Fossil rocks

The following is designed to help you identify common rocks and minerals found in the Upstate of SC and surrounding areas. You will find some practical information about identifying minerals and you will be guided through a few simple tests you can do at home that will assist you with narrowing the possible identification of your specimen(s).

How to identify a fossil tooth

You will also find some detailed descriptions and pictures of common minerals from the Upstate area. Reference books that can help you to identify minerals, rocks, rocks, fossils, and meteorites are available for purchase in our gift shop.

(Parents and teachers- this easy, low-cost and entertaining activity is also well suited for a rainy day or the classroom, respectively)

Step 1.

Determine if your specimen is an artifact, a fossil, a rock, or a mineral

Let's start with the basics. The first thing to do is to determine if your specimen is an artifact, a fossil, a rock, or a mineral. The Campbell Geology Museum does not offer identification of potential meteorites. Please see the section below

how to find fossils in beach rocks

how to identify fossil bearing rocks