Summary
Have you recently tended to yourgardenanddiscovered somethingthat look suspiciously like an ancientfossil?It very well could be one , especially if you ’ve dug late enough while gardening . But what should you do next with your discovery ?
Whether it ’s a glob of petrified wood , a trilobite , or something you ca n’t quite describe , there are a few introductory guidelines you should follow to responsibly and legallyhandle your backyard gem . There are a few different things you could do after discover an ancient specimen in your backyard that can aid preserve the specimen and contribute to the world of science !
Stay Calm and Don’t Disturb the Area Immediately
Why it’s important to pause and assess the situation before digging further
The upheaval of finding what looks like a fossil while gardening can be consuming , but your first move should be caution . Fossils can be fragile , and untrained removal can damage them or erase important context like their position in thesoil . Always leave behind the specimen in place while you make reflexion :
Do not pick up or remove thefossilafter you find it ! If you did remove the specimen , put it back where you found it , as near to its original position as you may call up before moving on to the next step .
Learn To Identify Common Fossils the Correct Way
Basic tools and tips to help you recognize different types of fossils
Before calling in the experts , it ’s helpful to get a sense of what you ’ve found . Many fossils discovered in the ordinary garden are plant - based , like leafage impression or petrifiedwood , but they can also admit marine lifetime from when the land was subaqueous millions of twelvemonth ago .
fogey
ArchaeologyDescription
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ammonoid
Ammonites are spiral - shaped , often resemble a coiledsnailshell , and were once maritime mollusks . If you find a crook , ridgedfossilwith a tight spiral , it ’s likely an ammonite .
Trilobites
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Trilobites look like flattenedbeetleswith a difficult , segmented shell . Their body are usually symmetrical and can sometimes show fine detail like legs or feeler .
Petrified Sir Henry Wood
Petrified Mrs. Henry Wood appears similar to modern woodwind instrument buthas a stone - comparable hardness . You may see outgrowth ring or barque shape freeze in clock time .
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Plant fogey
Plantfossils oftenappear as imprints or carbonized remains of leaves and stemspressed into shale or limestone .
lamp shell and pelecypod
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brachiopod and bivalvesresemble modern dough or scallopsbut tend to have more symmetry between their shell half .
Using a magnifying looking glass and good lighting will help you examine surface patterns and texture more clearly . Geological subject field guide or ID apps likeDigital Atlas of Ancient Lifecan also provide quick denotation .
Understanding the Laws AroundFossilOwnership
Know your rights (and responsibilities) when it comes toarchaeology-related specimens found in your garden
In the United States , the Torah around possession vary found on where you witness them . If you name a fossil on your private dimension , in most land , it ’s de jure yours to keep . However , this is n’t always the casing for pregnant or rarified finds that might be considered scientifically of import .
dodo generally belong to the landowner , but you do have the pick of account your find to localmuseums . When in dubiousness , no matter where you are located , confer with your local natural history museum or a university geology section for counseling .
Archaeology is the study of material , artefact , fossils , and landscape from ancient metre , both before recorded story and after .
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Contact a Local Expert or Museum
How to find the right person or institution to verify your discovery inarchaeology
In some cases , expert might want to visit yourgardenin person to excavate the specimen the right way . If that happens , it ’s up to you whether to allow access code . But if the breakthrough is rarefied or scientifically worthful , sharing it could lend to the understanding of Earth ’s ancient past .
Preserve or Display theFossilProperly
Archaeologytips for specimen care and display once you’ve confirmed it’s safe to keep your specimen
If you choose to keep the fossil you have find while gardening , saving is key . Fossils can be surprisingly delicate , particularly flora impression or soft - sediment hurl .
EveryGardenHolds a Story: Maybe Even One from the Jurassic!
see afossil onyour land is more than a favourable breakout — it ’s a admonisher that your backyard sits atop layers of deep fourth dimension . Whether it turns out to be a vulgar seashell found while seaside gardening or a once - in - a - lifetime find , treating it with curiosity and care reward the incredible born chronicle it constitute .
By learning how to identify fossils , understanding the law that apply , and turn over out to the right experts , you could ensure that your discovery is both legally and scientifically well-thought-of . And who acknowledge ? Yourgardenmight just be the next unexpected portal into the Earth ’s ancient past ! Happy planting ( and digging ) !
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