Where is Fossil Coral found?
Rugosa or Tabulata coral fossil in limestone or chert
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appFossil 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 Fossil Coral
Florida, USA
Known for agatized coral, particularly from the Tampa Bay area, often found in Miocene-Pliocene age deposits.
Michigan, USA
Famous for Petoskey Stone (Hexagonaria percarinata), a fossilized Rugose coral from the Devonian period, found in the Traverse Group formations.
Indonesia (Sumatra)
Produces beautifully preserved and highly colorful agatized coral, often from Miocene-Pliocene age deposits.
Morocco
Known for various fossil corals, often preserved in limestone matrices.
Australia
Various locations yield fossil corals, particularly from Paleozoic and Mesozoic marine sediments.
United Kingdom
Devonian and Carboniferous limestones contain numerous fossil corals.
Collecting tips
- Look in Sedimentary Rocks. Focus on areas with ancient marine sedimentary rocks, especially limestones, cherts, and shales that formed in shallow marine environments.
- Exposed Rock Formations. Search in road cuts, quarries, riverbeds, and coastal exposures where older rock layers are visible.
- Identify Coral Patterns. Look for distinctive patterns on weathered rock surfaces that resemble honeycomb, radial spokes, or other colonial coral structures. Polishing a small area can reveal internal details.
- Check for Silicification. Agatized coral will be harder than typical limestone and will not react with dilute hydrochloric acid (unless the matrix is limestone). Calcite-replaced coral will react with acid.
- Consult Geological Maps. Use geological maps to identify formations known to contain marine fossils, particularly those from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable, often with distinct coral patterns.
- Luster:
- Vitreous to waxy (silicified), dull to earthy (calcite/unpolished).
- Streak:
- White (for chalcedony or calcite components).
Explore Fossil Coral
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.