Pink Cap-Blanc-Nez shell

[Max-fossils]

Hi all,

 

Just wondering how I should go about with the prep of this one. It's from Cap-Blanc-Nez, France, and the matrix is Cretaceous chalk. Should I prep this using vinegar (and water)? If yes, how? Or is it better to go with the small metal picks? (The matrix is rather soft)

 

Any other tips or things I should know before I tackle this one?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Max

 

[caldigger]

If the matrix is soft, I would slowly pick it off with tools and leave on the matrix pedalstool for stability and display aesthetics.

That way you can have much more control over what parts you want exposed.

[Innocentx]

Vinegar can get out of hand. @caldigger has best advice here.

[holdinghistory]

Agree too, some picks (or a gentle scribe if you have one) would be best. 

[Max-fossils]

On 5/20/2018 at 3:43 PM, caldigger said:

If the matrix is soft, I would slowly pick it off with tools and leave on the matrix pedalstool for stability and display aesthetics.

That way you can have much more control over what parts you want exposed.

 

On 5/20/2018 at 7:42 PM, Innocentx said:

Vinegar can get out of hand. @caldigger has best advice here.

 

On 5/20/2018 at 8:09 PM, holdinghistory said:

Agree too, some picks (or a gentle scribe if you have one) would be best. 

Ok thanks guys!

Metal picks it is.

It won't be a tough job, but it will be a long one (the matrix goes off easily but slowly). The result is kinda promising so far, let's hope it doesn't disappoint me.