Fossil in the making?

[kathlho]

Hi everyone,

 

I am pretty new to fossil hunting, and have just started going for plants. Recently, I visited a site in Ambrige, PA, and found abundant plates containing neuropteris and calamites. I split some leftover shale when I got home and found what looked like dried leaf veins tightly sandwiched between the shale. There are several of these structures that consist of a central vein with smaller veins that branch off. These are not fossilized, and are not a part of the rock, as they can be easily brushed off. I just find it hard to believe that an entire modern leaf could get wedged in there.

Are these fossils in the making? Has anyone else encountered this?

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[connorp]

These are modern roots.

[Fossildude19]

I agree. They exploit any cracks that can be found. I find these frequently in the Early Jurassic plant layers I hunt.

[kathlho]

Thanks everyone!