China
2023.12.21 17:26 GMT+8

Crystalline dinosaur egg fossils discovered in central China for the first time

Updated 2023.12.21 17:26 GMT+8
CGTN

Recently, a joint research team discovered three crystalline dinosaur egg fossils during the restoration process at Site No. 1 in Yuyang Dinosaur Egg Fossil Group National Geopark in Shiyan City, central China's Hubei Province, home to the largest-scale dinosaur egg fossil site globally, making it the first discovery of its kind in Hubei.

Crystalline dinosaur egg fossils mixed with regular dinosaur egg fossils in Yuyang Dinosaur Egg Fossil Group National Geopark in Shiyan City, central China's Hubei Province. /CMG

According to reports, these fossils are relatively well preserved, exhibiting an oblate shape and a size similar to regular dinosaur egg fossils. They are situated alongside 28 non-crystalline dinosaur egg fossils, forming a cluster of 31 eggs, all dispersed on the same stratum. The distinct, well-preserved crystal faces make the interior of the three shine.

A researcher unearths dinosaur egg fossils. /CMG

Zhao Bi, director and senior engineer at the Paleobiological Fossil Research Center of Hubei Institute of Geological Sciences, explained that the formation conditions for crystalline dinosaur egg fossils are extremely critical compared to others. Until now, traces of crystalline dinosaur egg fossils have been sporadically seen only in large-scale exhibitions and museums, but these fossils have been removed from their original sites and geological layers, losing their burial information. In contrast, the three crystalline dinosaur egg fossils at the site in Hubei, all in situ and under protected conditions, hold significant research value.

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