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Fossil
Collecting - Who
Fossil collecting is a relaxing, fun and highly educational activity excellent for a family; or any person with a sense of adventure and the will to do things out of the ordinary. Nothing equals the excitement of discovery when one uncovers a fossil of an amazingly old creature. And the fun does not stop there. Back home one can prepare the specimen for display and start the process of identification and learning more about the animal.
This website provides the where, what and hows of fossil collecting in California so any person of any age and education can enjoy a rewarding expedition. Also, with the use of our 'Fossil Collector Forum', you can share your discoveries, adventures and intrigues with fellow enthusiasts.
Amateur fossil collectors have made significant contributions to paleontology by discovering new species. In 1983, William Walker an English plumber and fossil hunter, discovered the fossil remains of a new dinosaur species. It was named Baryonyx walkeri. Baryonyx meaning "heavy claw" and walkeri taken from the last name of the man.
In 1990, Sue Hendrickson an amateur paleontologist, discovered the biggest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex ever. It was nicknamed "Sue" in her honor. Fourteen of the fifteen known T. Rex in the world have been found by amateurs!
In June of 1997, an amateur fossil hunter discovered the bones of a carnivorous dinosaur in Placer County - the first such discovery in California!
(Photos and illustration from "Hunting Dinosaurs" , L. Psihoyos, 1994, Random House, NY - the best dinosaur book to date)
Each fossil display is only as good as the preparation that goes into it. Usually a fossil is embedded inside a sediment material that needs to be removed. Preparation is what makes this hobby so entertaining and challenging, even after your collecting expedition is over.
For identification, you can match your find with fossil guides or you can visit Museums of Natural History and ask for professional help.
Once you have prepared and identified your find, you can proudly display it. A collection of well prepared fossils makes for a great display in your home and a source of eternal wonder for your guests.
Depending on each particular collecting site, you will need certain Tools and Safety Equipment. Each fossil site locality presented in this website lists the indispensable tools needed for that particular site. In addition, our 'Field Guide' provides instructions on tool usage.
The fossil Preparation Tools are used to clean your find from the surrounding matrix material and to prepare it for display. Fossil preparation is a highly rewarding activity. Refer to the literature referred in our 'Why' section for more information on this process.
(Tool images from "Fossils" by C. Walker and D. Ward, 1992)
Natural History Museums
- UC Museum of Paleontology - the place to report an unusual fossil in Northern California
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles - the place to report an unusual fossil in Southern California
- California Academy of Sciences - an educative and fun place to visit!
- Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History - the place to report an unusual fossil in Northern California
- Tate Geological Museum - Dr. Robert Bakker's cooperates with the museum. The dinos come here!
Equipment and Supplies
- Estwing Manufacturing Co. - geological hammers, equipment, etc.
Geology Information
- US Geological Survey - the definitive source for geology maps
Fossils for Sale on the Web
- The Stone Company - Museum Quality Fossils - you can buy any fossil here, even dino eggs from China!
- Stones & Bones Fossils - great fossil selection and reasonable prices
- Shark Tooth Cavern - a large variety of shark teeth, lots of Megalodon
Fossil Collecting Across US
- Fossil Discovery - great site with hundred of fossil sites in all US
- Oceans of Kansas Paleontology - describes fossil fauna when an ocean existed in the US heartland
Other Fossil Links of Interest
- Discovering Fossils UK - a site dedicated to exploring the UK's fossil evidence
- Burgess Shale Fossils - lots of info on the Burgess Shale
- Digital Burgess Trek - virtual reality and tours to the Burgess Shale
- @LA - a well organized directory for the Los Angeles area (this link will take you to their Fossil and Rock collecting sub-directory)
- California's Central Coast Fossils of the Late Miocene - a great personal collection of fossils
Related Sciences Education
- Earth & Sky Online - includes daily live audio broadcasts on issues related to earth sciences and astronomy - great for science classrooms