Isle of Wight Iguanodon Dinosaur Bone Slice Cretaceous UK Fossil

Description

Overview of This Isle of Wight Iguanodon Dinosaur Bone Slice

This authentic Iguanodon dinosaur bone slice originates from the Cretaceous strata of the Isle of Wight, one of the most renowned fossil localities in the United Kingdom. The specimen depicted in the photographs is the exact piece you will receive, selected for its excellent preservation, clear internal bone structure, and striking natural coloration. As with all our fossils, this piece is 100% genuine and comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity. This slice of dinosaur bone offers a fascinating glimpse into the internal anatomy of one of Britain’s most iconic dinosaurs and serves as an exceptional addition to any serious collection.

Scientific Background: Iguanodon and Its Classification

Iguanodon is one of the earliest dinosaur taxa ever formally identified and belongs to the family Iguanodontidae within the order Ornithischia. These large, herbivorous dinosaurs lived during the Early Cretaceous period and are well-known for their robust hind limbs, distinctive thumb spikes, and advanced chewing mechanisms. Iguanodon played a significant ecological role in its environment, roaming floodplains and forested regions across what is now Europe. The genus has long been a cornerstone of British palaeontology, with numerous important discoveries made along the coastal exposures of the Isle of Wight.

Morphology and Features of the Bone Slice

This fossil specimen is a polished transverse slice taken from an original Iguanodon bone. The cut face reveals remarkable internal details including vascular canals, trabecular structure, and spongy cancellous bone textures typical of large ornithopod dinosaurs. These features allow collectors to appreciate the internal anatomy and biological construction of the dinosaur in a way that whole bones do not always reveal. The natural mineralisation and replacement processes that occurred during fossilisation have preserved these intricate structures while imparting earthy tones of brown, red, black, and cream throughout the specimen. Each slice is unique, reflecting the precise way minerals permeated and replaced the original bone over millions of years.

Geological Setting: Isle of Wight and the Wealden Group

The Isle of Wight is internationally recognised as a premier site for Early Cretaceous dinosaur remains. The region’s fossiliferous beds are part of the Wealden Group, a series of sedimentary deposits laid down in a dynamic landscape of rivers, lakes, and floodplains. This environment supported a diverse ecosystem of dinosaurs, crocodiles, turtles, and early mammals. The warm climate and fluctuating water systems provided ideal conditions not only for thriving prehistoric life but also for the subsequent burial and preservation of bones. The bone slice offered here originates from these classic British dinosaur-bearing sediments, placing it firmly within one of Europe’s richest palaeontological contexts.

Age and Stratigraphic Context

The Wealden deposits of the Isle of Wight date to the Early Cretaceous, approximately 125–110 million years ago. This era represents a key evolutionary period for ornithopod dinosaurs such as Iguanodon, which developed advanced feeding mechanisms and became dominant herbivores in many terrestrial ecosystems. The fossil material from this region provides crucial insight into dinosaur diversity and behaviour during this formative time in Earth’s history.

Authenticity, Collectability, and Presentation

This carefully chosen bone slice offers a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of British dinosaur history. The visible internal structure, polished finish, and scientific significance make it ideal for collectors, educators, display enthusiasts, and anyone with a passion for ancient life. Full sizing details are clearly shown in the product photos, and every specimen is supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing its origin and genuineness. This Iguanodon bone slice is a captivating and scientifically valuable fossil that brings the Early Cretaceous world of the Isle of Wight directly into your collection.