Re: breaking up hard rocks

[Patty Ralrick <pattyralrick@hotmail.com>]

Hi Frank,

Here's a good citation on this:

Triplehorn, D.M. 2002. An Easy Way to Remove Fossils from Sandstones: DMSO 
Disaggregation. J. Paleont. 76(2):394-395.

Basically, Triplehorn says that warm DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) works 
extremely well on many types of sandstones as well as limestones - even as 
quickly as overnight.  The fossils he worked with (teeth and bones) were 
phosphatic, but carbonate shells came through the disaggregation process 
well.  He states that the product is available at feed and pet stores or on 
the internet.  The only negative he mentions is that it is easily absorbed 
through the skin and large quantities may be fatal, so use caution if you 
decide to try it.

Good luck!

Patty
**********************************************************
"Dream as if you'll live forever.  Live as if you'll die today"
James Dean

Patty Ralrick
Bellevue, NE  USA

_________________________________________________________________
Get ready for school! Find articles, homework help and more in the Back to 
School Guide! http://special.msn.com/network/04backtoschool.armx