What is Fossil Preparation?

Fossil preparation is a meticulous and skilled craft that transforms raw excavated fossils into stunning, display ready specimens. It involves carefully removing the surrounding rock and matrix to reveal the fossil’s intricate details while ensuring its preservation for future study and display.

With nearly a decade of specialized experience, primarily working on Whitby material, including ammonites, marine shells, and ancient marine reptile bones. I understand the delicate nature of these treasures. My approach combines precision, patience, and the latest in technological advancements to ensure the best possible results.

State of the Art Tools I Use:

• Air Scribes: High Powered-precision tools that delicately chip away at the rock without damaging the fossil.

• Air Grinders: Powerful yet controlled tools for removing large areas of matrix, and smoothing the matrix, to give a more aesthetically pleasing look

• Air Abrasion: A gentle sanding process using fine particles to refine and clean the fossil’s surface, bringing out the finer details.

Why Choose Professional Preparation?

Every fossil is unique. It’s preservation, the type of rock it’s embedded in, and its size all influence how long the process takes. As a rule, preparation costs £25 per hour, but the time can vary greatly depending on these factors.

Extras & Unique Offerings:

• Timelapse Video: For an additional £5, I can film the entire preparation process, creating a captivating timelapse video that showcases the transformation of your fossil from rock to reveal.