Muschelkalk, literally ‘shell limestone’ in German, is the time-honoured name used in Germany and neighbouring countries for a particular group of calcareous rocks deposited during a precise geological interval in northern mainland Europe. Muschelkalk consists mainly of limestones, various argillaceous and dolomitic limestones, and marls, each with distinctive fossils. Parts of southern pfalz, rheinhessen, and central franken in Germany, and neusiedlersee-hügelland in Austria’s Burgenland, are sited on Muschelkalk, as are a number of grand cru vineyards in alsace.
