Rocks & Fossils
Check out our rock and fossil FAQ for smart collecting tips, information about some local rock formations, and advice about fossil eggs and meteorites.
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- Recently Asked
“I found a piece of, what appears to be, petrified wood on a Santa Barbara beach agaist the cliffs. Is this a piece that the museum would be interested in given I obtain proper permissions to ret...”
Ted, Santa Barbara - March 13, 2021
“While beach combing one day, we found a large rock that looked rusted, and when we picked it up it was very heavy. A few chucks of the outer layer fell off and revealed a metallic interior. We b...”
B Vigil, Carpinteria, CA - February 21, 2021
“Hi! I'm wondering if you can tell me about the age and possible origin of this fossil which we found when digging in our yard in the Ojai valley. It cracked open along the fossil line when it wa...”
Rose, Ojai, CA - November 28, 2020
“I found this while digging in a creek bed on our property ( Cold Spring area) My question is, "what is it?"
Thank you for your time.”
David, Cold Spring area, Montecito - November 12, 2020
“I know that garnets come in several different colors but I'm not too sure about all of the different shapes these stones are found in. You can pick most of these up with a typical magnet. ”
Ken, Ventura - September 21, 2020
“Hello,
A few months ago I came upon this very odd looking coastal rock formation that I initially mistook to be a rotted piece of old driftwood. But examining it closer, saw it is pure st...”
Todd Cook, Wilmore, KY - September 16, 2020
“Were building on the Mesa and dug up a sea shell fossil. I'm wondering if you can tell me more aboiut it. I have attached an image but am happy to bring it over if you would like.
K...”
Lynn, the Mesa in Santa Barbara - August 31, 2020
“I found shells in a rock face on Vandenberg Air Force Base. Are these considered fossils? Thank you”
Jacob - February 23, 2020
“I found this six inch long vertebrae fossil on a slope near Buellton, any idea what it could be from?”
Chad, Santa Barbara - January 28, 2020
“HI! I found this before ten years. Is it possible to identify if it is an egg?”
Dimitrios, Greece - January 27, 2020
