Outstanding OVIRAPTOR cf philoceratops Fossil Egg in Matrix (Partial crashed nest) - - Fossilised egg

03
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€ 75
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Manuel Quiring
Expert
Estimate  € 900 - € 1,100
DK
€75

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A naturally preserved Oviraptor cf. philoceratops fossil egg in matrix, from a partial nest of the Upper Cretaceous Campanian stage, approximately 75 million years old, with no restoration.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

Scientific name: Oviraptor cf philoceratops, Osborn 1924. Fossilized Egg in natural matrix. form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae)

Location: Gobi Desert, Eastern Asia

Geological Formation: Djadokhta Formation

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

Size: Matrix: 21 x 13,5 x 3,4 cm - the egg: 23cm x 7 cm x 4cm

REF.: #J740

DESCRIPTION:

An exceptionally interesting and unusual Oviraptor fossil egg association, preserved in its original natural red matrix, characteristic of the Late Cretaceous deposits of the Gobi Desert.

The specimen appears to represent a partial nest section, containing a naturally fragmented egg that fossilized in situ, together with possible remains of a second partial egg. This remarkable preservation offers a fascinating glimpse into the original nesting environment.

Preparation: Carefully cleaned by sandblasting, with no restoration whatsoever. Only three or four small eggshell fragments have been reattached.

A rare, scientifically significant and highly collectible specimen, preserved in its authentic natural matrix.

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 Egg in natural matrix. form Macroolithus yaotunensis (Elongatoolithidae)

Location: Gobi Desert, Eastern Asia

Geological Formation: Djadokhta Formation

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

Size: Matrix: 21 x 13,5 x 3,4 cm - the egg: 23cm x 7 cm x 4cm

REF.: #J740

DESCRIPTION:

An exceptionally interesting and unusual Oviraptor fossil egg association, preserved in its original natural red matrix, characteristic of the Late Cretaceous deposits of the Gobi Desert.

The specimen appears to represent a partial nest section, containing a naturally fragmented egg that fossilized in situ, together with possible remains of a second partial egg. This remarkable preservation offers a fascinating glimpse into the original nesting environment.

Preparation: Carefully cleaned by sandblasting, with no restoration whatsoever. Only three or four small eggshell fragments have been reattached.

A rare, scientifically significant and highly collectible specimen, preserved in its authentic natural matrix.

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
Outstanding OVIRAPTOR cf philoceratops Fossil Egg in Matrix (Partial crashed nest) -
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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