Museum Volunteer Explains Fossil Formation and Preservation Challenges in Collections

Tony Mitchell, a volunteer at Maidstone Museum, details the process of fossilization and issues affecting fossils in museum collections. He explains that most fossils form in oxygen-deprived aquatic environments, with land specimens rarely preserved except in sudden events like floods or volcanic eruptions. Mitchell describes how chemical reactions during decay can create stable fossils through calcium phosphate deposition, but also notes the risk of pyrite decay, where microscopic pyrite particles react with oxygen and moisture to produce sulfuric acid, damaging specimens. He identifies fossils from London and Gault clays as particularly vulnerable and recommends preservation methods including thorough drying, controlled humidity, and storage in silicon oil to prevent deterioration.