Kinzers Formation

Kinzers Formation
Stratigraphic range: Cambrian Stage 4
Reticulately weathered argillaceous-banded limestone of upper member of Kinzers Formation. USGS photo.
TypeSedimentary
Sub-unitsEmigsville Mb., York Mb., Greenmount Mb.
UnderliesLedger Formation
OverliesVintage Dolomite
Lithology
PrimaryLimestone
OtherShale, marble
Location
RegionMid-Atlantic United States
CountryUnited States
ExtentPennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia
Type section
Named forKinzers, Pennsylvania
Named byStose, G.W., and Jonas, A.I.

The Kinzers Formation is a geologic formation in Pennsylvania. It preserves fossils dating back to the fourth stage of the Cambrian Period.

The base of the Kinzers Formation is primarily a dark-brown shale. The middle is a gray and white spotted limestone and, locally, marble having irregular partings. The top is a sandy limestone which weathers to a fine-grained, friable, porous, sandy mass. Wilshusen formally divided the Kinzers into three members along these lines in his 1979 map of York, Pennsylvania. The members are called the Earthy Buff Limestone Member, Pure Limestone Member, and Shale Member.