l for adhesive
The following fossil has been treated as indicated
Application of B-72. The shell absorbs B72 from the cotton bud.
Right half painted with B-72. Left half untouched.
Whole shell is dry after 20 seconds
For further information follow the following link Tips for the Vertebrate Fossil Preparator
STORAGE OF YOUR COLLECTION together with its documentation is as important as the fossil find itself. Without good notes at collection, your fossil may lose much of its provenance. A fossil without provenance is of little if any use to science.
Typical notes which should be taken while fossil collecting are as follows;
- Name of Collector
- collection number (——).
- The Phylum (————-)
- The species name
- Anything special about the specimen
- Rock in which found
- location including GPS
- Date of collection.
There is a variety of options for the storage of fossils. The type of storage is dependant on the use you will make of your collection and if it is to shown to others. Any storage container which secures the specimen and protects it from damage is acceptable including old chocolate boxes, and packaging of all types.
A basic but convenient storage is the cardboard box. These can be purchased on EBAY (Jewellers Boxes) or even from $2 shops (called gift or party boxes). A cardboard box can be written on with the relevant detail. Jewellers boxes commonly come with cotton wool padding. This may be retained or other padded inserts may be substituted if required.
Boxes are easily stored in shelves, sets of drawers or other boxes to house your collection. One thing is certain. An avid collector will need to rehouse the collection frequently as it grows. This re-housing should retain the integrity of the noted details of the fossil. A register is easily made on a home computer which can also include a photograph of the specimen and perhaps a photograph of the find location. GPS apps are readily available on smart phones and GPS Co ordinates should be noted at fossil finds.
Another method of storage which is secure and presents well is the use of Gem Jars. These are readily available on Ebay although more expensive than the boxes. They come in varying sizes and may be contained in a tray or loose in foam sheets. The sets of gem jars in trays are very useful as they can be stacked. They offer the opportunity to view the specimen without handling it and a round self adhesive tag underneath can contain a unique number which can be loaded into your register of fossils. Gem jars may not be large enough for some of your specimens and so a petri dish may offer a good alternative with a cut foam blanket to hold the specimen. In a similar way to the trays of gem jars, you can load these larger petri dishes into boxes with a layer of foam (cut out to fit the petri dish or individual fossil). See below.
In order to cut foam circles to fit differing size gem jars or petri dishes use a tin can with the top cut out (using a sideways cutting can opener). Beware the sharp edge. Rest the edge on the foam and turn slowly to “cookie cut” the required hole. An adjustable cutter may be made by cutting off the top and bottom with a side cutting tin opener and then cutting length ways along the tin. A metal hose clamp will hold the round shape and allow adjustment to size.
Small sets of storage drawers are available at major office supply outlets. These are available in timber, carboard and metal. A more expensive option (workshop tool drawers ) may be obtained for hardware stores. Otherwise use an existing cupboard or shelves (not in a laundry or other wet area).
Your fossils have survived for millions of years in the open. With your good storage and curation it can be preserved indefinitely.