. Definitely burnt hair on that one. So whatever this is, its pretty old!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rockwood Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 Looks like something has been gnawing on the first piece. I'm not sure it's helpful in any way as to the age or identification of it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 Hi Sacha! That very well could be! There are certainly no horses in the area now but who knows about many years ago! And yes Rockwood, its neat but hard to tell what it is or the age of it! Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 More photos of the first item would be helpful. Cropped and brightened: Take photos with item on a flat surface. Daylight is preferable. Take photos looking at the item straight down from above. Front, back, right side, left side, top, and bottom. 1 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 I got a few more shots but it won't let me add them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 I'll try to get these to upload! We dont have a ton of daylight here but hopefully this helps! Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldigger Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 Certainly looks chewed upon. I get more of a joint bone ( ankle? ) feeling from this more than vert. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chloe Posted July 28, 2019 Author Share Posted July 28, 2019 Its definitely something broken apart & chewed on. Wish I had the slightest clue what it came from! I just like the odd shape. Now that you mention it, that spoon shape does look like a joint socket! Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FossilsAnonymous Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 1 hour ago, caldigger said: Certainly looks chewed upon. I get more of a joint bone ( ankle? ) feeling from this more than vert. I agree. Unless it is a very mangled corner of a vert. 1 On The Hunt For The Trophy Otodus! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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