Recent content by geologyrocks

Fossils should only be removed if they are loose, or easily extracted from the rock. Please do not "dig" out large portions of rock, especially a cliff - it could be dangerous. However, you must obtain permission from the landowner if the site on private land, and most importantly, check the...

Hey, Swansea is indeed on Carboniferous-aged rocks. The fossil appears to be a coral. Specifically a rugose-type coral. The preservation isn't great, but still a nice find. The area around Swansea is a classic locality for Carboniferous marine limestones - essentially an ancient reef.

All minerals have different melting points, as you may well be aware of. The Asthenosphere is solid (a bit tacky, maybe, but solid). So this leads us to a few issues, but please excuse my briefness here, as covering them in sufficient detail requires an undergrad degree in geology ;) -...

It's some kind of fossil tree branch or root by the look of it. A specialist could tell you more though!

No - the crystal do not form before solidification - they formed during. Crystals form when magma cools (lava is magma that is on the surface). The slower the cooling, the larger the crystals will be (pressure also plays a part). Lava cools quickly, as it's at the surface. Therefore, igneous...