Unbeknownst to the average traveler, the Sahara Desert in eastern Morocco contains vast fossil and mineral deposits. Morocco is one of the most geo-diverse countries on earth, dominated by the Atlas Mountains to the west and the Sahara Desert to the east. The arid conditions mean that large areas of rock are exposed, making it easy to understand its geology.
Fossils of trilobites, ammonites, and other prehistoric life, including dinosaurs, coral, and shark teeth, can be found in eastern Morocco. Fascinating natural features such as folded rocks, towering sand dunes, and numerous fossil deposits dating from the pre-Cambrian to Recent geological time await eager nature enthusiasts.
Trilobite Fossil from Morocco
The Geological Richness of Morocco
During the Paleozoic Era (around 541 to 252 million years ago), Morocco was submerged under a shallow sea. As time marched on, Morocco’s geography evolved. During the Mesozoic Era (around 252 to 66 million years ago), the region witnessed the emergence of dinosaurs, including the famous theropod Spinosaurus.
Ancient Marine Life
It is crazy to think that millions of years ago, the Sahara Desert would have been a shallow sea. Prehistoric sea creatures called Ammonites, Orthoceras, and Trilobites flourished in this sea and as they died, accumulated on the seafloor. Their bodies were buried in the sediment and over millennia were turned into stone.
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Ammonites are similar to modern-day snails (mollusks) and recognized by their spiral bodies. Orthoceras resemble modern-day squids with a narrow body and ‘toothlike’ beak. The hard exoskeleton of Trilobites is divided into three distinct segments that fossilize well.
Ammonite Fossil
Key Fossil Sites in Morocco
Morocco boasts fossils of varying ages, from approximately 570 to 245 million years old. Remarkably, it holds the oldest known Homo sapiens fossils, dating back about 315,000 years, surpassing previous discoveries by over 100,000 years. These ancient human remains were unearthed in Jebel Irhoud, Morocco, and their age was determined using thermoluminescence dating. The site also revealed evidence of fire usage by early Homo sapiens.
Erfoud
The best place to find fossils in Morocco is in the town of Erfoud in the middle of the Ziz Oasis, near the famous Erg Chebbi Desert. Tourists can visit the Museum of Fossils and Minerals or a number of fossil factories in the area to experience firsthand the process of finding and extracting fossils. Many Berber families from Erfoud and Midelt have been involved in the mining and restoration of fossils for many generations.
Kem Kem Beds
The Kem Kem Beds formation between Morocco and Algeria in south-eastern Morocco is a well-known archaeological site. A sheep herder in the small desert village of Hassi Begaa found fish bones in 1991. This led to an increased interest in the area and resulted in the discovery of numerous dinosaur bones and even footprints. One of the most interesting finds has been that of the Spinosaurus- the first known semiaquatic dinosaur. It is believed to be the largest predatory dinosaur on Earth, even bigger than a T-rex!
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Spinosaurus Size Comparison
Khouribga
The phosphate deposits of Khouribga Province are the largest in the world and contribute significantly to Morocco’s economy due to their use in the manufacture of fertilizers and in the chemical and ceramics industries but they also contain a wealth of excellently preserved fossils such as shark’s teeth and mosasaurs, a type of giant, carniverous marine lizard.
The Moroccan Fossil Trade
The Moroccan fossil trade is the large industry surrounding the excavation, preparation, and international sale of fossils from Morocco. As interest in collecting fossils grew in the late 20th century, the Moroccan fossil trade grew into a lucrative industry of its own. More than 50,000 Moroccans earn their living in mining, trading, or exporting fossils, and the industry itself is worth more than $40 million annually.
Moroccan fossils can only be collected and exported with a permit from the competent authorities. Specifically, Article 116 of the 2015 Mining Code provides that permits are required for the extraction, collection, and commercialisation of fossils, meteorites, and mineralogical specimens.
The Process of Fossil Extraction and Preparation
Hand-dug trenches are mined with shovels, picks, and chisels, the marble rocks are extracted and hand micro-blasted to remove rock fragments from the fossils. After having been extracted from the earth, locals clean and prepare the fossils for sale.
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Some fossils are polished for display purposes, other large pieces of marble may be carved and polished to make tables, fountains, soap dishes, bowls, pendants, and a variety of decorative items. These items can be purchased in Erfoud and in the souks of Marrakech and Fes.
Fossil Products from Morocco
Concerns and Controversies
The fossil industry has been the source of various concerns. Some commentators worry that the industrial-scale excavations and insufficient governmental regulations are damaging Morocco's paleontological heritage. There are also concerns for the safety and welfare of the fossil diggers themselves, who are often paid very little (considerably less than exporters and middleman) and suffer through difficult working conditions.
Scientific concerns have also been raised in that fossils may end up in the marketplace rather than available for scientific research, and that important fossils may be destroyed or neglected and lost due to being deemed to not be of commercial interest.
Some experts worry that the Moroccan fossil industry "exploits Morocco's paleontogical heritage". In some cases, rare fossil specimens end up in marketplaces instead of becoming available for scientific study. Another cause of concern is that associated fossil material, such as partial skeletons, are often overlooked by commercial collectors since they do not employ field jackets or lab preparation.
The Authenticity of Moroccan Fossils
Yes, fossils from Morocco are authentic and genuine. Identifying real fossils involves careful examination. Genuine fossils usually have distinct features such as well-preserved structures, mineralization, and adherence to known geological contexts.
Most of the trilobite specimens from Morocco that end up in the international market have some amount of restoration, given that they are rarely found in perfect condition. Sometimes, trilobites can be entirely fake, made from plaster or other materials, such as local muds or car putty. The authenticity of a fossil trilobite can usually be determined by examining it for air bubbles using a UV flashlight.
Morocco fossil finds re-write the origins of our species - BBC
Crystals and Minerals
Various beautiful crystals and minerals occur in Morocco, too many to name for the non-discerning traveler. The Bou Azzer District near Ouarzazate is well known for its cobalt silver mines and the small town of Taouz near Merzouga has rich mineral and fossil deposits. Morocco has the second-largest reserves of phosphate in the world and is the largest producer of silver and lead in Africa.
Colorful, shiny gemstones and geodes (a rock containing a cavity filled with crystals) are often for sale in the souks of the bigger towns and stone selling markets along the roadside between the Sahara Desert and Marrakech. Jewelry inlaid with gemstones and colorful beads are popular.
Moroccan Minerals and Crystals
Table of Key Fossil Sites and Discoveries
| Site Name | Key Fossils Found | Age (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Erfoud | Trilobites, Orthoceras, Crinoids | Devonian (420-360 million years ago) |
| Kem Kem Beds | Spinosaurus, Fish, Turtles, Crocodiles, Pterosaurs | Late Cretaceous (98-92 million years ago) |
| Khouribga | Shark Teeth, Mosasaurs | Late Cretaceous to Eocene (80-55 million years ago) |
| Atlantic Coast (Agadir) | Ammonites | Late Cretaceous |
| Ouarzazate Area | Stromatolite Reefs | Ediacaran (600 million years ago) |
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