Interactive workflow
Identify a Fossil
Build an evidence record from morphology, matrix, preservation, age, locality, and preparation before accepting a name.
Start with photographs
- Whole specimen and whole matrix, front and back.
- Edges, breaks, preparation boundaries, repairs, and labels.
- Close-ups of diagnostic anatomy under diffuse and side lighting.
- A metric scale in the same plane as the feature.
Do not clean first. Matrix, coatings, old adhesives, carbon films, pyrite, and fragile surfaces can be destroyed before they are understood.
Build a research phrase
Seven evidence layers
Morphology
Which anatomical structures are genuinely present?
Element
Whole organism, shell, tooth, bone, leaf, trace, or fragment?
Preservation
Replacement, impression, compression, permineralization, inclusion, or cast?
Matrix
What rock surrounds it, and does the contact look natural?
Geologic age
Could the organism and formation overlap in time?
Locality
Does the region produce this preservation and taxon?
Preparation
What is exposed, repaired, filled, painted, reconstructed, or cast?
Document uncertainty honestly.
“Unidentified brachiopod from the Ordovician of Ohio” can be a stronger record than an unsupported species name. Keep the original seller label and add later interpretations rather than overwriting history.