Tips or opinions on fossil removal

[Seerelated]

Hello

Does anyone have any tips on removing some of the excess rock from the left fossil in the pic below? Or is it even worth it to try? The rock it's encased in is very very hard, limestone I'm guessing, but it looks like there's more to be seen so I'm wondering if it's worth the risk and if so, what would be the best way to remove the surrounding rock?

Thanks!

Edited May 17, 2016 by Seerelated

[Darktooth]

You could wack the topleft corner where it appears to be more flat. There is always a risk involved. But it looks as though it may pop right out.

[Fossildude19]

I agree with Dave.

Hammer and a small cold chisel would be your best bet for trying to remove the matrix. You might sacrifice the small imprint to expose the more 3-D looking cast.

Regards,

[Seerelated]

That's okay, I'm willing to sacrifice the imprint, as I have many more like it. I'll give it a go with the chisel and hope for the best, thanks guys

[Ptychodus04]

I would rotate my chisel 90 degrees clockwise from the top set of arrows and give the edge that is facing away in the photo a whack. That gives a good opportunity to cleave off a nice chunk on top of the bedding plane.

[Fossildude19]

I would rotate my chisel 90 degrees clockwise from the top set of arrows and give the edge that is facing away in the photo a whack. That gives a good opportunity to cleave off a nice chunk on top of the bedding plane.

Thanks Ptychodus...

I was having a hard time illustrating or articulating that.

Regards,