Fossilized ferns are preserved remains or impressions of prehistoric plants found primarily in carbonaceous shales and siltstones. Collectors look for high-contrast specimens where the organic carbon film has been preserved against a lighter or different colored sedimentary matrix.

Hardness

3-6

Mohs

Luster

Dull

Streak

White

Transparency

Opaque

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Fossilized Ferns

Also: Fern fossils, Pteridophyte fossils

Hardness: 3-6
Luster: Dull
Streak: White
Transparency: Opaque

Is this fossilized ferns?

5-step field check

Run through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.

1
Test the hardness
Try to scratch fossilized ferns with a known reference. Fossilized Ferns sits at Mohs 3-6, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
2
Check the streak
Drag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Fossilized Ferns leaves a white streak.
3
Read the luster
Hold the specimen under a strong light. Fossilized Ferns typically shows a dull luster.
4
Match the color range
Compare against the expected color range: black, brown, gray, tan.
5
Look at form & habit
Typical habit: imprint.

Often found alongside fossilized ferns

Minerals reported to co-occur with fossilized ferns. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.

All properties

Mohs hardness: 3-6
Density: 2.5-2.7 g/cm³
Colors: Black Brown Gray Tan
Streak: White
Luster: Dull
Transparency: Opaque
Crystal habit: Imprint
Cleavage: None
Rarity: Common
Uses: Collector, Educational, Decorative
Host rock: Shale, Siltstone, Coal
Typical price: $5-50 for small specimens, $100+ for display-quality slabs

Where rockhounds find fossilized ferns

1 mapped spots

Classic worldwide localities

Mazon Creek, USA
Joggins, Canada
Czech Republic
Germany
France

Field-hunting tip

Look in shale, siltstone, coal country, the host setting where fossilized ferns typically forms. If you start seeing pyrite, siderite, kaolinite in float, you are in the right ground. Field specimens usually show a imprint habit, so train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop. In the U.S., the densest reported localities are in Oregon. Start trip planning there.

Browse 1 U.S. spots for fossilized ferns →

More fossilized ferns photos

Common questions

How do you identify fossilized ferns?+

Mohs hardness is 3-6. It typically shows a dull luster. The streak is white. Common colors include black, brown, gray, tan.

Where is fossilized ferns found?+

Notable localities include Mazon Creek, USA; Joggins, Canada; Czech Republic; Germany; France.

Can I find fossilized ferns in the United States?+

RockHoundR maps 1 fossilized ferns rockhounding spots across 1 U.S. states. The top states are Oregon.

How much is fossilized ferns worth?+

Typical asking prices fall in the range of $5-50 for small specimens, $100+ for display-quality slabs. Quality, size, and provenance can move individual specimens well outside that range.

What minerals are found with fossilized ferns?+

Fossilized Ferns commonly co-occurs with pyrite, siderite, kaolinite, quartz. Spotting any of these in float or country rock is a useful trip signal.

What kind of rock does fossilized ferns form in?+

Fossilized Ferns typically forms in shale, siltstone, coal. Working float back to the host body is the standard way to chase a fresh occurrence.

What is fossilized ferns used for?+

Fossilized Ferns is used in collector, educational, decorative.

Find fossilized ferns on the map

RockHoundR shows mapped rockhounding spots, access rules, and lets you log every find.