Preserving clay with fossils/imprints in them.

[Raistlin]

So Steve and I got back from our trip to collect mazon nodules. At a pay site I discovered some layered clay that has fossils in it. I grabbed some to separate later but here are a few examples of what they look like. The clay is only semi moist drying more each day.

What is the best way to preserve them so that they do not become brittle and crumble apart?

http://imgur.com/a/auuS2

[Auspex]

I'm sure there are a couple preferred consilodants to stabilize them once dry, but take your time getting them to that point by drying them slowly to reduce shrinkage.

[Raistlin]

Would just leaving them at normal room temp and humidity be okay for slow drying? Would a flat or satin clear coating be okay for stabilizing?

[fossilized6s]

I use clear elmers glue and water for simple and cheap stabilizing.

[Auspex]

I might retard the drying process by covering them loosely with damp newspaper.

[Ptychodus04]

Wrap in damp newspaper or towel, then wrap in dry newspaper or towels, then put it in a cardboard box. Let it sit for a week or so. That usually does a good job of slowly drying the clay. Clay and soft shale are notorious for cracking up due to the expansive nature of clay.

Once dry and prepped, consolidate with PVA or Butvar dissolved in Acetone.