I recently purchased this Alethopteris sp. at a local fossil show. It is typical of shale found in St. Clair Pennsylvania being beautiful, but also very fragile. It’s my first plant fossil that isn’t petrified wood so I’m very excited about it!
My question to all you experienced preppers out there is... Should I consolidate it? It has the characteristic layering associated with shale, which tend to split and come apart easily. I don’t plan on the piece being handled much, if at all, but don’t want it falling to pieces in a few years as it sits in my display case.
If best practice is to consolidate, what consolidant would you recommend?