Uploaded November 2016 | Updated September 2026, 10 minutes ago

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It's not easy separating fossils from everything else that comes out of the ground -- especially when some of it plays tricks on you!

In this video, Dr. Elizabeth Smith of the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, NSW, Australia, demonstrates some of the imposters, illusions and complications in the process of identifying fossil material found on the opal fields.

Many of these fossils are part of the incredible and extensive collection of the Australian Opal Centre.

Special thanks to Dr. Smith for her patience and amazing knowledge, and to the Australian Opal Centre for allowing me access to fascinating and incredible objects.

For more opalised fossils from the Australian Opal Centre's collection, be sure to check out the Fine Details Preserved playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVN2FlE1njWuc4VUuRgGaf9d-EOlKP8bs

Extras from this episode: idontunderstand.info/news-extras/extras-fossils-and-false-fossils

Australian Opal Centre on Facebook: facebook.com/AustralianOpalCentre
Australian Opal Centre on the old-fashioned internet: australianopalcentre.com
Donate to help build the new AOC building: http://australianopalcentre.gofundraise.com.au

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