Large Triceratops Horn
Triceratops horridus
Cretaceous
Hell Creek Formation, Montana
Triceratops is one of the most recognized of all of the behemoths of the Age of Dinosaurs. Offered is an example of the feature, which most closely identifies this famous dinosaur, its horn. The present dark brown specimen is of excellent quality, from a very large, mature individual. In life, the horn would have been covered with keratin (the same material of which human fingernails are formed), increasing its size by 30%; its effectiveness as a defensive weapon can be easily surmised. The grooves in the specimen represent areas where blood flowed to the horn. Discovered on private ranch land, the massive specimen was found with an intact tip. Measures 16 x 6in