JUAN EMMANUEL Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 When I found this fossil it has some green algal growth on it as I found it on the grass. The algae did not cover the entire fossil but is there some way I can remove the yellow coating of this fossil? I've been scrubbing it with a brush under running water for a while now and some of the dirt does come off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miocene_Mason Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Maybe a light acid like vinegar, although I would be careful with it as it could damage the fossil. Scrubbing with an abrasive might also work. A scribe would work but would take a painstakingly long amount of time. “...whilst this planet has gone cycling on according to the fixed law of gravity, from so simple a beginning endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been and are being evolved.” ~ Charles Darwin Happy hunting, Mason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Did you give the peroxide a try? ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JUAN EMMANUEL Posted May 27, 2017 Author Share Posted May 27, 2017 22 minutes ago, Kane said: Did you give the peroxide a try? I already tried but peroxide only removed a little bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Maybe some gentle abrasion if you have the tools for it. Or, perhaps a much longer soak in the peroxide might remove more. If you can get your hands on a stronger peroxide, that may expedite the process - but since that is something I've never done, I'll defer to others who have gone that route. ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crabfossilsteve Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Bleach will kill algae and should work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptychodus04 Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 37 minutes ago, crabfossilsteve said: Bleach will kill algae and should work. +1. I've used bleach to kill algae on fossils. Mix 1 cup per gallon of water and let it soak overnight. Then rinse with clean water and scrub with a stiff bristle brush (grout brush works great if the specimen isn't fragile). I often use liquid dish soap with the scrub to help break stuff loose. When done, rinse well and soak overnight again in fresh water to remove any lingering bleach odor. This process can be repeated as often as needed until you're happy with the status of the prep. 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...
Raggedy Man Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 If you're going to use a bleach, I recommend a 10% solution. Any stronger and you risk damaging your specimen. ...I'm back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptychodus04 Posted May 28, 2017 Share Posted May 28, 2017 12 hours ago, Raggedy Man said: If you're going to use a bleach, I recommend a 10% solution. Any stronger and you risk damaging your specimen. 1 cup bleach mixed with a gallon of water yields a 6.25% solution. 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...
goatinformationist Posted June 2, 2017 Share Posted June 2, 2017 Agreed; bleach first. Then use SHMP for dirt or particulate matter that does not belong.. see: https://www.gamineral.org/writings/cleanquartz-carter.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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