Estonian Fossils part II: the rubble

Serve this post as a continuation of the previous one Estonian Fossils

There is a stone stratum in Estonia that is especially rich in fossils, and it is a stratum belonging to the Kunda stage. It is distributed across northern Estonia, close to the surface, and is home to a large number of fossil remains from what was once the Ordovician period.

Kunda stage stratum in Estonia exposed with a multitude of fossils on view.
Kunda stage stratum in Estonia exposed with a multitude of fossils on view.

It is easy to recognize this stone layer. The first fossils that can be distinguished are cephalopods such as Endoqueras or Cameroqueras, because they are long and have a straight shape that can be distinguished quickly. When more attention is paid, more types of fossils begin to be appreciated, especially cephalopods.

In upper strata you can find trilobites.

Trilobites on a rock fallen from the rubble of a construction site. Estonia.
Trilobites on a rock fallen from the rubble of a construction site. Estonia.

It is normal that when construction begins in an area where the Kunda layer is close to the surface, then it has to be broken in order to make the foundation. This break in the stone layer causes many fossils to be seen. Likewise when it comes to stone quarries. These remains of stones accumulate in the construction area and are either removed as if they were rubble or are fragmented into smaller pieces and used, for example, as road gravel.

When I have found these fossils in piles of stones, I have told nearby museums and the university, but they do not seem to be very interested because I have never had an answer. It is normal because this layer is very wide and contains an immense quantity of similar fossils. In addition, these fossils, having gone through the action of heavy machinery and having hit other stones, are quite damaged. Although they may be damaged or broken, to me some of them are impressive and wonderful.

Some cephalopod fossils hide crystallizations inside. Despite being fragmented and eroded some beautiful details survive. Estonia.
Some cephalopod fossils hide crystallizations inside. Despite being fragmented and eroded some beautiful details survive. Estonia.

In this gallery of images you can see some examples of how they are found with the naked eye in the dump, and the fossils that can be seen.

Information about the strata in Estonia
https://www.looduskalender.ee/klint/eng/6.html