Fossilized Star Coral

cds7189 · May 23, 2017

I found this and cleaned it using a weak vinegar solution. What can I use to bring out the detail of the coral and put on my desk? I’m not sure if this is ever done or is even possible but I thought I might ask.

Blak bart · May 23, 2017

Dont know if you can make that specimen any better, but you may be able to find a nicer piece if you look for it. Here in the keys there are many great specimens like that. My yard is filled with pieces like yours. Over the years I have found many fantastic pieces, some very large. I have sanded or grinded some pieces and that will often bring out the detail. It is quite soft and will sand very easily. It will actually take a polish if worked down in sand paper grit. 220, 400, 800, 1000, and final polish with 2000. Use wet dry paper on a flat surface and lots of water. It sands pretty quickly. Ill find a piece and post it up.

Blak bart · May 23, 2017

heres a few pieces from my back yard. I dont really hunt it but I dont pass up a nice piece when I see it.

its great for carving. Heres a little cross I made for a necklace.

I like fist sized pieces to work with, but ive gotten pieces that are over 100 pounds.

Blak bart · May 23, 2017

this is a twenty pound piece. Shell collectors call this a plate. This one needs to be cleaned and bleached. Shell collectors and aquarium enthusiasts will pay pretty good money for large plates like this.