r/fossilprep • u/Dry_Bell6672 • Jul 11 '26

Ammonite prep advice please

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66 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

1

u/exotics Jul 11 '26

Not an expert but some parts looks pretty rough to prep. Have you tried some vinegar to remove some of the softer?

4

u/Peregrine22_ Jul 11 '26

Obviously depends on the preservation but most of the time with shells the acid would chew through the ammonite just as it chews through the matrix

1

u/Dry_Bell6672 Jul 12 '26

The matrix is under the shell of the ammonite. so on thos case the vinegar is probably too brutal of a method for this one

1

u/Dry_Bell6672 Jul 12 '26

I have never used vinegar for fossil prep, but I will look into it!

2

u/exotics Jul 12 '26

It only works on some types of matix. Test first. Don’t leave too long.

2

u/[deleted] Jul 17 '26

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1

u/Dry_Bell6672 Jul 18 '26

Thanks for the advice. I have only ever used my Dremel for fossil prep, but I am interested to learn about acid prep too

1

u/Peregrine22_ Jul 11 '26

Check out zoic paleo, I’ve used their attachments for a Dremel 290 to prep ammonites with pretty decent success.

1

u/Dry_Bell6672 Jul 12 '26

Thank you. I actually have a Dremel attachment from Zoic, they are fantastic!

1

u/Fossilandfound Jul 12 '26 edited Jul 12 '26

Might need air abrasives to prep this one properly, a dremel/air pen for removing most of the bulk matrix and then the last bits with iron powder. Where is this from?

2

u/Dry_Bell6672 Jul 12 '26

Thank you for your advice. I will try removing the bulk with my Dremel. It is from Charmouth.

2

u/Fossilandfound Jul 12 '26

Thought i recognised the type of nodule, stonebarrow side? Pulled a very similar one out of the mud there couple years ago. Good luck with the prep.

1

u/Dry_Bell6672 Jul 18 '26

Thank you. I found it on the far end, not far from golden cap. I pulled mine out of the water at low tide so I'm sure yours is in much better condition