Product Description
From the extinct giant Cave Bear, Ursus spelaeus of Europe, this is a superb quality fossil molar tooth WITH FULL ROOT. Typical for Romanian deposits, the crown and root have preserved in a pleasing mottled white, butter cream and gold hues. The crown is complete with fantastic natural luster and preservation. Specimens like this of exceptional quality are extremely rare and will continue to increase in price since all former European sources have long been closed.
Cave Bear fossils from the true European Cave Bear are rare today. Former deposits in Eastern Europe have been depleted and regardless, are legally protected. All the countries that were once known for these deposits have long since banned the prospecting and export of these fossils. Cave Bear fossils from Europe were once prevalent and specimens of spectacular preservation were common. Today, the opposite is true. European material of exceptional quality and preservation has sky-rocketed in price and will continue to as the increasing collector demand far surpasses available specimens of fine quality. The only way to acquire these fossils now is when they come from an old collection as this tooth was acquired.