Delicate Fossil Preservation

[noahc0d]

Hi everyone! I have this middle section of a trilobite from the south pit at Arkona, but it’s very fragile. I’ve already lost some of it, so I’m looking for tips to keep it safe. 

[Kikokuryu]

If you have any stabilizers like Butvar or Paraloid, you can use one of those drop dispenser bottles (just make sure it's not made of anything that will melt in acetone) and carefully apply it. I know some delicate material and matrix do not enjoy a full acetone bath and will crumble so these are very useful for things that will otherwise turn to mush. Probably use a small brush and have some pure acetone on the side as well to make sure it doesn't just pool in one spot and leave shiny spots of whatever you used to stabilize it.

[noahc0d]

@Kikokuryu Awesome, thank you! I'll order some on amazon.

[Mainefossils]

Nice trilobite, @noahc0d! If you want, I can PM you a site where you can get this plastic resin cheapest (as far as I know). Happy hunting! 

 

Regards, 

Asher

Edited August 27, 2021 by Mainefossils

[ScottBlooded]

1 hour ago, Mainefossils said:

Nice trilobite, @noahc0d! If you want, I can PM you a site where you can get this plastic resin cheapest. Happy hunting! 

 

Regards, 

Asher

Hey, not to jump in out of place, but would you be willing to PM me that link as well?

[noahc0d]

@MainefossilsThat would be awesome, thank you!

[Daniel Fischer]

I only did proper fossil prep twice so I don't think I can give any reliable advice but I will say that this fossil is very nice even without preparation  and if you are not using it for research maybe you should keep it as it is, depends how fragile it is and what you personally prefer obviously.