Plaster

Definition

Plaster is a material commonly used in fossil preparation to stabilize and protect fragile specimens during excavation and analysis. It acts as a supportive medium, allowing paleontologists to carefully transport fossils without causing damage. By encasing fossils in plaster, the structural integrity of the specimen is maintained, making it easier to study and analyze later in the lab.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plaster is often mixed with water and then applied over a fossil to create a protective shell, commonly known as a field jacket.
2. Once the plaster hardens, it provides structural support to the fossil, helping to prevent breakage during transport or handling.
3. Paleontologists may use different types of plaster depending on the size and fragility of the fossil being prepared.
4. Plaster jackets can be reinforced with materials like burlap to increase their strength and durability.
5. After transporting fossils in plaster jackets, further preparation is typically done in a laboratory setting where more delicate work can be performed.

Review Questions

• How does the use of plaster in fossil preparation enhance the preservation and study of fragile specimens?
  • Using plaster to encase fragile fossils enhances preservation by providing a stable and protective layer that prevents damage during excavation and transportation. This allows paleontologists to safely move fossils without risking breakage or loss of valuable information. The plaster acts as a buffer against external forces, ensuring that delicate features are preserved for detailed study once they reach the lab.
• Discuss the differences between using plaster for field jackets versus using consolidation methods for fossils.
  • Plaster is primarily used for creating field jackets, which provide immediate protection during excavation by encasing fossils in a hard shell. In contrast, consolidation methods involve applying adhesives or resins directly to fossils to strengthen them before further handling. While both techniques aim to preserve fossils, plaster jackets are used during transport, whereas consolidation focuses on reinforcing individual specimens for detailed analysis.
• Evaluate the role of plaster in both fieldwork and laboratory settings regarding fossil preservation and analysis.
  • Plaster plays a critical role in both fieldwork and laboratory settings for fossil preservation. In the field, it is essential for creating sturdy field jackets that protect specimens during transport from excavation sites. Once in the lab, the plaster jacket allows researchers to work on the fossil without risking damage. Its versatility makes it an invaluable tool throughout the fossil preparation process, as it ensures that specimens remain intact while allowing for further examination and study.

Related terms

Consolidation:

The process of stabilizing a fossil or specimen by using adhesives or resins to strengthen it before further handling or analysis.

Field Jacket: A protective casing made from plaster and burlap that surrounds a fossil in situ, providing support during transportation from the excavation site.

Fossil Matrix: The surrounding sediment or rock material in which a fossil is embedded, which may require careful removal during preparation.