FossilizedJello Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 Recently, I took a class that required me to go to Montana to study Geology. One of my finds included this fossilized object that I would consider some type of seed or pine cone of sort. Any help is greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnBrewer Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 @Plantguy John Map of UK fossil sites Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPS Ammonite Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 What rock formation and age rocks did this come from? Where did you find it? It looks more a mineral nodule with a needle like core with tabular crystals on the surface. If it is unusually heavy it might be barite. See photo from Mindat: https://www.mindat.org/photo-967006.html 1 My goal is to leave no stone or fossil unturned. See my Arizona Paleontology Guide link The best single resource for Arizona paleontology anywhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Kmiecik Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 I agree that it appears to be geological in origin. A very cool specimen nonetheless. Mark. Fossil hunting is easy -- they don't run away when you shoot at them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plantguy Posted July 28, 2019 Share Posted July 28, 2019 I like it also! Geology in Montana sounds mighty cool. Yep having additional info may narrow/pinpoint the ID...thinking mineralogic as well. Did you all cover mineral properties in class? streak, hardness, etc? Looks like the western part of the state has some occurences of barite if that is what it is.... from here: http://www.mbmg.mtech.edu/sp28/mina-l.htm MINERAL AND WATER RESOURCES OF MONTANA Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Special Publication No. 28 May, 1963 Regards, Chris 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hemipristis Posted July 29, 2019 Share Posted July 29, 2019 It's a marcasite nodule (chemically the same FeS2 as pyrite, but a different chemical structure) that has formed around some lignite (pre-coal). It's a common association. In some Cretaceous strata in NJ and NC, it's not uncommon to find small pieces of amber mixed in ETA: Note that marcasite is very unstable once exposed to air. The FeS2 reacts with moisture and oxygen in the air and can rapidly rust and disintegrate. This is called "pyrite disease'. If you wish to keep this specimen and you live in a moist climate (like NJ), keep it in an airtight container along with a desiccant (I use silica gel crystals in cheesecloth. Silica gel can be found in any craft store, as it is used to dry flowers). 1 'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' George Santayana Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now