Mosasaur Mandible Jaw – Authentic Fossil Specimen
The mosasaur mandible jaw is one of the most sought-after fossils for marine reptile enthusiasts. Mosasaurs were apex predators of the Late Cretaceous seas. This fossil preserves the lower jaw structure that once held sharp, conical teeth. These teeth were made for gripping slippery prey like fish and ammonites.
A mosasaur was not a dinosaur. It was a marine reptile related to modern monitor lizards and snakes. Growing up to 50 feet long, mosasaurs ruled the oceans about 82 to 66 million years ago. This specimen’s mandible is from a mid-sized individual, likely around 20 feet long in life. The preserved section shows both bone texture and tooth placement.
What makes this piece special is the preservation. You can see the natural curve of the jaw. Some teeth remain rooted. Tooth sockets are clearly visible. Mineralization gives the bone a rich brown and tan pattern. The fossil has not been painted. It has not been artificially reconstructed. Only light cleaning was done to reveal detail without removing the original surface.
This mandible jaw was recovered from Cretaceous marine deposits in Morocco. The phosphate-rich sediment in this region is famous for producing well-preserved mosasaur remains. The specimen comes from a layer dating to the Maastrichtian stage, one of the last ages before the mass extinction that ended the reign of the mosasaurs.
Collectors will value this piece for its authenticity. Educators can use it to teach about marine reptiles, predator-prey relationships, and fossilization. It makes an eye-catching display in a cabinet or on a stand.
Technical Details
Origin: Phosphate beds, Morocco
Geological Period: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian stage
Condition: Natural mineralization with partial teeth present
Material: Fossilized bone with phosphate mineral content
Preservation: Excellent bone structure with visible sockets and enamel remnants
Warranty and Shipping
Ships in a secure foam-lined case to protect against damage. Includes certificate of authenticity and detailed find location. 14-day return period for inspection. Full refund if returned in original condition.
Related Product
See our Complete Mosasaur Skull Fossils for more exceptional marine reptile specimens.
External Reference
Learn more about mosasaurs from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Bullet Point Feature List
Authentic mosasaur mandible jaw fossil with teeth
Late Cretaceous age (82–66 million years)
Sourced from phosphate-rich deposits in Morocco
No artificial restoration – 100% genuine fossil bone
Ideal for collectors, museums, and classrooms
Natural mineral color variation for display appeal
Includes certificate of authenticity
Technical Specs Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fossil Type | Mosasaur mandible jaw |
| Material | Fossilized bone, phosphate-rich |
| Size | 60cm length x 10 cm height |
| Estimated Age | 82–66 million years |
| Origin | Morocco |
FAQs
Q: Where have mosasaur fossils been found?
A: Mosasaur fossils have been discovered on every continent, including Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Antarctica. Notably, Morocco is one of the most famous fossil sites, yielding exceptionally well-preserved specimens from the Late Cretaceous period. These Moroccan fossils often come from ancient marine deposits that were once part of the Tethys Sea.
Q: What did mosasaurs eat?
A: Mosasaurs were apex marine predators with a diverse diet. They preyed on fish, squid, ammonites, turtles, marine reptiles, and even other mosasaurs. Their powerful jaws and sharp, conical teeth allowed them to crush shells and tear through flesh. Some species also showed evidence of opportunistic scavenging.
Q: Were mosasaurs dinosaurs?
A: No — mosasaurs were not dinosaurs. They were large marine reptiles belonging to the order Squamata, making them relatives of modern lizards and snakes. While they lived during the same time as dinosaurs and went extinct in the same mass extinction event about 66 million years ago, they occupied a completely different evolutionary branch.
