Fossils are more than ancient artifacts—they’re delicate windows into prehistoric life. Whether you’ve just bought your first trilobite or you’re building a museum-quality collection, knowing how to properly care for your fossils is essential to preserving their beauty and scientific value.
Here are our top tips for fossil care and preservation:
🧤 1. Handle with Clean Hands or Gloves
Natural oils, sweat, and dirt from your hands can damage fossils over time, especially those with delicate surfaces or mineralized detail. For best results, wear cotton or nitrile gloves when handling your specimens—or handle by the matrix (the surrounding rock), not the fossil itself.
☀️ 2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to UV light can cause discoloration, drying, or cracking. Keep fossils out of direct sunlight and store or display them in a shaded area or inside a UV-protected glass cabinet.
🌡️ 3. Keep Temperature and Humidity Stable
Rapid changes in temperature or moisture can cause fossils to expand, contract, or fracture. Aim for:
- Temperature: ~18–22°C (65–72°F)
- Humidity: 45–55%
A small dehumidifier or silica gel pack can help if you’re in a humid environment.
🧽 4. Clean Gently—Never with Harsh Chemicals
To remove dust or debris:
- Use a soft brush (like a makeup or artist’s brush)
- Use compressed air for crevices
- If needed, wipe lightly with a lint-free cloth and distilled water
Avoid: bleach, vinegar, or household cleaners—they can damage fossil material irreversibly.
📦 5. Store Fossils Properly
For storage:
- Use acid-free paper, foam-lined boxes, or padded drawers.
- Label each specimen with its species, location, and age.
- Never stack heavy items on delicate fossils.
🦴 6. Stabilize Fragile Pieces
Some fossils—especially those from soft Moroccan matrix—may flake or chip easily. Consider using Paraloid B-72, a museum-grade consolidant, to stabilize the surface. It’s reversible and safe when applied sparingly. When in doubt, consult a professional preparator.
🖼️ 7. Display Safely
Use proper display stands or custom supports that distribute the fossil’s weight evenly. Avoid balancing items on narrow points or putting pressure on delicate areas. A well-mounted fossil is both safe and striking.
💬 Final Thought
Proper care extends the life, beauty, and educational value of every fossil. Whether you’re displaying ammonites, trilobites, or Spinosaurus teeth, taking time to preserve them ensures your collection remains a true treasure—today and for generations to come.
Looking for authentic, hand-prepared fossils? Visit MizaFossils.com for genuine Moroccan specimens and expert guidance on collecting and care.