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Samples

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Rock Hounds collect rocks.

Geologists collect samples!

As a professional scientist, you have an obligation to get proper permission (if necessary) for any samples you collect.

Zip-lock plastic bags make excellent sample bags for rocks.  Their most noteworthy attributes are:

  • See-through so you can always see your samples.

  • Inexpensive!

  • Readily available at any market across the country.

  • Water and dust resistant (unlike cotton or burlap bags).

  • You can write sample numbers directly on them.

  • Come in a variety of sizes -- extra large or very small.

  • You'll automatically have them available for protection for your expensive gear.

 

Tip:  Always label your rock samples directly on the surface (of the ugly side) with a fine-tip ink pen -- even the ones for your private collection.  (If you're going to make a pair of bookends or a desk set, don't label those until they're done!)  Your grandchildren will appreciate knowing what all your cool rocks are as well as when and where you found 'em.  Be sure to write neatly.

Image of labeled rock sample -- research sample

© Reuben Johnson 2002

Image of labeled rock sample -- private collection

© Reuben Johnson 2002

An example for field research:

 

FH-5 -- 13.9 -- 01

 

(Translation: Section FH-5, position of 13.9 meters on the stratigraphic section, field season 2001)

An example for a private collection:

Ostracods (<1mm) and

Gastropods in Limestone.

Tipton Member, Green River Formation

15 miles north of Rock Springs, WY.

July 06, 2000.

Reuben Carl Johnson

 

Tip:  For those extra small, fragile samples (like many fossils) keep a small plastic canister with some cotton balls or crumpled toilet paper in it.  Be sure to put your name on this container, and how 'bout some of that high-vis tape, too.

Image of film container, cotton and very small fossils

Delicate crinoid stem fragments and a 35 mm film canister used for collection and transport while in the field.  Note the cotton padding, name label, and high-visibility tape. © Reuben Johnson 2002

Tip:  For samples that are exceptionally delicate or already fractured, paleontologists sometimes dilute Elmer's Glue by 30 - 50% with water and glue the pieces in place (directly to their host rock) before separating the rock (and the sample it contains) from the outcrop.  This is done so as to help maintain the sample's integrity and prevent loss from further fracture.  Such a technique is used because glue of this type washes off after soaking in water.

 

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This site was last updated August 20, 2004

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