fossils (bryozoa?) in chalcedony (jasper?)

jrh4

Tenderfoot
Jun 26, 2018
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Hi! So I've been finding these really cool and colorful rocks in eastern WY that are unlike anything I've seen before. Has anyone else? There are obvious fossils in what I think is a form of chalcedony (jasper?) but then there are also these little clear crystal agate pockets. The fossils look like marine animals (shells, etc) so I was thinking bryozoa but all the pics I've seen online look very different. Does anyone has any insights into what we're looking at here?

The first red and yellow pic is a slice of a larger specimen I collected. It has some very vibrant coloring and very obvious clear/agate pockets too. You can also see the outline of little shells and stuff. The second one is a big darker purple and doesn't have as many clear pockets, but the fossil specimens are a bit bigger.

Thanks for helping me to identify these. And as a follow up question, do you think they have any value to jewelers, fossil collectors, etc...or are they just another pretty rock to throw in my yard?
 

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fuss

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Jul 27, 2018
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I think you are likely correct, looks like marine fossils in a jasper/chalcedony to me. I find similar fossils in cherts and chalcedony along the shoreline of lake Michigan's beaches (though not as colorful as yours). Value? I doubt much, but who am I to say. I imagine people who create cabochons might like the more colorful ones with interesting patterns.
 

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jrh4

Tenderfoot
Jun 26, 2018
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thanks for the input! anyone else have any insights?
 

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DDancer

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The first is certainly an eye catcher for coloration and form. As to value I always say a rocks value is in the eye of the beholder and the buyer :) You'll just have to ask around.
 

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