Coprolite
Image: United States Geological Survey (Public domain)
Mineral NameCoprolite
Chemical FormulaVariable (primarily calcium phosphate, CaCO3, SiO2, and organic matter)
Mohs Hardness3
Crystal Systemamorphous
Lusterdull
Streak Colorlight brown to grey
Cleavagenone
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2
Colorsgrey, tan, brown
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalitySouthwestern Saskatchewan, Canada
Mineral GroupTrace Fossil / Biogenic Sedimentary Rock
Usesscientific study, collector's item
Associated Mineralsapatite, calcite, quartz, pyrite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A large, irregularly shaped, light grey to tan fossilized mass with a lumpy, textured surface, indicative of its organic origin.
Geological Context
Coprolites are trace fossils formed from the fossilization of animal feces, providing direct evidence of ancient diets and ecosystems. They are typically found in sedimentary rocks where rapid burial and mineralization occurred, often in marine or lacustrine environments.
