An unusual fossil stingray dermal denticle, preserving the elongated, spine-like structure that once formed part of the animal’s protective skin armor.

Dermal denticles are hardened structures embedded within the skin of rays and other cartilaginous fishes. This specimen shows the denticle still associated with a substantial portion of its original dermal tissue, rather than being an isolated spine. Fine ridges run along the length of the raised denticle, while the surrounding fossilized tissue preserves an entirely different texture, including the densely porous structure visible on the reverse.

At approximately 1.4" overall, it’s a small fossil with an impressive amount of anatomical detail and a particularly interesting specimen for collectors of marine fossils and unusual vertebrate anatomy.

Details

• Fossil stingray dermal denticle

• Approximately 1.4" overall

• Denticle remains associated with fossilized dermal tissue

• Pronounced longitudinal ridging

• Natural gray coloration

• Unprepared natural fossil specimen

• You will receive the exact specimen pictured

As a genuine fossil, natural fractures, irregular edges, mineral deposits, surface variation, and other evidence of preservation are expected.