Dendrites - Solnhofen, Germany

They may look like fossilized ferns or a beautiful moss formation, but this isn't a fossil at all, it's actually made of minerals! A fun geologic phenomenon known as a pseudofossil, this is actually a type of mineralization called Dendrites. Dendrites form from manganese and iron oxide mineralization along fractures and bedding planes within rock. In this case, dendrites formed along the bedding plane of the famous fine-grained limestone in Solnhofen, Germany. The name may sound familiar, as this Jurassic Period rock layer was home to the first ever Archaeopteryx fossil linking birds to dinosaurs! Exceptional detail, paired with the striking contrast of the cream-colored rock matrix and dark gray black mineralization will make this "fossil" a great addition to your collection.