Special ExhibitionsAlberta Unearthed

Fossils, Now in 3-D

This cone is among the most exquisitely preserved fossils in the Museum's collection. Discovered in an ironstone bed in Midland Provincial Park, the original plant material of Cunninghamia was replaced during fossilization by silica - a common quartz mineral. To prepare the fossil for research, Musuem staff experimented with chemical preparation. After weeks of carefully controlled chemical exposure, the ironstone carbonate matrix dissolved away, leaving the encased plant material intact.

Mesozoic Masterpiece

Placenticeras meeki

In southern Alberta, some ammonites have a unique form of preservation. Tectonic pressure, heat, and mineralization over millions of years, compress them into colourful, iridescent material used to create jewellery. Ammonites preserved in this manner are both fossils and gemstones, and although fossils are protected under provincial legislature, permission is granted by the Alberta Government to mine the gemstone.

Black Beauty

Found by two teens on a fishing trip in southwestern Alberta, this Tyrannosaurus rex is considered one of the most significant specimens of its kind. Preserved in very hard, light gray sandstone, the bones and teeth of this tremendous meat-eater are shining black – stained during fossilization by minerals.