|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Oct 23, 2011 15:02:49 GMT -5
Well Joe I got the fossils that I am suppose to be imaging for publication... they are tiny... largest fossil is on a matrix about 1/8" and the smallest is about 1/16" matrix... barely could see it.... a tiny pyritized worm on the 1/8" matrix..... this should be fun : )
|
|
|
Post by Joe Botting on Oct 23, 2011 15:50:40 GMT -5
Sounds like our sort of material. ;D Good luck...
|
|
|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Oct 23, 2011 16:00:47 GMT -5
I was told to use alcohol bath to image pyritized fossils.... comments any one? Is there any thing to be gain? Always worry about working with flammables and flash fire... as my CFL light is about 4" from specimen.....
|
|
|
Post by Joe Botting on Oct 25, 2011 22:55:49 GMT -5
Yep, alcohol is a standard technique for imaging a wide range of fossils - it's got a better refractive index than water, and won't destroy the pyrite. Which, under the circumstances, is good...
Pyrite is really difficult to photograph because of reflectivity from numerous facets (in soft tissue it will often be composed either of framboids or truncated cubes, so lots of light scattering). The alcohol should help to even things out a bit, and you won't lose too much light from a shallow bath.
As long as you're careful, it's not all that hazardous. We've been known to use vodka if there's any handy (not much use to you, I know - too much water). Wouldn't want to waste the whisky, though, and the colour might be a bit strange. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Joe Botting on Oct 25, 2011 22:58:11 GMT -5
Another option - crossed polarisers should have a big effect on that sort of material, but I've not tried it on pyritised fossils.
I'm using them on the Burgess sponges at the moment, and the results are phenomenal.
|
|
|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Oct 26, 2011 18:51:32 GMT -5
Thanks Joe for the helpful advice... I was able to photograph the pyritized worm in air under diffused light with -1 ev exposure.... (vodka is less toxic than methanol)... I have used polarizers in the past with good results.
|
|
|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Oct 30, 2011 21:40:19 GMT -5
Just finished imaging 3 fossils +700 pic for possible Yale publication... isopropanol does work well and increases the contrast of the fossils...
|
|
|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Dec 16, 2011 5:59:52 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Apr 4, 2012 7:36:09 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Joe Botting on Apr 5, 2012 9:29:50 GMT -5
That looks incredibly impressive, Peter... and it seems to work as well, which is even better. ;D
We're off for a few days' holiday now, but back later next week, when we'll put up some of Lucy's find in Morocco.
|
|
|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Apr 5, 2012 11:45:42 GMT -5
Thanks! Have a great holiday Joe... you and Lucy!... Looking forward to Lucy's finds
|
|
|
Post by pleecan (Peter Lee) on Jan 23, 2014 11:06:13 GMT -5
|
|