fossil

Fossiliferous sandstone with plant fossils

Likely fossil-bearing siliciclastic sedimentary rock; apparent fragments may be fossil wood or leaf impressions, but species cannot be determined from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown to reddish, earthy, and fine- to medium-grained with abundant pale, flaky fossil-like structures and visible fractures; likely quartz-rich sandstone or siltstone cemented by silica or iron oxides. Approximate hardness 5–7, dull to slightly earthy luster;…

Identified August 23, 2026More fossil →

Explore Fossiliferous sandstone with plant fossils 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: Fossiliferous sandstone with plant fossils
Scientific name: Likely fossil-bearing siliciclastic sedimentary rock; apparent fragments may be fossil wood or leaf impressions, but species cannot be determined from the image
Category: fossil
Identified: August 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$75 for an ordinary hand specimen; $100–$500+ if the fossils are clearly identified, scientifically significant, or attractively preserved.

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 when sand or silt accumulated, compacted, and cemented, preserving plant material or impressions; age and locality cannot be established visually. The reddish color commonly reflects oxidized iron minerals.

Uses & applications

Primarily a teaching, display, and collecting specimen; fossil-bearing sandstone has limited construction value because fossils and fractures reduce uniformity.

Geological facts

The pale structures could also be weathered mineral veins or altered rock rather than fossils; a fresh break, magnification, and locality information are needed for reliable identification.

Field identification & locations

Look for repeated biological shapes, carbon films, cellular wood texture, or impressions aligned with bedding; test for acid reaction, streak, and hardness, while avoiding damage to potential fossils. Similar material occurs in many continental sedimentary basins worldwide.