Clifton-Meridian quarry |
What you can find: Various gastropods and abundant heart urchins (Heteraster Texanus)
Ease of access: Easy
Equipment needed: Collecting bag, rock pick. Also recommended: A Field Guide to Fossils of Texas
Safety considerations: Beware of Texans.
Where, exactly? County Road 3110, off of Hwy 6 between Clifton and Meridian
Ease of access: Easy
Equipment needed: Collecting bag, rock pick. Also recommended: A Field Guide to Fossils of Texas
Safety considerations: Beware of Texans.
Where, exactly? County Road 3110, off of Hwy 6 between Clifton and Meridian
This disused quarry beside County Road 3110 cuts into the Comanche Peak formation rocks. You’ll find a lot of fossil heart urchins, both loose on the ground and embedded into the exposed rock face. Some of them exhibit good enough preservation to still see the shell patterns. Less commonly, you’ll pick up occasional gastropods and clams.
This site should not be attempted after rain; the road is dirt and turns to sticky, clingy mud the second it gets damp. Your car would get stuck very easily.
This site should not be attempted after rain; the road is dirt and turns to sticky, clingy mud the second it gets damp. Your car would get stuck very easily.