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





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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.
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
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
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