There are many questions we get asked about being in the fossil marble business. Here are the commonly asked ones. If you have a question that isn't answered here, then This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   us and we'll get back to you!

There are is more than one way a fossil can be formed. A fossil is not generally made by the hardening of the bones or shell of an organism until it becomes a "rock; it is the replacement of the organism with other rock forming minerals. However, fossilized teeth do contain remnants of the original material.

This change occurs after the animal has been buried or encased with sand or mud which is very typical for marine fossils. Quite often this burying material forms a dense limestone which finds use in art, construction and commercial applications. Because of the close similarity between marble and limestones carbonate form, many high density limestones, especially those whose high density can take on a high polish, are commonly referred to as marbles.

How can I buy from Living Fossil?

If you see an item or items that you like, either buy directly by adding to your online shopping cart or email us your enquiry. We can send further pictures and or arrange an inspection. We also have partner outlets, and these are listed in our News section. Call 0405 105 062 or Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Are fossils protected?

Legislation that protects fossil resources varies from country to country. Whether a fossil is subject to legislation will depend on the type and origin of the fossil.

Living Fossil has a policy to source legal fossils. This trade is helping to build the economy of those fossil rich regions. The excavation of fossils also preserves them, and helps educate on our past.  

We source our fossil marble directly from partners with whom we have had a long and trusted relationship. Our family team is based in Australia and in Morocco enabling us to cover the Berber, Arabic, Arabic dialects, French and English languages that exist in the North Africa. The Living Fossil team regularly visits countries in North Africa, Europe and America to personally handpick our fossils.

The team at Living Fossil are personally involved with all our products - including the polishing and glazing and sealing of our marble. Our pieces are our designs, and we personally select the fossil rock we use. Our catalogue also includes pieces specially commissioned by Living Fossil. We also offer a complete framing service for any of our pieces, and also cater for our client's specifications for any large designs - ie fossil marble tables.

What are the properties of fossil marble?

Perfect for flooring, tiles, bench tops and vanity tops, our marble products are made from has the following typical properties:
Density: 2.5 – 2.65 Kg / dm3
Water Absorption: 0.1 – 0.4 %
Flexural Strength : 8 – 14 MPa
Abrasion Resistance: 200 – 340 mm3
Surface Hardness: 3 – 4 Mohs
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion (25 Deg C – 70 Deg C):    5 to 10 x x10^-6 m/m x Deg C

How do I care for fossil marble items?

Our unique tableware is made from fossil marble and as such you will be able to enjoy its natural beauty for many years. Sealed tableware can be safely cleansed with warm water and left to dry naturally. Polish with a soft cloth. Cleansing chemicals & liquids bought should be noted for suitability on marble. Staining, acidic or alkaline liquids should be avoided, as well as the use of scouring pads and powders. These unique plates should not be used in a microwave, dishwasher or oven. Although our table ware has practical function, they are also natural art treasures and will look amazing with its own display stand.

What are EONs?

The Phanerozoic Eon
In general usage, an eon (sometimes spelled aeon) is a period of time arbitrarily designated by humans. Geologists refer to an eon as the largest subdivision of time on the geologic time scale. For example, the Phanerozoic Eon, which is about 550 million years long, covers the period of time during which animals with hard shells that fossilize would have been abundant.

An eon is composed of several geologic eras, which in turn are composed of geologic periods, which are composed of geologic epochs. We are currently in the Phanerozoic Eon, the Cenozoic Era, the Quaternary Period, and the Holocene epoch. Formerly, only one eon existed besides the Phanerozoic: the Precambrian.  More recently, the Hadean, Archean, and Proterozoic "eras" of Precambrian time have been considered eons.