Fossil Leaf

Fossil leaf (in sandstone) from the Oligocene (Stampien, France)

Plant fossils are very common, especially in Carboniferous and Tertiary rocks. The great coal swamps date from the Carboniferous, and much of the coal mined today comes from this period. Plant fossils can usually be found in deposits associated with coal beds. Many Tertiary rocks have poorer grades of coal where these fossils are better preserved. Plant fossils are common in any rocks that represent sediments deposited in the terrestrial environment. Fossil leaves and stem parts in sandstones represent rivers and streams - and in shales, represent ancient lakes and river flood areas.