VINGOP Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 Recently, I found some mammal fossils right next to a river. The bones were buried in clay but the water had removed some sediment so they were visible although they were broken in tens of pieces. Later, I cleaned the soft clay from the bones and placed the small pieces together using normal glue because I have found out that its results are nearly as good as fossil glue or at least it doesn't have visible differences. Although the bones are almost complete, there is still a lot hardened red clay that doesn't go away with water or brushes. What should I use to clean the fossils completely without damaging them? (with household items if it's possible) Here's a photo of my 2 favourite ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VINGOP Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 ...sorry for my syntax mistakes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPrice Posted February 2 Share Posted February 2 Nice fossils! I would recommend a thorough research through the Fossil Forum's Preparation section. You can peruse at your leisure without waiting for someone to give an opinion or advice. https://www.thefossilforum.com/forum/170-fossil-preparation/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VINGOP Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 24 minutes ago, SPrice said: Nice fossils! I would recommend a thorough research through the Fossil Forum's Preparation section. You can peruse at your leisure without waiting for someone to give an opinion or advice. https://www.thefossilforum.com/forum/170-fossil-preparation/ Thank you I will check it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VINGOP Posted February 2 Author Share Posted February 2 1 hour ago, SPrice said: Nice fossils! I would recommend a thorough research through the Fossil Forum's Preparation section. You can peruse at your leisure without waiting for someone to give an opinion or advice. https://www.thefossilforum.com/forum/170-fossil-preparation/ Well I didn't find anything about hardened clay but I will move the topic to this section Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coco Posted February 3 Share Posted February 3 By putting a little water with a dropper on a small surface at a time, the clay should soften enough to be able to gently scrape it with any blade or cutter. Do a test in a small corner to see the reaction, because the clay can be quite brittle as it can be hardened and mixed with something else. Coco ---------------------- OUTIL POUR MESURER VOS FOSSILES : ici Ma bibliothèque PDF 1 (Poissons et sélaciens récents & fossiles) : ici Ma bibliothèque PDF 2 (Animaux vivants - sans poissons ni sélaciens) : ici Mâchoires sélaciennes récentes : ici Hétérodontiques et sélaciens : ici Oeufs sélaciens récents : ici Otolithes de poissons récents ! ici Un Greg... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VINGOP Posted February 4 Author Share Posted February 4 On 2/3/2024 at 12:01 PM, Coco said: By putting a little water with a dropper on a small surface at a time, the clay should soften enough to be able to gently scrape it with any blade or cutter. Do a test in a small corner to see the reaction, because the clay can be quite brittle as it can be hardened and mixed with something else. Coco Thank you but as I said it is hardened and mixed with other material. I am afraid that if I use vinegar the fossils could be damaged. What will happen if I soak them in water for some hours?(the fossils aren't fragile) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaybot Posted February 4 Share Posted February 4 On 2/3/2024 at 4:01 AM, Coco said: By putting a little water with a dropper on a small surface at a time, the clay should soften enough to be able to gently scrape it with any blade or cutter. Do a test in a small corner to see the reaction, because the clay can be quite brittle as it can be hardened and mixed with something else. Coco I would also try this. If it softens up, an X-acto knife or other hobby knife can be used to slowly and carefully scrape away layers of sediment. 9 hours ago, VINGOP said: Thank you but as I said it is hardened and mixed with other material. I am afraid that if I use vinegar the fossils could be damaged. What will happen if I soak them in water for some hours?(the fossils aren't fragile) I would suggest to -not- soak them in vinegar. If you feel comfortable that the fossil is strong enough, you can try to soak in water, then scrape away the clay. Just my amateur opinion 1 -Jay ''...science is eminently perfectible, and that each theory has constantly to give way to a fresh one.'' -Journey to the Center of the Earth, Jules Verne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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