North Africa, Sahara, Morocco, Taouz, mid-Cretaceous, ca. 100 to 93 million years old. This is an amazing, fossilized tooth from a massive carnivore, Carcharodontosaurus. This dinosaur was among the largest of predatory dinosaurs, thought to be even larger than the Tyrannosaurus Rex! This steak knife-like tooth exemplifies their eating capabilities and habits - the serrated edges and slightly curved shape enabled the dinosaur to saw through thick skin and flesh with ease. This tooth has attained wonderful coloration from the iron-rich minerals in which it fossilized and presents umber brown and mahogany red hues, attesting to the great age and chemical process this tooth underwent! Carcharodontosaurus is named after the shark genus Carcharodon, therefore their name translates to "shark-toothed lizards" - a fierce name for this apex predator! Size (tooth): 3" L x 1.5" W (7.6 cm x 3.8 cm); (case + stand): 4.25" L x 4.25" W x 6" H (10.8 cm x 10.8 cm x 15.2 cm)
Provenance: private Berthoud, Colorado, USA collection
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#171627
Condition
Stable fissures and striations. Chips and losses to enamel. Great coloration and serrations are largely intact. Displayed in case and removable.