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State Fossils
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Louisiana Symbols
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Louisiana Fossil
Petrified Palmwood
(Palmoxylon sp.)
Adopted on July 31, 1976.
On July 31, 1976, Louisiana adopted petrified palmwood, Palmoxylon sp., as the official state fossil, and agate, as found in Louisiana gravel, became the the state gemstone.
§162. State fossil
There shall be an official state fossil. The official state fossil shall be petrified palmwood. Its use on official documents of the state and with the insignia of the state is hereby authorized.
Added by Acts 1976, No. 362, §1.
Petrified palm wood is the Louisiana state fossil and is characterized by prominent rod-like structures within the regular grain of the silicified wood. These rod-like structures are sclerenchyma bundles that give the palm tree its vertical strength. In Louisiana, petrified palm wood belongs to the genera Palmoxylon. It is found only within the outcrop belt of the Catahoula Formation, which consists almost entirely of sediments deposited within broad, low-lying coastal plains about 24 to 30 million years ago.
Petrified palm wood is a favorite of rock collectors because of its rod-like structures and variety of colors. Depending upon the angle at which the sclerenchyma bundles are cut, these rod-like structures show up as spots, tapering rods, or continuous lines. Depending on how the state's fossil is cut, it exhibits a wide range of colors and designs. As a result, it can be incorporated into a variety of designs for jewelry. Because it is composed of silica, it can be polished and withstands the wear and tear of normal use.
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State Fossils
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Most US states have made a state fossil designation, in many
cases during the 1980s. It is common to designate one species in which fossilization has
occurred, rather than a single specimen, or a category of fossils not limited to a single
species.
Some states that lack a "state fossil" have nevertheless singled out a fossil for formal
designation such as a state dinosaur, rock, gem or stone.
fossil (fŏs'əl)
n.
1. A remnant or trace of an organism of a past geologic age, such as a skeleton or
leaf imprint, embedded and preserved in the earth's crust.
2. One, such as a rigid theory, that is outdated or antiquated.
adj.
1. Characteristic of or having the nature of a fossil.
2. Being or similar to a fossil.
3. Belonging to the past; antiquated.
[From Latin fossilis, dug up, from fossus, past participle of fodere, to dig.]
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