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Geology of Dallas
Dallas, Texas, lies on two late Cretaceous geologic formations: the Eagle Ford formation and the Austin Chalk formation. Both are marine deposits from 85 million to 89 million years old.
Common Fossils Around Dallas
Ammonites are spiral-shaped cephalopods ranging from less than 1/4 inch to more than 3 feet across. Various bivalves such as clams are prevalent throughout both formations. Shark teeth are common because sharks shed a lot of teeth. Sea urchin remains are another common find.
Rarer Fossils Around Dallas
Mosasaur vertebrae, teeth and the occasional complete skeleton can be found. So can plesiosaur remains, usually the large, elongated teeth. Several dinosaurs have been found in the Dallas area, although they are more commonly found as scraps of bone.
Other Fossils in Dallas Area
Petrified wood of many ages is a fossil in the Dallas area not associated with the Cretaceous formations. So are the teeth and bones of large mastodons, including occasional skeletons. Ice age mammals such as horses, bison, sloths and the rare saber-toothed cat have been found in the area.
Where to Look for Rock and Fossils
Road cuts make for good exposures. Gravel pits are good areas to find ice age fossils. Stream beds are great places to find shark teeth, mammal bones, shells and all sorts of marine fossils.