The discovery of a human mandible embedded in travertine flooring during a home renovation in Europe has sparked curiosity and raised questions about its origins.

The mandible was noticed by the homeowner’s son, a dentist, who recognized its unmistakable shape. Speculating whether it could be from a hominid, he shared a photo of the jawbone on Reddit, where it garnered attention and discussion.

While the find may seem unusual, it is not entirely uncommon for fossils to be found in travertine, a type of limestone formed near natural springs. When water containing calcium carbonate evaporates or cools, it precipitates as rock and may form deposits around the spring. These deposits often contain fossil inclusions of various plants and animals, including humans.

The travertine tiles containing the jawbone originated from the Denizli Basin in western Turkey, where researchers have discovered fossils dating back between 0.7 million and 1.8 million years. Previous excavations in the area have unearthed fossils of mammoths, rhinos, giraffes, and other animals, as well as human fossils, including the skull of a Homo erectus specimen.

While finding fossils in travertine is not uncommon, it is essential to involve local authorities if one suspects the presence of ancient human remains. However, not all bone fragments warrant excavation, as many may belong to other animals and not necessarily to hominins.