Fossils of Virginia

     Click the physiographic map to the right for fossils in other parts of Virginia

Virginia geologic cross-section Piedmont Coastal Plain Appalachian Plateau Valley and Ridge Blue Ridge Coastal Plain
Untitled Document Untitled Document Isognomon maxillata
'purse-oyster'
Eastover Formation

Untitled Document

This distinctive species is easily recognizable by its thick shell, pearly luster, and flaky, chalky appearance and texture. Shells are almost never found whole, but most preserve the rather pointed beak and characteristic ridged "teeth." This species is the index fossil for the Eastover Formation.

M. J. O'Donnell