On the Colorado Pleateau agatized dinosaur bone is found in the Jurassic (150 mya) Brushy Basin Member of the Morrison Formation. It is formed by a process in which mineral rich silica in water seeps through the bones and replaces the original animal tissue. This slow process helps keep the original shape of the cell structures, spinal column, and marrow walls clearly defined. These well defined specimens are rare and considered gem or investment quality agatized dinosaur bone. Rarer still are the specimens where the cell structures stretched due to water pressure to create unusual but still clearly defined cell patterns and crystal filled cavities.


What causes the colors in agatized dinosaur bone?

The beautiful and varied colors of agatized dino bone are caused by the presence of other minerals that enter the cells in solution with silica.

Iron-oxide = orange, rust, red or yellow.

Manganese-oxide = blues, blacks or purples.

carnotite (a compound of uranium) = brilliant oranges and bright yellows.

chromium = soft green

cinnabar = true rose or baby-pink

chlorite = deep green












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