Question about cleaning a really stubborn fossil

Olivia Scott · 2026-04-08T16:45:09.595664+00:00

I was trying to clean this crinoid fossil from a creek bed near Lexington, and it was just caked in this orange iron oxide crust. I tried a dental pick for hours and got nowhere. Out of pure frustration, I grabbed some white vinegar from the kitchen and let it soak overnight. Woke up, rinsed it off, and the crust just flaked right off with a soft brush. I know acid can damage stuff, but a 5% vinegar soak for 12 hours was the perfect trick for this specific gunk. Has anyone else used a weird household item on a fossil that actually worked?

pat_murray536mo ago

Wow, you ever try a vinegar soak on other iron-stained fossils?

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young.ryan6mo ago

Seriously, vinegar? @phoenix_singh25, I was a total skeptic until I tried it.

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phoenix_singh256mo ago

Nice trick with the vinegar! Did you check if the fossil itself felt any softer or chalky after, like the acid ate into it a little? I'd be nervous it might weaken the actual specimen over time.

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