Paleontology is closely associated with geology, which is the study of the physical nature and history of the earth. Fossil-Bearing Rocks Fossils are most commonly found in sedimentary rocks.
Sedimentary rocks result from the consolidation of loose sediment that has accumulated in layers.
Consequently, Kentucky is an excellent place to collect fossils. The common sedimentary rocks in Kentucky are limestone, shale, and sandstone. Limestones began as limey muds and sands that were deposited under shallow tropical seas in a setting similar to the modern Bahamas platform. During burial, the sediment grains became cemented together and they became limestone. Shales and sandstones began as deposits of non-limey mud and sand, respectively.