Fern fossil

Fossils are the mineralized or otherwise preserved remains of animals, plants and any other living organism. Ferns first appeared during the Devonian, in highly vast areas worldwide which were covered in dense forests. Overtime these fern trees formed what are known as carboniferous coal swamps. Fossil ferns may be abundant and can usually be found where the environment is acidic. Coal deposits are a great location for many plant fossils. Fern fossils range in color from brownish black, whit, gray and tan. Pyrite and Pyrophyllite are the cause for the white coloration of the fern. There are many plant fossil occurrences all over the world. Fern fossils can be found in mudstones and shale. Large amounts have been found in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.