Fossil Identifier — What Fossil Is This?
Found something that looks like it was once alive? Upload a photo and our fossil identifier names the most likely fossil type in seconds, tells you how confident it is, and shows you how to confirm it — including whether it's real.
How to get an accurate fossil ID
- • Show the whole specimen plus a close-up of the detail — ribs, sutures, serrations or surface texture.
- • Include something for scale (a coin or ruler); size helps separate look-alikes.
- • Photograph the surrounding rock (matrix) too — it's a strong clue to the fossil's age and type.
- • Shoot in even daylight from a couple of angles so raised and recessed features read clearly.
Fossils our identifier recognizes
Common finds across the major groups — including ammonites, trilobites and shark teeth, plus shells, corals, crinoids, brachiopods and petrified wood. Each entity links to an in-depth field-guide page covering age, varieties and how to spot replicas.
How to confirm a fossil yourself
Work from the broad group inward — that's how paleontologists narrow it down:
- Name the form first: coiled shell (ammonite/nautilus), segmented body (trilobite), tooth, stem disks (crinoid), fan or branch (coral), or leaf/wood impression.
- Read the structure: ammonites show wavy suture lines; trilobites have a three-lobed body; shark teeth have a crown, root and often serrations.
- Check the matrix & locality: the host rock and where you found it pin down the geological age, which is essential for species-level ID.
- Real vs. replica: look for a mold seam, unnatural weight, and missing matrix (see the FAQ).
Exact species often requires a local museum or fossil group — bring the matrix and the find location.
Frequently asked questions
Can you identify a fossil from a photo?
Often to the broad type, yes — an ammonite's coiled shell, a shark tooth's shape, a trilobite's segmented body or a crinoid's stem disks are recognizable on sight. Exact species is much harder and usually needs the locality and rock age, so we identify the group, give a confidence score, and tell you what to check.
Is it a real fossil or just a rock?
Look for biological structure that's too regular to be random: repeating chambers, ribs, suture lines, a shell's spiral, symmetry, or the texture of bone or wood. Pseudofossils (dendrites, concretions, flint nodules) can fool the eye — if there's no organic structure, it may just be an interesting rock.
How do I spot a fake or replica fossil?
Replicas — especially of megalodon teeth and trilobites — are common. Tells include a visible mold seam, a too-perfect or too-symmetrical shape, light or 'plasticky' weight, uniform color with no mineral variation, and no surrounding rock matrix. Real fossils usually show wear, repair, or matrix on the back.
Is the fossil identifier free?
Yes — your first 3 identifications are free. Pro unlocks unlimited IDs plus value, authenticity and care reports.
Turned out to be a plain rock? Try the rock identifier or browse the field guide