Fossil identification

15. Psittacosaur fossils

With a multitude of Psittacosaurs of varying development from baby to juvenile to adult, available for use as ‘spare parts’, whilst it is inevitable that specimens will present with composition of some degree, at least the component elements will be genuine fossilized Psittacosaur material.

It is exceptionally rare for a specimen to be discovered totally original, complete and intact but with the high numbers of Psittacosaurs excavated the probability is greatly increased – indeed Triassica.com has acquired specimens with exceptionally significant original content, whereby we have removed the fossil dinosaur from matrix in our studio – being the first to have contact with the preserved remains.

Of particular interest is the preparation of Psittacosaur dinosaur skulls whereby the internal cavity is explored with a view to revealing the (possibly) preserved brain case – as the brain case comprises bone of just 1mm thickness, the likelihood of preservation is quite remote – usual preservation is fragmentary and we have yet to discover an essentially intact example.

The collector may be guaranteed that any Psittacosaur skull with revealed brain case will be genuine as it is impossible to replicate – however it must be correctly determined that the brain case is actual fossil bone and not just matrix infill cut away to simulate the delicate form.

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