Where is Fossilized Coral found?
Coral (calcium carbonate)
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appFossilized Coral occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Fossilized Coral
Florida, USA
Known for its 'Agatized Coral' (Florida State Stone), particularly from the Tampa Bay area and other Miocene-Pliocene deposits. These often exhibit excellent preservation of coral structures.
Indonesia (Sumatra, Java)
Produces large quantities of fossilized coral, often with vibrant colors and diverse coral patterns, from Tertiary marine sediments.
Morocco
Known for fossiliferous limestones containing various marine fossils, including corals, from Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.
Utah, USA
Some localities yield fossilized corals, particularly from Paleozoic formations.
Australia
Various locations, particularly in Western Australia and Queensland, contain fossilized corals from ancient reef systems.
United Kingdom
Devonian and Carboniferous limestones in areas like Devon and Derbyshire contain fossil corals.
Collecting tips
- Research Paleogeography. Identify areas that were once ancient shallow marine environments or coral reefs during geological periods known for coral abundance (e.g., Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Tertiary).
- Look for Sedimentary Rocks. Focus on sedimentary rock formations, especially limestones, shales, and chert beds, which are common hosts for silicified fossils.
- Examine Outcrops and Riverbeds. Look for exposed rock outcrops, road cuts, quarries, and river gravels where erosion may have exposed fossilized coral specimens. Weathering can sometimes highlight the coral patterns.
- Identify Coral Patterns. Learn to recognize the characteristic patterns of coral polyps, septa, and colonial structures. These can range from honeycomb to star-like or brain-like textures.
- Perform a Hardness Test. Since it's silicified, fossilized coral will be harder than un-silicified calcium carbonate. It should scratch glass (Mohs hardness 7).
- Acid Test (with caution). While the original coral was calcium carbonate, silicified coral will not effervesce with dilute hydrochloric acid, unlike un-silicified coral or limestone. Always use appropriate safety gear and dilute acid.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (white, gray, brown, black, pink, red, yellow, blue)
- Luster:
- Waxy to dull, sometimes vitreous
- Streak:
- White
Explore Fossilized Coral
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.