Late Jurassic Turtle Osteoderm

This specimen, like many others in my collection, originates from the Morrison Formation in Moffat County, CO and dates back to approximately 150 million years ago. This piece displays a beautiful bi-tonal color, and a waxy luster characteristic of high-quality permineralization. Conversely, the edges reveal a highly porous, cream colored cancellous (spongey) bone structure. The interior lattice is exceptionally well-preserved, showing the intricate trabecular network that provided structural strength and blood flow to the turtle.