Crinoids, Ancient Marine Fossils

Found in the mountains overlooking a small town not far outside the Salt River Valley, these are the fossilized remains of an ancient sea creature known as a Crinoid. With a flower-like appearance, these are often referred to as sea lilies. In fact, the word crinoid is derived from the Greek word โ€œkrinon,โ€ meaning โ€œa …

Fossilized Coral Found 6000 Feet Above See Level, Arizona!

Would you believe I found these at around 6,000 feet above sea level on one of the mountaintops surrounding the Verde Valley, in Arizona?! This fossilized coral, also known as “agatized coral,” is a natural gemstone produced as ancient coral gradually becomes agate. Remember, coral is a marine animal, and it is their skeletons that …