Marlène Thiery  Opalized Dinosaur Bone - Approx 3cm - Photographed For @jakes_gemz

Happy Fossil Friday! Let’s fly back in time to the Cretaceous some 110 million years ago to meet Tupuxuara leonardii. This flying reptile had a wingspan of about 15 ft (4.5 m) and a huge fan-shaped crest. But why the elaborate headgear? Scientists think that pterosaurs could have used their distinctive crests to steer during flight, to recognize members of the same species, or to attract mates. Like the crests of some modern birds, they may have also been brightly colored. 

Photo:© AMNH

diamonds with garnet inclusions

Mayan eccentric flints, 500 - 800 A.D. 

Eccentric flints, such as these, were sacred, high status offerings and evidence of the skill and technology of the Mayan workshops. A tapered base at the bottom may have been attached to a staff or scepter.

Eccentric Flint - Mayan, Late Classic - c.550-950 CE - probably Guatemala

Scrimshawed ostrich egg, 19th century

Via: IG@atynerantiques

dendrite trees