Abstract Most taphonomic analyses of vertebrate remains have focused upon physical processes. Chemical processes only rarely are addressed, leaving a large untapped store of quantitative taphonomic information contained within the bones themselves. In this paper, the rare earth element (REE) signature of fossil bones in terrestrial deposits is shown to be controlled by the early diagenetic environment. Thus, bones fossilized in different early diagenetic environments may be separated by their distinct REE signatures. Furthermore, the variation of REE patterns developed in individual bones within an assemblage is controlled by sedimentologic and taphonomic processes. Hence, the degree of mixing and reworking (relative time and space averaging) of vertebrate elements within a particular assemblage may be determined from the REE patterns of the interred bones. REE geochemistry represents a new and powerful taphonomic tool.