By Isle of Wight Observer
A scout group from Brighton witnessed the discovery of what has been described as the ‘best ever’ crystal geode, found on the Island during a trip to Brook Bay.
The group was taking part in a fossil-hunting trip organised by Island Gems, and led by local palaeontologist, Martin Simpson, known as the ‘fossil man’.
Martin decided to take a detour to search for crystallised fossil sponges.
He said: “When the sun is this bright, it’s great for hunting geodes – flint rocks which have quartz-filled cavities – as you can see the crystals glittering a mile off.”
The scouts had already found several good examples, as well as fool’s gold crystals, when Martin spotted an oval stone resembling a dinosaur egg.
He said: “I decided to break it open anyway, but was completely gobsmacked at what was inside.”
When the stone cracked open, there was a resounding “ooh” from the group, as they saw what Martin described as the best geode he had found in 43 years of collecting.
The stone was filled with transparent quartz crystals, which had completely replaced a fossilised sponge.
The group unanimously agreed that the find should be put on display so more people can see it.
Martin has named the gem the ‘Fossil Fabergé Egg’.
