Fossil Replicas

Did you know that many of the large-scale dinosaurs on display at world-famous museums (such as the Field Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Institution) are actually fossil replicas? Replicas are more durable than natural fossils, and since they are duplicable, a greater number of museums can showcase these magnificent displays, despite the limited number of authentic dinosaur fossils available. Additionally, replicas are more lightweight than actual fossils, which make replicas easier to handle and display in life-size mounts.

Why Make Fossil Replicas?

Replicas are made using a mold and cast process, during which a mold is made from a natural fossil, and used as a cast to create the replica. Molds can be made from plaster, latex or silicone rubber and casts are typically made from resin, fiberglass, hydrostone, or a host of other materials. Some replica companies use proprietary techniques or materials, in order to provide a replica that looks and feels exactly like a genuine fossil, right down to the last tiny details.

Usually, fossils are carefully selected before creating a replica mold. Specimens are generally chosen for their completeness, rarity, overall quality, popularity, demand, and fragility. The more fragile the specimen, the more demand for replicas; alternatively, a very fragile specimen must have care not to become damaged during the molding process.

Another major advantage of replicas is their cost. Since replicas are copies of original fossils, and a single mold can create many casts of one authentic fossil, replicas can be created and sold at a relatively low price. Purchasing replicas help preserve original fossils for scientific research. Replicas offer an excellent for the fossil enthusiast on a limited budget. Thanks to the creation of replicas, you can now own your very own Tyrannosaurus Rex tooth, Velociraptor claw, or Saber-Toothed Cat skull (or all three).