fossil

Fossiliferous Sandstone

Sedimentary rock containing invertebrate fossils

Hardness varies by mineral cement (quartz sandstone is ~6-7 on Mohs scale), color ranges from tan, brown, to grey, dull luster, clastic texture with visible fossilized remains (potentially brachiopods or mollusks)

Identified July 30, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by the accumulation, compaction, and cementation of mineral particles and sand grains in ancient aquatic or terrestrial environments, trapping biological remains that later fossilized during the Paleozoic or Mesozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Valuable for scientific research, paleontology education, and as display specimens for fossil collectors.

Geological facts

Sandstones often preserve fine details of ancient environments, and fossils embedded within them provide crucial windows into prehistoric marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Field identification & locations

Look for visible organic shapes, shells, or impressions contrasting against the granular sand matrix. Common in sedimentary basins worldwide.

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Crinoid Stem Fossil in Matrix

Phylum Echinodermata, Class Crinoidea

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Sedimentary Outcrop (Sandstone/Shale)

Sedimentary bedrock formation (variable composition)

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Chert with Fossil Brachiopod

Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2) with Calcitic Brachiopod inclusion

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Fossilized Crinoid Stem in Limestone

Crinoidea (Class) in Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) matrix

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Fossiliferous Limestone

Limestone with embedded fossil cross-section

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Fossiliferous Limestone with Crinoid stems

Limestone (CaCO3) containing Crinoidea fossils

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