Tools for Digging Fossils

Geological Hammer

• Geological hammers, also known as rock hammers, come in many different shapes and sizes. Heavy lump hammers are used for breaking up larger rocks while lightweight hammers are used for breaking up smaller rocks. Rock hammers generally have one flat end. This flat part of the head is used to strike a chisel. Before buying a hammer, look for a model that is both comfortable to hold and not too heavy.

Geological Pick

• Geological picks are used to break up soft or layered rocks, clay and shale. Picks generally have either a pointed end or a chisel end along with an opposing flat-headed end. They come in a variety of sizes and weights. The UK Fossils website lists the most popular weight at 22 oz.

Chisel

• Chisels are used to remove fossils from surrounding material. Wider, heavier chisels can also be used to split rocks when struck with a flat-headed hammer. According to the Discovering Fossils website, "a large chisel should be used for completing the bulk of the work, while a smaller, more precise chisel should be used for finer work." You should consider taking two or three types of chisels of differing sizes on any fossil-hunting expedition.

Trowels and Shovels

• A short-handled shovel is a useful addition to your fossil hunting inventory. Alternatively, you can use a small trowel for more delicate digging tasks. Both items are important if you are going fossil hunting in sandy or clay-based locations. Some areas have laws against digging, so check the rules before you start.

Knife

• Knives can be used for delicately prying out fossils from sand, clay or silt. They are also useful for cutting any roots or vegetation that may be obstructing your hunt.

Brush

• A soft brush can be used to delicately sweep away debris from the area that you are working on. If you are trying to extract a fossil from a rock, you will create dust and dirt on the rock surface as you chip away. A fine-bristled brush lets you remove this debris without disturbing the fossil.

Protective Equipment

• You should always wear eye protection when hammering or chiseling rocks. Goggles will protect your eyes from flying shards and splinters. A good pair of protective gloves is also recommended. These will help to prevent blisters and accidental blows to your hands when you are hammering.