A large polished slice of a genuine Columbian mammoth tooth, featuring an exceptionally interesting cross-section through the tooth's complex internal structure.
Unlike a conventional mammoth tooth slice showing primarily parallel enamel plates, the orientation of this specimen reveals the lamellae from several different angles. Across the lower portion, the characteristic elongated bands of enamel form sweeping horizontal patterns. Higher on the slice, those same structures appear in cross-section as individual rings, ovals, hooks, and irregular islands surrounded by dark blue-gray enamel.
The result is an unusually intricate view of mammoth dental anatomy, and a striking natural pattern in its own right.
The polished face is predominantly warm cream with contrasting blue-gray, black, brown and subtle pinkish mineralization. One narrow edge retains the rugged natural exterior of the fossil, emphasizing the substantial thickness of the specimen.
This piece also has a remarkable UV response. After exposure to ultraviolet light, portions of the fossil continue to glow vivid green in the dark. The phosphorescence particularly emphasizes the enamel structures, creating glowing outlines around many of the isolated cross-sections. See the listing video for the full UV and afterglow effect.
Columbian mammoths (Mammuthus columbi) inhabited North America during the Pleistocene and were among the largest members of the mammoth lineage. Their massive molars consisted of numerous enamel plates bound together by dentin and cementum. This construction produced a durable ridged grinding surface suited to processing large quantities of abrasive vegetation.
Because this specimen has been sliced through the tooth at varying angles, it offers an especially clear illustration of how three-dimensional structures can produce dramatically different patterns depending upon the plane of the cut.
Details
- Genuine Columbian mammoth (Mammuthus columbi) tooth fossil
- Large polished tooth slice
- Approximately 5.0" × 2.4"
- Weight: approximately 213 g
- Unusual cross-section through multiple enamel plates
- Cream, blue-gray, black and brown coloration
- Fluorescent under UV light
- Green phosphorescent afterglow
- Polished display face with natural fossil edge
- One-of-a-kind specimen
You will receive the exact fossil pictured.