In a groundbreaking discovery, the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles is preparing to showcase a one-of-a-kind dinosaur skeleton named "Gnatalie." Believed to be a member of a new species of sauropod, Gnatalie's uniqueness lies not only in its ancient age of 150 million years, but also in its remarkable green bones.

The 75-foot-long, herbivorous dinosaur, pronounced as "Natalie," has captivated researchers and visitors alike with its dark mottled olive green bones. Museum officials have revealed that Gnatalie's distinct coloration is a result of the mineral celadonite, which infused the fossils during the fossilization process. This rare occurrence is attributed to volcanic or hydrothermal conditions that typically destroy buried bones, making Gnatalie the only green-boned dinosaur discovered on the planet.

Gnatalie roamed the Earth during the late Jurassic Era, predating even the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex. The dinosaur's massive size and unique coloring further enhance its appeal as an educational tool for understanding the nature of science. Luis M. Chiappe, from the museum's Dinosaur Institute, expressed excitement about Gnatalie's potential to engage visitors in the wonders of scientific discovery.

Matt Wedel, an anatomist and paleontologist at Western University of Health Sciences, recalls hearing rumors of a green dinosaur during his graduate school days. The fossil, which closely resembles the sauropod species Diplodocus, is set to be published in a scientific paper next year. As the largest dinosaur on display at the museum, Gnatalie will take center stage in the upcoming fall season at the Natural History Museum's new welcome center.

The discovery of Gnatalie's complete skeleton has also delighted researchers in the field of sauropods. John Whitlock, a professor at Mount Aloysius College, emphasized the significance of this find in filling gaps in our understanding of these ancient giants. With such a well-preserved specimen, scientists will be able to unravel the mysteries surrounding less complete fossils.

Chris Weisbart, associate vice president of exhibitions, expressed the museum's desire for public involvement in naming Gnatalie. Earlier this year, residents of Los Angeles participated in a popular vote, ultimately confirming the name that references the swarms of gnats that frustrated researchers during the excavation process.

As anticipation mounts, the Natural History Museum eagerly prepares for the fall unveiling of Gnatalie, the extraordinary green-boned dinosaur that is sure to captivate visitors and inspire a sense of awe at the wonders of our planet's prehistoric past.