Possible backbone fossil?

[Retired ATC]

Greetings,

 

Found what appears to be a fossilized backbone segment. Location is San Antonio, TX, but this location may not be relevant, as this specimen was found in imported decorative rock along a community sidewalk. Incidentally, this is the same decorative rock where I found part of a mammoth tooth, which was previously reviewed here.  

 

This item weighs 5.4 oz, or 153 grams.

 

There appears to be cancellous or trabeculae bone throughout, with what appears to be nerve channels.

 

I've cleaned the item with warm water and a soft toothbrush. 
 

Your review and evaluation is appreciated. 

[jpc]

definitely a vertebra.  Not sure whose.  Looks fairly modern.

 

 

[shark57]

It resembles Miocene dolphin vertebrae I have found along the Calvert Cliffs.

[Fossildude19]

Perform a burn test, to see if it is modern or mineralized.

[CDiggs]

1 hour ago, Retired ATC said:

 

+1 for vertebra. This looks like a ground sloth caudal to me though, which would make sense if the mammoth tooth you mention is coming from the same context. This view shows a couple surviving surfaces where the chevrons would articulate along the ventral surface.

[Retired ATC]

Thank you for reviewing. I appreciate your professional opinion.