Glossopteris seed fern fossils

Glossopteris seed fern leaf fossils

Fossil specimens of the leaves of an ancient seed fern genus known as Glossopteris, from the Upper Permian period. These specimens were found in the area around Dunedoo, New South Wales, Australia.

They consist of hematite stained impressions of the leaves.

Glossopteris pretty much only existed during the Permian, as one of the most common tree ferns of the period in the continent of Gondwana.

I personally think leaf fossils are amongst the best 'first' fossils for any interesting children or collectors, as a leaf is something we can all relate to.

These pieces are typically not of the best quality, and contain only fragmentary fossils, but are still reasonable representations. In some cases they have a saw cut flat back where they have been removed from rock.