A large polished slice of a genuine Columbian mammoth tooth, revealing the remarkable layered construction of one of North America's largest Ice Age mammals.
Measuring approximately 5.7 inches tall, this substantial specimen displays a series of broad, sweeping enamel plates across its polished face. The alternating bands of enamel, dentin and cementum create the distinctive ridged structure that allowed mammoths to grind enormous quantities of coarse vegetation throughout their lives.
The slice has been polished on its broad faces while retaining the rugged natural structure of the fossil around its perimeter. Viewed from the side, the specimen reveals its substantial thickness along with cavities, mineralization and irregular fossil texture hidden within the tooth.
Its coloration is subtle and organic, with pale cream and ivory tones accented by soft gray-blue enamel, warm tan and muted pinkish areas.
This specimen also has an exceptional UV response. Under ultraviolet light, portions of the fossil fluoresce in cool blue tones, dramatically emphasizing the internal structure of the tooth. After the UV source is removed, portions of the specimen continue to phosphoresce vivid green in the dark. See the listing video for the fluorescence and afterglow in action.
Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi) inhabited much of North America during the Pleistocene. Their enormous molars were composed of repeated enamel plates surrounded by dentin and cementum. As the tooth wore during use, these materials eroded at different rates, maintaining the corrugated grinding surface needed to process tough, abrasive vegetation.
This polished cross-section offers an unusually intimate look inside that specialized dental anatomy while remaining a striking display fossil in its own right.
Details
Genuine Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) tooth fossil
Polished tooth slice
Approximately 5.7" × 2.9"
Weight: approximately 208 g
Prominent enamel lamellae throughout
Pale cream, gray-blue, tan and subtle pink coloration
Fluorescent under UV light
Green phosphorescent afterglow
Natural fossil texture and cavities visible along the edges
One-of-a-kind specimen
You will receive the exact fossil pictured.