Appendices
The appendices provide additional resources, tools, and references to support the fossil preparation process. These supplementary materials ensure that preparators, researchers, and students have access to the necessary terminology, tool guides, emergency contacts, and other critical information that may be required during fossil preparation.
11.1 Initial Fossil Examination and Documentation Form
This form documents the initial examination of a fossil before any preparation begins. It records the fossil's condition, any visible damage, and areas requiring special care, ensuring that preparators are aware of potential issues from the start.
Date of Examination: ________________________
Examined By: ______________________________
Fossil ID/Accession Number: ________________________
Fossil Description (Taxon, Element, etc.): _______________________________________
Estimated Age/Formation (if known): _________________________________________
Location of Discovery: ________________________________________________
Fossil Condition Assessment
Overall Condition of Fossil:
☐ Excellent (minimal wear, stable)
☐ Good (minor fractures, generally stable)
☐ Fair (some cracks or fragile areas, needs stabilization)
☐ Poor (very fragile, multiple fractures or breaks)
Matrix Type (if present):
☐ Soft Matrix (easily removable)
☐ Hard Matrix (difficult to remove)
☐ No Matrix Attached
Presence of Fractures or Cracks:
☐ Yes
☐ No
If Yes, Describe Location and Severity:
Visible Surface Details:
☐ Well-preserved surface
☐ Surface wear (scratches, erosion)
☐ Missing or damaged parts
Additional Notes on Surface Condition:
Special Considerations
Areas Requiring Special Attention (fragile parts, microstructures, etc.):
Signs of Prior Repairs or Treatments:
☐ Yes
☐ No
If Yes, Describe:
Presence of Consolidants or Glues:
☐ Yes
☐ No
If Yes, Describe Substance and Location:
Preliminary Plan for Fossil Preparation
Recommended Tools for Preparation:
☐ Hand Tools (dental picks, brushes, chisels)
☐ Power Tools (air scribe, rotary tools)
☐ Chemicals (acid, consolidants, solvents)
☐ Magnification (microscopes, magnifying glasses)
Additional Notes on Tool Selection:
Suggested Stabilization or Consolidation Needs Before Preparation:
Photographic Documentation
Photographs Taken:
☐ Yes
☐ No
If Yes, Number of Photographs Taken: ______________
Description of Photographs (e.g., fossil overview, fragile areas, cracks):
Signature of Examiner:
Preparator’s Signature: _________________________ Date: _________________________
11.2 Tool Maintenance Log Form
This form helps ensure regular maintenance of tools used in fossil preparation. Proper maintenance extends the life of tools, ensures their safe operation, and helps maintain precision during fossil preparation.
Date of Maintenance: _______________________
Tool Name/Description: __________________________________
Tool ID/Serial Number (if applicable): ______________________
Tool Type:
☐ Hand Tool (e.g., dental pick, chisel, brush)
☐ Power Tool (e.g., air scribe, rotary tool, micro-sandblaster)
☐ Other: ___________________________________
Maintenance Actions Performed
Cleaning:
☐ Tool cleaned (removal of dust, matrix, residue)
☐ Solvents used (if applicable): _______________________________
Notes on cleaning: _________________________________________
Inspection:
☐ Checked for wear, damage, or rust
☐ Moving parts inspected
☐ Power cords/hoses inspected for damage
Notes on inspection: _______________________________________
Sharpening (if applicable):
☐ Tool sharpened (hand tools such as scalpels, chisels, etc.)
Notes on sharpening: ______________________________________
Lubrication (for power tools):
☐ Pneumatic tool lubricated (e.g., air scribe)
☐ Rotary tool lubricated (e.g., Dremel, Foredom)
Type of lubricant used: _____________________________________
Notes on lubrication: ______________________________________
Repairs (if applicable):
☐ Tool repaired
Description of repair: _______________________________________
Condition of Tool After Maintenance
☐ Excellent (like new, no issues)
☐ Good (minor wear, fully functional)
☐ Fair (functional but shows significant wear)
☐ Poor (damaged, requires repair)
Details on Tool Condition:
Next Scheduled Maintenance Date: _______________________
Maintained By (Name/Initials): ___________________________
Approved By (Supervisor): _______________________________
11.3 Tool Check-In/Check-Out Form
This form helps track the check-in and check-out of tools in the fossil lab. It ensures that tools are accounted for and returned in good condition, facilitating proper tool management and maintenance.
Date: ______________________
Preparator Name: ___________________________________
Tool Name/Description: ___________________________________
Tool ID (if applicable): __________________________
Check-Out:
Condition of Tool at Check-Out:
☐ Excellent (no visible wear or damage)
☐ Good (minor wear, fully functional)
☐ Fair (noticeable wear but functional)
☐ Poor (requires attention or repair)
Notes/Comments: ___________________________________________
Date of Check-Out: __________________________
Preparator’s Initials: ___________________________________
Check-In:
Condition of Tool at Check-In:
☐ Excellent (no issues after use)
☐ Good (minor wear but fully functional)
☐ Fair (noticeable wear, recommend maintenance)
☐ Poor (damaged, requires repair)
Notes/Comments (if tool requires maintenance/repair):
Date of Check-In: __________________________
Preparator’s Initials: ___________________________________
Maintenance Required:
☐ Yes
☐ No
If Yes, Describe Maintenance Needs:
Supervisor Approval (if applicable): ___________________________________
List of Approved Lab Chemicals at The Montana Dinosaur Center
This section provides detailed information about the chemicals approved for use in the prep lab at The Montana Dinosaur Center. It includes a description of each chemical's typical use in fossil preparation, as well as the associated hazards and precautions.
1. Water
Typical Use: Water is primarily used for cleaning fossils, softening matrix, and wetting matrix materials to reduce dust during preparation.
Hazards: Water itself is safe, but it can lead to fossil swelling, warping, or degradation, particularly for fossils prone to absorbing moisture. Care should be taken with fossils that are sensitive to water or prone to flaking.
2. Acetone
Typical Use: Acetone is a powerful solvent used for cleaning tools, thinning consolidants like Paraloid B-72, and dissolving old adhesives from fossils. It evaporates quickly, leaving no residue.
Hazards: Highly flammable; should be stored in a flammable liquids cabinet and used in well-ventilated areas. Acetone can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems if inhaled. Always use appropriate PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) when handling.
3. Paraloid B-72
Typical Use: Paraloid B-72 is a versatile, acrylic-based consolidant used to stabilize fragile fossils. It is typically dissolved in acetone or ethanol and applied to cracks or porous areas of fossils to reinforce the structure.
Hazards: When dissolved in acetone or ethanol, Paraloid B-72 shares the same flammability and respiratory hazards as those solvents. Proper ventilation and protective gear are essential when applying the solution.
4. Butvar (B-76, B-98, etc.)
Typical Use: Butvar is another consolidant used for stabilizing fossils. It is often dissolved in solvents like acetone or ethanol. Butvar is known for providing flexibility, making it useful for fossils under environmental stress or those that may require movement.
Hazards: Similar to Paraloid B-72, Butvar is usually dissolved in acetone or ethanol, which are both highly flammable and can cause skin and respiratory irritation. Use appropriate PPE and ventilation.
5. Ethanol (Denatured Alcohol)
Typical Use: Ethanol is used for cleaning fossils, thinning consolidants, and removing old adhesives. It evaporates more slowly than acetone, making it useful for longer working times.
Hazards: Highly flammable and can cause respiratory and skin irritation. Denatured alcohol is toxic if ingested and should be handled with care, including proper ventilation and PPE.
6. Cyanoacrylate (Very Thin)
Typical Use: Cyanoacrylate is commonly used as a fast-acting consolidant for stabilizing small fractures in fossils. It penetrates deeply and sets quickly, making it ideal for fragile, fine details.
Hazards: Cyanoacrylate can bond skin instantly and should be handled with care. Its fumes can cause respiratory irritation, so use in a well-ventilated area. Protective gloves and eye protection are essential.
7. Aquazol
Typical Use: Aquazol is a water-soluble adhesive used for consolidating fossils where reversibility and minimal impact are important. It is often used on sensitive specimens that cannot tolerate harsh solvents.
Hazards: Aquazol is considered relatively safe, but it should still be handled with gloves. Though non-toxic, contact with the skin and eyes should be avoided, and the solution should not be ingested.
8. McGlean’s (Vinac)
Typical Use: McGlean’s (Vinac) is a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) consolidant used for stabilizing fossils. It is often used as an alternative to Paraloid and Butvar, especially when a more flexible consolidant is needed.
Hazards: Vinac is dissolved in acetone or ethanol, meaning it shares the same flammability risks as those solvents. Proper ventilation and the use of PPE are necessary when applying it.
9. Epoxy
Typical Use: Epoxy is used for bonding larger fossil fragments or stabilizing fossils under mechanical stress. It provides a strong, permanent bond.
Hazards: Epoxy can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. It should be used in a well-ventilated area, and care should be taken to avoid skin contact. Gloves and eye protection are necessary.
10. Epoxy Putty (Epoxy Sculpt)
Typical Use: Epoxy putty is used for gap filling and reconstruction in fossil preparation. It is malleable and can be shaped before hardening, making it ideal for reconstructing damaged areas.
Hazards: Epoxy putty can cause skin and respiratory irritation. It should be handled with gloves, and proper ventilation is required to avoid inhaling fumes during the curing process.
11. Whitening (Marble Powder)
Typical Use: Marble powder is often mixed with consolidants or adhesives to provide a surface texture that matches the fossil or to fill small gaps. It is used for aesthetic restoration.
Hazards: Inhalation of fine marble powder dust can cause respiratory issues. Use protective masks and work in a well-ventilated area when handling.
12. Bicarbonate (Blast Media)
Typical Use: Sodium bicarbonate is used as a gentle abrasive in micro-sandblasting to remove matrix material from fossils without damaging the fossil itself.
Hazards: Dust generated from blasting can cause respiratory irritation. Use dust extraction or proper ventilation, and always wear a respirator and eye protection during blasting operations.
13. Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Typical Use: HCl is used sparingly in fossil preparation to test for the presence of carbonate matrix (fizz test). It can quickly identify whether matrix is carbonate-based and can be removed with acid.
Hazards: HCl is highly corrosive and can cause burns upon contact with skin, eyes, or mucous membranes. Use proper PPE, including gloves, eye protection, and a lab coat. Always handle HCl in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
14. Silicone Molding Rubbers (Components)
Typical Use: Silicone molding rubbers are used to create molds of fossils, allowing for the creation of casts for research, study, or display purposes.
Hazards: Some silicone components can cause skin and respiratory irritation, especially during mixing and curing. Work in a well-ventilated area, and wear gloves and eye protection to avoid contact with skin.
Unapproved Lab Chemicals
These chemicals are not approved for use in fossil preparation labs due to their potential to damage fossils or create unsafe working conditions.
1. Commercial Soaps/Cleaning Agents (Unless for Non-Prep Cleaning)
Why Unapproved: Many commercial cleaning agents contain chemicals that can damage fossils, interfere with consolidants, or leave residues. They should only be used for general cleaning of lab spaces, not for cleaning fossils.
2. Acetic Acid/Vinegar (Especially Scented)
Why Unapproved: While acetic acid (vinegar) has been used in the past for removing carbonate matrix, it is not recommended due to its unpredictability and potential to damage fossil surfaces. Scented vinegar compounds are especially problematic, as the added chemicals can leave residues that are difficult to remove.
11.1 Glossary of Terms
Fossil preparation and conservation involve a specialized vocabulary that is important to understand for effective communication and practice. Below is a glossary of key terms commonly used in fossil preparation.
11.1.1 Fossil Types
Body Fossil: The preserved remains of the actual organism, such as bones, teeth, or shells.
Trace Fossil: Indirect evidence of ancient life, including footprints, burrows, and feeding marks.
Permineralization: A fossilization process where mineral-rich water fills the pores of organic material, turning it into stone.
Mold and Cast: A mold forms when an organism dissolves, leaving an impression; a cast forms when this mold is filled with sediment or minerals, creating a replica.
Carbonization: A fossilization process where only the carbon residue of the organism remains, often seen in plant fossils.
11.1.2 Tools and Techniques
Air Scribe: A pneumatic tool used to mechanically remove matrix material from around a fossil with precise vibrations.
Consolidant: A substance applied to fossils to stabilize fragile or deteriorating areas.
Matrix: The surrounding rock or sediment in which a fossil is embedded.
Micro-Sandblasting: A technique using fine abrasive particles to gently remove matrix material without damaging the fossil.
Acid Preparation: The use of weak acids, like acetic or formic acid, to dissolve a carbonate matrix without harming the fossil.
11.1.3 Conservation and Documentation
Catalog Number: A unique identifier assigned to a fossil specimen in a collection for documentation and research purposes.
Provenance: The geographic and geological origin of a fossil, including where it was found and its context within the rock layers.
Reversible Treatment: A method or material used in fossil preparation that can be undone without causing harm to the fossil.
3D Scanning: The process of creating a digital three-dimensional representation of a fossil for documentation and analysis.
11.2 Tool and Equipment List
This section lists the essential tools and equipment used in fossil preparation, along with a brief description of their purpose.
11.2.1 Manual Tools
Dental Picks: Sharp, precise tools used to manually remove small amounts of matrix material or clean intricate fossil details.
Brushes: Soft-bristled brushes for gently cleaning loose debris from fossils.
Scalpel: A sharp blade used for precision cutting of matrix material or for fine fossil cleaning.
11.2.2 Mechanical Tools
Air Scribe: A key tool for removing hard matrix from delicate fossils through controlled vibrations.
Micro-Sandblaster: A device that blasts fine abrasive particles to carefully strip matrix without harming the fossil.
Ultrasonic Cleaner: A device that uses sound waves to clean fossils by loosening debris and matrix particles.
11.2.3 Chemical Tools
Acids: Acetic or formic acid used to dissolve carbonate matrices surrounding fossils.
Consolidants: Chemicals such as Paraloid B-72 or Butvar, used to strengthen fragile fossils.
Adhesives: Materials like cyanoacrylate or epoxy used for repairing and stabilizing broken fossils.
11.2.4 Magnification and Imaging Tools
Stereomicroscope: Used for detailed magnification of small fossils or intricate fossil structures.
3D Scanner: Captures a high-resolution digital model of the fossil for study, documentation, or replication.
UV Light Source: Used to examine fossils for hidden details or surface damage that might not be visible under regular lighting.
11.3 Emergency Contacts and Resources
Fossil preparation labs must be equipped with clear emergency protocols and contact information for quick response to accidents or unforeseen issues. This section provides key resources for both safety and professional support.
11.3.1 Emergency Contact Information
First Aid and Medical Services: Ensure lab personnel know how to contact emergency medical services in case of accidents involving cuts, chemical exposure, or other injuries.
Fire Department: Make sure fire safety equipment, such as extinguishers, is available, and provide local fire department contact information.
Poison Control: For accidents involving toxic chemicals, have the number for poison control readily accessible (US Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222).
Chemical Spill Hotline: If a major chemical spill occurs, contact your local environmental services or chemical spill hotline for advice on safe disposal.
11.3.2 Professional Resources
The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology (SVP): An international organization that provides resources and professional networks for fossil preparators and researchers.
Website: vertpaleo.org
The Paleontological Society: Offers professional development resources, publications, and conservation guidelines.
Website: paleosoc.org
Regional Geological Societies: Provide localized support and may offer legal advice on fossil collection laws and permits.
11.4 Additional Resources for Further Reading
Fossil preparation is a constantly evolving field, with new techniques, materials, and best practices being developed all the time. This section offers recommended readings, online resources, and academic publications for fossil preparators seeking to expand their knowledge.
11.4.1 Books and Academic Papers
"Fossil Preparation and Conservation: A Guide for Paleontologists" by David A. Wu: A comprehensive guide to fossil preparation techniques and conservation strategies.
"Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory Manual" by Ronald E. Fox: A hands-on guide to fossil preparation with a focus on vertebrate fossils.
"Preparation Techniques for Paleontology" edited by William T. Mulvaney: A collection of papers on the latest innovations and techniques in fossil preparation.
11.4.2 Online Resources
Fossil Preparation at The Field Museum: Offers a detailed description of the fossil preparation process, with videos and articles.
Website: fieldmuseum.org/research/fossil-preparation
The Fossil Preparation and Research Laboratory (FPRL): A resource for preparators, offering access to scientific papers, preparation techniques, and equipment reviews.
Website: fossilprep.org
11.4.3 Professional Organizations and Conferences
International Fossil Preparation and Conservation Group (IFPCG): Provides opportunities for fossil preparators to connect and learn about the latest developments in the field through workshops and conferences.
Annual Meeting of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology: A key event for paleontologists and fossil preparators to present new research, preparation techniques, and conservation methods.
The appendices provide the tools, references, and resources necessary to support fossil preparators at every stage of the preparation process, from terminology and equipment to safety protocols and professional development. By having this supplementary information readily available, fossil preparators can work more effectively and confidently, ensuring that fossils are handled with care and preserved for future generations.
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