Solenastria cf bella (Conrad, 1841) Lower Pleistocene scleractinian coral from the James City Formation, Lee Creek Mine, Aurora NC - hand/display specimen The Navajo sand grains are

The Navajo sand grains are well rounded and much smaller

the Navajo was deposited during the Jurassic as sand in a vast coastal and inland dune field

Publication was originally in separate fascicles

Diagenesis refers to the conversion of sediments into sedimentary rock

Solenastria cf bella (Conrad, 1841) Lower Pleistocene scleractinian coral from the James City Formation, Lee Creek Mine, Aurora NC - hand/display specimen The Navajo sand grains areSolenastria cf bella (Conrad, 1841) Lower Pleistocene James City Formation Taxonomy of the scleractinian (stony) corals is difficult, and an "eye" identification can only take you close. These appear to be close to Solanastria bella Conrad. Correct identification depends on structural ornament in the sub millimeter domain. These were collected from spoil piles at the Lee Creek Mine, on the Pamlico River near Aurora, Beaufort County, North Carolina.