How to prepare fossils?

Hi,

Can someone give me an URL to learn how to prepare fossils, please?

Regards

Stéphane, see the following:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/vertpaleo/resources/ prep.htm http://www.fossilnews.com/1999/prep/prep.html

Phil

Super! That's what I need!

Thanks a lot

Here is the *real* lowdown on fosssil prep.

1) Wash the fossils in nothing harsher than warm tap water. Then place them in an oven at 140-150 degrees F to dry for 4-6 hours. Some fossils can't even withstand this... so think about it and ask around before you ruin it.

2) Do nothing to the fossil unless absolutely necessary.

3) The use of glyptol, lacquer or polyurethane resin is discouraged. If you must coat the fossil to slow down deterioration due to bacterial/humidity effects, dip the specimens in polyurethane resin straight out of the oven (still warm), after drying. For most fossils , this is not necessary, so DON'T.

4) If you must use an adhesive to assemble a fossil, use elmer's glue so that there is some hope of removing it if it becomes necessary.

5) When in doubt refer to rule number 2.

6) If rule 5 fails refer to rule #2 anyway.

The point is, don't do anything to destroy the scientific value of the fossil. Anything less than a pristine state degrades the usefulness of the fossil. Curated and 'prepared' specimens create so much bias that it often makes fossil useless for anything but a nice looking paperweight.

As far as chipping away matrix is concerned, a big sewing needle clutched in a pin vise is a good tool. Be careful and work slowly. Replace/sharpen the needle frequently, Use a microscope.

If you must use a dremel tool use a fresh tungsten carbide bit (worn bits tear out chunks rather than cut cleanly), and work slowly. Remove matrix around the fossil slowly to within a couple of millimeters. An electric engraving tool (the vibrating type) works nicely for removing the remaining shaly/micritic/crystalline matrix closer to the fossil. (This works nicely , try it.) Don't use much pressure.. Just barely touch the matrix with the bit of the tool and you will see the matrix crumble away as you move the bit along.

The way to do it is to attack the matrix. NEVER attack the fossil itself for removal.

Work slowly, and get some practice in with some 'scrap' fossils. Plan on spending days or even weeks extracting a single fossil from matrix.

If you have a stereo dissecting microscope, learn to work under about 5-10 power.

Take your time. Think twice, and cut once. If you wreck it, there is no

Thanks for your help, Glen

Regards,