Re: Fossil preservation techniques and materials, a short question

From
o.a.hoel@xxxxxxxxxxxx
Date
The best (if not the fastest) technique I suppose would be to do what I have
used to prepare trilobites in some rather hard Ordovician limestones here in
Norway: Use a drill and grinding tool to take away most of the matrix (if
there is a lot of matrix some of it can be removed with a diamond saw for
speed) and then use a Vibro-Hammer (also known to suppliers as an electric
engraver) to take away the last bits. Be sure to always point the sharp end
towards the fossil and let the tool chip away the matrix. ALWAYS work under
a binocular microscope (small magnification). This method requires that
there is a certain contrast between matrix and fossil, if not you may go
straight through the fossil before you know it (You had better practice on
some unimportant specimens before you tackle the real stuff). Try to take it
easy and don't hurry!!! 

Good luck
Ole A. Hoel
Paleontologisk Museum
Sars gate 1
N-0562 OSLO
NORWAY

e-mail: o.a.hoel@toyen.uio.no


At 18:07 03.06.97 -0700, FossilDude@aol.com wrote:
>I have a question concerning the best method of removing delicate fossils
>from a hard micrite mud matrix (black limestone, incase some of you are more
>familiar).  This matrix is very hard, and it fractures conchodially, and in
>it are some very delicate ammonoids I am to study this summer.  I have been
>chipping away at these samples with a hammer, and it frustrates me when I
>look at a newly chipped edge to find a nice large ammonoid, not in so good a
>shape.  So, I figure I would do well in investing in a dental drill, or other
>drill of some sort.  I was wondering if anyone here could point me in the
>direction of a reasonably affordable set up.
>
>JH
>
>
Ole A. Hoel
Paleontologisk Museum
Sars Gate 1
N-0562 OSLO
NORWAY

E-mail: o.a.hoel@toyen.uio.no