Caring for Fossils

Caring for Fossils

Caring for Fossils : Multi-thousand tips to make your life easier.

Fossils are windows into the past. They show what kinds of organisms lived millions of years ago. Whether they are fossils of a leaf, an animal tooth, or the skeleton of an insect, finding a fossil is thrilling. But to preserve fossils and keep them as historical pieces, proper fossil care is important. Here are some ways to care for fossils.

1. Clean fossils before storing them. To make preservation easier, fossils should first be cleaned of dirt and residue. For fossils collected from a marine setting, salt should be removed by soaking the fossils in a solution of bleach and water. The solution should be very mild to prevent damage to the fossils. To remove stubborn salt residue, gently brush the fossils until they are completely clean. Fossils made of clay materials can also be cleaned by mild brushing. Dabbing fossils with a damp cloth is another good fossil-cleaning technique.
2. Fix broken parts. Because of their age, some fossils may be fragile and have broken or cracked parts. In this case, you may need to use glue to put the pieces together or strengthen weak areas. A fish skeleton, for instance, may have crumbly parts, so you may need to brush or spray on glue to make it intact. However, be careful when applying glue, and make sure to apply glue only to the parts that need it to preserve the fossil's overall appearance.
3. Keep your fossils in a box. Store your fossils in a box that will keep them safe from moisture and dust. It should have compartments so that you can properly organize your fossils. You can use a jewelry box, thread box, or embroidery box. If you prefer, you can also make your own fossil box out of hardwood. Stain or paint it and keep it in a dry, well-ventilated area. If you want to display your fossils, however, you can place them in a glass cabinet.
4. Make labels. Label your fossils for easy reference. The label should include the type of organism, fossil material, where and when it was retrieved, possible age, and other related information. You can also put a photograph of the fossil before it is chipped out of the location. When you decide to label your fossils, you may need to do some research to find accurate information about them, including the history of the location, what types of organisms lived there, and the mineral components of the fossils. It may prove to be a lot of work, but it is worthwhile.
5. Regularly remove dust. Dust will accumulate on the fossils over time, so always clean them using a soft brush or cloth. Be careful, though. Do not put unnecessary pressure on the fossils, especially those that are too delicate. Remember to be very gentle when touching the fossils.

Collecting fossils is an extraordinary hobby. Not only will you be able to keep impressive pieces, but you can also get an idea of what the Earth was like millions of years ago. That can ignite a greater appreciation for the Earth and life in general.