The purpose of this thread is to show my turtle fossil and my efforts to preserve it.
In 1996, while working overseas, I bought a turtle fossil at a gem and mineral show:
It is about 10 inches long and 9 inches wide at the widest point. It weighs 9.5 pounds. I was told it was from the Gobi Desert in China. Over the years, I noticed that it sheds tiny bits of black crumbs from the scutes on its back, but had NO IDEA how to protect and preserve it. Fast forward to January 2018- TFO member, Tidgey's Dad is a paleontologist, and he directed me to The Fossil Forum! They are a group of really lovely people who are incredibly knowledgable!
They quickly determined that my fossil was genuine, which was a concern for me since counterfeit fossils is a huge business!!!! They also identified the genus and species: Anosteira maomingensis!!!
The majority of these are found in the Guangdong Province of southern China, although the Anosteira genus had a wide range, including North America. They are related to soft shelled turtles and to Carettochelyidae, which are the Pig Nosed Turtle (aka Fly River Turtle) that live in Australia!
Pig Nosed Turtle:
Much like the Fly River Turtle, my Anosteira was a fresh water turtle that inhabited rivers and lagoons. Its front limbs were paddles with 2 claws. So I imagine my turtle probably looked a lot like the adorable Pig Nosed Turtle!
Later in the spring, when the temperatures are warm enough for me to work outside, I will post the preservation method that the Fossil Forum gurus are recommending. This involves the use of plastic polymer beads dissolved in acetone; since acetone is highly volatile and flammable, it's NOT something you want to do inside!!!!
Although I won't start the preservation until March or April, if you're interested in fossils, join in this thread!
In 1996, while working overseas, I bought a turtle fossil at a gem and mineral show:
It is about 10 inches long and 9 inches wide at the widest point. It weighs 9.5 pounds. I was told it was from the Gobi Desert in China. Over the years, I noticed that it sheds tiny bits of black crumbs from the scutes on its back, but had NO IDEA how to protect and preserve it. Fast forward to January 2018- TFO member, Tidgey's Dad is a paleontologist, and he directed me to The Fossil Forum! They are a group of really lovely people who are incredibly knowledgable!
They quickly determined that my fossil was genuine, which was a concern for me since counterfeit fossils is a huge business!!!! They also identified the genus and species: Anosteira maomingensis!!!The majority of these are found in the Guangdong Province of southern China, although the Anosteira genus had a wide range, including North America. They are related to soft shelled turtles and to Carettochelyidae, which are the Pig Nosed Turtle (aka Fly River Turtle) that live in Australia!
Pig Nosed Turtle:
Much like the Fly River Turtle, my Anosteira was a fresh water turtle that inhabited rivers and lagoons. Its front limbs were paddles with 2 claws. So I imagine my turtle probably looked a lot like the adorable Pig Nosed Turtle!
Later in the spring, when the temperatures are warm enough for me to work outside, I will post the preservation method that the Fossil Forum gurus are recommending. This involves the use of plastic polymer beads dissolved in acetone; since acetone is highly volatile and flammable, it's NOT something you want to do
inside!!!!Although I won't start the preservation until March or April, if you're interested in fossils, join in this thread!
