Theropod Dinosaur Vertebrae 160mm

A large theropod irregular bone dorsal vertebrae which we attribute to a large Spinosaurid having process attachments consistent with the anatomical structure of the Spinosaurus aegypticus and Spinosaurus moroccanus. While it is cautionary to specify with assurety the genus type of multiple vertebrae bones found from this location the slender shape, large size and anatomical features of this vertebra leads us to attribute the identification. The body of the vertebrae is in good preservation, making an excellent study specimen. Several of the processes are evident. The vertebrae has similarities to Ernest Stromers illustrations from the early Egyptian excavations. Overall a handsome fossil specimen bone of the mightiest semi aqautic carnivorous dinosaur found to date.

The condition; the mellow colour tones are pleasing and interesting, the light brown or caramel colouration from the Kem Kem formation. The colour is derived from the localised minerals in the depositional mud or silts of the fossil bed when any skeleton is deposited, petrified and eventually fossilised these minerals denote the outcome of the colouration of the skeleton or teeth, claws and bones. The condition of this vertebra is stable, however any fossil bones should be handled with care. After eons in the ground naturally fractures do occur and this vertebrae is no exception to this circumstance. The process attachments are visible, the centrum has sustained damage in the fossil layers. While the waisted body is in a stable condition, having again suffered damages of fractures in the fossil bed. It is the rarity and large size making this a unique vertebrae a very good Spinosaurid collection piece.

Often Moroccan fossil diggers seal or cover over damaged or stressed bone finds with fixatives, or cosmetically coloured fillers. This can have a aesthetic negative result for any future collector or for scientific study, until at such time that these additives can be removed by a skilful technician. Cleaned back to the original bone surface. Thankfully this is usually possible in a professional laboratory using modern chemical restorers. Often the pasting over of what are assumed defects (palaeontologists, scientists and collectors find more interesting and appealing), becomes unappealing, often obvious, the fillers and additives creating more work. fortunately these field repairs can normally be undone and a good restoration and preservation can be carried out correctly.

This dinosaur vertebrae is from the same fossil horizon where Nizar Ibrahim made a significant Spinosaurid find, in a detective tale which unfolded in the southern part of Morocco. The bones which led to the eventual discovery of a partial skeleton Nizar finally identified in Italy and with the help of Paul Serrano from the museum of Chicago excavated on the slopes of the Red Beds Hamada in the western desert, the replica of that partial skeleton was composed of bones from various sources and went on display at the National Geographic Museum in Washington, D.C., The exhibition of Spinosaurus, Lost Giant of the Cretaceous Period in April 2015. This current exhibit was discovered in Morocco between 2013 to 2014 made its way to a European source and was secured by our fossil team.

Here you can discover more Informatin on the Spinosaurus aegyptiacus dinosaur!