Confirmation and prep advice

[wetwilly]

Took advantage of the nice day today and found a few things in one of the streams in Monmouth County NJ.   Just wanted to confirm that this is Hoploparia gabbi (approx. 3" ).  

Also, should I try and remove the matrix?  

Thanks in advance

 

[Thomas.Dodson]

Looks like a Hoploplaria. What kind of prep tools do you have access to? Scribes, air abrader, basic dental picks, etc. How soft is the matrix? How soft is the fossil? I'd guess based on the looks of it that it can be cleaned up with some basic pick and scrape work with some dental picks easily enough. Some members familiar with prepping things from your area may be able to weigh in.

[RJB]

Some very nice preservation in that critter.  If by chance you have a micro scribe, I'd say thats your best bet in removing some matrix.  That and patience.  Best of luck

 

RB

[wetwilly]

Thanks for the help on this.  I tried the best I could with what I had to clean this up.  Not sure I should take it any further.... 

 

This was by far the largest piece of H. Gabbi I have found over the years looking in this stream - very surprised on the details

of the preservation.

 

[Randyw]

Looks good. I don't think I'd do much more either. Nice find! 

[PFOOLEY]

@wetwilly, good job on the cleanup...that is an awesome specimen. 

 

[Adam86cucv]

That's a great find and a nice job prepping.  

[Advantage]

Lovely specimen a great find and some good prep too.

[rocket]

well done 

[Searcher78]

Nice. Now I’m hungry for shrimp.