Conservation of Fossils
Fossil conservation is crucial for preserving fossils over the long term, ensuring they remain in good condition for future study, display, or research. Conservation efforts focus on protecting fossils from physical, chemical, and environmental damage, ensuring they are properly documented, stored, and maintained. This section outlines best practices for fossil conservation, including storage solutions, labeling, and cataloging.
6.1 Long-term Storage Solutions
Proper storage is one of the most important factors in fossil conservation. Fossils must be kept in a stable environment with conditions that protect them from damage caused by temperature fluctuations, humidity, light, and physical handling.
6.1.1 Climate Control
Temperature: Fossils should be stored in a stable temperature, ideally between 18–22°C (64–72°F). Avoid extreme heat or cold, as temperature fluctuations can cause fossils to crack or delaminate.
Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 40% and 55% to prevent fossils from absorbing moisture or becoming too dry, which can lead to cracking, warping, or decay. Dehumidifiers or climate-controlled storage cabinets may be necessary for sensitive specimens.
Light Exposure: Minimize exposure to direct sunlight or harsh artificial light, as UV rays can cause fossil materials to fade, weaken, or degrade over time. Use UV-filtering glass or low-UV lighting in storage and display environments.
6.1.2 Physical Protection
Padding and Support: Fossils should be placed on padded, supportive surfaces to protect them from mechanical stress. Use acid-free tissue paper, foam, or cotton padding to cushion delicate specimens.
Shelving and Containers: Store fossils in sturdy, inert materials like archival boxes, plastic containers, or trays. These should be designed to protect the fossil from vibration, impact, and pressure. Avoid placing heavy items on top of fossils to prevent crushing.
Stabilization of Fragile Specimens: For fossils that are especially fragile, use custom-made supports to prevent shifting or breaking during storage. This may include foam supports, cradles, or tailored boxes.
6.1.3 Handling and Transportation
Handling: Fossils should be handled minimally and always with clean, gloved hands. Whenever possible, handle fossils by their base or most robust areas to avoid putting stress on delicate parts.
Transportation: When fossils need to be moved or transported, pack them securely in padded boxes to avoid jostling or impact. For larger fossils, create a stable, supportive base and use soft wrapping materials to protect vulnerable areas.
6.2 Labeling and Cataloging Specimens
Accurate labeling and cataloging are essential for both scientific research and proper conservation. Each fossil should be linked to detailed records that provide information on its provenance, preparation, and storage conditions.
6.2.1 Labeling Fossils
Always keep specimen numbers with specimens in the lab
Even if you leave for an hour
Seriously, you might get hit by a bus. Or attacked by a bear.
6.3.2 Cleaning and Maintenance
Dust and Debris: Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on fossils, potentially causing surface degradation. Light dusting with soft, dry brushes should be performed periodically. Avoid using water or chemicals unless necessary for conservation purposes.
Avoiding Adhesive or Chemical Residues: Remove any excess adhesive or consolidants from the fossil’s surface, as residues can attract dirt or degrade over time. When cleaning or removing residues, use minimal and reversible methods to ensure the fossil’s integrity.
6.4 Fossil Handling Procedure
Proper handling of fossils is critical to ensure their preservation and avoid accidental damage. Fossils can be extremely fragile, especially during preparation, transport, and storage. Mishandling fossils can result in irreversible damage, which could affect both the scientific value and integrity of the specimen. This section outlines a comprehensive procedure for handling fossils in the lab, the field, and during transport to ensure that each fossil is protected and preserved.
6.4.1 General Handling Guidelines
Regardless of the fossil’s size or condition, the following general rules should always be followed when handling any fossil:
Handle with Clean Hands or Gloves:
Always handle fossils with clean, dry hands or wear latex/nitrile gloves. Oils, dirt, or moisture from your hands can damage fossil surfaces, leave marks, or react with certain fossil types.
Change gloves frequently when handling multiple fossils to prevent cross-contamination, especially if using consolidants or other chemicals.
Support the Fossil Properly:
Always support the fossil with both hands when moving or holding it. For larger fossils, ensure that you support the heaviest and most fragile areas. Fossils often have weak points that can fracture easily if not properly supported.
Do not lift fossils by protruding elements such as bones, teeth, or delicate surfaces, as these can break under stress.
Minimize Handling:
Handle fossils as little as possible. Frequent handling increases the risk of damage, especially for fragile specimens. When handling is necessary, do so with care and attention to detail.
Where possible, use padded trays or boxes to move fossils around the lab instead of carrying them directly.
Use Carts to move fossils when you are able to.
Be Aware of Fragile Surfaces:
Inspect the fossil carefully before handling to identify any fragile areas, such as cracks, loose fragments, or surface flaking. Use additional caution when handling fossils with known fragility, and ensure these areas are supported or protected.
If in doubt, ask a supervisor or colleague to assist with particularly delicate fossils.
Maintain a Clear Workspace:
Ensure that your workspace is free of clutter before handling fossils. An organized workspace reduces the risk of knocking over tools or bumping into other objects while handling fossils.
6.4.2 Handling During Preparation
Fossil preparation involves close contact with the specimen, which increases the potential for damage if not done properly. The following procedures should be followed when handling fossils during preparation:
Use Magnification:
Always use magnification when handling or working on fine details of the fossil, such as small cracks, delicate bones, or fragile surfaces. Magnification helps preparators better identify areas that require extra care.
Tool Handling:
Ensure tools are properly maintained and sharp to avoid unnecessary force when working on fossils. Dull tools can slip or require more pressure, increasing the risk of damaging the fossil.
Secure the fossil using padded supports or sandbags when necessary to prevent it from shifting while working. However, avoid using excessive force to secure the fossil, as this could cause cracks or fractures.
Consolidating Fragile Areas:
Before handling or preparing fossils with fragile surfaces or cracks, apply consolidants (such as Paraloid B-72) to stabilize weak areas. Wait until the consolidant has fully dried before proceeding with preparation or handling.
Minimize Vibration:
When using power tools like air scribes, ensure that the fossil is well supported and that vibrations are minimized. Excessive vibration can cause micro-cracks or even break larger parts of the fossil.
Avoid Direct Contact with Adhesives:
Keep adhesive or consolidant application localized to the intended areas, and avoid getting these substances on parts of the fossil that do not require bonding. Excess adhesive can alter the appearance of the fossil and be difficult to remove.
6.4.3 Handling During Transport
Transporting fossils, whether between workstations, labs, or field sites, presents a unique risk of damage. Proper packaging and careful handling are essential to ensure fossils arrive at their destination intact.
Assess Fossil Condition Before Transport:
Before moving a fossil, assess its condition to identify weak points, cracks, or fragile areas that may require additional support during transport. Use consolidants to stabilize any delicate areas before transport.
Secure Fossil in a Tray or Box:
Place fossils in padded trays or boxes that are specifically sized to the fossil. Use foam padding, bubble wrap, or tissue to provide cushioning around the fossil and prevent movement during transport. Ensure the fossil cannot shift within the container, as even small movements can cause damage.
For larger fossils, use rigid containers that will not collapse or bend under the fossil’s weight.
Label and Mark Fragile Areas:
Clearly label the container with "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" markings to alert handlers to the fossil’s sensitivity.
Mark specific weak points or fragile surfaces of the fossil with visible but non-invasive indicators (such as colored tape or markings on the tray) to highlight areas that require extra caution during handling.
Carry Fossils Close to the Body:
When manually transporting a fossil, carry it close to your body for stability. Avoid holding fossils at arm’s length, as this increases the likelihood of dropping them or accidentally bumping into objects.
Use Carts or Dollies for Larger Fossils:
For larger or heavier fossils, use a cart or dolly to move the fossil, ensuring that it is securely fastened to the cart. Do not attempt to carry large fossils manually without proper support.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures and Humidity:
When transporting fossils, ensure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity, which can cause cracking, warping, or degradation. Use climate-controlled vehicles or containers if necessary.
6.4.5 Documentation and Communication During Handling
Good communication and documentation are vital throughout the handling process, especially when working in teams or when fossils are transferred between different stages of preparation or transport.
Record Condition Before and After Handling:
Document the condition of the fossil both before and after handling or transport. Include photographs, notes on any pre-existing cracks or fractures, and any new observations made after handling.
Communicate Fragility to Others:
Always communicate the fossil's fragility to others who may need to handle or move the specimen. Highlight specific areas of concern and ensure that all team members are aware of any special handling requirements.
6.4.6 Emergency Procedures for Accidental Damage
Despite best efforts, accidents can occur. It is essential to have an emergency plan in place in the event of accidental damage to a fossil.
Stop and Assess:
If a fossil is accidentally dropped or damaged, immediately stop all work and assess the extent of the damage. Check for broken fragments, cracks, or other signs of stress on the fossil.
Collect Broken Fragments:
Gather any fragments that have broken off and carefully place them in a padded container. Label the container with the fossil’s ID and a description of where the fragment originated on the fossil.
Stabilize the Fossil:
If the fossil remains unstable after the damage, use consolidants or other stabilizing materials to reinforce the fragile areas before continuing preparation or moving the fossil further.
Document the Damage:
Take photographs and write a detailed report of the damage, including how it occurred and any immediate steps taken to stabilize the fossil. Include this information in the fossil’s permanent record.
By following these procedures, fossil preparators can ensure the safe and effective handling of fossils throughout their preparation and transport, preserving the integrity of these valuable specimens for study and display.
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6.5 Common Conservation Challenges
Even with the best practices in place, fossils face certain risks due to their fragility and the environments in which they are stored or displayed. Understanding common challenges helps in addressing issues proactively. Following these conservation practices, fossils can be preserved for decades or centuries, allowing future generations of scientists and the public to appreciate and study them. Conservation efforts not only protect the physical integrity of fossils but also maintain their scientific value and historical significance.
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