Where is Fossiliferous Sandstone found?
Sedimentary rock with fossil fragments
Got a photo? Identify rocks instantly with the Rockby app
Open the appFossiliferous 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
United States
Widespread in many states, including the Appalachian Basin (e.g., Pennsylvania, New York), Gulf Coast states (e.g., Florida, Texas), and Western states (e.g., Utah, Colorado) in various geological formations from Paleozoic to Cenozoic eras.
Europe
Common in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic basins of France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, particularly in coastal and shallow marine deposits.
Australia
Found in numerous sedimentary basins, including the Great Artesian Basin and coastal regions, often containing marine invertebrate fossils.
North Africa and Middle East
Present in extensive sedimentary sequences, particularly in areas with ancient Tethyan Sea deposits, rich in marine fossils.
Collecting tips
- Look for Sedimentary Layers. Fossiliferous sandstone is found within stratified sedimentary rock sequences. Examine outcrops, road cuts, and river banks where these layers are exposed.
- Identify Grain Size and Texture. Confirm the rock is sandstone by its gritty, sand-sized grains. Then, carefully look for visible fragments of shells, bones, or plant material embedded within the sand matrix.
- Examine for Biogenic Structures. Beyond discrete fossils, look for trace fossils (burrows, tracks) or other biogenic structures that indicate biological activity during deposition, often associated with fossiliferous sandstones.
- Check for Calcareous Reaction. If the fossils are calcareous (e.g., shells), a drop of dilute hydrochloric acid will cause effervescence, indicating the presence of calcium carbonate. This can help distinguish it from non-fossiliferous sandstones or those with siliceous fossils.
- Consult Geological Maps. Geological maps and reports for specific regions can indicate formations known to contain fossiliferous sandstones, guiding your search to promising localities.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (white, gray, tan, brown, red)
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy (individual grains may be vitreous)
- Streak:
- White or light-colored (if non-calcareous and no iron oxides); may be slightly colored if iron oxides are present
Explore Fossiliferous Sandstone
Identify rocks anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full database, and your personal collection.