For fossil lovers, few joys compare to finding well-preserved specimens still encased within their original mineral matrix. Limestone formations dating back millions of years are one of the richest sources of diverse marine and terrestrial fossils spanning trilobites, ammonites, shark teeth and more. In this blog, we explore some of the most prolific fossil limestone sites across the world to find exciting fossil treasures.

Solnhofen Plattenkalk – Germany

The Jurassic Solnhofen limestone near Solnhofen, Germany, has achieved celebrity status as the site that yielded the iconic ‘Archaeopteryx’ fossil documenting the evolutionary transition of feathered dinosaurs into early birds. Besides bird fossils and feather impressions, this lagoon deposit preserves a wealth of 150 million-year-old marine creatures like fish, crinoids, crustaceans and rare pterosaur specimens. Solnhofen’s thin-layered platy limestone also produces stunningly detailed fossils.

Holzmaden Posidonia Shale – Germany

Another highly fossiliferous Jurassic site in Germany, the Holzmaden Posidonia Shale quarries contain fine-grained black shale brimming with marine reptiles. Spectacular fossils like the giant Ichthyosaur shown with an unborn baby, plankton-eating Pachycormus fish and early crustaceans have been found here. The low-oxygen seabed environment preserved these 180 million year old marine fossils with cellular details in exquisite clarity.

Mazon Creek Nodule Concretions – Illinois, USA

This fossil-rich Pennsylvanian deposit in Illinois offers a unique treasure hunt for collectors! Instead of exposed fossils, they remain sealed within ironstone concretion nodules. Upon cracking these open, beautiful fossils emerge like surprises from an ancient time capsule! Brachiopods, jellyfish, worms, arthropods and rare feather impressions have been found fossilized within Mazon Creek nodules dating back 300 million years.

Green River Formation – Wyoming, USA

For the sheer abundance and diversity of Eocene fossils around 50 million years old, the Green River Formation across Wyoming, Utah and Colorado is unrivalled. Three interconnected lake systems once thrived here, leaving mass fossilized fish, birds, reptiles and exquisitely preserved insects, leaves and petrified wood. Even fossil raindrop imprints have been found at famous fossil location. For any fossil enthusiast visiting the USA, the Green River Formation is a must-see. 

Moroccan Phosphate Deposits

Extending over 1000 sq. miles across Morocco, these Upper Cretaceous phosphate deposits have yielded a treasure trove of marine fossils. On the coast by Khouribga, abundant shark teeth, including rare megalodon teeth up to 6 inches long, can be found. Inland sites like the Ouled Abdoun Basin contain rich fossil beds teeming with marine reptiles like mosasaurs and plesiosaurs in a dazzling array of sizes.

We hope this guide to some of the most remarkable fossil sites around the world inspires you to expand your fossil collection. Seeing fossil pictures in situ being carefully excavated brings these prehistoric worlds to vivid life. As museums reopen post-pandemic, be sure to visit these hotspots and experience fossil hunting first-hand for an unforgettable paleontological adventure.