How to clean algae off dinosaur bones

[LookingForRocks]

I found this gembone and want to get the algae off. I soaked it in hot water and dish soap, then scrubbed with a toothbrush, but the algae is really stuck on there. Any tips?

 

[Fossildude19]

Moved to Fossil Preparation. 

 

 

I would try a bit of hydrogen peroxide on it.

Try a small area first, before coating the whole thing.

If there is calcite, vinegar would be bad, but if no calcite, vinegar might work. 

[DPS Ammonite]

Try 50/50 mixture of household bleach and water. Use eye protection and don’t get on skin or clothes.

[LookingForRocks]

Hmmmm, maybe I'll try the bleach first, but a weaker solution. I'm nervous about the vinegar since I'm not sure if there's calcite on the bone, and I don't have any hydrogen peroxide on hand. If that doesn't work I'll get some HP and try a test area. Thanks

[Ptychodus04]

I would be shocked if the white crystals in the center aren't calcite. They sure look like it.