Complete Ceratopsian Skull | Psittacosaurus sp. | Early Cretaceous

An exceptional, fully preserved adult skull of the early ceratopsian dinosaur Psittacosaurus. It features some great bone detail, teeth and has been meticulously prepared. The matrix has been skillfully hollowed out through both the lateral and upper fenestrae on one side, revealing the underlying cranial structure.

This skull belongs to an adult Psittacosaurus that lived 125 million years ago in what we now call the Jehol Biota ecosystem - it was a vibrant, temperate highland full of lakes and massive forests. The defining feature of this environment was the active volcanoes. The sky was frequently hazy with ash, which made the soil incredibly fertile, supporting the dense forests.

The lakes were deep and freshwater, but they were death traps during eruptions. Periodic volcanic mudflows or pyroclastic flows would sweep through the valleys, burying everything in their path instantly.

This skull is preserved in volcanic sandstone, indicating a violent death. The animal was buried instantly by a fast-moving slurry of volcanic debris. This is why the skull is 3D—the sediment packed around the bone so quickly that the weight of the earth above couldn't crush it flat.

It comes with a small label detailing the specimen name, region it was found and age.

This is genuine fossil. All the specimens we offer come with a lifetime authenticity guarantee.

Condition: Very Good | Size: 6.25 inches (from back of skull to tip of beak) | Age: 125 Million Years | Found: Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China (Yixian Formation)