Bone Valley Fossil Pay Dirt Box : now you can have the experience of hunting for fossils in Florida's famous Bone Valley formation, without having to brave the muddy water, snakes, and alligators. This box is filled with sand, pebbles, shells, and fossils from the rich Miocene/Pliocene/Pleistocene deposits of marine and land fauna that roamed the Earth between 13,000 and 23,000,000 years ago.
During the Miocene period (approx. 5 - 20 million years ago), most of Florida was under the sea and the entire area was a thriving breeding ground for many species of marine animals, including the apex predator Megalodon species of "mega shark". Sharks hunted on ancestors of today's whales, dolphins, and manatees. The bones and teeth of these animals are found as fossils in the south-central Florida deposits of the Bone Valley formation.
During the Pliocene to Pleistocene periods (approx. 13,000 to 5,000,000 years ago), the Bone Valley region was home to a rich diversity of megafauna, including Mammoth, Mastodon, Sabre-tooth Cat, Dire Wolf, Giant Sloth, and the extinct ancestors of today's horses, camels, bison, bear, wolf, and others. The bones of these animals are found in mixed deposits, often alongside Miocene era marine remains.
The Bone Valley formation is in south central Florida and the richest fossil deposits are found along the Peace River in Polk, Hardee, and Desoto counties. The Peace River has coffee-black waters that are infested with snakes and alligators. During Florida's cool winters, the river levels are low and the reptiles are not active, so fossil hunters go out to search through the river beds and banks looking for old bones and teeth. Fossil season runs during the dry months that are typically November through May or June when the springs rains start.
Fossil hunters and researchers from around the world come to Bone Valley, but now you can have the fossil deposits come to you. These fossil "paydirt" boxes contain sand, pebbles, and fossils from the Bone Valley formation. Dig and sift through the dirt to find the fossil specimens. Then clean them off and test your identification skills to ID the different types of fossils.
Each box is guaranteed to contain multiple fossils of the following : shark (including megalodon), turtle, mammoth, deer, bison, camel, horse, dugong, whale, gastropods, bivalves, and more.
Every box contains fossils from the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene epochs. These are ideal for educational use or adding to your personal collection of fossils.
There are two boxes to choose from :
The "Bone Digger" box is the entry-level box which contains over 30 different fossils. This box is ideal for kids or beginners who want a big mixture of different types of fossils. There are enough teeth and bones in here to make any kid grin from ear to ear, and there are enough pieces that every child in the classroom can have at least one fossil.
The "Fossil Hunter" box is the advanced-level box which contains approx. 50 fossils. This box is aimed at serious collectors who want larger examples and specimens from unusual or uncommon species. This box will contain a wide selection of just about every type of major fossil found in the Florida deposits.
Each box includes a print-out with information about Bone Valley fossils and the types of specimens found in the box.
Refer to the photos. The photos show a representation of the type of fossils to be found in each box. (Just to give you a general idea of the different sizes and types). The fossils will be mixed in with the sand and dirt. Some settling may occur during shipping, and the specimens will not be laying on top like this - you will have to sift through the contents to expose them. There will be more pieces in your box than what is shown in these photos. You will receive some large and some small specimens, with many sizes and types in between.
Note, these are shipped in USPS Priority flat rate boxes and are well sealed for shipment. These boxes can only be shipped to USA buyers due to weight and shipping restrictions. If you are an overseas resident and wish to purchase one pf these boxes, please contact me via email to discuss shipping arrangements and prices.
Link to the Bone Digger Box - http://galactic-stone.com/fossil-paydirt-box-of-bone-valley-fossils-bone-digger-level/
Link to the Fossil Hunter Box - http://galactic-stone.com/fossil-paydirt-box-of-bone-valley-fossils-fossil-hunter-level/
Use coupon code "steemit" at checkout for 20% OFF your entire order!
Note, all fossils were legally recovered by me in compliance with Florida state laws regarding fossils.
Photo credits : all photos by Michael Gilmer (GalacticStone).