My dad found a rock with a shell in it. how old is this rock?

Question

how old is it? can i get money for it?

Answer 1

  You prob won't be able to get any money for it. The age depends on a lot of things Research the geology of the area, to determine the age of the strata in which it was found, and /or Was it brought in from somewhere else as happens with road building, and fill for construction.

It is at likely at least a million or more years old,and was formed on an ancient sea bottom .

Answer 2

You need to identify the species. That can often give a rough estimate. Also knowing the layer it came from would narrow it down.

If it's in a rock it's easily into the millions of years stage, rocks with fossils don't form in hundreds or even thousands of years. Also, if he found it inland (more than a few miles from the ocean) that spot hasn't been under water for a million years or more.

It's probably not worth anything in terms of $, there are tons of them around.

Answer 3

It could be hundreds of years old.  

Answer 4

Could be tens, hundreds, thousands, or millions, or even billions of years old. My bet is it's not very old since it's still intact.

I can't really tell you since you posted no picture, it could be worth nothing (they can be common), take a look at the shell, where did you find it, is it worn, etc. All these things are important when looking for age in the rock/shell.

Take it to someone in your area that specializes in rocks and shells, or google your description of it and see what comes up. Make sure to check the pictures.

Good luck!