Specialized in museum quality fossil preparation
At Fossil Oasis, we utilize modern equipment to clean and stabilize fossils from the field.
Professional fossil preparation creates the decisive "added value" of a fossil, valuable to research and/or the market.
Not only do we have the necessary state-of-the-art "tools", but we also have the skills we need to achieve results that meet the highest scientific and aesthetic standards.
The workshop of Fossil Oasis is equipped with the latest preparation equipment:
Hand tools, compressed air, scrapers, etc.
Air scribes of different chisel shapes sizes
Micro-blasting equipment with different grit sizes and mediums ideal for delicate fossils
Stereo microscope with surgical precision
Microscopic camera to document the preparation process, and more!
Fossil preparation is the process of carefully removing excess matrix (the material in which the fossil is embedded) from a fossil, and may also involve repairing and stabilizing the fossil if it has been damaged. The goal of fossil preparation is to reveal the fossil as fully as possible, while also preserving its integrity and scientific value.
There are many different techniques and approaches used in fossil preparation, and the specific process used will depend on the type of fossil being prepared, the condition of the fossil, and the goals of the person preparing the fossil.
Here is a general overview of the fossil preparation process:
First, the fossil is carefully removed from the matrix in which it is embedded. This may involve using tools such as chisels, hammers, and air scribes (small pneumatic tools that use high-pressure air to remove matrix).
Once the fossil has been removed from the matrix, it may need to be cleaned and stabilized. This may involve using chemical agents to remove dirt and other contaminants, or using adhesives or other materials to repair any cracks or other damage to the fossil.
The next step in the process is often to carefully remove any remaining matrix from the fossil, using a variety of techniques, including hand-picking, air scribing, or sandblasting.
After the fossil has been cleaned and prepared, it may be mounted or displayed in a specific way, depending on the goals of the person preparing the fossil and the client. This may involve creating a plaster cast or mounting the fossil on a pedestal or in a display case.
Fossil preparation is a skilled and time-consuming process that requires a great deal of patience and attention to detail. It is typically performed by trained professionals, such as paleontologists or museum curators, who have the necessary expertise and experience to handle fossils with care and to reveal their scientific value.
Services vary by piece
Each fossil is unique and requires different methods to achieve the desired result.
Commonly, an estimate at an hourly rate is established after review of the fossil and the tools required to prepare it. Additional charges for shipping and material costs are provided with the estimate via email.
When you contact us
For quality assurance, please describe in as much detail as possible about the fossil you wish to have prepared. Please include photos from multiple angles in bright, natural light.