Alabama Geology

Basilosaurus cetoides is the Alabama state fossil.

If you would like to learn more about Basilosaurus cetoides click here.
Basilosaurus is a marine whale that lived during the Eocene period of Geologic Time.

The Alabama state rock is a metamorphic rock called marble.
If you would like to learn more about the rock marble click here.

The Alabama state rock is Hematite.  Hematite is an iron oxide (chemical formula Fe2O3).  Hematite is a red mineral.  This is where the name Red Mountain in Birmingham comes from.  The Hematite in Alabama is oolitic and contains marine fossils.
If you would like to learn more about Hematite click here.

Last updated on May 12, 2003 by Jackie Grace.