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Post by gingerkid on Dec 7, 2014 13:02:57 GMT -5
Don't have many fossil specimens and thought I would ask for your expertise and opinions. Received this display piece in the mail from friends. It was found a yard sale and they kindly sent it to me to repair and display in our catbinet. I like it! I think it's orthoceras in matrix, but it has a "made in Morocco" label. Have seen lots of items made with orthoceras, from soap dishes to office pencil stands. Is this the real deal, or is it man-made? Also, does anyone have suggestions on how to grind/polish it? (grits, etc?) Thanks!
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 7, 2014 13:35:54 GMT -5
Jan, it's probably the real thing judging by included remnants on the bottom. Just to make sure, heat a sewing needle over a flame and press it into the back side. If it smells like burning plastic, it's at least partially man made. The Moroccans are getting good at making the matrix out of ground up rock, bits of fossils and epoxy resin.
As for polishing it, Fossilman Mike can probably give the best advice on that. A lot will depend on the hardness of the specimen.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Dec 7, 2014 16:37:33 GMT -5
If its the real deal,and probably is(the Moroccans) flooding the market with them! Just use a cloth buffing wheel with a polishing compound called "fabulustre"...... Can be found at Kingsley North.....Good luck...
PS: they shine up great!
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Post by pghram on Dec 7, 2014 19:52:51 GMT -5
Nice specimen.
Rich
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Post by gingerkid on Dec 9, 2014 8:33:40 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip on how to test the piece, jakesrocks. Will give it a try. Thanks for your expertise, Fossilman. Thanks, pghram!
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