Big brook toe bone?

[PAJim]

Just dug from Big Brook. Think it's definitely a bone...but is it modern or fossil?

[Brett Breakin' Rocks]

10 hours ago, PAJim said:

but is it modern or fossil?

Hi there, let it dry a bit. It looks like it is a deer 'toe' bone. They can get stained by the tannins in the water and get quite dark so it might be modern.  If it is a fossil it should be quite dense and heavy, and sound like a stone "ting" sound when rapped softly on tile or ceramic.

 

Image Credit: Bear Claw Trading Post

 

A burn test might be useful, you will get an odor like burning hair or if the flame scorches the surface it would be modern. Though, sometimes there are growths/organics on a fossil submerged underwater, that can also give off an odor if not cleaned. 

 

Cheers,

Brett

 

 

Edited June 25, 2021 by Brett Breakin' Rocks

[PAJim]

Thanks for the reply... Probably deer. The fire method gave a unique smell but didn't scorch the surface at all. Im back and forth with it. Sounds like stone on my stone counter top, but isn't real heavy.