Fossil_Rocks Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 This tooth in matrix has been sitting on a local diver's desk for about three years, under a dust cover, and has remained very stable. We think the matrix is essentially a phosphatic nodule. It's basically a piece of the ACE River Basin river bottom, and obviously it's an amazing specimen. I wanted to prep. it using a hardener, but I've never prepped any fossils before, and wasn't sure which product that I should use. I've heard of Butvar, of course and know people use it on bone, but this isn't bone, it's more mineral. Should I dip, or brush? It would seem a lot cheaper to brush it on. I'd also like something that would be water proof, afterwards. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'd also like some direction on a reputable seller of the product. Any folks here in that biz? If you are, then I'd rather throw the biz to a member, but I will need the product over nighted to me. I want to do the job myself, and I won't be doing a lot of prep. work, so I don't need a ton of the stuff, just enough for this one piece, which measure's about 10" in length. Here's a list of products that are advertised on a site called PaleoPortal Fossil Preparation. - http://preparation.paleo.amnh.org/47/adhesives-and-consolidants Solution adhesives which set by evaporation of a solvent and include:Paraloid B-72 (ethyl methacrylate co-polymer, formerly called Acryloid) Butvar B-76 (polyvinyl butyral, or PVB) Butvar B-98 (polyvinyl butyral or PVB) McGean B-15 (polyvinyl acetate or PVAC, formerly called Vinac B-15) “White glue” dispersions and emulsions (e.g. Elmers, Rhoplex, Lascaux) - Not Waterproof, so not my choice Thanks in Advance, guys ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
izak_ Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I don't know about you but i think it looks great in the rock as it is, it is very interesting. Cool find Izak 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike from North Queensland Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I use paraloid B72 to coat and consolidate my fossils but only when needed. The tooth should not need any coating and I doubt any of the paraloid would even soak into the tooth as no cracks seem present. Unsure how fragile the marine growth is but if stable you really do not need to coat with anything unless you want to give the specimen a glossier finish. If you do decide to coat the specimen a brush will work fine. just remember to coat an area at a time and do not try to coat over if the initial surface is still moist. As the specimen looks to come out of a marine (salt) environment it may be best to soak in fresh water for a week or so then let dry out completely to remove all salt. Interesting specimen, if it was mine I would maybe remove a little of the growth from the top of the tooth but not much. Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gizmo Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I doubt at this point it needs any hardeners, I'd leave it alone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snolly50 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I can see no value in coating this piece in any way - unless it is to be handled quite a bit, e.g. passed around a classroom. If it were mine it would go into a display case and safely rest there without worry of deterioration. It's a lovely, interesting piece, thanks for posting it. 1 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...
Raggedy Man Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I wouldn't touch it. It looks remarkable the way it is. 1 ...I'm back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Looks like it's worm encrusted, too; very cool! I would keep it au naturel. 1 "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Very nice to see a shark tooth still in matrix. I would leave it alone. RB 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sixgill pete Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I too, would leave it just as it is. That is an amazing display piece. 1 Bulldozers and dirt Bulldozers and dirt behind the trailer, my desert Them red clay piles are heaven on earth I get my rocks off, bulldozers and dirt Patterson Hood; Drive-By Truckers May 2016 May 2012 Aug 2013, May 2016, Apr 2020 Oct 2022 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossil_Rocks Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 (edited) I don't know about you but i think it looks great in the rock as it is, it is very interesting. Cool find Izak Well, I tend to agree, but moisture could affect this over time.I'm also concerned that it might get dust on it, and it would be easier to dust, if it had a waterproof coating on it. I use paraloid B72 to coat and consolidate my fossils but only when needed. The tooth should not need any coating and I doubt any of the paraloid would even soak into the tooth as no cracks seem present. Unsure how fragile the marine growth is but if stable you really do not need to coat with anything unless you want to give the specimen a glossier finish. If you do decide to coat the specimen a brush will work fine. just remember to coat an area at a time and do not try to coat over if the initial surface is still moist. As the specimen looks to come out of a marine (salt) environment it may be best to soak in fresh water for a week or so then let dry out completely to remove all salt. Interesting specimen, if it was mine I would maybe remove a little of the growth from the top of the tooth but not much. Mike It's already dry, and I see no evidence of salt remaining, of course that doesn't mean much just looking at it. As for cleaning up this tooth a bit, I tend to agree, but my preference is the more rustic look. Again, my primary concern is the stability over a long period of time, with humidity, and I live on the coast. Edited August 3, 2015 by Fossil_Rocks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossil_Rocks Posted August 3, 2015 Author Share Posted August 3, 2015 Looks like it's worm encrusted, too; very cool! I would keep it au naturel. Thanks ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fossilselachian Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Why even consider doing anything to such an outstanding specimen?? The matrix appears stable and the large meg is not going anywhere. A great conversation piece as well as a great addition to any collection. Le' vr alone. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZiggieCie Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 This link has a section on preserving teeth etc. I would keep yours like it is. It looks good, and different. http://nautarch.tamu.edu/CRL/conservationmanual/ConservationManual.pdf 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 If you coat it, you will reduce its value. (That should hit home... ) 1 "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abyssunder Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Looks gorgeous in this assemblage with the worms. I suggest, leave it as is. 1 " We are not separate and independent entities, but like links in a chain, and we could not by any means be what we are without those who went before us and showed us the way. " Thomas Mann My Library Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snolly50 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 This link has a section on preserving teeth etc. I would keep yours like it is. It looks good, and different. http://nautarch.tamu.edu/CRL/conservationmanual/ConservationManual.pdf Thanks for posting that pdf. It looks like it will be interesting to read and may certainly prove useful to me at some time. This Forum is a great resource. 1 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...
Raggedy Man Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 You could always use a sealed case. One that protects against moisture. Just adding another option to the table. Paul 1 ...I'm back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troodon Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 I'll echo what others have said leave it alone, do nothing. I have Megs from Lee Creek on matrix, very similiar to yours, that I've enjoyed for years with nothing being done to them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njfossilhunter Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 I know guys that dive for these teeth and they tell me that you need to soak it in fresh water for a certain amount of time depending on what it is and how large as well ,,you need to change the water ...with your specimen ,,every 5 days or so for maybe up to a month...or more..I would get a salt testing kit and check the salt content before changing the water to see how much salt if any is left....IMHO. 1 TonyThe Brooks Are Like A Box Of Chocolates,,,, You Never Know What You'll Find. I Told You I Don't Have Alzheimer's.....I Have Sometimers. Some Times I Remember And Some Times I Forget.... I Mostly Forget. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fossil_Rocks Posted August 29, 2015 Author Share Posted August 29, 2015 Thanks to all who contributed to solving my puzzle. I decided to leave it, as is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike from North Queensland Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 Good decision Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwigia Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 Agreed. That piece really spurs the imagination. Greetings from the Lake of Constance. Roger http://www.steinkern.de/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caldigger Posted September 3, 2015 Share Posted September 3, 2015 "Oh they pump these things out in China by the thousands, its worthless!" NOT!!!!! It looks really cool the way it is, I am glad you decided to leave as is. A very interesting conversational show piece. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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