fossil

Fossilized Tabulate Coral (Honeycomb Coral)

Favosites sp. (Order: Tabulata)

Hardness: 3-4 (calcite-rich); Color: Tan, beige, brown with iron staining; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/polygonal corallites in a honeycomb pattern; Cleavage: None

Hardness: 3-4 (calcite-rich)
Color: Tan, beige, brown with iron staining
Luster: Dull to earthy

Identified July 3, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3-4 (calcite-rich); Color: Tan, beige, brown with iron staining; Luster: Dull to earthy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/polygonal corallites in a honeycomb pattern; Cleavage: None

Formation & geological history

Formed in warm, shallow marine environments during the Silurian to Devonian periods (approx. 360-430 million years ago); found in limestone or shale beds.

Uses & applications

Educational specimens, aquarium decor, lapidary use (if silicified), and geological collecting.

Geological facts

Favosites is known as honeycomb coral because of the closely packed polygonal cells (corallites). They were colonial animals that lived much like modern corals but went extinct at the end of the Permian.

Field identification & locations

The location provided (Kentucky area) is highly consistent with Devonian and Silurian limestone outcrops where these fossils are abundant. Identify by the distinct cross-hatching or honeycomb grid on the surface.

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