Strange Fossil Preservation

If you are fossil hunting, one place you would not bother with is a pyroclastic flow. But THIS ARTICLE describes the finding of a wonderfully preserved griffon vulture in volcanic rocks not far from Rome. This was in 1889. A distinguished geologist (not the finder) identified the bird and noted that he preservation was unusual. And then it was forgotten about.

Then, more recently, the remaining specimens were re-examined and found to be extremely well preserved. The head and neck were CT scanned and the creatures eyelids, tongue and skin texture were seen in great detail.

Studies were extended to the birds feathers and they also were exquisitely preserved down to the finest structures. And the feathers had been replaced by zeolite!

So now palaeontologists have a new rock type to search!