fossil

Fossil-bearing fine-grained sedimentary rock

Likely fossiliferous mudstone or shale; visible feature may be a plant fragment, trace fossil, or mineral vein

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-beige, dull, rough, and very fine-grained; likely hardness about 2–4 Mohs, with weak bedding or cleavage. The linear raised feature is insufficiently detailed for a precise fossil identification.

Identified September 1, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossil-bearing fine-grained sedimentary rock in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Fossil-bearing fine-grained sedimentary rock
Scientific name: Likely fossiliferous mudstone or shale; visible feature may be a plant fragment, trace fossil, or mineral vein
Category: fossil
Identified: September 1, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for an ordinary unidentified fragment; roughly $20–$100 if the linear feature proves to be a recognizable, well-preserved fossil.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from compacted and lithified silt or clay in a quiet-water setting such as a lake, floodplain, or marine basin; age cannot be determined from the image. Any fossil or trace formed before burial and mineralization.

Uses & applications

Primarily a teaching or collecting specimen; uncommonly used as low-grade building stone or aggregate. Fossil-bearing pieces may have modest educational value.

Geological facts

The specimen appears more like a sedimentary rock than an igneous or metamorphic rock. A close examination of the linear feature with a hand lens could distinguish a fossil, bedding seam, crack, or calcite-filled vein.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in sedimentary basins worldwide. Check for thin layers, clayey texture, and fossils; avoid acid testing unless a fresh surface is available, because calcite veins may fizz while the surrounding mudstone does not.