Pterosaur Fossil
Image: Tim Evanson (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Mineral NamePterosaur Fossil
Chemical FormulaPrimarily calcium phosphate (apatite) of original bone, often permineralized by silica (SiO2), calcite (CaCO3), or carbonaceous material.
Mohs Hardness5
Streak ColorNot applicable for a fossilized organism; the matrix streak would depend on its composition.
CleavageNot applicable for a fossilized organism.
FractureIrregular to conchoidal for fossilized bone; uneven for matrix.
Specific Gravity2.8
Colorsdark grey, black, tan, beige
TransparencyOpaque
Type LocalityRio Seazza Valley, Italy
Mineral GroupBiogenic (fossilized organic remains, often permineralized by various minerals like apatite, silica, or calcite).
Usesscientific study, museum display, education, collector's item
Associated Mineralscalcite, quartz, clay minerals
Rarityrare
Description
A dark, intricate fossil of pterosaur bones, likely from a gastric pellet, preserved within a lighter, textured sedimentary matrix.
Geological Context
This fossil, dating to approximately 220 million years ago (Triassic period), represents the preserved gastric pellet of a fish containing pterosaur remains, indicating ancient marine predator-prey interactions and the presence of pterosaurs in the region during that era.
