Mississippian unknowns

[minnbuckeye]

While uncovering chondrichthyan teeth from the Burlington fish layer, I have come upon many things I can not identify. In general, the only items having a dark color in this light colored matrix are fish parts. So my assumption is that they are fish oriented...... Here are some examples of items found that are likely not fish teeth. coprolites? Dermal denticles? Just taking stabs in the dark! @Coco, don't pick on me since my measuring stick is not seen well. I will add specimen size to each for you!

1. 2.0 by 1.2 cm

 

 

 2. 1.5 by 2 cm

 

 

3. .8cm by 3.0cm

 

4. 1.5 by 1.2 cm

 

5. 1.0 by .5cm

 

 

 

 

[Coco]

Hi @minnbuckeye

 

Oh but I can see that your ruler is in cm, even if I can’t help you ! And purple is my favorite color !

Would you make me look like a shrew on that forum ?

 

Coco

Edited January 31, 2022 by Coco

[marguy]

I could be completely wrong, but on sample 2, photo in the middle on the right, in the upper part of the 'grey block' I see 'granulations' which make me think of tiny Acanthodian scales .

Edited January 31, 2022 by marguy
add image (scale in mm) Ac. scales

[minnbuckeye]

Thanks for the thoughts @marguy. Here are a few closer pics. I would lean against it looking like your sample shown. 

 

 

 

[abyssunder]

Maybe specimen 3 is coprolites, but I'm not sure.

[minnbuckeye]

2 hours ago, abyssunder said:

Maybe specimen 3 is coprolites, but I'm not sure.

Thanks for the thought @abyssunder!! It was my diagnosis based on process of elimination. So its good to know someone else has the same feeling towards this specimen. There are quite a few similar ones found within the matrix I have processed. I know I had posted a similar one a few years ago and @GeschWhat was unsure but definitely considered it a possibility. If she would like me to give her the specimen to analyze, she can keep it and do what a coprolite specialist does to diagnose!!! By the way, I am still hoping  to hear from you regarding the dinosaur costumes to flaunt!

[deutscheben]

Interesting finds! The shapes of 1, 2 and 4 are actually reminiscent of crusher teeth, but the texture seems wrong. Could they be degraded or partially digested teeth? Just a guess...

[minnbuckeye]

@deutscheben Thanks for the opinion!! This type of material is common in the matrix I work with. My hopes were that a definitive ID could be made. Since that doesn't appear likely, I may remove a few specimens from the matrix in hopes the surface anatomy on the other side may aid in an ID. A post showing the 40 teeth I found is coming soon. That is when I will be in need of MUCH HELP identifying specimens. LOL By the way, wear that  crown with pride!!!!!