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Showing posts from December, 2024

Analysis of Jurassic Era Fossil from Morrison Formation near Denver

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Detailed analysis of a suspected Jurassic era dinosaur bone discovered in the Morrison Formation, near Denver Colorado.  Camarasaurus, Apatosaurus, Stegosaurus or Allosaurus Fossil  Physical Analysis The specimen appears to be a fossilized bone fragment. Measuring approximately 3 inches in length, displaying characteristic mineralization consistent with Jurassic-era fossils from the Morrison Formation. The brownish-tan coloration and surface texture are typical of fossils from this geological context. Assessment Natural Features Natural weathering patterns Mineral replacement typical of Morrison Formation fossils Size and proportions consistent with dinosaur bone fragments Potential Species Sauropod Possibilities A finger or toe bone (phalanx) from a Camarasaurus ...

Clovis Like Artifact Found in Colorado

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Ancient Clovis Like Stone Tool Discovery: Possible Native American Artifact Found in Southeast Denver’s Rocky Mountain Foothills - Archaeological Analysis and Documentation - Portable Rock Art Prehistoric Native American artifact found in Colorado This tool shows several characteristics consistent with human modification and prehistoric Native American artifacts found in Colorado. Let me analyze the specific features: Physical Characteristics The specimen measures approximately 6 x 4 x 3 inches and appears to be made from a reddish-brown sedimentary stone, likely sourced locally in the Denver area. The coloring and material are consistent with stones commonly used by ancient Colorado inhabitants. Manufacturing Evidence The object shows signs of intentional shaping and modification: Distinct flaking patterns along the edges suggesting deliberate tool manufacture A tapered end that appears worked to form a point or blade-l...

Petrified Bone Sculpted Bears Portable Rock Art

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Three bears one rock  Portable Rock Art  Faint word picture of a bear

Growling Grizzly - Ancient Rock Art

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Grizzly bear  portable rock art

Side Profile of Man - Portable Rock Art

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Petrified bone side profile looking left portable rock art

Golden Bison Rock Art

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Portable Rock Art - Golden Bison

Man On Fire

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 Portable Rock Art - Man On Fire 

Oldest sinew bowstrings ever

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Oldest sinew bowstrings ever found in Europe have been in Spain's cave for 7,000 years

New addition to archaeological record - sculpted Fox

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New addition to archaeological record shows heat treatment, thermal alteration of stone as evidenced by scientifically researched stone sculpting of portable rock art Based on the evidence shown in the images and scientific research on heat treatment of stone, this specimen shows characteristics consistent with thermal alteration rather than traditional carving. Here's why: Physical Characteristics The specimen exhibits distinctive features of heat-modified stone: - Golden-yellow coloration typical of heat-induced mineral oxidation[4] - Rough, flaky surface texture characteristic of heat-damaged rock[4] - Layered, sheet-like structure suggesting thermal spalling[5] Thermal Modification Evidence The specimen's appearance aligns with documented effects of high-temperature exposure on stone: - Surface roughening and micro-cracking occurs at temperatures around 400°C[4] - Heat can cause stone to develop a more porous, flaky texture[4] - Thermal stress ca...

Sauropod fossilized bone - in Colorado

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Sauropod fossil found in the Morrison formation  This specimen was found in the Morrison Formation, it is most likely a fossilized sauropod bone fragment. The Morrison Formation is famous for its diverse array of Late Jurassic dinosaur fossils, particularly sauropods.  Bone Identification The size and shape of the bone fragment (6.5" x 5.5" x 2.5") is consistent with a portion of a larger sauropod bone. Sauropods were the dominant herbivores in the Morrison ecosystem and their fossils are among the most common found in this formation[10]. The bone appears to be heavily mineralized, which is typical of fossils from this geological context. Possible bone types - Rib fragment - Vertebra fragment - Limb bone fragment Without more detailed examination or context, it's difficult to pinpoint the exact bone type. However, the flattened shape and curvature visible in some images suggest it could be part of a rib. Surface Analysis The surface of the bone shows several interest...

Theropod dinosaur, Allosaurus fragilis Tooth

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This appears to be a fossilized tooth fragment from a large theropod dinosaur, most likely Allosaurus fragilis from the Morrison Formation.  The coloration, size, and general morphology are consistent with Allosaurus teeth found in this formation. Key Characteristics Size and Shape • The specimen’s dimensions (2.5 x 2.5 x 1 inches) align with typical Allosaurus tooth measurements • The curved, robust form is characteristic of lateral maxillary or dentary teeth Physical Features • The specimen shows a weathered, mineralized surface typical of Morrison Formation fossils • The grayish-brown coloration is consistent with fossils from this geological context Context The Morrison Formation is one of North America’s most significant dinosaur fossil sources, dating from the Late Jurassic period (approximately 156.3 to 146.8 million years ago). Allosaurus was one of the dominant predators in this ecosystem, and their teeth are among the most commonly found theropod fossils i...

Allosaurus Tooth - Morrison Formation

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This specimen is likely an Allosaurus tooth. Found in the Morrison formation of Colorado on December 7, 2024 by CS Sturm Based on the physical characteristics shown in the images and the distinctive yellowish coloration typical of Morrison Formation fossils, this appears to be a fossilized tooth. The size and shape are consistent with those of an Allosaurus, one of the primary large theropod predators found in the Morrison Formation[10]. Physical Characteristics The specimen exhibits several key features: - Length: approximately 1.5 inches - Width: 1 inch - Blade-like shape - Yellowish-brown coloration - Fossilized preservation Likely Identification This specimen is most likely an Allosaurus tooth for several reasons: - Allosaurus teeth were long and blade-like, matching the shape seen in the images[10] - The size is consistent with Allosaurus dental remains commonly found in Morrison Formation quarries[10] - The preservation style and coloration are typical of Morrison Formation fossi...

Worked Blade Tool Artifact - Rock Art

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This lithic artifact displays many characteristics indicative of human modification: Manufacturing Evidence The specimen displays clear signs of intentional flaking, evidenced by the following features: • Distinct parallel flake scars along the edges • A tapered point created through controlled percussion • Systematic removal patterns suggesting deliberate shaping Technical Analysis The object exhibits characteristics of prehistoric stone tool technology: • The elongated form suggests a blade-type tool • Conchoidal fracture patterns typical of worked stone • A worked edge with evidence of pressure flaking • Preserved striking platform at one end Material Properties The raw material appears to be a fine-grained sedimentary or metamorphic stone, likely selected for its knapping qualities: • Yellowish-brown coloration • Smooth, consistent texture • Good conchoidal fracture properties • Relatively uniform grain structure Anthropogenic Features Se...

Chief Roman Nose Sculpture Artifact

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Northern Great Plains | Colorado | USA Chief Roman Nose or Big Nose  Original authentic artifact of carved stone / portable rock art. Native Anerican art - Denver | Colorado Cherry Creek basin. Chief Henry Roman Nose (June 30, 1856 – June 12, 1917) was a highly respected Southern Cheyenne Chief. C Sturm Fitch Collection Chief Roman Nose Rock Art by C Sturm Fitch on Sketchfab

Morrison Formation Map

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  Map showing the geographic distribution of the Morrison Formation across the Western Interior of the conterminous United States based on subsurface data and outcrop exposures (base map from Peterson, 1972). 

Chert Angostura Point - Just Found

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Large Angostura Point - New Find  Angostura points date to the Late Paleoindian period, ca.  7500-10,000 BP. This point was discovered by Colby Fitch in October of 2024 along a creek in Northern Colorado. This point is among the finest examples of transverse parallel pressure flaking world-wide.  The point is meticulously crafted from chert.  This point is in the private collection of curator, dealer and antiquities explorer Colby Fitch.  Angostura points from northeastern Colorado are part of the Late Paleoindian  Plano  period.  During this period, hunting continued to focus on bisons, and on the Great Plains mass-kill sites have been discovered where bison have been cornered in traps in gullies and killed, or driven over cliffs.  Among the most famous of these is the  Olsen-Chubbuck  site in Colorado, where 190 bison were killed with spears or darts in ca. 10,200 BP.  Near the Rocky Mountains, people during this period ...

Large fossilized dinosaur bone found in Colorado

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Large fossilized dinosaur bone The specimen appears to be a fossilized bone fragment from the Morrison Formation, likely dating to the Late Jurassic Period (approximately 148-155 million years ago)[5]. Given its dimensions and appearance, it could be a fragment from a large dinosaur bone, possibly from one of the numerous sauropod or theropod species known from this formation[6][11]. ## Physical Characteristics The specimen displays a yellowish-brown coloration typical of Morrison Formation fossils, with darker mineralized areas. The size (5.5" x 4" x 2") is consistent with fragmentary dinosaur remains commonly found in this geological context[5]. ## Potential Human Modification Several features warrant careful examination for possible anthropogenic modification: **Natural vs. Modified Features** - The specimen shows interesting contours and shapes that could be interpreted as intentionally worked surfaces - The yellow-gold patina appears natural rather than artificially...

Little Boy Finds Neanderthal Hand Ax

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Little Boy Makes a Stone Age Discovery! In a delightful twist of archaeological fortune, 9-year-old Ben Witten proved that sometimes the best archaeologists come in small packages. While most kids bring home seashells and pretty pebbles from the beach, young Ben managed to snag himself a genuine Neanderthal hand ax - talk about an upgrade from the usual beach souvenirs! Little Big Man - Ben The Accidental Discovery Our young hero was doing what kids do best - poking around Shoreham Beach in West Sussex - when a particularly shiny piece of flint caught his eye. Unlike most children who might have tossed it back, Ben kept his "special stone" in his room, where it played an ongoing game of hide-and-seek with its finder. The "Aha!" Moment The plot thickened when Ben visited Worthing Museum's Stone Age exhibition. Looking at the displays, he had that classic cartoon lightbulb moment - his bedroom decoration bore an uncanny resemblance to those ancient tools behind th...