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Whitening fossils for photographic purposes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 July 2017

Rodney M. Feldmann
Rodney M. Feldmann*
Affiliation:
Department of Geology, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242
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Extract

The purpose of photographing fossils for study and for publication is to provide information regarding the morphology of the fossil. Typically, this morphology is expressed as topographic relief. Tonal patterns and color rarely serve to enhance the expression of morphology and may, instead, provide false information. As a result, it is desirable typically to eliminate, or reduce, the effects of variations in tonal pattern over the surface to be photographed to emphasize aspects of relief of the specimen and, therefore, actual expressions of morphology. Furthermore, uncoated specimens may be lustrous so that lighting the specimen for photography may produce undesirable highlights. A simple, and non-destructive, technique for whitening fossil specimens involves the application of ammonium chloride sublimate to the surface of the specimen (Figure 1). This coating is non-destructive, produces a uniform, nonlustrous white surface that enhances detail, and can be readily removed without damage to the specimen.

Type
Paleontological Illustration
Information
The Paleontological Society Special Publications , Volume 4: Paleotechniques , 1989 , pp. 342 - 346
Copyright
Copyright © 1989 Paleontological Society 

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References

Kier, P.M., Grant, R.E., and Yochelson, E.L. 1965. Whitening fossils, p. 453–456. In Kummel, B. and Raup, D. (eds.), Handbook of Paleontological Techniques, W.H. Freeman and Company, San Francisco, 852p.Google Scholar
Marsh, R.C., and Marsh, L.F. 1975. New techniques for coating paleontological specimens prior to photography. Journal of Paleontology, 49(3):565–566.Google Scholar