2nd try: can I ask about a fossil here? - Ask Extension
I uploaded a couple of pictures and the screen went blank. I will try again. I found this stone in my driveway. It seems to have a core or stalk of so...
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2nd try: can I ask about a fossil here? #891402
Asked January 08, 2025, 5:46 PM EST
I uploaded a couple of pictures and the screen went blank. I will try again. I found this stone in my driveway. It seems to have a core or stalk of some kind of plant impressed on it... Or is it a fossil of the plant itself? The ridges extend to the sides of the stone, as well as being on both "ends."
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Linda
This looks like you found a part of a fossil known as horn coral or Rugose coral. It is the fossilized remains of an extinct coral. Here are links explaining more.
https://umorf.ummp.lsa.umich.edu/wp/mi-backyard-fossils-corals/
https://umorf.ummp.lsa.umich.edu/wp/mi-backyard-fossils-corals/#horn-coral
https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/attachments/u263/2014/Pamphlet4.pdf
Thank you so much! I think it is a horn coral! The markings extend to the sides of fossil, like it folded over and lay on it. Should the sides be smooth? It looks smooth in some places, and striated in other places. I appreciate any info you can give.
Yes I believe it is a horn coral, living attached to the sea floor about 490 million years ago.
Note that the specimen you found in your driveway may have been shipped in from another area depending upon where the gravel originated that your supplier delivered. Horn corals are found in our area.
If you are interested in further study, you can find books on the subject at your local library.
Many museums have displays, such as Univ. Of Michigan and Cranbrook Museum.
There is also a list of Michigan mineral and fossil clubs at this link—
https://www.mwfed.org/states/michigan
Clubs meet regularly and welcome guests.
Enjoy!
Note that the specimen you found in your driveway may have been shipped in from another area depending upon where the gravel originated that your supplier delivered. Horn corals are found in our area.
If you are interested in further study, you can find books on the subject at your local library.
Many museums have displays, such as Univ. Of Michigan and Cranbrook Museum.
There is also a list of Michigan mineral and fossil clubs at this link—
https://www.mwfed.org/states/michigan
Clubs meet regularly and welcome guests.
Enjoy!
