Choose Your SpecimenMarine Reptiles
·Real Fossil
Mosasaur Vertebrae
- Real Fossil
- 98 to 66 million years
- Ships worldwide
£21.99
● In stock — dispatched within 2 working days
An authentic fossilised vertebra from an ancient marine reptile of the Late Cretaceous. A robust and tactile piece of palaeontological history.
Choose Your Exact Specimen
You will receive the exact fossil shown for your chosen specimen.
Only 1 of this specimen — once it's gone, it's gone.
Specimen Record
DTF-BAF57D97-F2BC3037Exact specimen — your selection
Each option is photographed individually; you receive the specimen you select.
- Species
- Mosasauridae indet.
- Identification confidence
- Not recorded
- Age
- 98 to 66 million years
- Geological period
- Late Cretaceous
- Formation
- Not recorded
- Locality
- Not recorded
- Dimensions
- 5.5 × 4.5 cm (2.2 × 1.8 in)
- Weight
- 85g (3.0oz)
Condition & Treatment
- Repair
- Not recorded
- Restoration
- Not recorded
- Stabilisation
- Not recorded
- Polishing
- Not recorded
- Composite
- Not recorded
"Not recorded" means we hold no verified record for that detail — it is not a claim either way.
Curator Note
Identified conservatively as Mosasauridae indet., these specimens are genuine fossil vertebrae of the highest educational value. By focusing on the intrinsic anatomical details of the bone rather than a speculative genus classification, they represent an honest, scientifically grounded addition to any reference collection.
At a Glance
Type
Genuine fossil
Display
Sturdy and tactile; looks excellent resting on a desk, shelf, or presented in a small brass easel.
About This Fossil
These genuine fossilised vertebrae offer a tangible connection to the formidable predators that once dominated the Late Cretaceous seas. As members of the Mosasauridae family—an extinct group of large, marine squamates closely related to modern monitor lizards and snakes—these marine reptiles evolved into some of the most successful apex predators of their time.
Each specimen represents a single bone from the animal's spinal column. Because these are offered as individual pieces, they exhibit natural variations in size, shape, and preservation, reflecting their original position along the column—from the powerful neck to the sweeping, propulsive tail. They serve as a sobering reminder of the diverse marine ecosystems that thrived just before the end-Cretaceous mass extinction event.
Formation & Preservation
These vertebrae were preserved through permineralisation, a process where mineral-rich groundwater permeated the porous spaces within the marine reptile's bones after death. Over millions of years, minerals such as silica or calcite crystallised within the cellular structure, casting the internal anatomy in stone while preserving the external morphology of the bone. This process ensures the fossil remains robust and highly detailed.
What Makes This Specimen Special
Identified conservatively as Mosasauridae indet., these specimens are genuine fossil vertebrae of the highest educational value. By focusing on the intrinsic anatomical details of the bone rather than a speculative genus classification, they represent an honest, scientifically grounded addition to any reference collection.
Authenticity & Sourcing
Real vs Replica
- This is a genuine fossil — not a replica unless clearly stated. Clearly described and honestly presented.
- You will receive the exact specimen you select.
Ethical Sourcing
- Sourced from established suppliers and known commercial sites. We do not buy from localities we know to be protected, scientifically restricted, or subject to export controls. Origin and sourcing information is shared where known.
- ✓We will not knowingly handle specimens removed in breach of any country's heritage or export laws.
Origin & Natural Variation
Stated origin are based on supplier information and available geological references. Identification can vary in certainty — especially for fragments — so where exact locality cannot be independently verified, we describe the formation rather than a single quarry.
Fossils are natural objects. Expect minor variation in colour, surface texture, and matrix, mineralisation and surface detail. Treatment information is shown under Condition & Treatment where it is recorded. “Not recorded” means we hold no verified record for that detail; it is not a claim that no treatment occurred.
Read our full authenticity & honest descriptions policy or the authenticity & sourcing clause in our terms.
Shipping, Returns & Packaging
• UK shipping: Free on orders of £50 or more. Standard £4.95 (Royal Mail Tracked 48, typically 2–3 working days after dispatch).
• International: Available worldwide. Rates at checkout.
• Packaging: Individually wrapped, cushioned, and boxed. Fragile specimens receive extra protection.
• Dispatch: Within 2 working days (framed, mounted, or made-to-order pieces take 1 additional working day).
• Returns: 30-day returns. Contact us first. Item must be in original condition.