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Do you understand exactly how to classify your fossil collection? Read our new Archival Marking write-up in the 'Learn More About Fossil Preparation' Section!


Till a time device is invented, fossils represent the only information we have about extinct pets. The information had in fossils can be established as well as enhanced by proper preparation methods. This info can also be preserved for future generations with proper preservation as well as storage space. The topics in these pages will certainly assist you to complete the goals of both prep work as well as conservation of fossil specimens.


The info posted here is planned to help the avocational paleontologist assistance preserve as well as preserve their samplings. The Florida Museum of Nature and also its personnel are not liable for any damage to fossil specimens arising from misinterpretation of today materials. Consolidants, or hardeners as they are much more typically called, are commonly the collector's initial line of defense against damage of samplings in their collection, especially those specimens included improperly mineralized bone so frequently found in the Pleistocene river down payments or coastal marls of Florida and also the rest of the Southeast.

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Common solvents are water, acetone, alcohol, and also toluene. Consolidants are typically available in 2 types: 1) pure resins, and also 2) solutions. Pure resins consolidants are materials which have actually been liquified in a solvent, such as Butvar (polyvinyl butyral) granules liquified in acetone. Consolidants dissolved in acetone should only be used on dry samplings, considering that also a little quantity of dampness in the specimen can respond adversely with the consolidant damaging its preferred residential properties.


as well as Europe stick to a few tried and also real consolidants which are understood to have a reduced propensity for crosslinking as well as which do not lose their consolidant residential or commercial properties over time. Chief among these are polyvinyl butyral (Butvar), a thermoplastic resin, and also Acryloid B-72, an acrylic material. PVA (polyvinyl acetate), used as a pure resin is still readily available, however the majority of individuals have switched to Acryloid B-72, which is harder, extra long lasting, and shows less flexibility.


Thin and watery should be stressed. The suggestion is to get the material where it's needed, and also in order to penetrate the specimen's surface area and also carry resin down right into the inside of the fossil bone, the consolidant needs to be slim otherwise it will be deposited externally of the bone only, like shellac or varnish made use of in the past.

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The 2nd course of consolidants, the solutions are generally used to treat wet or wet specimens. Solutions are suspensions, in water, of a resin and solvent remedy, and like Elmer's Glue, a preferred polyvinyl acetate solution, are usually white, milky combinations (Restoration Service). As consolidants go, solutions are not as desirable as pure materials.


Emulsions additionally tend to transform yellow with age and also cross-linking, however these negatives features aside, there is probably no far better treatment for soft, damp bone. Trademark name such as Rhoplex AC33, CM Bond M3, as well as Union Carbide's AYAF, are all excellent basic function PVA solutions. They are usually blended with water in a ratio of 15 to 20 parts solution to 85 to 80 parts water.


As mentioned previously, Elmer's Glue, is a kind of polyvinyl acetate solution, as well as can be utilized on damp specimens. Because proprietary (commercial) brands such as Elmer's generally maintain their formulas secret, as well as also regularly alter their formulas, gallery conservators do not like to use these commercial PVA emulsions. However, Rhoplex, CM Bond M3 and Union Carbide AYAF PVA emulsions are especially made as well as marketed continue reading this for conservation objectives.

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One of the most vital axiom of conservation is:. Simply put, do as little as possible to a sampling that go to the website will alter its nature. When dealing with strong wet samplings, the most effective strategy may be to put the specimen in a slow-drying chamber, (see Preparation and also Therapy of Sub-fossil Bone) as opposed to treating the specimen with a water based solution resin like Rhoplex or CM Bond M3.


Over the previous hundred or two years that fossil collecting has been a legitimate scientific quest, in addition to a preferred past-time for collectors, a range of adhesives have actually been made use of to adhesive fossil bone. The adhesives in operation at any kind of provided time throughout this duration showed the existing state of chemistry and also technology, so naturally, the variety as well as high quality of adhesives has actually transformed through time.




When recovering wet breakable samplings from damp atmospheres, the melted carbowax approach may be the only means to recover the specimen, but it is not relatively easy to fix without ruining the honesty of the sampling. When repairing a busted elephant femur, which may be studied and also taken care of, the preparator may decide for making use of epoxy concrete to avoid the sampling from consistently re-breaking.

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From the earliest times, animal adhesives made from bones, fish, and hides were the mainstay for fossil repair service. Actually pet adhesives, which possibly date back to ancient times, were made use of for almost every sticky requirement, and also can still have a peek here be bought today. Because of their fundamental issues such as yellowing, brittleness as well as instability, they should no more made use of on fossils - Restoration Service.


This class of adhesives is stated because of its extended period of use. In museums as well as at fossil auctions, it is not unusual to locate specimens which have been repaired with these glues. Alcohol is a solvent for these adhesives, however numerous of the older samplings will certainly need a good saturating before the glued joint will dissolve.


Drug stores might extol the virtues of the newest glue from their research laboratories, however just time can evaluate the effectiveness and durability of an adhesive. Several turn yellow with age or are prone to fragile breakage, where also a small container or shock will certainly create the glued joint to break. Other polymers may cross-link with time or upon long term exposure to ultraviolet light creating shrinking that can seriously damage a fossil which has been fixed with them.