Newbie Fossil Question

[txsgstang]

Hello Everyone,
I am new to the site and was wondering if anyone out there had some tips for cleaning fossil finds. Most of my fossils have a coating of limestone on them. I have cleaned them in water, but I have been afraid to do much of anything to them. Any advice?

[dougdann]

Hi txsgstang,

Well from cleaning coins, some have a real hard crust on them.

I soak coins like that in distilled water and use a tooth brush.
Sometimes a kitchen metal butter knife will work. Gently. You don't to use too much pressure and scrape or break the item.
But it needs to be distilled water as it lacks the deposits that normal tap water has.
The reaction will be for the distilled water to break down down the build up faster.

A picture always helps when needing cleaning help.

Best of luck and let us know how your arrowhead turns out.

Doug

[Out4gold]

This is a touch and go subject. The primary tool for cleaning any fossil is brushes. Use a variety including steel/brass/tooth/tire what ever suits the job. I have been cleaning fossils for better than 30 yrs.
I have even used nails and dental picks.
It just depends on what you have found and how clean you want it.
You really need to experiment on a leverite before you try to clean any specimen. This goes double if the specimen has special or rare character.

Definition of leverite is: When you find it you may as well leverite where you found it. Greater than 90% of all fossils are not worth keeping.

If you feel you have something special. Then yes, be careful while attempting to clean it. Do not use chemicals!
Abrasive air is my choice for delicate cleaning.

Get back and we'll work on different stone grades.

It's a "Rock" on the ground it's a "Specimen" when you pick it up and take it home!

Out4gold.
PS: The trilobite pictured as my avitar took three days to clean, Do Not rush take your time.