Need Help on how to check slate?

[comfortablynumb]

My 12 yo found a slate bed near a local creek, and brought a couple pieces home to crack open and look for fossils. One piece had the typical flat layers, but the other was a "glob". Of course, he found nothing in the flat sample, but when he cracked open the lump, he found several shell imprints, as well as an intact fossil shell with corresponding imprint.

My question is what is the best method for exploring the layers in slate that causes the least amount of damage to the underlying contents. I'm sure there has to be better methods than wedging something into the layer and prying.

Thank you for any feedback or suggestions.

 

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[diggummup]

Mallet and chisel is the only way besides the natural means of letting water into the cracks and freezing it then thawing it then freezing it over and over, which takes a long time I would guess.

 

[comfortablynumb]

Thanks diggumup! I appreciate the info.

 

[Goodyguy]

Do not disregard the flat layered slate it may contain fossils as well.
And hammer and chisel is the way to go.


GG~

 

[Solius Symbiosus]

Probably, what you are working with is shale. Slate is a metamorphic rock that, if not obliterates the fossil, usually distorts it, severely. In shale, I have had positive results soaking the rock in water, but you have to be careful as the shale will absorb and swell, making the fossil VERY fragile. If you go that route, consolidate the fossil after it has dried... I think that Harry has posted some consolidation tips, somewhere.

Generally though, if you are finding alternating bands of shale and limestone, look at the surfaces of the limestone at the contact of the shale. Sometimes, you can find some really good stuff there.

The method that I use for splitting: hammer and/or chisel. And occasionally, pneumatics.