Fossils and the Sedimentary Rocks That Preserve Them

Is a Fossil a Rock?

A fossil is not itself a rock. It is the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the past.

Where Fossils Are Found

Fossils are commonly found in sedimentary rocks such as limestone, sandstone, and shale. These rocks form when layers of sediment—sand, mud, and organic matter—accumulate and harden over time, preserving the remains within them.