New Members FettSolo Posted February 11, 2023 New Members Share Posted February 11, 2023 This track is supposedly a positive (raised) Grallator track from the Portland Formation in South Hadley, MA. Track size is 5.0” on a 7.0” 10.25” shale slab. Seller mentioned that the track has been dyed for contrast. Thoughts? I am still a newbie in the fossil world, so I'd love to get others opinions as to whether this might be real (or not). I looked at some past threads about potential Grallator footprints, but I was still unsure. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phos_01 Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 Im afraid its not a footprint. There is no depth in this print. Infact it looks almost like some sort of substance has been added like oil to give an impression. these are my thoughts on it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patelinho7 Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 It’s difficult to see perspective from this angle. The dying looks like a grallator track but we can’t determine for sure until we see from a different angle as to what’s actually there 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 3 hours ago, Phos_01 said: Im afraid its not a footprint. There is no depth in this print. In fact it looks almost like some sort of substance has been added like oil to give an impression. these are my thoughts on it. It is an overprint, which are much harder to distinguish. OP said the seller stated it was dyed. Without an image in low angle lighting to show relief, I would pass on this one. If it is a real print, it isn't a great one. When dye needs to be used to highlight it, It isn't a great specimen to begin with. 1 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...
snolly50 Posted February 11, 2023 Share Posted February 11, 2023 @FettSolo It has the appearance of an authentic track (infill). As you noted it is dyed/colored, a common practice. I would prefer an uncolored example; but that is a matter of taste. To my eye the matrix appears typical of often seen track-bearing material. To me, this type of fossil gains appeal by its presentation, a subjective assessment by the viewer of the object's aesthetic quality. That is, if you like it, you like it. However, since you report only limited experience, it might be prudent to view a number of this type of fossil before making a purchase. Good luck, have fun. 1 1 Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, also are remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pliosaur Posted February 12, 2023 Share Posted February 12, 2023 As @Fossildude19 said, if you need dye to be able to visibly see it then it's not a good specimen to purchase even if it is genuine. Be patient, there are tons of high quality dinosaur footprints for sale, look around and see what interests you before purchasing from a reputable dealer or source. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
New Members FettSolo Posted February 13, 2023 Author New Members Share Posted February 13, 2023 Thank you for everybody's responses! I sincerely appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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