[NHCOLL-L:1128] Re: :

[Gretchen Anderson]

"King, Angela" wrote:

> We have some mammoth teeth that are starting to turn to powder. Is there
> something we can coat them with to stop it and also prevent the others bones
> and teeth from doing the same?
>
> Angela C. King
> Collections care assistant
> Springfield Science Museum
> 220 State Street
> Springfield, Mass.
> (413)-263-6800 Ext. 397
> AKing at spfldlibmus.org
> www.quadrangle.org

Angela,
Mammoth teeth are a definite problem.  You need to look at the cause of the
deterioration before determining a treatment for the specimens. Mammoth material
responds poorly to fluctuating environmental conditions.  I try to keep such
material in a stable environment (steady temperature, relative humidity and
chemically inert).  Coating does not solve the problem, although there has been
some success with consolidants. Coating and consolidation often irreversibly
change the characteristics of the piece and you will have to decide if
treatment is warranted.  Do you have a paleontologist or a conservator that you
can consult with?  They will be familiar with the technique.

--
Gretchen Anderson
Conservator
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 West Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-221-4764

gretcha at smm.org
www.smm.org