Whitening fossils for photographic purposes

Abstract

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.