[Nhcoll-l] Storing and or displaying pyrite

[Leslie L Skibinski]

Hello everyone,

We have just gotten some fossils where the organism has been replaced with pyrite (FeS2).  Because of this, they are inherently unstable and very prone to pyrite disease.  Just in the short time we have had them, they have started to become less shiny (oxidize).

Has anyone had experience with storing pyrite?  Are there ways of packaging or storing the specimens that reduce oxygen and help maintain a stable low relative humidity?  Should we use a molecular sieve or is silica gel OK. Has anyone worked with a fabricator to design and produce a storage or exhibit case?  Would storing the specimens in an anoxic environment such as storing them in nitrogen or some inert gas be feasible and reasonably cost effective?

Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

--Leslie

Leslie L. Skibinski
Collection Manager

Paleontological Research Institution
1259 Trumansburg Road
Ithaca, New York  14850
Phone:  (607) 273-6623  ext. 128
Fax:  (607) 273-6620

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