Re: [Geology2] Strange sandstone formation

I agree that it is not likely a plant if one looks closely at scale scar symmetry it is "too regular"in all directions lacking elongation, spirals etc. . Nor is it likely a land dwelling vertebrate as in a skin impression.   There were some sponges that this closely resembles more than any coral primitive or current.  Be it remembered that there were car-sized sponges in the past.

However, the predominate geology for the area is windblown ( aeolean) sands of the Permian and Pangaea timeline.  Furthermore this specimen could be inverted and the dimples are actually tuburcoles negating the sponge identity.  I have also seen superficially similar patterns in limestones where coatings of algae created a weak zone that favored fracturing along the surface of the algae lumps as opposed to breaking along flat strata.

One other thing to consider is the talphomony(sp)or fossil deposition and formation dynamics This was found in sand suggesting a beach environment usually except we know that area is predominately of aeolean origins. Without microscopic examination and from a single photograph I cannot tell further.  CAveat: I am taking the finder's word that this is sandstone.  It appears to be but it could be a sandy shale or a shaley sand  etc. and each hints to its geohistorical deposition environment and more information as to what ecological communities would have existed near by.

All things "not really being equal"--the scales tip for me- first to sponges. I would compare some sponge images to get in the right genera/family of ancient sponges to start narrowing the possibilities.  Sponges(porfria) are frequently misstaken for corals cnadaria becasue some sponges formed relatively hard surfaces which fossilize well.

One gentle reminder is always try to add an object for scale such as a coin, lens cap, or pocket knife etc.  A small plastic rulere carried for such purpose is ideal.

Eman

On Thursday, November 14, 2013 7:41 PM, Allison Maricelli-Loukanis <allison.ann@att.net> wrote:

 

Hey,Mohammed..I thought so too. Allison

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From: Dr. Mohamed El-Sankary <msankary2000@yahoo.com>
To: geology2@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, November 14, 2013 3:07 PM
Subject: Re: [Geology2] Strange sandstone formation

 

Hi,
I doubt it's kind of fossiliferous plant-remains (Lepidodendron etc.) of Carboniferous age ,
I argue the possibility of being a consolidated bees nest full of sand from a surrounding Quaternary remains??

Mohamed El-Sankary (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Nuclear Materials Authority
P.O.Box 530 El-Maadi Cairo, Egypt
e-mail: msankary2000@yahoo.com
mmsankary@hotmail.com
Mobile: (+2)01224440471; (+2)01116635126

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On Thu, 11/14/13, cgptsnaz@yahoo.com <cgptsnaz@yahoo.com> wrote:

Subject: [Geology2] Strange sandstone formation [1 Attachment]
To: geology2@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2013, 3:23 AM
















 









[Attachment(s) from cgptsnaz@yahoo.com
included below]


Hello, I am a new member here. I love the outdoors
and spend much of my off duty hours in it. A few days ago I
was hiking on top of the White Cliffs near Orderville Utah
20 miles east of Zion Nat Park, the White Cliffs are part of
the Grand Staircase Nat Monument. I found this sandstone
slab with the unusual imprint on it shown in the picture I
took. The slab was 3 feet wide and tall and the round dips
were about 2 inches wide and very uniform as it
looks.Any idea's what formed this? In all my
years hiking around this area I have never seen this
before.

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