Maryland is a hidden gem for rockhounds. With its diverse geology and varied landscapes, the state offers a wide variety of rocks and minerals to discover.
From the high-quality serpentine of the State Line Pits to the colorful agates of the Patuxent River, there is something for everyone in Maryland.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rockhound, you will find plenty of opportunities to explore and learn in Maryland.
There are many public and private rockhounding sites to choose from, and many of them offer guided tours and educational programs.
Rockhounding is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is also a fun and rewarding way to learn about the Earth’s history. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your rockhounding adventure in Maryland today!
Here are some of the specific reasons why you should go rockhounding in Maryland:
The state is home to a wide variety of rocks and minerals, including serpentine, agate, jasper, quartz, garnet, tourmaline, and pyrite.
There are many public and private rockhounding sites to choose from, so you can find one that is convenient for you.
Many of the rockhounding sites offer guided tours and educational programs, so you can learn about the rocks and minerals you are finding.
Rockhounding is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of nature.
It is also a fun and rewarding way to learn about the Earth’s history.
If you are looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity, then rockhounding in Maryland is a great option for you. So grab your rock hammer and get ready to explore!
Where to Find Fossils in Maryland?
Here are some of the best places to find fossils in Maryland:
Calvert Cliffs State Park is the most popular fossil hunting location in Maryland. The park is located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay and exposes sedimentary rocks that were deposited about 10 to 20 million years ago, during the Miocene epoch. These rocks contain a wide variety of fossils, including shark teeth, whale bones, and seashells.
Purse State Park is another good place to find fossils. The park is located in Nanjemoy, Maryland and is home to a variety of sedimentary rocks that contain fossils of sharks, fish, and other marine creatures.
Dinosaur Park is located in Laurel, Maryland and is home to a variety of dinosaur fossils, including the remains of a 20-foot-long duck-billed dinosaur. The park also has a fossil museum and educational exhibits.
Patapsco Valley State Park is located in western Maryland and is home to a variety of sedimentary rocks that contain fossils of sharks, fish, and other marine creatures. The park also has a number of hiking trails and waterfalls.
To find fossils in Maryland, you will need to obtain a permit from the Maryland Geological Survey. You can also find information about fossil hunting locations and regulations on the Maryland DNR website.
Best Place to Find Shark Teeth in Maryland?
The best place to find shark teeth in Maryland is the Calvert Cliffs area. The Calvert Cliffs are a stretch of sedimentary rock that runs for about 24 miles along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay.
The cliffs expose rocks that were deposited about 10 to 20 million years ago, during the Miocene epoch.
These rocks contain a wide variety of fossils, including shark teeth, whale bones, and seashells.
Some of the best places to find shark teeth in the Calvert Cliffs area include:
Matoaka Beach is a small beach located near Chesapeake Beach. It is a popular spot for shark tooth hunting because the sand is relatively soft and easy to sift through.
Flag Ponds Nature Park is a park located in Lusby, Maryland. The park has a number of trails that lead to the beach, where you can find shark teeth.
Breezy Point Beach is a beach located near Lusby, Maryland. It is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, but you can also find shark teeth there.
To find shark teeth in the Calvert Cliffs area, it is best to visit during low tide, when the fossils are more exposed. You can also bring a shovel and a sieve to help you sift through the sand. Be sure to check the tides and currents before you go, and always stay safe.
You may like: Where to Find Fossils in Maine?
What Fossils Are Found in Maryland?
A variety of fossils have been found in Maryland, including:
Shark teeth are the most common fossils found in Maryland. They can be found in the Calvert Cliffs area, as well as other areas along the Chesapeake Bay.
Whale bones have also been found in the Calvert Cliffs area. These bones are from whales that lived in the area about 10 to 20 million years ago.
Seashells are another common type of fossil found in Maryland. They can be found in a variety of locations, including the Calvert Cliffs area, the beaches along the Chesapeake Bay, and the rivers and streams in the state.
Dinosaur fossils have also been found in Maryland, but they are much rarer than other types of fossils. The most notable dinosaur fossil find in Maryland is the Astrodon johnstoni, a duck-billed dinosaur that lived in the area about 115 million years ago.
Fossil plants have also been found in Maryland. These plants are from a variety of different types, including trees, shrubs, and flowers.
The fossils found in Maryland provide a glimpse into the state’s ancient past. They tell us about the plants and animals that lived in the area millions of years ago, as well as the environment that they inhabited. These fossils are a valuable resource for scientists who study the Earth’s history.
Maryland Fossils Laws
The laws governing fossils in Maryland are found in the Maryland Natural Resources Code, Title 5, Subtitle 14, Section 5-1405. This section states that it is illegal to excavate, remove, destroy, injure, deface, or in any manner disturb any paleontological site or any part thereof, including saltpeter workings, fossils, bones, or any other paleontological features which may be found in any cave.
A permit to excavate is required from the Maryland Geological Survey. The permit application process can be found on the Maryland DNR website.
Fossils found on public land belong to the state of Maryland. Fossils found on private land belong to the landowner, but the landowner may not sell or trade them without a permit from the Maryland Geological Survey.
It is important to note that these are just the general laws governing fossils in Maryland. There may be additional regulations in place at certain locations, such as state parks.
It is always best to check with the local authorities before collecting fossils.
