The following page outlines the importance of considering when and how to extract a fossil, and the techniques to use to minimising damage to the specimen during extraction and transportation in particular.

Preparation

It's important to spend some time considering the best way to protect your finds onsite, in transit, on display and in storage. Prior to your visit, consider the equipment and accessories you're likely to need, as these will differ depending on the type of rock, terrain and prevailing weather conditions. Many fossils are fragile and require special treatment to minimise the risk of damage. For information about equipment needed click here.

Before you begin extracting the fossil, consider whether it's likely to be excessively damaged in the process, if so, would it be best left for others to enjoy?  Likewise if you find yourself without the necessary tools and equipment, would it be best to leave the fossil and seek professional help? You should also be aware of any legal restrictions regarding fossil collecting, in particular when visiting a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) location.

If you believe you can extract the specimen, begin by examining the matrix (rock) surrounding the fossil and consider how best to remove it without breaking it. Patience, strategy and accuracy are key. Sometimes breaks in the fossil are unavoidable, but with care you should be able to extract most specimens intact. In the unfortunate event of breakage, carefully gather all the pieces together, as in most cases repairs can be made at a later time. (For repair advice, please contact us).

Left: A steel point is used to carefully remove matrix surrounding a small gastropod. Right: A crocodile tooth is removed with plenty of surrounding matrix.

The aim is to remove the specimen with a reasonable amount of the matrix attached, as this will provide added protection for the specimen during transit and future handling. At a later stage the matrix can be removed, although many people prefer to keep it as it adds to the context and long-term stability of the fossil.

Transportation

Once the specimen has been extracted you'll need to carefully wrap it with foam (or an equivalent such as newspaper), being careful not to crush it in the process. Before you begin observe whether the specimen is dry or wet, the aim is to maintain the fossil in its current state (wet if wet, dry if dry)during transit.

Left: Fossil wrapped in foam, ready for transport. Right: A small compartment box containing cotton wool is ideal for separating delicate specimens.

Place the fossil in the centre of a single sheet of foam and fold each of the corners over and specimen. Continue wrapping until the specimen is contained within a small parcel; apply as much foam as you feel necessary to prevent any damage occurring from knocks or bumps. To finish off, use a couple of elastic bands to hold the foam in place. Selotape can also be used, but is unsuitable during wet conditions. To read more about the tools and equipment needed click here.

An alternative method of protecting smaller specimens is to use a small compartment box partly filled with cotton wool to prevent the fossils from moving around (as pictured above-right). Having used cotton wool in the field, it offers significant protective benefits over the potential drawbacks. It should be noted that cotton wool can (in come cases) damage fragile specimens if it become entangled around the specimen's extremities. Please take extra care when removing them from the cotton wool to avoid damaging the specimen(s).

At home

Once the specimens have been safely transported to their destination, carefully unwrap and assess them for any damage. Provided all's well, you may need to soak them in fresh water (if found near the sea) for up to 2 weeks. This process will remove any unwanted salt within the fossil; failure to observe this could result in long-term damage to the specimen as the salt crystallises, causing the specimen to crack or shatter in the worst case.

If the fossil has been in transit long enough to dry out, or was collected on a dry day, you'll need to place a wet kitchen towel or cloth over the fossil. This will allow the water to be absorbed gradually. Try to avoid submerging dry specimens in water as rapid exposure is likely to crack the fossil. You may need to leave the fossil covered for up to 48 hours, adding small amounts of water to the towel as required. Once the moisture levels have been increased you can carefully submerge the fossil in fresh water. Fossils which are found inland are unlikely to require soaking and you can simply progress to the next stage.

After the fossil has been soaked (if applicable), remove it from the water and conduct any necessary cleaning. A soft bristle toothbrush should be sufficient to remove any loose or soft matrix, however if it's being stubborn you should consider using a steel point or air-pen. Be careful not to cause any damage to the surface of the specimen. Try to retain as much matrix as possible, while removing a sufficient amount to clearly expose the specimen.

Assuming all's well with the specimen, leave it to dry naturally. Avoid fast drying techniques, such as placing in sunlight, on a radiator or blowing with a hair dryer, as these will dry the specimen unevenly and encourage cracks to develop. In most instances it's not recommended to apply a protective coating to the fossil, such as PVA, lacquer or varnish, as this will almost certainly detract from the specimen. Place the fossil in a safe dry location where it can be enjoyed.

We're happy to provide free and impartial advice for fossil discoveries - please contact us to discuss your enquiry.

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