Mosasaur Tooth In Phosphate Matrix

Description

This interesting specimen is part of a composite fossil which has occurred naturally.   There is a conglomeration of bone pieces embedded in the phosphate matrix.   A prominent feature is the Mosasaur Tooth which shows up in contrast to the surrounding rock.  There are segements of a fairly sizeable backbone  –  one  in particular shows the porous structure of bone  –  this has been well preserved.  On the reverse of the specimen there are some other fragments of bone and tooth,  and a very nice surprise  –  at the base of the specimen there are three very well-preserved teeth, most likely a “canine” or “eye” tooth and two other smaller very sharp teeth. The largest of the three teeth is 11mm long. 

Matrix Dimensions:  108mm x 85mm

Tooth Dimensions: 45mm x 24mm (showing start of the root of the tooth)

Age: Cretaceous 65 – 72 Million years

Genus: Liodon ancepsi

Location: Khouribga Province, Chaouia-Ouardigha region, Morocco.