fossil

Honeycomb Coral Fossil

Favosites sp.

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 3-4 on Mohs scale, typically brown to gray in color, with a dull to vitreous luster. Features a distinctive hexagonal, tube-like coralite structure resembling a honeycomb.

Identified November 14, 2026More fossil →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 3-4 on Mohs scale, typically brown to gray in color, with a dull to vitreous luster. Features a distinctive hexagonal, tube-like coralite structure resembling a honeycomb.

Formation & geological history

Formed during the Silurian and Devonian periods, roughly 400 to 450 million years ago, through the fossilization of colonial tabulate corals in shallow marine environments.

Uses & applications

Valued primarily as a fossil specimen for educational displays, paleontology collections, and decorative lapidary uses.

Geological facts

Favosites is commonly known as honeycomb coral due to the closely packed polygonal corallites that make up its colonial skeleton. It is an index fossil used by geologists to date Paleozoic rock layers.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified in the field by its distinct honeycomb-like grid pattern of tiny tube pores. Commonly found in limestone and sedimentary rock formations worldwide, particularly in North America and Europe.