Fossil Identifications

The University of Colorado Museum of Natural History Paleontology Section offers fossil identification services for educational purposes, assisting collectors and members of the public. Identifications are provided free of charge. To request an identification, please send a photograph of the fossil along with a general description of where it was found to an appropriate Collections Manager. Whenever possible, please include a scale bar or an object for scale in the photo.

The Paleontology Section will not identify or authenticate fossils in any circumstances that could promote or support illegal, unethical, or irresponsible trade in such materials.

Appraisals

The Paleontology Section does not provide fossil appraisals. If an appraisal is desired, it must be arranged by the collector. The Paleontology Section is unable to offer legal or tax advice regarding the implications of fossil ownership. Collectors are responsible for seeking independent guidance from a qualified tax specialist or attorney. The Paleontology Section assumes no responsibility for the validity of any appraisal obtained by the collector for tax purposes. The collector is also responsible for all costs and fees associated with obtaining an appraisal for their fossils.

Featured work

clay black bear holding orange fish in his mouth
Clay pitcher with parrot painting design
clay pot with black and white geometric striped patterns and orange base
small rounded clay bowl with black and white designs of person playing flute
tall clay cup with black and white painted step design
shallow clay bowl with black and orange paint and figures