"A Trilobite Tale"

Trilobite tail found in very hard matrix. Nearly impossible to remove
with hand tools with out breaking the fossil.

Once a section is removed … chiseling along the
base of the block, will cause it to break free.

Was it worth the time to cut out a trilobite tail?
It was the largest we have found in this formation.

Before and after preparation

Trilobite
Age: Mississippian
Warsaw Formation
Meramecian Series
St. Louis, Missouri

Carl and I often talked about creating a web page which would
demonstrate the step-by-step techniques we use when cutting
out a fossil with the rock saw.

When we spotted this fossil ... I said "The light is perfect and
I brought my camera. You do the work and I'll take the pictures."

We always have fun when we go into the field.
Barry Sutton & Carl Cook

SLIP Fossil preparation tools
Carl Cook's home page

Paleontology and Geology of Missouri
Barry's home page


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