Specimen 107719 – myFOSSIL

Not to sure what this fossil is, at first I thought bone, but I don

Hali Thomas posted a new specimen in the group What is it? from the myFOSSIL app 3 years ago

3 years ago

3 years ago

Hali Thomas has contributed specimen mFeM 107719 to myFOSSIL!
- A Trilobite replied 3 years ago
  
  Large bryozoan probably
- Hali Thomas replied 3 years ago
  
  it doesn’t have geometric patterns bryzoans have. it has a porus or lattice like inside texture and pattern not like a bryzoa
- A Trilobite replied 3 years ago
  
  When I zoom in, the photo gets blurry. If it doesn’t have the pattern, than maybe it’s a plant stem. That would make sense if it was found next to a coal mine.
- Hali Thomas replied 3 years ago
  
  but it totally might be! thanks @a-trilobite
- MacKenzie Smith replied 3 years ago
  
  @hali-thomas Given that it was found near a coal deposit, branch is very likely. Does it have a coaly/blocky texture?

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- If you are concerned, it is a good idea to post an image in the forum “What is it? And more experienced collectors and professionals can examine the specimen and help you with your identification. You can also look through some online resources. For invertebrate fossils the Digital Atlas of Ancient Life has several projects from different time periods across the continental United States with pictures to help guide you through finding fossil species.
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- The Linnaean classification system is used to aid in communication about different groups of life on Earth. There are several organizations such as the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature that provide guidelines for the usage or complications with the naming of animals. Similarly, there is a different organization that has guidelines and rules for the naming of plant life.

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How do I go figuring out the age and name of the rock I was collecting in?
- A starting place would be to ask the group or organization that you went collecting with for information on the outcrop you visited. There are also several apps for your mobile phone or other devices that can help you better estimate where you are in geologic time. Mancos costs $2.99 through the Apple Store and provides you with data on your location including geologic age, the rock formation, description of the rock, what units are above and below, and what sort of fossils you should expect to find in the rock. Rockd is free and available in the Apple Store and on Google Play. Similarly, Rockd tells you where are with latitude and longitude data, elevation, what age, what the rock type is, what rock unit you are on, and the functionality continues. You are able to check in at outcrops, use a compass, examine ancient continent arrangements, and learn about different rock forming minerals within the app.
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How do I get latitude and longitude data?
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What is the difference between a group, formation, and member?
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- Click here for more information from the British Geological Survey.

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I’m concerned my specimen is not research grade material, does that matter?
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