Possible Belemnites?

[TheDesertJerboa]

Hello, 

 

This triangular rock contains hundreds (if not thousands) of small fossils. Each comes in at between 1 and 2.5cm in length. They are at most 2-3mm in width. They seem to be flattened, tapering to a point on one end, with a gentle curve as you move towards the other end. They are encrusted all throughout the rock, which is about 8cm thick. 

 

Collected from Jebel Howeiyah in Oman. 

 

Any thoughts on what these might be would be greatly appreciated. Thanks very much! 

 

Best,

 

Z!

[rocket]

Hello Z!

interesting piece. I do not think this are belemnites.

First I thougt this are burrows, but the structure does not look like. Some type of shell, but...

Could you do some pics from the side to see if they are round or oval? Thanks

[Bullsnake]

Urchin spines?

[TheDesertJerboa]

Thanks @rocket! Some appear to be rounded. Others a bit flattened/oval.

 

Thanks @Bullsnake - There seem to be far too many of these to be urchin spines. Also didn't spot any tests or test fragments in the area. 

 

Here are a few more pictures, which I hope may be helpful.  

[westcoast]

Benthic foraminifera would be my guess. Some can be surprisingly large and elongated.

[westcoast]

Search for Hippocrepinella for something broadly similar.

[Bullsnake]

14 hours ago, TheDesertJerboa said:

Thanks @rocket! Some appear to be rounded. Others a bit flattened/oval.

 

Thanks @Bullsnake - There seem to be far too many of these to be urchin spines. Also didn't spot any tests or test fragments in the area. 

 

Here are a few more pictures, which I hope may be helpful.  

That is why I added the question mark.

@westcoast's reply looks plausible.

Maybe there is information on fossils found in your stratigraphy that can help.