New Members Aussie Treasure Hunter Posted September 28, 2013 New Members Share Posted September 28, 2013 hello i found these 2 fossils in wollongong on a rock face and i was wondering if anyone can tell me what they are Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jersey Posted September 29, 2013 Share Posted September 29, 2013 (edited) Have you found other fossils there? If not, I suspect that these specimens may be crystals of an evaporite mineral - possibly gypsum (see: http://geology.about.com/od/minerals/ig/evaphalides/minpicevapgypsum.htm ). Gypsum is rather soft and can be scratched by a fingernail. If you have a piece in which the underlying mineral (under the brown coating) can be seen, I would try scratching it with your fingernail in an inconspicuous spot. If it does get scratched, I would say it's gypsum. Try gently cleaning the specimens with a soft toothbrush with some soap and water. It may help in their identification. Edited September 29, 2013 by Jersey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichW9090 Posted September 29, 2013 Share Posted September 29, 2013 There may even be no mineral in them -they could be sand casts after gypsum crystals. The plural of "anecdote" is not "evidence". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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