On the use of percussion cartridges to extract fossils from hard breccia

Abstract

The use of percussion cartridges (caps) affords a simple, quick, controlled and safe way to remove pieces of hard breccia from around fossils or to remove breccia pieces that contain fossil material.We have demonstrated its use over two field seasons to remove pieces of breccia containing quite small animal bones and it is as good as, or better than, the use of jackhammer drills and other methods. Safety procedures are simple but must be strictly followed at all times.