Cretaceous Shark Vertebra in Artificial Matrix
These shark vertebra are presented as found in a plaster matrix. The vertebra were exposed in the field and covered in plaster to extract from the matrix, the underneath side was then prepped and presented. The natural matrix was crumbly and too full of roots to be preserved. These vertebra are from the Cretaceous age Niobrara Chalk of western Kansas. The piece measures roughly 44.5 inch by 20.5 inch and is 56.6 inches tall on stand. (I didn't intend for this piece to look like Mr. Peanut when I made it.) Vertebra range in size from 5/8" to 1 5/8". I'm not sure which species this is but based on most common sharks found in the area it is likely Cretoxyrhina or Squalicorax. Unfortunately no teeth were found with the piece. The larger vertebra near the top of the piece had a lot of root growth in and around thus they are darker and not as well preserved as some of the vertebra near the middle and bottom. See high resolution pictures for details and please email us for more information. This piece will require special shipping, especially if you want the stand so please contact before purchasing.