Pyrite Ammonites from Charmouth Beach

[cayosusa]

Found some pyrite ammonites on Charmouth Beach.  They are soaking right now in acetone.  Need to get something like Paraloid-B72 or Paraloid B-67 which is unavailable here in US.

All I know is that the equivalent needs to be hydrophobic.  Any suggestions?

 

[Thomas.Dodson]

53 minutes ago, cayosusa said:

 which is unavailable here in US.

As I understand it, you're back in the US? Paraloid B-72 is available from multiple sources in the US.

[jpc]

why soak them in acetone?  I have always thought the best thing to do with salt water beach finds is to soak them in non-salty water to remove  salt. 

 

[cayosusa]

That's what we were told to stop the pyrite rot

 

[Ludwigia]

15 minutes ago, cayosusa said:

That's what we were told to stop the pyrite rot

 

It won't stop it, it'll just slow it down. But not to worry, once you find the proper medium they'll last for a good number of years and you can always repeat the procedure regularly. But make sure that they are absolutely dry and free of any moisture before you treat them. I used a mix of acetone and zapon varnish on mine, but as Thomas already mentioned, Paraloid is apparently available in the US.