[Nhcoll-l] Moldy tortoise

[Katy Corneli]

Hello all,

I have a desert tortoise shell that was neglected for many years and the keratin is now separating from the bone. Between the two layers, both where the keratin has come off completely and where it is still attached, there is green mold growing in some spots. I have tried removing it with ethanol but the dark staining remains on the bone. Is anyone familiar with a safe and effective way of removing the stains? Hydrogen peroxide may be my next option but I wanted to run it by this group as well in case anyone had some experience with moldy, non-fossilized, skeletal material.

Thanks,
Katy

Katharine Corneli
Curator of Collections | Prehistoric Museum
155 E Main, Price, Utah 84501
Office: 435-613-5765
Email: Katharine.Corneli at usu.edu<mailto:Katharine.Corneli at usu.edu>
[cid:14962061-2FAF-4E35-AB43-45898538268B]

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