Fossils index

Coral

Despite its appearance, coral is a colony of small animals living in the sea.

Coral reef Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Cnidaria
Class: Anthozoa

Coral reefs are still common today (see left). The Great Barrier Reef off Australia is visible from space. Size of fossil coral on right: 35mm

Coral

Timescale: Coral has been around for a long time, about 5000 million years ago.


This is agatised coral from Florida. This means that the coral has changed into agate. This shows both sides. Size: 17mm

Coral Coral


This is Red Horn coral from Utah. The end is polished to show the colour and internal structure. Size: 36mm

Coral Coral


These pieces of fossilised coral were found on the beach at Howth, near Dublin. They are Canina, a solitary coral in the Carboniferous Period (300 million years old). Some were perforated with serpulid worms while decaying. Sizes: 15mm-55mm

Coral Coral Coral Coral Coral Coral