Frequently Asked Questions About
Maryland Fossils, Minerals, and Gems
Several questions regarding fossils, gems, and minerals in Maryland are often directed to the Maryland Geological Society (MGS).
We list a few on this page and offer links to resources that may help you answer these and related questions.
Links verified March 16, 2021. Broken links? Please report them to the
1) What have I found?
There are a number of resources on the web focused on Maryland fossils, gems, and minerals that may help you identify your find.
These include:
A great way to identify your find is to bring it to a meeting of the MGS or another local club or society, such as:
2) Where can I find fossils or minerals?
We who live in this part of the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. are fortunate because a diverse array of
fossils and minerals can be found in our backyards.
One sure-fire method of learning about local sites for collecting is to join our club, the MGS,
or one of the clubs listed above, and go on collecting trips.
The links below describe places in Maryland where you might find fossils or minerals:
3) Where can I see collections of fossils, gems, and minerals?
Listed below are several of the first-rate natural history museums in the broader Maryland and Washington, D.C. area.
These feature collections of fossils, gems, and minerals.
4) What activities are available for a child interested in fossils or minerals?
Consider collecting at one of the sites described in the resources cited above.
Dinosaur Park in Prince George's County (MD) is particularly appropriate for a parent/child outing.
The museums listed above offer wonderful opportunities for children to see a wide variety of fossils, gems, and minerals.
These institutions often provide activities targeted specifically to children, so please check them out.
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