Although there are a lot of different types of tile out there, sadly many of them are just plain boring. Thankfully the team over at Green River Stone Company is here to save us from the tile doldrums. Green River uses fossil-rich calcium carbonate shale from their own private quarry in Southwestern Wyoming. Do not ask me how they got their own private quarry, but I think I would like one just because it would sound cool. “Oh these tiles? Yes, they are from my quarry.” All while smoking a pipe and lounging in a Hugh Hefner style robe. Anyway, back to the stone. Green River uses stone, deposited 50 million years ago as sediment in a large freshwater lake. They then produce individual fossil specimens, artistic fossil murals, and other products for museums, private collectors, interior designers and architects. Prices available by request (which I’m guessing means more than $5 a square foot). Hey, it took earth 50 million years to make these, so they probably should not be cheap anyway. You can check out some of their beautiful tile, fossil and stone-work at GreenRiverStone.com.
About Marc Lyman
The original fossil fish digger R. Lee Craig and the site of the fossil quarry were written about in the August, 1934 issue of National Geographic. The article is titled “The Compleat Angler, Fishes for Fossils.” The “fishing” is better today than ever. Being a limestone shale, each layer of stone is hand dug, opening up like the pages of a book. The excitment generated during the moment of discovery never diminishes after 20 years of working this site. The sediments of this ancient freshwater lake have been dated at 51.7 million years. Anything that lived in, flew over, walked around or floated into the ancient lake could conceivable be trapped within these calcium rich limestone sediments. From flooring and countertops to wall art, these fossils provide a warmth and natural connection within the home environment.