PaleontOLogy > Finding Fossils

Finding Fossils

Searching for fossils is like traveling back in time to get a peek at Earth's past. You don't have to be a professional paleontologist to collect the remains of ancient life. Anyone can find fossils. All you need is some basic information, a good location, and a lot of patience.

Not Just Any Rock Will Do

If you want to find fossils, knowing what kind of rocks to search in is half the battle. Most fossils "hide out" in sedimentary rock . When tiny bits of rocks and minerals (called sediment) join together over millions of years, they become sedimentary rock. Plants and animals that become sandwiched in this sediment eventually turn into fossils.

Two examples of sedimentary rocks are sandstone and shale.

Sandstone is formed by sand particles. It is often found in deserts, beaches, and other sandy environments.

Shale is formed from particles of mud.

Good places to find fossils are outcrops. An outcrop is a place where old rock is exposed by wind and water erosion and by other people's digging.

Do's and Don'ts for Fossil Hunters

DO'S

Make sure that you plan to dig in a place where it is okay to collect fossils. Check with an adult if you're not sure.

Take the following supplies on your fossil hunt:
- toilet paper for wrapping your fossils
- plastic food bags for protecting your fossils
- a backpack for storing the fossils you find
- a field journal for recording your adventures
- plenty of water
- (optional) shovels, screens to sort small loose fossils, geology hammer, chisels, safety goggles
Be ready to spend a lot of time looking. Fossil hunting can take lots of time and patience, but what you may find is worth the wait!