rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 17, 2019 17:47:27 GMT -5
I have some fossils from Michigan, curious if there is something here from the rough photos that shows enough interest for better photos to delve into them further. Some interesting stuff!
Well, I guess I need to figure out the picture part..
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rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 17, 2019 18:38:27 GMT -5
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rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 17, 2019 18:41:52 GMT -5
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 17, 2019 21:36:51 GMT -5
Are you asking for identification? I’m no fossil expert, but I know a few common ones. In your first post with pictures, the fourth one is a coral of some sort. In the very last picture of the second picture post, there’s a brachiopod. Brachiopods look like little seashells.
What part of the state are you from? I’m from Alpena. We have tons (literally) of fossils here. You might enjoy this video I made recently.
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rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 18, 2019 5:32:01 GMT -5
Not necessarily identification, if something is interesting enough at a closer look? Yes I suspected coral, long tube runs of it seemed different. All the pics of the first post were different angles of the same coral.
Should any be better cleaned and left alone if possible? Cut stuff up? Throw it in the rocks outside? Like if it's common or uncommon type stuff?
Around bay county here, South of alpena a little ways.
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rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 18, 2019 10:27:40 GMT -5
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 18, 2019 14:11:19 GMT -5
I'm really not into fossils that much. Personally, I don't bring them home any more because they just end up in a box in my basement. If it's a Petoskey stone I'll take it home because I can polish it up or make something out of it. Fossilman might be able to give you better advice about cleaning up a specimen. Another place that has a lot of really good fossil experts is The Fossil Forum. I've found people to be really helpful there.
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rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 18, 2019 14:13:59 GMT -5
Thanks, I have some of those too I'll have to take a stab at with polishing. Some larger ones, but not pre-polished by the lakes so the parts have grooves and pores more natural and jagged probably harder to get polished.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Apr 18, 2019 16:04:00 GMT -5
The rough ones may or may not polish. There's a lot of quality difference in Petoskey Stones. I'm assuming you don't have lapidary equipment. If not, you can start working on a really rough Petoskey with a file. Just don't use a file that you really care about. Stone probably isn't really good for it, but Petoskey is soft, so it will work for a long time on Petoskey Stones. Then you can go to wet/dry sand paper and work your way from coarse sandpaper to finer sand papers. To get a really good shine, finish up with aluminum oxide on a cloth. Aluminum oxide can be ordered from a lapidary supply place. The Rock Shed is a good place to buy from if you get serious about this stuff. Here's a video if you want to see more about polishing Petoskey Stones.
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rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 18, 2019 16:21:14 GMT -5
Thank you, appreciate it. I am getting some lapidary stuff in but have not used or started anything just yet. I'm planning to experiment learn soon. More interesting stuff if you don't mind.
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Post by fernwood on Apr 19, 2019 3:36:37 GMT -5
Upper right, first photo of most recent batch, appears to be a stromatolite. I think they are very cool.
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Post by vegasjames on Apr 19, 2019 4:56:18 GMT -5
We have a lot of fossil coral, sponges, crinoids, etc out here in limestone. I use hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid, "pool acid) to eat away the limestone partially or completely depending on how I want it to look. The fossils themselves are silicified and therefore not affected by the acid, just the limestone they are embedded in.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,666
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Post by Fossilman on Apr 19, 2019 9:34:27 GMT -5
Nice material and finds...… Sometimes it's better to keep the fossil in the host rock and just dress it up a bit (Chisel a bit, here and there)... Most of those little fossils are fragile and will separate when removed from matrix... Best way to learn is to start on a few and experiment... Good luck....
Your photos show mostly coral and clams.. There is a book out called "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Fossils" If you collect fossils, its a must.. Buy it off of Amazon.com
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