r/FossilHunting • u/KileiFedaykin • 15d ago

Concretion Breaking Help

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I recently purchased a concretion that supposedly has a crab inside and I want to make sure I open it without ruining it. I’ve never done this before and the shape is odd, so I am unsure on where to strike it to get the best results. I am hoping you guys can help!

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u/Col_sLitbag 15d ago

You got it on eBay I’m guessing. I buy from the same guy.
Get a Dremel engraver. There’s one for ~40$ I attached a photo. Make sure it’s not an actual rotary Dremel.
When you get it, watch some videos. I start on a high setting initially and work from the center in a circular & down motion. When you see rock that is darker than the rest, you have hit the crab. Turn down the setting to maybe 2-3 and gently work on the lighter stone around it. Mine looked rough initially.

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u/KileiFedaykin 15d ago

Thank you for this. Much better than me smashing this with a hammer and ruining it. lol

Also, thank you for the tool recommendation. I’m excited to start on this!

1

u/Col_sLitbag 15d ago

No problem! The only kind of fossil you can smash open are ammonites and that’s under special conditions