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MASTERPIECE
GRADE 10 LARGE
RUTIODON TOOTH WITH REMARKABLE COLOR AND PATTERN
Bull Canyon Formation, San Miguel
County, New Mexico, U.S.A.
LATE TRIASSIC: 222 - 215
million years ago It
is rare enough to be able to offer such a unique fossil tooth from not
just a little known prehistoric reptile but from the Triassic Period
where few fossils are available for sale. Strong ties with a major
deposit where these are found enable us to offer such a fine quality
Rutiodon tooth as this beauty is. This
is a rare example for many reasons. First, it is very large
compared to most that are found. The enamel is perfect and of the
rarest and finest array of colors, surreal in its appearance!
There is no repair
nor restoration.
This tooth is exactly as found, completely
intact and is of the
finest grade as well as rare in its size. Rutiodon was a member of
the Angistorhininae group of phytosaurs and was a large, stout and
powerful reptile of the Triassic. Phytosaurs
are anything but what their name suggests. When the first phytosaur
was discovered, there were petrified mud fillings in the jaw that were
misidentified as herbivore teeth. Initially, it was mistakenly
thought that these were plant-eating reptiles, hence the name. That
could not be further from the truth. The name has stuck,
however. A more accurate name has been applied called
"Parasuchia" meaning 'alongside crocodiles' for their
resemblance to the beasts but this name is seldom used. Phytosaurs
are not considered dinosaurs but were semi-aquatic reptiles.
With their heavily
armored bodies measuring up to 16 feet in length and brandishing a slender
snout full of razor sharp teeth, it is no doubt these creatures were the
dominant predators in the lakes, rivers and swamps of the northern
hemisphere during their time.
This is one of the most
beautiful and uniquely colored teeth you will ever find of this ruler of
the Triassic.
PHENOMENAL
COLOR AND PRESERVATION - RARE! 1"
in length
SOLD
DT12001 INCLUDES DISPLAY BOX
Actual Item - One Only
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