Fossilized tree

Zu-Chun Liao inquired about how to stabilize a fossilized tree.

More information is needed for a proper reply on this problem.

    1.  Was the fossil recovered from  burial in a wet environment?

    2.  Is it a petrified fossil, or actually sub-fossil material?

    3.  Does the fossil ( if it is petrified) contain pyrites or
        pyritic material?

    4.  How has the B-72 been applied?  As a consolidant or only as
        an adhesive?  What solvent is being used?

The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) has done extensive
research on stabilization of pyritic materials and has some
guidelines.  You might want to contact them directly.

With more information, perhaps I or other conservators can be of
more help in this matter.

Paul S. Storch
Objects Conservator
Daniels Objects Conservation Laboratory (DOCL)
B-109.1, Minnesota History Center
345 Kellogg Blvd West
St. Paul, MN  55102-1906
651-297-5774
Fax: 651-297-2967

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:82
                 Distributed: Thursday, April 22, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-82-010
                                  ***