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  1. Being a member of the forum for 7 great years now, I have seen plenty of questions from beginners asking how to prep their finds. And this was something I struggled with at the beginning myself. As a result, I have brought together some of MY techniques of basic fossil preparation in a picture heavy presentation. Each fossil shown required less than 4 minutes to prep. It works well for me with the type of rock that I pick up. My old techniques will probably make more advanced members cringe!!! But remember, we all have to start somewhere. So let us begin with items that are probably already found in your home . We will need some matrix to work on. All pieces of matrix in the bucket have a hint of a fossil showing. From experience, I have found that removing most of the matrix out on a hunt results in disaster. Improper tools, hasty removal, pieces fly and drop onto the rocks below, no glue. Trim pieces down to a reasonable size but do the finesse work at home. VICE: I knew the vice would make some of you scream NO!!!! I heard @Malcolmt for sure!!! The vice is usually used for breaking off larger chunks of matrix . Always begin AWAY from the fossil and as matrix is removed, move towards it. Microfractures will occur in the matrix as one progresses closer to the fossil. Something that you can "feel". At this point the heavy duty equipment can be put away and use more delicate utensils. When applying pressure to the matrix, do so SLOWLY. Often you will feel the rock break BEFORE cracks are seen. Stop and assess the situation before proceeding. Look at the pieces of matrix removed as they can reveal unseen fossils that are worthy of collection. If an unforeseen fracture occurs through the fossil, CAREFULLY remove the pieces from the vice. This is why superglue is pictured in the tools needed for preparation. HAMMER: It is used with a chisel or a drywall screw but can be utilized alone. If such is the case, I have had the best luck tapping the matrix on the backside. Give gentile taps over the surface of the matrix trying to find weaknesses in the rock. As with the vice, you often feel the weakness before the break. This allows inspection of the fossil, making sure the matrix doesn't split through the fossil. On layered matrix, Tap on the sides of the specimen, not on the top or bottom. This will allow splitting of the sample in a bedding plane, as seen below. CHISEL: Chisels seem to be most effective in very hard matrix or softer layered stone. Place the chisel on a bedding plane NEXT TO the fossil. If the chisel touches a fossil, a imperfection will likely be produced. Unfortunately, sometimes this can't be helped. As with the vice and hammer, start with gentle taps, slowly increasing in force until success is had.
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