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Where is Fossiliferous Sandstone found?

Sandstone with marine fossils (likely gastropods or bivalves)

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Fossiliferous Sandstone 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 Fossiliferous Sandstone

Coastal Plain regions worldwide

Many coastal plain areas, particularly those with Cenozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary sequences, contain extensive deposits of fossiliferous sandstone. Examples include the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains of the USA, parts of Europe, and Australia.

Sedimentary basins

Within various sedimentary basins globally, particularly those that experienced marine transgressions and regressions, fossiliferous sandstones are common. The Paris Basin (France), London Basin (UK), and various basins in the Middle East are notable.

Outcrops along ancient shorelines

Look for exposures in road cuts, river banks, quarries, and coastal cliffs where ancient marine sedimentary layers are exposed. These often reveal fossil-rich horizons.

Collecting tips

  1. Look for visible fossils. The most definitive characteristic is the presence of macroscopic fossils, such as shells of gastropods, bivalves, or fragments of other marine organisms, embedded within the sand matrix.
  2. Examine grain size and texture. Confirm the rock is composed of sand-sized grains. It should feel gritty. The matrix should be clastic, not crystalline like a limestone.
  3. Test for effervescence (if calcite cemented). If the cement is calcite, a drop of dilute hydrochloric acid will cause effervescence. This helps distinguish it from silica-cemented sandstone or pure quartz sandstone.
  4. Consider the geological context. Fossiliferous sandstones are typically found in sedimentary sequences deposited in marine environments. Look for associated sedimentary structures like ripple marks, cross-bedding, and marine shales or limestones.

Quick Check

Color:
Variable (tan, brown, gray, reddish)
Luster:
Dull to earthy
Streak:
White or very light, depending on the dominant mineral grains and cement

Explore Fossiliferous Sandstone

Overview

Full guide to Fossiliferous Sandstone

Identification

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