Fossils?(pics)

[Dr.Gonzo4]

I have some shale fossil rocks, mostly just clam like deals and small inverts but i would LOVE to put them in my tank, i just dont know if that will be safe. what do you guys think? Has anyone done this? ill post pics

 

[Dr.Gonzo4]

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[Oddball]

New York's Silurian shale deposits are, for the most part, compressed siltstone which is safe in aquaria. A few deposits are more associated with coal than the usual association with natural gas deposits. Check the pieces from coal bearing deposits for any signs of metallic ores. Some some shale fossils are replaced with galena, pyrite, and molybdenite. These pieces should be left out of the aquarium since their replacement is lead based.

 

[Dr.Gonzo4]

how do i tell if its coal or natural gas? it comes from winn dixie in western new york i believe if that helps

 

[Oddball]

Check for metallic sheen. The fossils in the pics show a slight gloss which is normal from fossil cast/mold separation. A brassy metallic sheen is the sign that a piece would be better on a shelf than in an aquarium.

 

[Dr.Gonzo4]

Ah thank you that helps, I only have one piece right now that has that bronzey kind of look, they were also soaking in water in the pic so they're wet if that throws things off. I'll dry them out and post pics, since I've never put fossil in an aquarium before I need an expert opinion haha

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