DinoGrips
Dino Grips: These are a pair of 145 to 66 million year old fossilized dinosaur bone grips.
Fossilization: It is estimated that dinosaurs lived 145 to 66 million years ago. Typically for a dinosaur to become fossilized, there are special conditions that need to happen. When most living organisms die their flesh and soft tissue will be eaten or decomposed. The harder structures such as bones will usually weather and disintegrate. In some cases when an animal dies and is covered by mud, silt or sediment, the harder structures are preserved and over time become replaced by other minerals.
What that means for us today: Today millions of years later, dinosaur bones that have become fossilized are unique, rare and incredibly beautiful. In some instances, the bone is replaced with silicon dioxide, creating a hard stone that can be cut and polished. This is referred to as being agatized. Agatized dinosaur bones can vary in color depending on minerals that were present during the fossilization process. Common colors for agatized bone include browns, grays and tans. More rare colors include blues, oranges, reds, whites, and yellows. Beautifully preserved and precious dinosaur bone is called gem bone. Because the amount of collectible dinosaur bone is limited, each piece is unique and one of a kind. Actual dinosaur bones were of a trabecular architecture. As a result, when the minerals replaced the bone, it creates a unique and distinct trabeculae pattern.
About Me and the Dino Grips: Hi, my name is Colby. I have grown up with a love of nature and the outdoors. I am now realizing that a love for rocks is a genetic disposition that is engrained in my blood. I have recently inherited my great grandfather’s rock saw. This pair of gun grips is my first ever attempt at cutting, shaping, and polishing a collectible item. I have had fun working with this dinosaur bone and look forward to making many more pieces. The fossilized bone came from part of my great grandfather’s collection. I used his old rock saw to be able to cut and shape the grips. While working on the project I felt a great kinship to my great grandpa even though I never met him. He passed away before I was born. Having the knowledge that I was using the same equipment that he used 50+ years ago is neat. If you would like to connect with me for more information, please visit ruggedtactical.com and use the “Contact Us” link.
Dinosaur bone in the rough before being slabbed (cut in slices).
Rocksaw and grinding wheel. This is my great grandfather’s rock saw that I used to cut, shape and polish the DinoGrips.
Shaping the Dino Grips.