Raptor9468 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 Hello everyone,I've recently acquired this piece of unprepped oreodont jaw section and want to do some prep work on it However I've realized that the jaw looks quite fragmented and is afraid that it might break apart into thousands of fragments. I had only prepped a knightia before and I am kinda confused what I should do now. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor9468 Posted February 24, 2020 Author Share Posted February 24, 2020 The bottom of the fragment looks like this and I am not sure if it would break of easily,shouldnt the bottom be entirely bone? Sorry if this sounds like a dumb question I dont have much knowledge on fossilized bones Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyw Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 First it’s definitely NOT an Oreodont jaw. Those are NOT Oreodont teeth. In your second picture you are correct it should be all bone but the bottom of the jawbone has been broken off. How big is this piece? As to the fractures either super glue or paraloid would work to stabilize the piece. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor9468 Posted February 24, 2020 Author Share Posted February 24, 2020 This piece measure around 11cm length or4.25 inches Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossildude19 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 Cropped, brightened, and rotated: 3 Tim - VETERAN SHALE SPLITTER VFOTM --- APRIL - 2015 __________________________________________________ "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." John Muir ~ ~ ~ ~ ><))))( *> About Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snolly50 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 7 hours ago, Randyw said: NOT an Oreodont jaw. The matrix has the appearance of White River material (Oreodont territory); but the teeth do not match any creature of my experience from those environs. From the photo it gives more of a croc vibe, except it seems (oddly) a homodont. I don't know. 2 Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, also are remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor9468 Posted February 24, 2020 Author Share Posted February 24, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor9468 Posted February 24, 2020 Author Share Posted February 24, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snolly50 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 Perhaps I am just confused by the appearance of the teeth due to the infilled matrix causing the look of single crown canine-like teeth. The 2nd photo now posted looks potentially Oreodont. To solve the mystery, prep. Oreodont teeth are unmistakable. Consolidate the exposed bone and start on exposure of the teeth. If it were mine, I would prep it "one-sided." That is, leaving a matrix backing for support. Good luck, have fun. Be sure to post your progress. Edit: Yet another, better close-up photo posted as I was two-finger typing. Yes, prep! Start with a single tooth from the photo immediately above. Just enough prep to expose the occlusal surface will be ID sufficient and will leave a matrix backing, should you choose to proceed with a matrix backed final piece. 2 Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, also are remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so. - Douglas Adams, Last Chance to See Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptychodus04 Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 White river material is typically rather fragmented but also somewhat forgiving. If you've not prepped much, I would suggest starting with a large needle in a pin vise. Go slow and don't push hard and you'll be fine. You can consolidate the bone with Paraloid B72 in acetone or ethanol (1:50 approximate ratio by weight). 2 Regards, Kris Global Paleo Services, LLC https://globalpaleoservices.com http://instagram.com/globalpaleoservices http://instagram.com/kris.howe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyw Posted February 24, 2020 Share Posted February 24, 2020 These new pictures are much better. It is an Oreodont jaw after all. The infill and exposure of the first pictures made them look entirely different. This is white river Oreodont material and should be fairly easy to prep if you’re careful. As ptychodus04 says consolidate with paraloid and keep the super glue handy. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor9468 Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor9468 Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raptor9468 Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 I used a large needle attached to a toothpick for the job 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruger9a Posted April 2, 2020 Share Posted April 2, 2020 You may also want to try using a tool like an XACTO handle and blades. That is my primary detailing tool for Oreodont skulls, especially the teeth. I generally remove the bulk (useless) matrix with a Dremel tool until I get within a half inch of the actual fossil, then the XACTO comes out. I allows for detailed work without unintentionally removing bone/teeth. It is a much SLOWER process but I've found I can achieve better results. Below is an example of the results I get using the XACTO. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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