Fossilized Colonial Coral (Honeycomb / Brain Coral type)
cf. Favia sp. or Favites sp. (Honeycomb Coral) / Siderastrea sp. • Body fossil (permineralized / recrystallized marine invertebrate colony)
Geological Period
Neogene to Quaternary (Pleistocene) / possibly late Mesozoic to Cenozoic
Estimated Age
0.1 to 2.5 million years (Quaternary / Pleistocene) or older dependent on precise locality
Preservation Type
Recrystallization / Permineralization (calcite or aragonite preservation with fine structural details of the septa intact)
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good; well-rounded water-worn shape with clear individual corallite detail and intact septal patterns, with minor surface erosion along edges.
Taxonomic Classification
Phylum: Cnidaria, Class: Anthozoa, Subclass: Hexacorallia, Order: Scleractinia, Family: Faviidae / Poritidae
Morphological Description
Hemispherical, cerioid colonial corallum composed of closely packed polygonal corallites sharing common structural walls. Each corallite displays radiating internal septa converging toward a central columella, creating a distinctive honeycomb or starburst architecture across the entire rounded surface.
Rock Matrix
Matrix-free beach-worn or weathered specimen; minor calcium carbonate silt and trace mineral staining (algal/iron tints) within deep corallite cups.
Formation & Location
Commonly found in raised Pleistocene reef formations, coastal marine deposits, and limestone terraces (e.g., Florida Keys, Caribbean, Indo-Pacific region, or Red Sea coastline).
Size & Dimensions
Approximately 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 inches) in diameter, fitting comfortably in a human palm; typical size for small hand-specimen coral heads.
Value & Rarity
Estimated Market Value
$15 - $35 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $40 USD
Rarity Assessment
Common (fossilized colonial scleractinian corals are widely distributed in shallow-water limestone deposits globally).
Scientific Significance
Provides insight into ancient shallow-water, warm marine reef environments, paleoclimate conditions, ocean chemistry, and Cenozoic reef building dynamics.
Preparation Recommendations
No heavy mechanical preparation required. Keep clean by light dry brushing or mild rinsing with distilled water; avoid acid cleaning which dissolves calcium carbonate; display on a simple stand away from acidic environments.
Notable Features
Symmetrical domed growth form with exceptionally clear cerioid corallite patterning, displaying high structural density and intricate internal septal arrangement across the outer surface.