In an exciting development for paleontology enthusiasts, the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles has recently unveiled a new dinosaur fossil that is not only a member of a previously unidentified species but also boasts a unique feature - it is the only dinosaur found on Earth with green bones, according to museum officials.

Affectionately named "Gnatalie" after the gnats that surrounded the discovery site during excavation, this large herbivorous dinosaur belonged to the sauropod family and shares similarities with the Diplodocus species. The impressive fossils of Gnatalie exhibit a captivating dark mottled olive green color, which was acquired from the mineral celadonite during the process of fossilization.

Museum officials highlighted the rarity of green dinosaur bones, as fossils typically take on a brown color due to silica or a black color from iron minerals. The incorporation of celadonite into the fossils is particularly exceptional, as it usually forms under volcanic or hydrothermal conditions that are destructive to buried bones. The presence of celadonite in Gnatalie's bones suggests that around 50 million to 80 million years ago, volcanic activity replaced a previous mineral, resulting in its distinctive green hue.

Dating back 150 million years to the late Jurassic Era, Gnatalie predates the famous Tyrannosaurus rex by approximately 66 to 68 million years. The dinosaur's remarkable age further adds to its allure and scientific significance.

Luis M. Chiappe, a member of the Natural History Museum's Dinosaur Institute, expressed enthusiasm about the discovery, stating, "Dinosaurs are a great vehicle for teaching our visitors about the nature of science, and what better than a green, almost 80-foot-long dinosaur to engage them in the process of scientific discovery and make them reflect on the wonders of the world we live in!"

Matt Wedel, an anatomist and paleontologist from Western University of Health Sciences, shared his delight about the green dinosaur, stating that he had heard rumors of its existence back when he was in graduate school.

Publication of the scientific findings regarding Gnatalie's discovery is slated for next year. The detailed research paper will shed more light on the unique characteristics and significance of this green dinosaur, offering insights into the evolutionary history of sauropod species.

Gnatalie, being the largest dinosaur housed at the Natural History Museum, will soon be showcased in its new welcome center, providing visitors with an awe-inspiring glimpse into the prehistoric world. The complete and well-preserved skeleton of Gnatalie is not only a remarkable sight but also serves as a valuable asset for researchers, helping to fill gaps in our understanding of sauropod anatomy.

Paleontologists and dinosaur enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to marvel at Gnatalie's green bones, as they continue to uncover the wonders of the ancient world and ultimately deepen our understanding of Earth's history.