Coprolite
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Poozeum&action=edit&redlink=1" class="new" title="User:Poozeum (page does not exist)">Poozeum</a> (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameCoprolite
Chemical FormulaPrimarily calcium phosphate (Ca₅(PO₄)₃(OH,F,Cl)), with organic matter and other mineral inclusions.
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lusterdull
Streak Colorlight brown
Cleavagenone
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.7
Colorsyellowish-brown, brown, tan
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityHarding County, South Dakota, USA
Mineral GroupTrace Fossil (primarily Phosphates)
Usespaleontological study, collector's item
Associated Mineralsbone fragments, sedimentary rock matrix
Rarityvery-rare
Description
A large, irregularly shaped, yellowish-brown fossilized feces specimen, approximately 63.5 cm long, with a rough, textured surface and visible crushed bone inclusions.
Geological Context
Formed from the fossilization of animal waste, typically in sedimentary environments where rapid burial and mineralization by calcium phosphate preserve the original shape and internal structure, providing insights into ancient diets.
