Spines in Brachiopods rarely survive in the local rocks. While I believe I have found a few already separated, I rarely see one actually embedded on the shell. I found the 1mm long spine on this Brachiopod specimen I brought back this evening after freeing it from float limestone withinRead More →

Finding a possible Petalodus tooth is one of the gateway fossils that lead to my love of fossil hunting. My first find was a bust, but finally I have found the real thing. This piece came from the huge shelf rocks that outcropped inches from the creek bed locally. WeRead More →

Shansiella, a Gastropod

Shansiella was first described by Yin in 1932. It can be identified as such by viewing it’s bands and a distinctive selenizone on the aperture opening. There are large numbers of Gastropod samples to be found in Limestone and shale, but I rarely do I find ones that are asRead More →

Ever since I’ve figured out what they were, local Pinnid fossil specimens are a personal favorite to find. In examining the remaining shell material in these fossils, I have been able to see the prismatic layer represented on the shell hinge in at least two specimens. The specimens below showRead More →

Wilkingia, dorsal margin with metric scale

Catalog Number: CG-0012 My first Wilkingia find was in soft eroded matrix. I found this specimen while exploring a new locale. A 6 foot by 2 1/2 foot by 7 inch thick slab of limestone that was only 6 inches from the stream bed. With help, I slowly removed soilRead More →

While I have many sources of limestone locally, this specimen of Fenestella was one of my first finds in a new location. A limestone ridge cropped above the stream across the valley floor to the other side. So, while I’ve likely encountered many bryozoans in limestone, this is the firstRead More →

I am finding Pseudorthoceras to be common in the local rocks. I find them often. They are often seen straight on and can be mistaken for crinoid columnials. I also am finding them to be fragile and will readily break apart when attempting to extract them. I was able toRead More →

This specimen came from eroded limestone. It was very light and fragile. The sections averaged about 2.5mm in width. Identification currently is unknown, however it does appear to be a straight shelled species. Eroded Limestone Most of the limestone exposed to the outside environment has an eroded edge. I amRead More →