Description
Fossil Coral – Miocene Marine Reef Specimen from Indonesia
This genuine Fossil Coral specimen from Indonesia dates to the Miocene Epoch, approximately 23 to 5.3 million years ago, when warm tropical seas supported vast coral reef ecosystems across Southeast Asia. Fossil corals are remarkable natural history pieces, preserving the skeletal structures of ancient reef-building organisms that once thrived in shallow marine waters.
You will receive the exact specimen shown in the photographs. This fossil has been carefully chosen for its preservation, texture, and strong display appeal. Full sizing is available in the listing photos. This is a genuine fossil specimen and includes a Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card.
Geological Age – Miocene Epoch
The Miocene is part of the Neogene Period and represents a time of significant global environmental change, including the expansion of grasslands, shifting ocean currents, and the development of many modern marine ecosystems.
During the Miocene, Indonesia lay within a tropical equatorial zone, surrounded by warm, nutrient-rich seas ideal for coral growth. Reef systems flourished, supporting diverse marine life and producing thick carbonate deposits that later fossilised into limestone formations.
Fossil coral specimens from this epoch provide a tangible connection to these ancient reef environments and the long geological history of tropical marine ecosystems.
Fossil Type & Coral Morphology
Corals are marine invertebrates belonging to the Phylum Cnidaria. Reef-building corals form hard calcium carbonate skeletons, which fossilise readily under the right conditions. Fossil coral specimens often preserve intricate skeletal patterns, reflecting the original colony structure.
Depending on the coral type, preserved features may include:
• Corallites (individual skeletal cups of coral polyps)
• Honeycomb or branching colony textures
• Radiating septa structures within corallites
• Natural surface patterning formed by reef growth
These details make fossil corals both scientifically interesting and visually striking collector specimens.
Depositional Environment – Ancient Indonesian Reefs
Miocene coral fossils from Indonesia formed in shallow, sunlit marine settings where reef ecosystems developed along carbonate platforms. After the coral colonies died, their skeletons accumulated on the seafloor and were gradually buried by sediments.
Over millions of years, mineral-rich groundwater replaced or reinforced the original calcium carbonate skeleton, preserving the coral’s structure in fossil form. This process, known as permineralisation, allows fossil corals to retain remarkable surface texture and internal detail.
Indonesian fossil coral deposits are well known for producing specimens with strong preservation and attractive natural coloration, influenced by surrounding sediments and mineral content.
Colour, Texture & Natural Characteristics
Fossil corals can display a wide range of natural tones, from pale cream and beige to deeper browns and greys depending on mineralisation. Surface texture is often highly detailed, with visible coral growth patterns that make each specimen unique.
Natural variations may include:
• Subtle mineral staining
• Porous reef texture
• Preserved corallite structures
• Weathered but authentic fossil surfaces
These features reflect the fossil’s long geological journey and contribute to its individuality as a collector piece.
Collecting, Display & Educational Value
Fossil coral specimens are highly valued by collectors, educators, and natural history enthusiasts. They make excellent display fossils, offering insight into prehistoric reef ecosystems and marine life evolution.
This specimen is ideal for:
• Fossil and marine life collections
• Educational geology and paleontology displays
• Natural history décor and conversation pieces
• Gifts for ocean and fossil enthusiasts
Fossil corals are also appreciated for their connection to Earth’s ancient environments, representing reef systems that existed millions of years before modern coastlines.
Authenticity & Presentation
• Genuine Fossil Coral specimen
• Geological Age: Miocene Epoch
• Origin: Indonesia
• Preserved ancient reef-building coral skeleton
• Carefully chosen display-quality fossil
• Exact specimen shown – you will receive this fossil
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity lifetime guarantee generic card
• Full sizing available in listing photographs
A beautiful Miocene fossil coral from Indonesia, preserving the intricate structure of an ancient tropical reef and offering timeless appeal for collectors and natural history enthusiasts.






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