fossil

Fossilized leaf or plant impression in shale

Carbonized/impressed plant fossil, likely in fine-grained shale or mudstone; exact taxon indeterminate from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Thin, tan-brown, platy specimen with a layered sedimentary matrix and raised/flattened plant-like surface pattern. Matrix is likely soft to moderately hard (about Mohs 2–4), earthy to dull luster, with fine bedding and easy cleavage along layers.

Identified August 22, 2026More fossil →

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At a glance

Common name: Fossilized leaf or plant impression in shale
Scientific name: Carbonized/impressed plant fossil, likely in fine-grained shale or mudstone; exact taxon indeterminate from the image
Category: fossil
Identified: August 22, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common small specimen; $40–$150+ if clearly identifiable, well-preserved, attractive, or from a documented locality.

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 plant material was buried in oxygen-poor mud, leaving a carbon film or impression that lithified into shale or mudstone; age cannot be determined visually and may range from Paleozoic to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for education, collecting, and display; uncommon attractive examples may be sold as cabinet specimens, but it has no major industrial or jewelry use.

Geological facts

The visible pattern may represent a leaf, bark fragment, or other plant tissue rather than a complete identifiable species. Many plant fossils preserve shape mainly as impressions after the original organic matter decayed.

Field identification & locations

Common in finely laminated lake, floodplain, and delta sediments; inspect for veins, branching, carbon-dark films, and continuous bedding. Avoid soaking or aggressive cleaning because shale can split and impressions can abrade.