sedimentary
Calamites Fossil in Sandstone
Calamites (Genus) in Lithic Sandstone
Hardness: 6-7 (sandstone matrix); Color: Tan, beige, grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic matrix with a carbonaceous or cast impression showing longitudinal ribs and joints.
- Hardness
- 6-7 (sandstone matrix)
- Color
- Tan, beige, grey
- Luster
- Dull/Earthy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 (sandstone matrix); Color: Tan, beige, grey; Luster: Dull/Earthy; Structure: Clastic matrix with a carbonaceous or cast impression showing longitudinal ribs and joints.
Formation & geological history
Formed during the Carboniferous period (approx. 300-360 million years ago) in swampy, deltaic environments where giant horsetail-like plants were buried in river silt and sand.
Uses & applications
Scientific study, educational specimens, and geological collecting.
Geological facts
Calamites were treelike plants related to modern horsetails that could grow up to 30 meters (100 feet) tall. They are major contributors to the coal seams found in the Northern Hemisphere.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the parallel vertical ridges (ribbing) and nodes on the fossilized stem. Commonly found in coal-bearing regions such as the Appalachian Mountains, UK, and Germany.
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