i have seen for sale fossils of ginger and garlic in antic shop. they look like ginger/garlic but it is rock hard. the price is about $8 each, which seems to be very cheap. the shopkeeper says they were found near a cave.
question: if they are really fossils, then what is the expected range of age?
I read that there are indeed fossils of wild ginger and garlic. I couldn't find much about garlic fossils, but ginger fossils are supposedly from the Cretaceous Period.
To determine the expected age range of these fossilized ginger and garlic specimens, there are a few steps you can take:
1. Research Fossilization Process: Learn about the fossilization process to understand how organic materials can turn into rock-like fossils. This knowledge will help you evaluate the authenticity of the specimens. Fossils are typically formed under specific conditions involving sedimentation or mineral replacement.
2. Consult Geological Resources: Geological resources such as books, websites, or even experts at museums can provide detailed information about the types of fossils found in certain geological formations. This research will help you identify whether ginger and garlic have been known to fossilize in the past.
3. Analyze the Specimens: Examine the specimens closely. Look for any signs of fossilization, such as the replacement of the organic material with minerals, distinct sediment layers, or the presence of other fossils in the surrounding matrix.
4. Compare with Known Fossils: Compare the specimens to known examples of fossil ginger and garlic, if available. This can help you determine if the appearance and attributes of the specimens align with authentic fossilized specimens.
5. Carbon Dating: If you are unsure of the age range based on visual inspection, consult a professional or a laboratory for carbon dating. Carbon dating is a method used to assess the age of organic materials based on the decay of carbon isotopes. However, keep in mind that the process can be expensive and may damage the specimens.
While the price of $8 each may seem cheap for fossils, it is important to remember that value does not always reflect authenticity. Fossils found near caves can vary widely in age, depending on the geological context, which is why it's important to gather evidence and seek expert opinions to make an informed judgment about their age.