Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Coprolite

The Fossil Keeper of Ancient Wisdom

Also known as: Coprolith

About the stone

Coprolite crystal — Photo: Poozeum, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Coprolite, also called coprolith, fossilized dung, or fossil poop, is preserved animal feces—a trace fossil rather than a mineral or necessarily dinosaur remains. Mary Anning recognized examples containing fish bones and scales at Lyme Regis, England, by 1824; William Buckland formally described and named them in 1829, combining Greek words meaning “dung stone.” Found worldwide, notable examples come from England’s Jurassic Coast, Scotland’s Wardie Shales, and dinosaur-bearing deposits in South Dakota, USA; their contents reveal ancient diets and ecosystems. Their historical lore comes partly from being called “bezoar stones,” after animal stomach concretions once believed to counteract poison.

Mineral data

Chemical composition: Coprolite is a fossil, not a single mineral: fossilized animal dung in which the original organic matter has been replaced by silica or other minerals, so its makeup varies.
Hardness: Varies with the minerals that replaced the original material, often about 3 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
Color: Brown, tan, gray or black, often mottled or banded, sometimes with visible fossil fragments.
Specific gravity: Variable
Refractive index: Variable

Metaphysical data

Coprolite, recognized as a fossil from the deep past, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to link people with the wisdom of the ancient earth and to support protection, longevity and transition.

Protective Energy

Coprolite is believed to serve as a talisman for longevity and protection, a symbol of endurance across vast stretches of time.
It is thought to aid in transformation and times of transition, reminding us that what was once ordinary can become enduring.

Emotional Healing

It is often described as bringing a grounded, humorous and humble perspective, because it connects us with the everyday life of ancient creatures.
It is thought to help one release worries about the present by seeing them against the long timeline of the earth.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

Coprolite is associated with the root and sacral chakras, the centers of stability, survival and creative vitality.
In meditation it is used to anchor energy deeply in the body and the earth.

Zodiac Associations

Coprolite is connected with the zodiac signs Capricorn and Virgo, earth signs of patience, practicality and careful work.
It is said to vibrate to the number 5, a number of change and adaptation, a fitting symbol for an ancient creature's transformation into stone.

Spiritual Growth

It is believed to contain ancient Earth wisdom and telepathic links to ancient plants and animals, supporting a feeling of kinship with all life.
It is also said to assist in accessing the Akashic Records and past-life memories, and to increase intuition and the development of psychic gifts.

Physical Healing

This information is for general interest and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and the fossil does not treat any condition.
Traditional lore links it with bones, muscles, hands and feet, a symbolic association only, and anyone with such concerns should seek proper medical care.

Care and handling

Coprolite is a fossil that is usually sturdy, since minerals have replaced the original material, but hardness varies and some pieces are porous or crack easily. Clean it with a soft dry brush or a slightly damp cloth, and dry it well. Avoid soaking, harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners, and keep it out of extreme heat or cold. Store it padded, and wash your hands after handling raw specimens.

Individual experiences with Coprolite vary, and its effects are personal. Hold it mindfully, smile at its humble origin, and let it remind you of the long, patient story of life on earth.