Where is Fossiliferous Shale found?
Shale with Trilobita and Brachiopoda fossils
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Open the appFossiliferous Shale 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 Shale
Burgess Shale, British Columbia, Canada
World-renowned for exceptionally preserved Cambrian soft-bodied and hard-shelled fossils, including numerous trilobites and brachiopods, in a black shale matrix.
Wheeler Shale, Utah, USA
Famous for abundant and well-preserved Middle Cambrian trilobites (e.g., Elrathia kingii) and brachiopods.
Devonian Shales of New York, USA
Numerous localities expose Devonian shales rich in brachiopods, trilobites, and other marine fossils (e.g., Hamilton Group).
Ordovician Shales of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, USA
Known for prolific fossil beds, particularly in the Cincinnati Arch region, containing diverse brachiopods and trilobites (e.g., Cincinnatian Series).
Silurian Shales of Gotland, Sweden
Island known for its rich Silurian fossil record, including shales with brachiopods and trilobites.
Carboniferous Shales of the UK
Various localities, particularly in northern England and Scotland, yield Carboniferous marine fossils, including brachiopods and trilobites, in shale sequences.
Collecting tips
- Look for Outcrops. Search for exposed rock layers in road cuts, stream beds, quarries, and coastal cliffs. Shale often weathers into slopes rather than cliffs.
- Examine Weathered Surfaces. Fossils are often more visible on weathered surfaces where the softer shale matrix has eroded slightly, exposing the harder fossil remains. Look for subtle bumps, outlines, or color differences.
- Split the Shale. Shale's fissility makes it prone to splitting. Carefully use a rock hammer and chisel to split layers along bedding planes. Many fossils are preserved as impressions or molds on these surfaces.
- Be Patient and Observant. Fossils can be small and subtle. Take your time to carefully examine each piece of shale. A hand lens or magnifying glass can be very helpful.
- Check for Associated Fossils. Trilobites and brachiopods often occur with other marine fossils like crinoids, bryozoans, and mollusks, indicating a rich marine environment.
- Safety Precautions. Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear. Be aware of unstable slopes and falling rocks. Obtain permission before collecting on private land or in protected areas.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Dark grey to black, brown, or greenish-grey
- Luster:
- Dull to earthy
- Streak:
- White to light grey (for the shale matrix)
Explore Fossiliferous Shale
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