We have 15 years of experience
Welcome to Red Dirt Fossils. We are an experienced and passionate paleontology service dedicated to bringing the fascination and wonder of the ancient world to life through the careful recovery, consolidation and restoration of fossil specimens.
- Investigation for fossil deposits
- expert removal of specimens for preparation
- Museum quality preparation
- Molding and casting of fossils
Our services
Property exploration for fossil bed exposures, fossil excavations, preparation and conservation of fossils, molding and casting of fossils.
Locating fossil sites
Discovering fossil exposure sites is a time consuming and tiring project. The goal of prospecting is to explore a huge area where fossils may be found to locate individual sites where there is something worth digging up.
Fossil excavation
The safe collection of the specimen is paramount. Collecting decisions are made with the goal of obtaining a stable specimen with the greatest amount of information preserved. No fossil should be collected without good data.
Preparation and conservation
Fossils do not come out of the ground ready for use. Usually they are brought back in a field jacket, still embedded in matrix, and require careful preparation, the process by which the fossil is exposed and stabilized, to enable them to be displayed or studied.
Casting and modeling
Duplicating the perfect detail of fossil specimens, we primarily use silicone rubber as a molding material, though latex is sometimes used to achieve specific molding solutions. 3D scanning and modeling can also be used to make detailed replicas of fossils.
Frequently asked questions
Fossil preparation is the process of carefully removing excess matrix (the material in which the fossil is embedded) from a fossil, and may also involve repairing and stabilizing the fossil if it has been damaged. The goal of fossil preparation is to reveal the fossil as fully as possible, while also preserving its integrity and scientific value
Professional fossil preparation adds a multitude of value to any paleontological specimen. Preparation is a necessary component to a fossil’s scientific investment for future research. Professional fossil preparation creates the decisive “added value” of a fossil, valuable to research and/or the market
A fossil preparation service is typically used by paleontologists, museum curators, and other professionals who work with fossils. These individuals may use a fossil preparation service to carefully remove excess matrix (the material in which the fossil is embedded) from a fossil, or to repair and stabilize a fossil that has been damaged. In some cases, amateur collectors or hobbyists may also use a fossil preparation service to clean and restore fossils that they have collected. Fossil preparation services can be used to prepare fossils for a variety of purposes, including scientific study, exhibition in museums, and private collections. Fossil preparation can be a delicate and time-consuming process, and many professionals and collectors choose to use a specialized service to ensure that their fossils are handled with care and expertise
We provide fossil preparation services to a wide range of individuals, including amateur paleontologists and collectors. Our comprehensive services encompass micro air-abrasion, air scribe matrix removal, display mounting, and fossil preservation. Our pricing is based on an hourly rate, tailored to meet your specific requirements and expectations. For further inquiries or to get in touch with us, please find our contact information below.