Never an egg

[Who_Knew]

Hi all.

object about size of a quarter

Knowing the egg stigma and the fact that I am still going through my photos from Fairfield County CT where I have been told ‘there are no fossils’ (or some variation of that) I find it difficult to suppress my newbie instinct and post these ‘suggestive’ photos. I realize that there is much more to this than a fascination with things like dinosaur skulls , eggs, and all the other wowing aspects which apparently engage newcomers like me. I also understand the devil is in the details and just because it is shaped like something, that doesn’t mean it’s the thing you think it is and that with eggs, for example, the fossils often don’t look anything like an egg (at least to the untrained eye). Some rocks that look an aweful lot like an egg, simply are not. Hopefully the interest in this sort of thing can bounce us into a more in-depth look at many other areas. About three years ago , I entertained the idea of going back to school and studying geology or something related. Life, however, stepped in and sent me a different direction. But during that time I had about 8 tons of rock on our family property. I took thousands of photos of things I thought were interesting just to try to familiarize myself at least with the area I was in. These photos are from that experience and I always wondered what some of these things were.

Edited August 22, 2016 by Who_Knew

[Ludwigia]

It's not easy to make out the details in those photos, but that looks like a silicified glacial pebble from a conglomerate to me.

[Who_Knew]

Thanks Ludwigia. Unfortunately, that's as clear as the photos are gonna get. Apparently glaciers shaped the coast here and left behind a ton of rocks. Its amazing to me that something so fragile can last soooooooooo long, frozen in time with bits and pieces of it almost glued to its outside.

[Rockwood]

Keep looking. The ice that brought this likely brought a fossil or two as well.

[Who_Knew]

Here's another that has stuff breaking off it etc., probably from spun by a glacier.

[Brett Breakin' Rocks]

Yeah, my suggestion would be research, research, research ... what might be the age of the rocks ? What formation ? .. in that formation are there index fossils, were the conditions right for fossilization, has anyone ever found anything interesting that was fossilized ? If you think it's dinosaur egg and you are looking in rock formations that are waaay to young for that kind of thing, then did the dinosaurs have a time machine or did you just pick up a really cool rock.

More importantly has that kind of fossil ever been found in your area, and if it has, how many visual examples can you find of such a fossil ? We use websites such as the one below to sus out new hunting sites, or to educate ourselves on what to look for, and where .....

ie. sites like this from Yale : http://teachersinstitute.yale.edu/curriculum/units/1995/5/95.05.01.x.html#f

To Quote" Most of the bedrock in Connecticut is either igneous or metamorphic in origin, except for the valley. When Pangaea was breaking up and our state was drifting toward its present position, a rift valley formed at the breaking point. Upon this valley, sand and other sediments washed down from the highlands. These sediments became the sandstones and shales, collectively known as the New Haven arkose and are the oldest fossil-bearing rocks in Connecticut. (Farrand, 1990)

Dinosaurs existed around the time this arkose was forming (Triassic Period), but none have been found in this rock. What has been found was a fossil reptile called Rutiodon, which resembled a crocodile. Its bones have been found in Simsbury, showing that it attained a length of ten or more feet. Rutiodon was a carnivore, feeding on fishes and other aquatic animals found in the swamps where it lived. (Farrand, 1990)

Stegomus, another Triassic reptile has been found near the Quinnipiac River in Fair Haven. It was covered with armor plates and looked similar to an armadillo. (Farrand, 1990)

Fossils also give clues to past climates. The New Haven arkose contains imprints of leaves, bark and wood that tells us that in Mesozoic times, Connecticut had a tropical climate. Plants found included; conifers, horsetails, giant club mosses and cycads. (Farrand, 1990)"

[Ludwigia]

I've never been to Connecticut, but a little quick research shows that a lot of the state is covered by glacial till and fluvial deposits.

http://www.cteco.uconn.edu/guides/Quaternary_Geology.htm

[Fossildude19]

Yup.

The previous two posts are on the money.

No dinosaur eggs have been found in the Connecticut River Valley, and dinosaur bones and teeth are exceedingly rare.

Fossils most commonly found are dinosaur footprints, plants, fish, coprolites, and very rarely, insects.

Regards,

[Who_Knew]

Thanks again for the nice and informative replies. Much of this information I have studied some, but went forward and looked at some more online regarding CT geology, history etc. I want to reiterate and clarify a bit that I am not currently out looking for fossils. I would like to but am unable to travel to locations due to family and time constraints. These photos are from several years ago and I certainly was not looking for fossils at the time. However, I found thousands of these types of rock along with others that I thought were interesting. Posting these is not an attempt to see if I found dinosaur bones or dinosaur anything but am interested if they are fossils or how the rock came to look as it does. These particular ones look as though an event happened that changed them and caused them to appear to rupture (mentioned above I found many of these from 12 inches and smaller in a relatively small area) and then appear to freeze in time in that state of being. As far as them being eggs, I don't believe they are, based on all I am learning, but have a question regarding fossilization itself since my internet research is giving me so much varying info. How long does it take for a biological thing to fossilize? And second why are there very few fossils of newer animals being found in Connecticut? I understand its the rock type itself for the most part but are there other reasons?. The area these were found is RICH in black and grey slate btw (not that that is tremendously significant) and when I look at the geological map for the area on a couple sites the type of bedrock and mineral has a '?' after it. I have been unable to find out what the '?' means....I maybe am reading the legend wrong? Thanks everyone for my baby steps.

Edited August 25, 2016 by Who_Knew

[Fossildude19]

Your second rock looks like quartzite, with matrix adhered to it, which indicates to me that these are cobbles from some sort of conglomerate, probably eroded over time.

As far as fossilization- there are many differing opinions on what constitutes a fossil. Generally speaking,(with notable exceptions) I would say that anything that has undergone some sort of mineralization, and is older than 10,000 years old would be a fossil.

Hairs can be split by others, but that's what I'm going with.

Recent creatures that have been buried in flash floods or landslides are not considered fossils, as they haven't undergone any sort of mineralization.

The conditions necessary for fossilization to occur are quite precise, and not easily met.

However, according to this website, there have been some Holocene and Pleistocene fossils found in CT.

The rarity of the conditions for fossilization to occur is probably the most important reason why more recent animal/plant remains have not been found.

As far as the ? question - you'd have to link to it or post a screenshot of what you are talking about.

This Geologic map of CT. doesn't have any of the question marks you are talking about.

You say that the area the rocks were found in was "rich in black and gray slate".

Can you clarify where they were found? Were they found in the CT river Valley(Hartford Basin), the Pomperaug Basin/outlier , or the Cherry Brook outlier?

Slate is actually metamorphosed sedimentary rock.

Shales and sandstones are what contain the fossils.

Did you look in the dark rocks/split any, ... to see if there was anything in them?

Hope this helps somewhat.

Regards,

[CraigHyatt]

"RICH in black and grey slate"

Not sure how relevant, but *slate* is a metamorphic rock and unlikely to have recognizable fossils in it. If any are found, they would likely be squashed or otherwise distorted.

It's *shale* where fossils are sometimes found. The rule of thumb I've heard is slate goes "tink tink" and shale goes "tunk tunk". :-)

https://www.reference.com/science/difference-between-shale-slate-a5f30adb90895b40

Edited August 25, 2016 by CraigHyatt

[Who_Knew]

Ok. Im going to need to spend some time to read this a bit later. Here is a screenshot of a like example where the rocks are located though I am hesitant to just post outright online where I am. This is what it looks like, at least with the question mark. Ill respond to your replies soon and I appreciate your input. I scanned through them briefly but still dont see how long it actually takes to create a fossil.

[ynot]

Ok. Im going to need to spend some time to read this a bit later. Here is a screenshot of a like example where the rocks are located though I am hesitant to just post outright online where I am. This is what it looks like, at least with the question mark. Ill respond to your replies soon and I appreciate your input. I scanned through them briefly but still dont see how long it actually takes to create a fossil.

The question mark indicates that the information on the map may be inaccurate or outright wrong.

As for "how long it takes to create a fossil", I can put a leaf in cement and have one in a couple of hours, but it takes longer for nature to do it. A volcanic mud flow can do the same thing in a few weeks. A river delta can take millions of years to become "rock".

There is no real answer to the question of how long it takes to create a fossil.

This is just My opinion and does not necessarily reflect the views of the establishment.

Tony

Tony

[Who_Knew]

Thanks Tony. Does anyone have an idea for the shortest time it takes to make a fossil. Or better yet, when are the most recent fossils anywhere? The 'no real answer' seems apparent via my struggles getting an answer online. I see that there are types of snakes fossilized that appear to be still alive today. As far as the map goes, you say "The question mark indicates that the information on the map may be inaccurate or outright wrong."

Why is the information inaccurate or wrong? I have been looking into it on occasion, but cant find out. I did find an article where there were swamp and wetlands in a nearby town that were filled in with imported bedrock in early 1900's to build structures, homes, etc.,. Makes it kinda difficult for me to study the area if there is limited or no info One thing I found interesting, on a construction site, about 8 feet down was like quicksand thick clay and I am sure that this is a modern phenomenon but wonder if its difficult to survey this sort of material..

[ynot]

Why is the information inaccurate or wrong?

It may be that the rock in that area has never been adequately described or there may be to many differing rocks within an area to be shown on the map.

Tony

[doushantuo]

the Quaternary of Connecticut(long/big download):

http://cteco.uconn.edu/map_catalog/maps/state/Quaternary_Geologic_Map_of_Connecticut_and_Long_Island_Sound_Basin.pdf

[Who_Knew]

Thanks for the map Doushantuo. I need to head to greener pastures for sure ....er....uh rocky wastelands? Thanks Tony.

Edited August 25, 2016 by Who_Knew

[supertramp]

Hi WK,

I agree with fluvio-glacial deposit;

but, what does the black circle (and "r") stand for in the map legend?

ciao

[Fossildude19]

Hi WK,

I agree with fluvio-glacial deposit;

but, what does the black circle (and "r") stand for in the map legend?

ciao

I believe it stands for Ordovician,... but in Connecticut, it is unfossiliferous metamorphic bedrock.

Regards,

EDIT: On the geologic map I linked to, there are areas that are labeled as "Iapetos Ocean Terrane".

This area is described as the "Connecticut Valley Synclinorium." It consists of Schist and Gneiss (including granitic gneiss) of the Hartland and Gneiss Dome belts. " It is assumed to be Middle to Early Paleozoic in age, 300-500 ? myo. So I think the label of Ordovician is somewhat still in question, as it may not have been studied extensively enough to pinpoint the age of the bedrock there. Hence the "Or ?" .

[supertramp]

I believe it stands for Ordovician,... but in Connecticut, it is unfossiliferous metamorphic bedrock.

Regards,

EDIT: On the geologic map I linked to, there are areas that are labeled as "Iapetos Ocean Terrane".

This area is described as the "Connecticut Valley Synclinorium." It consists of Schist and Gneiss (including granitic gneiss) of the Hartland and Gneiss Dome belts. " It is assumed to be Middle to Early Paleozoic in age, 300-500 ? myo. So I think the label of Ordovician is somewhat still in question, as it may not have been studied extensively enough to pinpoint the age of the bedrock there. Hence the "Or ?" .

yes,

maybe the age has been deduced only throug the stratigraphic position (on the lower right it seems there are other underlying units)

ciao

[Who_Knew]

Hi Supertramp and Tim,

Thanks for responses and map discourse. You all rock! So to speak.

[Who_Knew]

"maybe the age has been deduced only throug the stratigraphic position (on the lower right it seems there are other underlying units"

Or maybe they are saying that yes it looks Ordovician by all standards of testing but does not make sense, hence the question mark, as Tim said "in Connecticut, it is unfossiliferous metamorphic bedrock." and it needs to be studied more before giving it this 'Or' definitively?

Devils advocate, Who Knew.

Edited August 26, 2016 by Who_Knew

[Who_Knew]

On the other hand I think there are alot of Or in CT.

[Who_Knew]

Craig Hyatt says "RICH in black and grey slate"

Not sure how relevant, but *slate* is a metamorphic rock and unlikely to have recognizable fossils in it. If any are found, they would likely be squashed or otherwise distorted.

It's *shale* where fossils are sometimes found. The rule of thumb I've heard is slate goes "tink tink" and shale goes "tunk tunk". :-)"

I said in my post "The area these were found is RICH in black and grey slate btw (not that that is tremendously significant) and when I look at the geological map for the area on a couple sites the type of bedrock and mineral has a '?' after it. I have been unable to find out what the '?' means....I maybe am reading the legend wrong? "

The reason i posted this is twofold and still keep in mind you are experts and I am learning, slate comes from shale (from my understanding researching online), there may be alot of shale here too.....gonna see if i can get some "tunks" instead of "tinks" and have found some stuff that looks a heck of a lot like shale (though I think i see vertebrae when its just suggestive rock).

See: http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/67948-vertebrae/

Edited August 27, 2016 by Who_Knew