Is this an opalized tusk

[jwsjarr123]

I found this in a collection when I was in an estate sale the people had thrown the minerals away and sold the cases.

The gentleman was known for hunting in Mexico.

 

 

[Kohler Palaeontology]

I don't think so, do you know where it was found?

[Jaybot]

Looks like a baculite segment, which are essentially straight shelled ammonites/nautiloids.  The 'opalized' look is preserved nacre; which is present in living abalone shells as an example, among others like the Nautilus.

 

 

 

Abalone shell:

 

 

 

[Jaybot]

Here's a complete Baculite (image from wikipedia page for baculites)

 

[Kohler Palaeontology]

I agree that it looked like a baculite segment, just wanted to know the specific location to make sure, I do agree with JayBot.

[anonaddict]

unsure if it's a baculite specifically imo it could also be any other straight cephalopods like a belemnite but agree with the assessment that its definitely a cephalopod since it has a siphuncle which is exclusive to chambered cephalopods. I dont know enough about various species to narrow it down more than that.

Edited Sunday at 09:27 AM by anonaddict
additional info

[Fossildude19]

Belemnites look nothing like this. 

This is definitely a Baculites sp.   The complex sutures indicate that it is a straight ammonoid.

 

[trilobites_are_awesome]

Definitely a baculite!