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How to Identify a Round White Fossil

Fossils are either the impressions or remains of a plant, animal or object. Because humans dig up the earth, waters wash items away, earthquakes shift the earth, and high winds blow away topsoil, rivers flood, along with a multitude of other environmental factors, fossils may travel far from the item's original resting place. Common round fossils include Atrypa, Orbiculoidia, and coral. The easiest way to identify white, round fossils is with the help of a good fossil identification book.

Things You'll Need

Fossil Identification Guide
Chisel
Hammer
Fine-bristled brush

Instructions

- 1
  Use a small hammer and chisel to remove the fossil from the location. Take care to keep the fossil intact.
- 2
  Clean the fossil in gently flowing water with your hand or a small, fine bristle brush. Let it dry.
- 3
  Look for any identifying fossils in the surrounding area to help determine the time period in which the fossil originated.
- 4
  Observe the shape of the fossil. Consider what it looks like and note any other distinguishing characteristics, such as holes and grooves, in the round exterior. White, round fossils may also be fragments of bone.
- 5
  Find the fossil in an fossil identification book geared toward the region in which you found the fossil. Expand to other identification books if the first is not helpful.

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