Rare Camarasaurus Dinosaur Rib Fossil Bone with Metal Stand, Morrison Formation, Upper Jurassic, Harding County USA

Description

Authentic Camarasaurus Dinosaur Rib Fossil – Morrison Formation, South Dakota

This impressive Camarasaurus rib bone fossil was discovered in the world-famous Morrison Formation of Harding County, South Dakota, USA, dating to the Upper Jurassic Period (approximately 150–155 million years ago). Expertly mounted on a custom metal stand, this genuine specimen represents one of the most iconic sauropod dinosaurs of the Jurassic world. Each curve and texture of this fossil preserves remarkable anatomical detail, making it an outstanding display piece and a scientifically valuable addition to any fossil collection.

Geological and Environmental Context

The Morrison Formation is one of the most significant dinosaur-bearing formations in the world, extending across several western U.S. states, including South Dakota, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. It represents an ancient landscape of floodplains, river channels, and shallow lakes that existed during the Kimmeridgian to Tithonian stages of the Late Jurassic.

These sediments, composed primarily of sandstone, mudstone, and siltstone, were deposited in a semi-arid environment marked by seasonal wet and dry periods. This dynamic setting supported a rich ecosystem of giant sauropods such as Camarasaurus, Diplodocus, and Apatosaurus, alongside predatory dinosaurs including Allosaurus and Ceratosaurus.

The fossilisation process within the Morrison Formation occurred through permineralisation, where mineral-rich groundwater slowly replaced the organic material in the bones. This process preserved fine structural detail while transforming the specimen into a durable stone replica of the original bone. The surface of this rib bone retains distinctive vascular impressions and bone texture, typical of large sauropods, providing insight into the physiology and growth patterns of these colossal creatures.

Camarasaurus – The Majestic Jurassic Sauropod

Camarasaurus, meaning “chambered lizard,” was a massive herbivorous dinosaur belonging to the family Camarasauridae, within the order Sauropoda. It was characterised by its short, box-like skull, spoon-shaped teeth, and powerful columnar limbs. Adults could reach lengths of up to 18 metres, making Camarasaurus one of the most common and well-understood sauropods of the Jurassic period.

The rib bones of Camarasaurus were broad and slightly curved, forming a deep chest cavity that supported its vast lungs and digestive organs. This rib fossil showcases the dense, robust structure typical of sauropod ribs, adapted to sustain the immense body weight of an animal that may have exceeded 20 tonnes. Camarasaurus fed on conifers, cycads, and other Jurassic flora, using its sturdy teeth to strip vegetation efficiently.

Fossils of Camarasaurus have provided crucial evidence for sauropod biology, including insights into respiration, skeletal mechanics, and social behaviour. Its remains are frequently found articulated or in association with other sauropod skeletons within the Morrison Formation, attesting to its abundance and success as a species in its ecosystem.

Display, Provenance, and Authenticity

This fossil is securely mounted on a custom metal stand, allowing for both elegant presentation and stability. The scale cube (1 cm) shown in the accompanying photo provides an accurate reference for size, and the image depicts the exact specimen you will receive. The rib’s natural colouration and mineralisation patterns beautifully highlight the ancient geological processes that preserved it.

All of our fossils are 100% genuine specimens, never casts or replicas, and each comes complete with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its identity and geological provenance.

This Camarasaurus rib fossil from the Morrison Formation stands as a striking and scientifically important relic from the Late Jurassic — a tangible connection to the age of the giant sauropods that once ruled the prehistoric world.