Museum Grade Partial OVIRAPTOR cf philoceratops Fossil Nest with 2 Eggs - Elongatoolithidae - Fossilised egg

03
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€ 815
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Manuel Quiring
Expert
Estimate  € 3,900 - € 4,400
DE
€815
DE
€765
DE
€715

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A natural partial nest of Oviraptor cf. philoceratops with two Macroolithus yaotunensis eggs from the Campanian stage of the Upper Cretaceous, approximately 75 million years old, with minor re-gluing and no restoration.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Scientific name: Oviraptor cf philoceratops, Osborn 1924. Fossilized partial nest with 2 Eggs. form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae)

Location: Gobi Desert, Eastern Asia

Geological Formation: Djadokhta Formation

Age: Upper Cretaceous, Campanian stage, (~75 Million Years)

Size: The whole specimen: 20 x 16 x 6 cm - One of the eggs: 19cm x 8 cm x 5cm

REF.: #J738

DESCRIPTION:

An exceptionally rare, museum-quality partial Oviraptor egg nest featuring two remarkably well-preserved, nearly complete fossil eggs in their original natural positions, embedded in characteristic red brecciated matrix from the Late Cretaceous of the Gobi Desert.

Both eggs are virtually complete, with only a section of the lower eggshell missing from one specimen. Absolutely no restoration or reconstruction has been performed. Preparation was limited to careful sandblasting, with only minor fractures professionally re-glued.

An outstanding, scientifically significant display specimen of extraordinary preservation and exceptional rarity, representing a remarkable opportunity to acquire an authentic fossil egg nest in its original geological context.

Oviraptor eggs from the Late Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation (Gobi Desert in Eastern Asia) are elongated, ridge-textured, and were originally mistaken for Protoceratops prey, but subsequent finds of embryos (e.g., IGM 100/971) confirmed they belong to Oviraptor.

These eggs, often arranged in pairs within circular, brooding nests, demonstrate that these theropods displayed bird-like nesting behavior.

Key Details on Djadokhta Oviraptor Eggs:

Initial Misconception: Discovered in 1923 by Roy Chapman Andrews, they were thought to be stolen eggs from Protoceratops, leading to the name "egg thief".

Brooding Evidence: Fossil finds, such as the one described in 1993, showed that the adult was not stealing the eggs, but instead brooding, or sitting on, its own nest.

Egg Characteristics: The eggs are of the form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae). They are characterized by their elongated shape (approx. 163–198 mm long) and a surface with ridges aligned to the long axis.

Embryo Discoveries: Significant specimens include IGM 100/971 (first known theropod embryo) and others from sites like Ukhaa Tolgod, which solidified the link between the eggs and the parent.

Nesting Structure: Eggs were arranged in pairs, forming a circular, open, or partially covered nest, often with 15 or more eggs.

Pigmentation: Research on oviraptorid samples suggests these eggs possessed pigments, likely giving them a blue-green color, similar to some modern birds.

These discoveries were crucial in bridging the understanding of the relationship between dinosaurs and modern birds.

All of our fossils come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Every week, the issued Certificates of Authenticity are updated in our database verification system on our website. If you find that your certificate has not yet been updated, please contact us and we will update it immediately. Display box NOT included.

Seller's Story

Jurassic Dreams is the world's largest online dinosaur fossils store, unrivaled as the most reputable source for authentic fossil specimens. We are the only leading online fossils store owned by an accredited geologist and paleontology expert. In addition, we have extraordinary authentic meteorites specimens from all over the universe. With dozens of different specimens in stock... our customers come back time and again. Because, simply put, our lifetime guarantee is unbeatable. My name is Juan A. Poblador and I have a strong academic background in Paleontology and Geology from the University of Madrid and University of Alicante. I have participated in fossil excavation projects in several locations mainly in Europe and Africa for over 10 years. Writing scientifically accurate descriptions of every specimen is one of the tasks that consume most of my time. Obviously, recognizing fake and restored fossils is second nature to me. So you can be sure that every fossil in this website has been carefully screened and inspected by me. I have served collectors and fossil enthusiasts over the years. I have also supplied museums and institutions. I combine the study and research of significant specimens with exhibiting and selling the many other finds, which helps fund the new expeditions. Additionally, I have a small team of support staff for logistics. I've personally trained them to handle and pack the fossils properly so that they can be shipped within 24 hours and arrive at your door in one piece. Last but not least, I'm fortunate to have a great network of other seasoned paleontologists with whom I discuss the rarest items, new discoveries, and exploration trips to remote quarries... If I don't know something, the paleontological community really helps out. I like to manage Jurassic Dreams as a well curated online exhibition of museum grade pieces. I'm a collector myself and I love to share the knowledge with other fellow collectors. That's why I will respond to any email when you have any doubt or when you buy, and you'll have a personalized fossil selection experience. Jurassic Dreams a proud member of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) and abide by its Code of Ethics. The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences conforms to the recommendations of The National Academy of Sciences Report on Paleontological Collecting and standard business practices and ethics. In addition, we are the certified member #5681 of the International Meteorite Collectors Association (IMCA) and a certified member of GMA (Global Meteorite Association) G0043. IMCA and GMA are the most prestigious associations helping meteorite collectors in their search for Authentic Meteorites for their collections and assisting others in helping to learn more about meteorites. A physical certificate of authenticity is provided free of charge with every fossil we sell. This is our lifetime guarantee. The certificate, individually prepared for each fossil by Juan A. Poblador, an expert paleontologist, contains an accurate scientific description, and the certificate's validity can be verified online at all times. In addition, a 100% money-back guarantee is provided.

Scientific name: Oviraptor cf philoceratops, Osborn 1924. Fossilized partial nest with 2 Eggs. form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae)

Location: Gobi Desert, Eastern Asia

Geological Formation: Djadokhta Formation

Age: Upper Cretaceous, Campanian stage, (~75 Million Years)

Size: The whole specimen: 20 x 16 x 6 cm - One of the eggs: 19cm x 8 cm x 5cm

REF.: #J738

DESCRIPTION:

An exceptionally rare, museum-quality partial Oviraptor egg nest featuring two remarkably well-preserved, nearly complete fossil eggs in their original natural positions, embedded in characteristic red brecciated matrix from the Late Cretaceous of the Gobi Desert.

Both eggs are virtually complete, with only a section of the lower eggshell missing from one specimen. Absolutely no restoration or reconstruction has been performed. Preparation was limited to careful sandblasting, with only minor fractures professionally re-glued.

An outstanding, scientifically significant display specimen of extraordinary preservation and exceptional rarity, representing a remarkable opportunity to acquire an authentic fossil egg nest in its original geological context.

Oviraptor eggs from the Late Cretaceous Djadokhta Formation (Gobi Desert in Eastern Asia) are elongated, ridge-textured, and were originally mistaken for Protoceratops prey, but subsequent finds of embryos (e.g., IGM 100/971) confirmed they belong to Oviraptor.

These eggs, often arranged in pairs within circular, brooding nests, demonstrate that these theropods displayed bird-like nesting behavior.

Key Details on Djadokhta Oviraptor Eggs:

Initial Misconception: Discovered in 1923 by Roy Chapman Andrews, they were thought to be stolen eggs from Protoceratops, leading to the name "egg thief".

Brooding Evidence: Fossil finds, such as the one described in 1993, showed that the adult was not stealing the eggs, but instead brooding, or sitting on, its own nest.

Egg Characteristics: The eggs are of the form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae). They are characterized by their elongated shape (approx. 163–198 mm long) and a surface with ridges aligned to the long axis.

Embryo Discoveries: Significant specimens include IGM 100/971 (first known theropod embryo) and others from sites like Ukhaa Tolgod, which solidified the link between the eggs and the parent.

Nesting Structure: Eggs were arranged in pairs, forming a circular, open, or partially covered nest, often with 15 or more eggs.

Pigmentation: Research on oviraptorid samples suggests these eggs possessed pigments, likely giving them a blue-green color, similar to some modern birds.

These discoveries were crucial in bridging the understanding of the relationship between dinosaurs and modern birds.

All of our fossils come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Every week, the issued Certificates of Authenticity are updated in our database verification system on our website. If you find that your certificate has not yet been updated, please contact us and we will update it immediately. Display box NOT included.

Seller's Story

Jurassic Dreams is the world's largest online dinosaur fossils store, unrivaled as the most reputable source for authentic fossil specimens. We are the only leading online fossils store owned by an accredited geologist and paleontology expert. In addition, we have extraordinary authentic meteorites specimens from all over the universe. With dozens of different specimens in stock... our customers come back time and again. Because, simply put, our lifetime guarantee is unbeatable. My name is Juan A. Poblador and I have a strong academic background in Paleontology and Geology from the University of Madrid and University of Alicante. I have participated in fossil excavation projects in several locations mainly in Europe and Africa for over 10 years. Writing scientifically accurate descriptions of every specimen is one of the tasks that consume most of my time. Obviously, recognizing fake and restored fossils is second nature to me. So you can be sure that every fossil in this website has been carefully screened and inspected by me. I have served collectors and fossil enthusiasts over the years. I have also supplied museums and institutions. I combine the study and research of significant specimens with exhibiting and selling the many other finds, which helps fund the new expeditions. Additionally, I have a small team of support staff for logistics. I've personally trained them to handle and pack the fossils properly so that they can be shipped within 24 hours and arrive at your door in one piece. Last but not least, I'm fortunate to have a great network of other seasoned paleontologists with whom I discuss the rarest items, new discoveries, and exploration trips to remote quarries... If I don't know something, the paleontological community really helps out. I like to manage Jurassic Dreams as a well curated online exhibition of museum grade pieces. I'm a collector myself and I love to share the knowledge with other fellow collectors. That's why I will respond to any email when you have any doubt or when you buy, and you'll have a personalized fossil selection experience. Jurassic Dreams a proud member of the Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) and abide by its Code of Ethics. The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences conforms to the recommendations of The National Academy of Sciences Report on Paleontological Collecting and standard business practices and ethics. In addition, we are the certified member #5681 of the International Meteorite Collectors Association (IMCA) and a certified member of GMA (Global Meteorite Association) G0043. IMCA and GMA are the most prestigious associations helping meteorite collectors in their search for Authentic Meteorites for their collections and assisting others in helping to learn more about meteorites. A physical certificate of authenticity is provided free of charge with every fossil we sell. This is our lifetime guarantee. The certificate, individually prepared for each fossil by Juan A. Poblador, an expert paleontologist, contains an accurate scientific description, and the certificate's validity can be verified online at all times. In addition, a 100% money-back guarantee is provided.

Details

Specimen
Museum Grade Partial OVIRAPTOR cf philoceratops Fossil Nest with 2 Eggs - Elongatoolithidae
Geological period
Upper Cretaceous, Campanian stage, (~75 Million Years)
Condition
Natural
Authenticity
Original/official
Spain (Mainland & Balearic Islands)Verified
523
Objects sold
100%
protop

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