Keichousaurus is an extinct aquatic reptile that thrived during the Triassic period. Commonly mistaken for a dinosaur, they actually fall into the group Sauropterygia, a taxon of diverse marine reptiles. They are scientifically well-documented from two formations in China, the Chialingchiang and Falang formations. Strict fossil laws in China prevent present-day collector access to these fossils but many, many specimens found their way into Hong Kong before the laws were passed. I only work with unprepared specimens as the Keichousaurus is a very popular fossil to fake due to their aesthetics. Typically these fossils are quickly prepared with acetic acid and/or rotary tools which can damage, flatten or outright destroy the finely detailed bones. Prepared with modern air abrasion techniques under a microscope, these details are retained. Prep times usually run around 5 to 10 hours for me to complete a specimen.
 
Keichousaurus hui
Guizhou Province, China
Triassic
 
prepared by Stormbed Paleontological