FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Bruce Sevier]

I have two Aragonite specimens. Presently, I have them wrapped with plastic bubble wrap. When I unwrapped them to measure them, I noticed them to "flake". There were no large pieces falling, just flakes. In other words, there is no significant visual damage.
Being a novice, I am unsure whether the continued handling of them (when showing them to people) would eventually lead to damage, as they are somewhat fragile. Their size makes them difficult to handle delicately, as the largest of the two is 4"x6"; and has a significant weight factor.
Are there any suggestions for procedure available, regarding the protection and preservation of these specimens?
I will appreciate any advice anyone would care to offer, and thank you for your consideration.

[chris]

Hi,

I'm not used to handling such large specimen, but if I had too, I would put them inside a closed display and avoid handling them regularly. Most mineral specimens are fragile, not only aragonite.

So if you can afford it, try to find a glass display strong enough to deal with your specimens' weight and keep them inside. Might be the best way to enjoy / show them and prevent any damage.

But this is only my point of view. I'm sure other FMF members will have advices to share with you.

Christophe

[Bruce Sevier]

Thank you, Chris'.
I was thinking of possibly spraying them with a spray bottle of water, to remove the loose material. Then perhaps, sealing them with with some sort of clear sealant? Varathane, or polyurethane perhaps?
Again, I'm unsure if this would harm them.

[GneissWare]

How about posting a photo so we can see what you have?

[Bruce Sevier]

I am providing four separate photos of my two Aragonite specimens. The first photo of each specimen is with caption, describing its origin and size.

[Bruce Sevier]

Aragonite

[Bruce Sevier]

Aragonite

[Bruce Sevier]

Aragonite

[Bruce Sevier]

Aragonite #2

[Bruce Sevier]

Aragonite #2

[Bruce Sevier]

Dear FMF members,
I apologize for the many consecutive postings. I am new to the site and its procedures. I did notice and use (FINALLY!!) the "Attachment" option before I had made 8 separate posts. Although I didn't discover this option until the 5th post, at least I DID find and use it!
Sorry!!

[chris]

Hi Bruce,

Spraying water over and letting it dries up could be a good idea. I'm not sure sealing then would be a good one (my point of view). If I had to choose, I would put then inside a display and avoid handling them afterwards. At least if you decide to do so, ensure that the sealant can be removed using a solvent that won't damage your specimens.

If you have a loose scrap make some tries on it first before choosing between simple storage vs treatment.

Christophe

[Bruce Sevier]

Thank you for your suggestions, Chris. I will try the water spray. A small piece of the "drusy (sp?) -looking" area did fall off. It is a (somewhat) clear piece, almost like a clear-coating of sorts. It is quite brittle.
Do you have any suggestions for securing the specimens inside the (I'm assuming; Plexiglas) containers, as to keep them from rolling within the container?

[chris]

Hi Bruce,

I'm not used to handling such fragile specimens. The only aragonite I have in my collection stays on its own and is kept inside a glass display where you can see it without having to handle it.

For your problem, if I were you I would try the kind of cotton you find into a first aid kit. If you put enough of it inside a box, it would prevent your specimen from rolling.

Hope this help

Christophe

[Bruce Sevier]

Your suggestions have been a great help.
Thank you, Chris'