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The Kem Kem Group in southeastern Morocco is one of the most productive — and most problematic — fossil-bearing formations in the world. It produces more commercial dinosaur fossils than almost any other site, but the majority of specimens on the market have been composited, restored, or falsely identified.
The Kem Kem Group (formerly Kem Kem beds) dates to the Cenomanian stage of the Late Cretaceous, approximately 95–100 million years ago. It sits in southeastern Morocco near the Algerian border. The formation consists of river channel and delta deposits — this was a lush, swampy river system teaming with fish, crocodiles, and the dinosaurs that fed on them.
The formation is world-famous for producing Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, the largest carnivorous dinosaur ever discovered — larger than T-Rex. But the vast majority of "Spinosaurus teeth" sold online are Carcharodontosaurus teeth, crocodile teeth, or composite specimens. Authentic Spinosaurus material from Kem Kem is relatively rare and commands a premium.
Kem Kem fossils typically exhibit a distinctive reddish-brown to dark brown coloration from iron-rich sediment. This color is one of the most reliable indicators of authentic Kem Kem provenance — but it can be faked with stain or paint. UV light reveals the difference.
Spinosaurus aegyptiacus — The "star" of Kem Kem. Largest carnivorous dinosaur, semi-aquatic, with a distinctive sail on its back. Authentic teeth are conical, unserrated, with a round cross-section. Price range: $50–$3,000 depending on size and condition. Most common misidentification: sold as Carcharodontosaurus or vice versa.
Carcharodontosaurus saharicus — A massive theropod rivaling T-Rex in size. Teeth are blade-like, serrated, and laterally compressed — similar to T-Rex teeth but typically darker in color. More common than Spinosaurus teeth but frequently sold as "rare Spinosaurus." Price: $100–$2,000.
Deltadromeus agilis — A medium-sized theropod. Leg bones and vertebrae are common; claws are rare and expensive.
Onchopristis numidus — Giant sawfish rostral teeth. Extremely common in the formation. These are not dinosaur teeth despite being frequently labeled as "Kem Kem dinosaur teeth." They're fish — and very common ones. Price: $5–$30. The most common "beginner's mistake" — buying a sawfish tooth thinking it's a dinosaur tooth.
Sarcosuchus imperator — Giant prehistoric crocodile, one of the largest crocodilians ever. Teeth are conical with longitudinal ridges. Often confused with Spinosaurus teeth by novice collectors. Price: $50–$500 for authentic teeth.
1. Composite jaws — The most common fraud. Moroccan preparators glue teeth from multiple donors into a single jawbone (which may also be fabricated). Result: a "complete jaw with teeth" where nothing belongs together. Detection: UV light shows glue at tooth sockets. Different tooth colors indicate different donors.
2. Fabricated roots — Most Kem Kem teeth are found as crowns only (the root rotted away before fossilization). Moroccan preparators sculpt fake roots from sand and glue, then paint them to match. Detection: UV light reveals the fabricated root as a bright fluorescent mass. Acetone dissolves the paint.
3. Species misidentification — Sawfish teeth sold as "dinosaur teeth." Crocodile teeth sold as "Spinosaurus teeth." Carcharodontosaurus teeth sold as "T-Rex teeth from Morocco" (there are no T-Rex in Africa). Detection: know the anatomy. Spinosaurus teeth are unserrated. Carcharodontosaurus teeth are serrated. Sawfish teeth are flat and wide.
4. Missing UV documentation — A Kem Kem seller who refuses to provide UV photos of their specimens is almost certainly hiding something. UV light is the single best detection tool for Moroccan fakes, and honest sellers provide UV photos willingly.
Morocco does not have the same export restrictions as Mongolia, China, Brazil, or Argentina. Most Kem Kem fossils can be legally exported with proper documentation. However, the following should be demanded from any seller:
— Export permit or declaration of origin: Morocco requires a mining and export declaration for commercial fossil sales. A seller who cannot provide any Moroccan documentation is either not a legal exporter or is selling specimens collected illegally.
— Certificate of Authenticity with species identification: Must include the scientific name, formation, and preparer's assessment of restoration. COAs without UV analysis photos are incomplete.
— Landowner or mining concession documentation: Kem Kem fossils are collected from specific mining concessions. Documentation should indicate which concession produced the specimen.
— UV analysis report: Given the high rate of composites and fabrication from this formation, UV analysis is essentially mandatory for any Kem Kem specimen above $100.
Jurassic Depot scores every listing for provenance, authenticity, and documentation. The best way to avoid fakes is to demand proof — and to know what to ask for.