FOSSIL PREPARATION
Fossil Preparation Services at the Natural Sciences Museum
At the Natural Sciences Museum, we are proud to offer some of the most efficient and meticulous fossil preparation services in the industry. Whether you're a collector, researcher, or institution, our expert team provides top-tier services for the conservation and preparation of your fossil specimens. With the most advanced equipment and a team of skilled technicians, we ensure that every fossil, regardless of size or fragility, is treated with the utmost care and precision.
Why Choose Our Fossil Preparation Services?
We understand that fossils are not only valuable scientific specimens but also cherished collectibles. Our goal is to help preserve and enhance your fossils for future study, display, or personal collections. Here’s why our fossil preparation services stand out:
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our laboratories are equipped with the latest pneumatic and manual tools, making us one of the best-equipped fossil preparation facilities in Europe. We use a range of mechanical, ultrasonic and chemical methods to ensure that every fossil is prepared to the highest standard.
- Expert Technicians: Our team is highly trained and experienced in the delicate art of fossil preparation. We have an in-depth understanding of the best tools and techniques required for each fossil type and its specific geological matrix. Whether it’s a large dinosaur bone or a delicate microfossil, we know how to handle it.
- Precision and Care: We prioritise precision in every step of the fossil preparation process, ensuring that the integrity of the specimen is maintained while enhancing its appearance. Our technicians use the best techniques for cleaning, stabilising, and mounting fossils, minimising the risk of damage.
- Insurance Coverage: All fossils in our care qualify for complimentary insurance cover whilst undergoing our services, up to a maximum value of £5million. Please do notify us in advance if you would like insurance cover for your specimens.
- CT Scanning for Fragile Fossils: For extremely delicate or fragile fossils, we offer CT scanning as part of our preparation services. This non-invasive process allows us to digitally assess and analyse the specimen before any physical work begins, ensuring that we can safely prepare even the most fragile fossils. This service is available upon request, providing an additional layer of care for priceless specimens.
- Method Reports: As part of our comprehensive service, we provide a Method Report (MR) for each fossil preparation project. The MR is a written record that details each technique and step used during the preparation process. This document serves as a valuable reference for collectors, researchers, and institutions, ensuring transparency and accountability in every preparation project. The MR includes information about the tools used, any chemical or mechanical methods employed, and the overall care taken in preparing the fossil(s).
Fossil Preparation for Collectors
Whether you are a private collector or a museum institution, our fossil preparation services are tailored to meet your needs. We handle fossils of all sizes and complexities, from small, fragile microfossils to large, robust specimens like dinosaur skeletons. Our expert team will work with you to ensure that your fossils are prepared for display, storage, or study, with a level of care that guarantees their preservation for years to come.
Pricing
Our fossil preparation services are priced at £30 per hour, ensuring expert care and precision for your valuable specimens. In addition to the hourly rate, material costs will be added based on the specific requirements of each fossil, such as tools, chemicals, or any specialised treatments needed. We provide a detailed breakdown of costs upfront, so you know exactly what to expect. This transparent pricing structure ensures you receive high-quality service at a fair price, with no hidden fees.
Our Preparation Methods
We offer a variety of fossil preparation techniques tailored to the unique needs of each specimen:
Mechanical Preparation
Our pneumatic tools are the backbone of mechanical fossil preparation. Using air abrasives, sandblasting, and precision pneumatic devices, we carefully remove the surrounding matrix from fossils, revealing the specimen without causing damage. For finer details, we also use manual tools, such as fine brushes and scalpels, to gently remove delicate sections. Our experts carefully choose the right tools based on the type of fossil and its matrix composition.
Chemical Preparation
For certain fossils that require a gentler touch or have more fragile surfaces, we employ chemical preparation techniques. This includes the use of safe, specialised chemicals to dissolve excess matrix without affecting the fossil. Our conservators are well-versed in the proper use of these chemicals, ensuring that each specimen is treated with the utmost care.
Ultrasonic Preparation
For exceptionally delicate fossils, our ultrasonic preparation service offers unparalleled care and precision. Using finely tuned ultrasonic tools, we gently remove surrounding rock matrix without damaging the fossil itself. This method is ideal for fragile specimens where traditional techniques may pose a risk, ensuring every detail is preserved with the utmost accuracy.
Air Abrasive Systems
Our air abrasive systems are ideal for cleaning fossils that require a more precise touch. Using fine sand or other abrasives, these systems allow us to safely clean fossils by gently eroding away the surrounding rock, revealing the specimen without causing any damage to its surface.
Get in Touch
If you have a fossil specimen that requires expert preparation, we are here to help. Our team is ready to discuss your specific needs, assess the fossil, and determine the best approach for preparation. Contact us today for a consultation, or to learn more about our fossil preparation services.
Let the Natural Sciences Museum’s fossil preparation team ensure your specimens receive the professional care they deserve, helping you preserve these incredible pieces of prehistory for future generations.
For inquiries or to schedule a service, please reach out to us. We look forward to working with you to bring your fossils to life.
DIGITAL FOSSIL PREPARATION
The Future is Here: Revealing Hidden Specimens Without Risk
Experience the future of fossil preparation with our non-invasive digital services. Using advanced X-ray imaging and segmentation techniques, we can reveal the hidden fossil within its rock matrix without ever touching the specimen. This cutting-edge process allows us to create highly detailed 3D models of the fossil while fully preserving both the rock and fossil in their natural state.
For example, if you provide a fossil fish encased in rock, our digital preparation techniques can uncover and reconstruct its skeletal structure. We can even create a precise 3D-printed replica of the skeleton for further study or display.
Preserve your specimen’s integrity while unlocking its secrets — book now or contact us to request a quote.
How it Works
Curious about how digital fossil preparation works? This innovative process begins with high-resolution X-ray imaging to capture the internal structure of the rock and the fossil within. Using advanced segmentation techniques, we digitally separate the fossil from the surrounding matrix, layer by layer, to create a detailed 3D model.
You can find out more about this service using the link below.