There are many books devoted to palaeontology and fossils. However, none have yet dealt with the processes of fossilization, from the formation of the most common fossils to the more exceptional mineralization of animal remains, plants, micro-organisms and even molecules.

Fossilization offers an exhaustive review of fossilization, combining an explanation of the processes involved, reference to the deposits that deliver the different types of fossils, and illustrations of representative specimens. As the exceptional fossiliferous sites of the French territory fully reflect the multitude of cases of fossilization – from the most common to the most original ¬– they are showcased here.

Didier Néraudeau is Professor of Paleontology at the University of Rennes, France. His research focuses on all types of fossils, from all geological eras.

Jean-David Moreau is a paleontologist at the University of Paris-Saclay, France. His research focuses on the reconstruction of Paleozoic and Mesozoic continental paleoecosystems, combining paleobotany, paleoichnology and sedimentology.