1.45" Triassic, Theropod Dinosaur (Coelophysis) Vertebra - Arizona

This is a tiny but rare caudal vertebra from the early theropod dinosaur Coelophysis. It comes from the Chinle Formation in Arizona. This formation is Upper Triassic or approximately 220 million years old. The vertebra broke between two pieces of rock, requiring crack repair and some gap fill restoration at the point of breakage. It has been left within the rock it was found. The green coloration of the rock in spots is a result of the glue used for stabilization of the rock, reacting to air.

This specimen comes with a custom metal display stand.

Coelophysis was a small, slenderly-built, ground-dwelling, bipedal, carnivorous theropod that could grow up to about 10 feet in length. It is one of the earliest known dinosaur genera.