A dazzling crystal-filled rock described as the best geode seen by an Isle of Wight fossil hunter in 43 years of collecting has been discovered at Brook Bay – with a group of Brighton scouts there to witness the moment it was cracked open.
The scouts were taking part in a fossil hunting trip organised by Island Gems and led by local palaeontologist Martin Simpson, known as the ‘fossil man’, when the remarkable discovery was made.
Martin had decided to take the group on a detour to search for crystallised fossil sponges, taking advantage of the bright sunshine.
Martin has said:
“When the sun is this bright it’s great for hunting geodes, flint rocks which have quartz filled cavities, as you can see the crystals glittering a mile off.”
The scouts had already discovered several good examples, as well as fool’s gold crystals, when Martin spotted an unusual oval-shaped stone.
Its appearance was reminiscent of a dinosaur egg, but Martin decided to crack it open to discover what was hiding inside.
He said:
“I decided to break it open anyway but was completely gobsmacked at what was inside.”
As the stone split open, the discovery was greeted by a resounding ‘ooh’ from the watching scouts.
Inside was a spectacular collection of transparent quartz crystals which had completely replaced a fossilised sponge.
Martin says it is the best geode he has encountered during 43 years of collecting.
The group unanimously decided that the unusual find should be put on display so that more people can have the opportunity to see it.
Martin has now given the sparkling Isle of Wight discovery a fitting name – the ‘Fossil Faberge Egg’.
