TyrannosaurusRex Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 I have lots of fossils that are still in the limestone rock. Is there some way to remove the fossils with maybe a weak acid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auspex Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 If the fossils themselves are not damaged by acid; otherwise you'll 'remove them' with unfortunate results! Try dental picks, a hand scribe, a small cold chisel and light hammer... You can test your less perfect finds against vinegar, but don't be in a rush; patience never ruined a nice fossil! "There has been an alarming increase in the number of things I know nothing about." - Ashleigh Ellwood Brilliant “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” - Thomas Henry Huxley >Paleontology is an evolving science. >May your wonders never cease! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old dead things Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 I think fossils in matrix add to their beauty, so just exposing them should be enough. Jim Old Dead Things Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ridgehiker Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 It depends on the preservation of the fossils. Silicified fossils can be freed from limestone matrix and can yield nice results. However, a lot of fossils are calcium carbonate and these will dissolve. Some fossils look better as a specimen in matrix but its a personal choice. A photo of your fossil will help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herb Posted December 6, 2013 Share Posted December 6, 2013 If you do try vinegar test it first on some scrap fossils of the same material "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence"_ Carl Sagen No trees were killed in this posting......however, many innocent electrons were diverted from where they originally intended to go. " I think, therefore I collect fossils." _ Me "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."__S. Holmes "can't we all just get along?" Jack Nicholson from Mars Attacks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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