Green River Fossil Company

Our private fossil quarry is made up of many layers of sedimentary limestone. Each layer represents a season of deposits laid down in the ancient lakebed. Every layer is unique in color and presentation. Only some layers can be accessed, many will never reveal their secrets.

A keen eye is required to identify and collect the stone and the unique fossils within. It is a time consuming and laborious process, and we never know if a season of digging will produce only common fish or an exciting rare specimen.

We often utilize the setting sun and lamps for fossil hunting; the low angle of the light causes the tiniest ripples and bumps in the surface of the stone to cast strong shadows, making it easier to identify fossil content beneath the stone surface.

A partially exposed palm frond, still embedded in the ground where it has resided for about 50 million years. A large and delicate fossil plant such as this requires careful collection so we can safely transport it back to the prep lab.

Preparation underway on an aspiration, which is a highly sought after phenomenon. An aspiration is a fish which meets its demise while attempting to eat another fish that proves to be too large.

A Cockerellites liops (formerly known and still often referred to as a Priscacara) undergoing preparation.

A large Diplomystus dentatus, painstakingly being prepared. The final layers of limestone must be carefully removed so as not to damage the fossil content beneath.