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Here are two links to posts dealing with how to post pictures on Black River Fossils forums.
1. How to Post Pictures on Black River Fossils Forums by ditchweezil
2. How to Post Pictures on Black River Fossils Forums by Daryl
Some of the darker teeth I have from Lee Creek have a light colored substance in the pores of the roots. I have tried dry brushing and also wiping with a damp cloth but it's really stuck in there. Someone said to dip them quickly into vinegar. What do you guys think? I don't want to ruin the teeth just to get them clean, but they sure would look better with the roots nice and clean. Ideas?
I used a soft toothbrush dipped in a very weak dish detergent solution to clean several dark roots last fall, with good results. Instead of scrubbing back and forth, I worked the brush in a small (1/4 inch or so) circle, letting the bristles get into the pores, followed by a clean water rinse and slow drying. Kinda time consuming, but the teeth look much better and weren't damaged at all. Of course, I would recommend that you do a less-valuable tooth (is there such a thing?) first. Hope this helps!
Tom
obsessed1,
I'd agree with Tom on how to initially clean roots. I use a kids toothbrush-the individual bristles are smaller in diameter and softer than an adult one. Let dry. If that fails to clean the root, there may be limestone in the pores. Holding the tooth with root down, use a small brush and flood root only with white vinegar. If it bubbles, it is dissolving the limestone. Wait until it's finished and then flood with water. If the vinegar doesn't do the trick, it's sand or clay in the pores--need high pressure water to release it. I once soaked a shiny Pungo tooth in vinegar to clean limestone. The vinegar removed the shine from the crown and ruined it. I never put vinegar on the crowns now. Pat Y