sedimentary

Coprolite

Coprolite (fossilized feces)

Hardness: 3.5 to 5.5 Mohs; Color: shades of brown, tan, gray, and black; Luster: dull to earthy; Crystal structure: typically lacks specific crystal form due to biological origin; Cleavage: none.

Hardness: 3
Color: shades of brown, tan, gray, and black
Luster: dull to earthy

Identified May 23, 2026More sedimentary →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 3.5 to 5.5 Mohs; Color: shades of brown, tan, gray, and black; Luster: dull to earthy; Crystal structure: typically lacks specific crystal form due to biological origin; Cleavage: none.

Formation & geological history

Coprolites are fossilized feces produced by animals, ranging from dinosaurs and fish to mammals. They form through permineralization or replacement of organic matter by minerals such as calcium phosphate, silica, or limestone over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as educational specimens in museums, scientific research for paleobiology (dietary analysis), and sometimes carved into unique jewelry or curios.

Geological facts

The word comes from the Greek words 'kopros' (dung) and 'lithos' (stone). By analyzing coprolites, scientists can determine the precise diets of extinct creatures.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for segmented, cylindrical, or lumpy shapes that often contain visible fragments of bone, scales, or seeds; commonly found in fossil-bearing shale or limestone beds.