Petrified humerus?

[MelanieD]

Any thoughts on this piece?  I found it on the beach in Torrance, CA. Many fossils are found there.  At first glance, it looks like a humerus bone to me, but the inside is solid, pitch black, and the whole thing is petrified.  Does marrow do that, under the right conditions?  Or did something else fill the void and crystallize?  
 

Thanks tons,

 

Melanie

 

 

[Lorne Ledger]

I grew up down there and found many fossils on the beach.   That looks more like a rip bone to me -- something on the large side is my opinion.

[MelanieD]

I think you’re on to something.  Whale rib, perhaps?  

[Lorne Ledger]

perhaps, I was thinking more along the lines of a large sea lion, elephant seal or walrus.  something to explore