How Can I Tell If It Is Coprolite?

[J.D.]

How can you really tell coprolite from any other rock?

Horsehead cliffs, Potomac. Calvert.

[Fin Lover]

 

Here is some information:

 

 

Edited September 5, 2022 by Fin Lover

[Coco]

And an expert @GeschWhat

 

Coco

Edited September 5, 2022 by Coco

[siteseer]

Don't do a taste test.

 

Yeah, some specimens like shark coprolites have a certain look - a spiral form.  Some of the specimens that have been sent to me look less like one.  Finding bits of fish scale or bone embedded would be an indicator.

[Rockwood]

I thought "lick it" was standard instruction for beginners.  Useless, but standard. 

This doesn't look like one to me.

[siteseer]

12 hours ago, Rockwood said:

I thought "lick it" was standard instruction for beginners.  Useless, but standard. 

This doesn't look like one to me.

 

Oh yeah.  My grandfather tried to get my dad to do that with something not nearly a fossil the time he took him deer hunting before my mom and dad were married.  He didn't fall for it.

[DPS Ammonite]

Here is one of the best posts from GeschWhat to help with possible coprolites. This should be pinned.

 

 

[J.D.]

Thanks, all.  This is a great set of responses!  I appreciate the help.  Before I set out on the taste test, I’ll be sure to smell first.  @Fin Lover Thank you for sharing the other posting.  Probably shoulda searched first for that. 

[GeschWhat]

On 9/5/2022 at 9:58 PM, J.D. said:

Thanks, all.  This is a great set of responses!  I appreciate the help.  Before I set out on the taste test, I’ll be sure to smell first.  @Fin Lover Thank you for sharing the other posting.  Probably shoulda searched first for that. 

The weight test generally eliminates the need for the smell test. I have mistakenly picked up aspiring coprolites while hunting petrified poop in the Lance and Hell Creek Formations. They were too light weight - lick test not advised. 
 

On a more serious note, I would put yours in the likely pile. It probably won’t have good stickage. The color is right for the area. The underside is consistent with what one would expect when soft serve hits the ground.

[J.D.]

@GeschWhat Ok, this is great.  My wife was unwilling to concede - she thought for sure this was … coprolite.  It is reasonably heavy, but not weirdly heavy.  Also, I did lick it and … not yummy.  Thanks!!!!