Pseudo-fossils

Psuedo-fossils are inorganic objects, markings, or impressions that might be mistaken for fossils. Dendrites are a pseudo-fossil consisting of fern like mineral stains that are commonly misinterpreted as fossils of vegetation. Pyrite disks or spindles are sometimes mistaken for fossils of sand dollars or other forms. Cracks, bumps, gas bubbles, and such can be difficult to distinguish from true fossils. Debates about whether specific forms are pseudo or true fossils can be lengthy and difficult. For example, Eozoon is a complex lumpy form found in some rocks that was long thought to be a fossil algae until "specimens" were identified in recent lavas.