COPROLITES - (scientific name for fossilised
faeces) or Fossilised Dinosaur Dung. We have an extensive variety of Coprolites
for study by Museums, Serious Collectors or for People wanting the Unusual
As stock continuously varies, we will cut and polish to order please contact us with your requirements.
FISH COPROLITES -
The coiled structure of these Coprolites (mainly
Jurassic Era) show that the early development of a spiral valve in the
intestinal tract. Many specimens show the undigested fish scales and belemnite
hooks. This suggests that the Coprolites were produced by large sea beasts
such as Ichthyosaurs and Sharks.
| Carboniferous 345 Ma. Fish (Shark) from Scotland. | Miocene 6Ma. Megalodon Shark, Charleston USA. | |
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| Undigested Fish Scales Evident. | Polished Section. Note coils. | Coiled Structure. |
CARNIVORE and HERBIVORE COPROLITES.
There is not a lot of information available which accurately describes the large variety of Coprolites from the Colorado Basin - USA. These Coprolites which have been replaced by Silica (via hydrothermal action) during fossilisation has resulted in a large variety of crystal and mineral forms -Jasper, Chalcedony, Agate, Silica crystals etc.
We have noted clearly defined Red Jasper/Agate
in Coprolites whose exterior shows the extrusion markings during defecation.
These Coprolites are not very dissimilar to modern day Carnivores.
The more amorphous type of silica replacement
with lack of coiling but evidence of layering suggests they are of
Herbivorous origin.
Herbivore Coprolite, Triceratops? Weighs 6 Lbs. |
Evidence of Gastroliths, Herbivore (Rare Specimen) |
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Jasper Inclusion. Note the extrusion marks |
Amorphous structure and layered form |
Note replacement of organic material by silicates. Similar process to the silicifiction of wood. |
REPTILIAN COPROLITES
The very distinct coiled coprolites have been
largely replaced by Siderite (Iron carbonate) and Hematite
(Iron Oxide ) and traces of Pyrites (Iron Sulphide)
and Calcite crystals.
| Turtle Coprolite, Assumed Eocene, Madagascar | |
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| Classic coiled structure. | Cross section illustrating Siderite & Hematite replacement |
