Dinosaur Coprolite Polished Slice Genuine Fossil from Morrison Formation Jurassic Colorado USA – Authentic Specimen with COA

Description

Dinosaur Coprolite – Polished Fossil Slice from the Morrison Formation, Jurassic Period

This fascinating Dinosaur Coprolite Polished Slice is an authentic fossilised specimen from the Morrison Formation, Colorado, USA — one of the most famous fossil-bearing formations in the world. Dating to the Late Jurassic Period (approximately 155–148 million years ago), this coprolite represents fossilised dinosaur excrement, a rare and scientifically significant trace fossil that provides direct insight into the diet and ecology of the ancient dinosaurs that once roamed North America. The specimen shown in the photo is the exact one you will receive, and the scale cube equals 1cm for size reference.

Geological Formation and Age

The Morrison Formation is a sedimentary rock unit spanning across several western U.S. states, including Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. It is world-renowned for yielding abundant dinosaur fossils, including famous genera such as Allosaurus, Stegosaurus, Camarasaurus, and Diplodocus. The formation represents a sequence of fluvial (river), lacustrine (lake), and floodplain deposits laid down during the Tithonian stage of the Late Jurassic.

The depositional environment of the Morrison Formation was dominated by seasonal rivers, wetlands, and floodplains, where organic material — including plant matter, bone fragments, and faeces — was rapidly buried by fine sediments. Over millions of years, this burial process replaced the original organic material with minerals such as silica, iron, and calcium phosphate, resulting in the transformation of excrement into solid coprolite, preserving its internal structure and mineral patterning.

Scientific and Palaeontological Significance

Coprolite (from the Greek kopros, meaning “dung”, and lithos, meaning “stone”) is a type of trace fossil, recording the biological activity of prehistoric animals. Unlike skeletal fossils, coprolites preserve the direct evidence of diet, digestion, and ecosystem interactions. Studies of Morrison Formation coprolites have revealed inclusions of plant fragments, bone chips, and invertebrate remains — valuable clues to the feeding habits of both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs.

While the specific dinosaur species responsible for this specimen cannot be precisely identified, similar coprolites in the Morrison Formation have been attributed to large herbivorous sauropods such as Diplodocus and Camarasaurus, as well as smaller theropod predators. Each coprolite tells a unique story about prehistoric life, representing an ancient biological process turned to stone through the passage of geological time.

Morphology and Polished Surface

This polished coprolite slice reveals intricate internal structures, displaying mineral veins, concentric growth patterns, and fossilised inclusions. The natural mineralisation process often results in a range of colours — from earthy browns and ochres to striking reds and greys — caused by the presence of iron oxides, silica, and calcium-rich minerals. The polishing process enhances these colours and highlights the delicate internal detail, making the specimen as visually stunning as it is scientifically valuable.

Each slice exhibits a smooth, glass-like finish while retaining its natural geological features, including cellular textures and mineralised inclusions. These features provide important insight into the original composition and the diagenetic processes that transformed organic matter into durable stone.

Provenance – Morrison Formation, Colorado, USA

This specimen originates from the Morrison Formation, a globally significant fossil site that represents one of the richest windows into the Late Jurassic world. The formation’s diverse deposits have yielded thousands of vertebrate fossils, along with petrified wood, invertebrate traces, and plant remains. The preservation of coprolites within this formation is particularly special, as they record rare behavioural evidence of ancient life in a dynamic fluvial environment.

The Morrison sediments were deposited in a warm, semi-arid climate punctuated by wet seasons that created rich vegetation and thriving dinosaur ecosystems. Over time, mineral-rich groundwater percolated through the sediments, replacing organic remains with silicate and phosphate minerals, preserving this coprolite in extraordinary detail.

Authenticity and Presentation

All of our specimens are 100% genuine fossils and come with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming their identification and origin. The scale cube equals 1cm, and the fossil’s full size can be seen clearly in the accompanying photograph. The piece shown is the actual specimen you will receive, chosen for its quality, natural form, and superb polish.

A Unique Piece of Prehistoric History

Owning a Dinosaur Coprolite Polished Slice from the Morrison Formation is like holding a tangible piece of the ancient world. This specimen connects you directly to the life and ecosystems of the Late Jurassic, when giant dinosaurs dominated the Earth. It serves as both a scientifically important trace fossil and a striking display piece — an authentic relic of deep time, combining natural artistry with true palaeontological value.