How to Preserve Fossils from Clarkia, Idaho

Leaf, flower, and fish fossils from the Miocene era lakebed site in Clarkia, Idaho are extremely fragile upon collection. How can you properly care for your discoveries?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Newspaper
• Large plastic Ziploc bags
• Cool, dark storage area
• Cardboard box

1. The most difficult step of fossil preservation may be getting your treasures from the Clarkia Fossil Bowl to your home. Plan ahead and bring a cardboard box to set fossils in for the ride home.

2. The Clarkia, Idaho dig site is a rich repository with many layers of leaf fossils in larger chunks of soil. Gently split layers to uncover more fossils. Your best find may be hidden within!

3. Carefully layer fossils in newspaper with larger, heavier pieces on the bottom.

4. Place newspaper and fossils in gallon size plastic storage sacks. Do not seal as you want the fossils to "breathe" so that moisture can evaporate.

5. Place bagged fossils in an open cardboard box and store in a cool, dark room for one to two months. A basement boiler or furnace room is an excellent site.

Tips & Warnings

• Discoloration is normal. Oxidation begins the moment fossils are unearthed. Fossils will change from orange, green, and red to black over time.
• Consider donating extraordinary fossil finds to the Clarkia dig site museum, a university collection, or a neighborhood school.
• Leaves are the most common fossils in this Miocene lakebed. Fish and flowers are rare finds.
• Only dig for fossils at approved sites.

Resources

• Fossil Hunting at the Clarkia, Idaho Fossil Bowl
• Panning for Star Garnets in Clarkia, Idaho