Iron-mediated deep-time preservation of osteocytes in a Middle Triassic reptile bone

Fossil bone cells (osteocytes) are known mainly from the shape-casting vacuities they leave behind after cell decay; however, they may occasionally be preserved as three-dimensionally fossilized soft parts. Here we present brownish to rust-coloured microbodies, extracted from a Middle Triassic (ca. 245 Ma) bone of the reptile Nothosaurus, which are morphologically consistent with bone cells of present-day vertebrates. In situ imaging shows that these structures, which are reminiscent of bone cells, are harboured in lacunae framed by the bone matrix. Chemical characterization using energy-dispersive X-ray, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presence of various phases of iron oxide mineralization. The predominant mineral phases are hematite and goethite; magnetite and maghemite appear to occur sporadically. It is not clear how these nanograined mineral phases were formed. Most likely mineralization proceeded very early and was triggered by local microenvironmental conditions favouring the precipitation of iron phases. The absence of a distinct signal indicating organic molecules suggests that the original bone cells underwent autolysis or other degradative processes before or during mineralization.

Automated summary

Fossil bone cells were discovered in a Middle Triassic bone of the reptile Nothosaurus, showing morphological consistency with bone cells of modern vertebrates. Chemical analysis revealed the presence of hematite and goethite as the predominant mineral phases, possibly formed early due to local microenvironmental conditions. The absence of signals indicating organic molecules suggests that original bone cells underwent autolysis before or during mineralization.