How to Find Fossils in Virginia

Examine a geological map of Virginia for areas of sedimentary rock such as sandstone and highlight them. Compare your highlighted areas on the geological map to the topographical map. Any highlighted areas that coincide with cliffs, riverbanks, old quarries or road cuts are likely to have plenty of accessible fossils.

Ask for permission. Unless the land you plan to search happens to be your own, you need permission from the landowner to go fossil hunting. On government-managed land such as national parks, you need permits. Wait to receive the go-ahead before you set off.

Find an exposed edge of sedimentary rock, such as the side of a cliff, and search for fossils. When you see the edge of a fossil, take a photograph of where it is situated and mark where you are on one of the maps. This provides useful information later.

Start chipping the fossil out with the rock hammer and the chisel. Allow a generous margin of rock around the fossil.

Brush dust off the fossil and wrap it in newspaper before putting it in a sandwich bag. Wrap tiny, fragile fossils first in tissue, then newspaper.

Write the location and number of the corresponding photo on a sticky label. Attach this to the bag. Put in your main bag.

Write a more detailed description of the location when you sort and label your fossils later. This is not only information that adds interest to your collection and helps with identification, but it will also be very useful to the local archaeological society or university.