[lab548]

Lawrence Barnes asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I found what I thought to be a geode, but from my understanding of these I always thought there were crystals inside them. It actually looks like a hornets nest turned to rock. Is this possible?

Thank you

LB
Florida
       
What do you think?

[HumanEnigma]

I suppose its possible but very unlikely. There have been cases where fossilized nest were found but they belonged to a species of mud dauber, which doesn't build a paper nest.
http://www.hetties.co.nz/shop/show_single_product.php?prod=137 [nofollow]
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/fossil-wasp-nest-from-uruguay-cretaceous [nofollow]

[JimBob]

All Right !!!!! Welcome to the forum, H.E.

Warning !!

Warning !!

Warning !!

The THIRD person from Austin, Texas is posting to the Geology Forum. WELCOME !!!

Now, are you a student, professional or do you just like rocks - a hobieist??
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As to the question: There are types of tabulate coral fossils that resemble wasps nests. There are also other types of organism that can be mistaken for them.

As usual, my mind is blank and I cannot recall my paleontology well enough to put names to these although the tabulate corals are a fair guess

Can you post a picture of this rock?

[Geezer]

I suppose a really small one might become encased in amber. Would that count?

[RD]

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=16650.0

[JimBob]

Not to mention this on tabulate coral.

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=16123.0

YET

If it is made of silica it very well could be a sponge.

On a surface of this that will not  show and you feel it safe to do so, scratch this with a knife. Let us know what happens.