Megalodoodle Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 I found a nice well-preserved ammonite specimen while on a trip, the only problem is it’s in the middle of massive slab of stone! How do I remove it without utterly destroying it? Is it even worth it to try? Jackhammers are not an option. Is it possible to dissolve the rock using an extremely strong acid? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrangellian Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 If you won't get in trouble for doing it, you could rent a gas-powered saw with a diamond blade. I've done it a few times.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snolly50 Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 I don't quite understand. Is the ammonite still in the field or have you already collected it and now it is a prep issue? 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...
caldigger Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 Not recommending acids, you may destroy the fossil including yourself in the process. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kane Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 We’ll be able to advise better with some photos. A doctor shouldn’t diagnose without seeing the patient. ...How to Philosophize with a Hammer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wrangellian Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 1 hour ago, snolly50 said: I don't quite understand. Is the ammonite still in the field or have you already collected it and now it is a prep issue? Good point - I took it to mean it's still in the field. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwigia Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 9 hours ago, T. nepaeolicus said: I found a nice well-preserved ammonite specimen while on a trip, the only problem is it’s in the middle of massive slab of stone! How do I remove it without utterly destroying it? Is it even worth it to try? Jackhammers are not an option. Is it possible to dissolve the rock using an extremely strong acid? Photos and information please. Is it still in the field? At home? Where was it found? Stratigraphy and Formation? Greetings from the Lake of Constance. Roger http://www.steinkern.de/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuMert Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 7 hours ago, caldigger said: destroy the fossil including yourself My sites & reports Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 What Wrangellian said. Then take it home and prep. RB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megalodoodle Posted November 10, 2019 Author Share Posted November 10, 2019 It’s still in the field mostly I’m curious. I found it at Lake Texoma which is on Texas/Oklahoma border. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ludwigia Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 There are many ways to break rocks in the field, some simple, some more complicated. Depends a lot on the size of the stone, position of fossil in relation to matrix, spatling properties of the rock, etc. We'd need to see a photo of it though, in order to determine which could be the best method. Greetings from the Lake of Constance. Roger http://www.steinkern.de/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ptychodus04 Posted November 11, 2019 Share Posted November 11, 2019 At Texoma, you need to be careful how you collect. It is a US Army Corps of Engineers lake. Technically, you need a collecting permit to remove any fossils from the lake but this is not heavily regulated there. Collecting is limited to surface collecting of invertebrates only for your personal use. Mechanical excavation of any kind is prohibited. 1 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...
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