Pennsylvanian (Llewellyn Formation, 308-300 MYA) plant fossils from coal mine tailings near Mt. Carmel, PA.

September 3, 2021

This was, essentially, a quick scouting trip based on threads on the Forum. Don't know much about these fossils but wanted to confirm the location and density of Pennsylvanian (Llewellyn Formation, 308-300 MYA) plant fossils from coal mine tailings near Mt. Carmel, PA. (NOT St. Claire, which is closed to collectors). There were abundant specimens, many bearing evidence of pyrite replacement: orange stems and plant hash. There was also some evidence of pyrite replacement by pyrophyllite to yield silver-colored films. Against the black matrix, the silver-film plant fossils are beautiful and, in my view, warrant prolonged and determined searching on a return visit. Once upon a time I had a lovely plate from the St. Clair site .... but it is no longer in my possession. Perhaps, with enough effort, and a bit of luck I can find a suitable specimen to replace it - may not be the pretty ferns but a good specimen to illustrate the fossilization process would be most welcome. :look: . Special thanks to @idiot for location advice. :Smiling:

September 3, 2021

Would love to see those specimens a little closer up.

September 3, 2021

Hah - that's my 'secret' spot too (I guess not that secret anymore!). Congrats, there are nice specimens to be found there!

September 3, 2021

And yes. You can find a suitable replacement there with enough effort. Here in one of mine from earlier this year..

September 4, 2021

11 hours ago, Jeffrey P said:

Would love to see those specimens a little closer up.

I agree; show us those beautiful plants! :fern:

September 6, 2021

On 9/3/2021 at 2:13 PM, Jeffrey P said:

Would love to see those specimens a little closer up.

On 9/4/2021 at 1:40 AM, kehaz said:

I agree; show us those beautiful plants!

okey dokey! I'll get on it with some better (individual) photos. @frankh8147 I hope I didn't give away your secret spot and thank you so much for the encouragement ... I am willing to devote some time and effort for such a beautiful specimen as you have found and shared!

September 7, 2021

I'm really glad that you made it over there (and that my directions weren't too bad). I'd love to see some close-ups too!!

September 8, 2021

As requested closer-up photos B is a fern, D is a Lepidodenndron. I find K and L intriguing and welcome thoughts. I think S is geology rather than biology. The stone is sandier ... perhaps a capstone. Thank you all for your interest.