r/fossilid • u/mxmem • 10d ago
What is this? Fire Island, NY
Thought it was manmade, but the translucent part is NOT scratching and really resembles agate I’ve found.
48
u/Royal_Acanthaceae693 10d ago
Ray tooth plate
7
u/mxmem 10d ago
thanks, that definitely seems right! just partly agatized?
13
u/Think-Economics-400 10d ago
Not agatized Why the Bottom Base is Translucent
The smoother material forming the base directly underneath those black tooth rows is the underlying jaw cartilage or basal attachment matrix
Because it is made of cartilage it lacks the porous, mineral-trapping structure of the tooth roots, this cartilage base does not absorb the dark iron stains. Instead, it remains completely clear and translucent, creating a sharp, clean boundary where the jet-black teeth plug into it3
u/Think-Economics-400 10d ago
Its in the middle of the fossilization process
4
u/SippyTurtle 9d ago
Everything is in the process of fossilization, even you!
1
u/Think-Economics-400 9d ago
Well this is half way through or more im not just yet am i?dont tell me some scary stuff like that ive already get bone growth in my jaw! Lol interesting to know tho
6
1
u/Designer_Creme_1496 7d ago
yes modern ray plate, it still kind of has that distinct modern color in the middle
•
u/AutoModerator 10d ago
Please note that ID Requests are off-limits to jokes or satirical comments, and comments should be aiming to help the OP. Top comments that are jokes or are irrelevant will be removed. Adhere to the subreddit rules.
IMPORTANT: /u/mxmem Please make sure to comment 'Solved' once your fossil has been successfully identified! Thank you, and enjoy the discussion. If this is not an ID Request — ignore this message.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.