Fossil in flint?

[Galemys]

Is it normal to find a fossil embedded in flint?
I was under the impression that flint is formed by a very hot vulcanological process so I ruled out the possibility of fossils. I do regularly see other kinds of stones embedded in flint but I was a bit amazed to find a hollow toothlike intrusion that I believe is a fossil of a belemnite (the cavity is filled with flint). Does anyone else have experience with similar findings?

Tom

 

[Fallow Way]

The excact process is still under debate, especially concerning whether the cortex (the outer dense chalk like material) is either a development stage towards flint, a degenerative stage or simply a grey area between the two (chalk and flint).



The process begins with a small cavity or fossil which over time accumulates silica through rain water which is partially charged with carbolic acid. This dissolves the silica of minute fossil remains in the chalk strata (which is what makes chalk in the first place) and carries it until it hits a non-porous object (another fossil or chunk of flint) and deposits the silica.



So its not unheard of to find fossils in flint at all, it may well be the focal point which started the accumulation of silica (flint).

 

[Moonraker]

There is a nice explanation here;

The Flints from Portsdown Hill

 

[bloodline]

Ive got a large piece of flint with a perfectly formed sea urchin fossil protruding from it and Ive also found plenty of flints with fossilised impressions in them. I also have a fossiised sea urchin (unattached ) that appears to be flint but I dont want to damage it to find out!

 

[Galemys]

Thank´s guys,
now I know more about it, I´ll appreciate my beautiful piece of rock even more.

Tom