Prepping a mystery 12 million year old fossil bone block I found on a beach (Maker's Challenge)

Thanks Theo for organising the Maker's Challenge again!
I found this mystery bone cluster on one of my local beaches a while back. I'm feeling more confident in the acid prepping so I decided to start prepping this really cool fossil. I could see there were a number of bones in the block and they seemed to pretty well preserved, not too much bio erosion.
An air scribe was used to remove the majority of the rock, but because the rock was so sticky, I used some acetic acid to remove the final layer of rock on the bones.
I would put the fossil in the acetic acid for 12 hours and then in fresh water , that I changed a couple of times, for 24 hours at least.
There appears to be a triangular hole in the one vertebra which could perhaps be feeding damage from something like a shark!
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Postal address:
Morne Mamlambo
PO Box 78018
7648
New Zealand
The 3D model of the dolphin vertebrae is from NZFauna on Sketchfab: sketchfab.com/...
#TheMakersChallenge3 #fossil #fossilprep

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks for watching everyone and thanks for organising another challenge Theo!! To watch the other Maker's Challenge videos, click on hashtag kzbin.infothemakerschallenge3

[@STHFGDBY]

Nice find and nice prep. How long did it take you to prep it in total. ?

[@trexvalleygirl2770]

The overlay of the picture to the actual bones was impressive. I always enjoy you showing where the bones came from for perspective. Wow. 👌👏👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks! That took way longer than it should have to make in Blender 😆

[@SusanIsListening]

@@MamlamboFossils It was totally worth it for a viewer who has no idea what they're looking at (me). Thank you!

[@andreawashnak630]

I 💯 agree

[@MamlamboFossils]

@@SusanIsListening I'll try and include it from now on!!

[@TheoKellison]

Fantastic work!!! Im sitting here watching this while im working on ammonites wishing i could work on some bone one day🤣 those vertebrae are just so cool! As always awesome video and thanks so much for being a part of the challenge!!!😄

[@MamlamboFossils]

It took me a while to get ready to tackle some bones, especially such a big block! They are intimidating when it's so big! Keen to see your next ammonite prep!

[@phild8095]

Wow. Am I glad I came here this evening. SO COOL!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Me too!!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@littleSallyJo]

I believe this one is your Most Magnificent one yet!!! Also I LOVE your choice of music. Never thought I'd ever hear Rock Steel Drum!! Cool!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thnks Sally! Hahaha glad you enjoyed the music as well!

[@savagesquirrel9828]

Your patience is amazing. I love seeing what you uncover..nice find and reveal.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much Savage Squirrel 😀

[@GrandTreasureBay]

Another solid video! Looks like there is still a good amount of rock on the back side of the host rock. Do you think you'll keep this around, or trim it down a bit more? You're going to have a museum on your hand here soon!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks! I'll keep that rock as it is, it's good to have quite a bit of rock in case someone ever wants to use some of it for tests like finding forams or trace elements.

[@claudesarich6314]

Great find and great result, well done. I bet that penguin is just around the corner. Thx so much for the share and stay safe and rock on 👍✌

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks 👍It has to be around here somewhere!

[@MichiganRocks]

It's so much fun watching you work. You work fast!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Hahahah this took me two months!

[@MichiganRocks]

@@MamlamboFossils But it looked so fast in the video! I figured you whipped it out in an afternoon. I'm kidding of course.

[@alexandermelchers1497]

Beautiful set of vertebrae. I also love the way they came out from the prep. A true show piece, especially with the bite mark there, which makes it a great conversation-starter as well. Simply awesome!

[@loyalkuhn5778]

Just amazing !! The exposure is just fascinating as you unravel the eons. Great video !!! Thank you for the time travel !!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure!! I'm glad you liked it!!

[@betojdesigns]

I absolutely love watching you uncover each new discovery. Always fascinating to me. Keep up the great work. 👏

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yay!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@suerobertson5132]

Awesome find and prep,,,, love the graphics to explain what we were looking at, Happy Hunting oxoxoxox love from across the ditch

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much Sue! Glad you enjoyed the graphics, they took a while to make 😀

[@margaretpeabody2584]

Excellent video of your find! Congratulations on your "Chunky" Dolphin fossil!💯✔ Thanks for sharing! "Rock Bottom" in Ohio USA

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it Margaret!

[@TheFossilFiend]

great prep work, as always. Thanks for taking us along for the ride

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheOldladyB]

Absolutely glued to the screen watching you prep this. And to see what kind of fossil it is and what part of the body it came from was so interesting. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure Darlene! I'm so stoked you like it!

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Thanks for this one! Love prep videos...especially this one Maker's Challenge!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@impunitythebagpuss]

Always! You are so meticulous when you scribe!

[@paigelee6321]

Interesting I don’t know much about fossils but open to learning 😊💙thank you for sharing 😊💙

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure!!

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Terrific graphics showing the spine section in 3D. Great find and treatment. I am always satisfied watching the videos you put out.👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks James! It took a bit of time to do the 3D render but glad you appreciated it!

[@RockhoundingLife]

That's so cool to be able to find on your local beach! Loved the whole process!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks! It's very satisfying to see weeks of work in 10mins!

[@rockrockprettyrock6594]

You are one very patient man! The delicate work definitely paid off.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much 😀

[@QuestForDetails]

I'm so jealous ! thats crazy good find, we aren't allowed to collect those here , and I wouldn't know where to any way, lol, I love fossils! thats such a great display piece! 12 million years old ! and the bite mark did look like it was in fresh bone when it happened, something sharp , and through the muscles to the bone ! love the details the acid and peeping brings out as you gone used to have bars of soap here with plastic dinosaurs inside that would wear out as you wore it down, , loved it when I was a kid, this reminds me of the same surprise fun !

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much mate! I'll probably end up donating it to a museum, but yeah its amazing seeing it get revealed bit by bit like that!

[@StoneUSA]

Awesome specimen. Excellent prep!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Kevin!

[@lois4329]

Wow it is so nice to see the history that can be found right in front of us. Thank you for sharing what would otherwise be inaccessible to many. Amazing.

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure Lois!

[@frankierzucekjr]

Just seeing something that old in personal has to be awesome, but holing it has to be one of the coolest feelings in the world. Holding something that was are with the dinosaurs is mind blowing. Great find and great work

[@largent45]

Wow! That was so cool! I love fossils and that was extra cool because it was 12 million year old dolphin verts! Thats pretty outstanding! Totally awesome. Thanks for taking us along on your journey through time!

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandmaker]

What a great piece you created out of a rock and bone. You definitely put that scribe to work. Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. Keep the goodness coming. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

[@MamlamboFossils]

That air scribe is earning it's keep, that's for sure!!

[@MotoLego]

What a great find. The combination of air scribe and acid worked great.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Moto! Yeah, I'm really liking the combination of the two - it really gives a nice result!

[@juliemckenna514]

Just amazing to watch you uncover those fossils and the music! It’s all very exciting😃thanks for sharing😊❤️

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure!!

[@Rookie_Rockounding]

Wow. Just freakin wow Morne! Seriously dude you are absolutely in your element!!!!!!! This turned out amazing but honestly, anything you do does! Like seriously. I’m watching the podcast you did with the rock hound podcast and it is sooooooooooo interesting. It’s next level. But the raddest thing is just seeing you do what you love. Exiling is an understatement brother. And you do it so well! I want to come to nz and hang out sometime. I know a little about rocks, and even less about fossils, but it’s inspiring to watch you dude. Just flippin rad!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Ah thanks mate!! I'm still learning every time I do a prep or find a new fossil, there's still so much I don't know and understand! You should come over, there are some really good agate sites close to where I am as well as all the fossil sites. I also still have to come over to Aus to have a look around!

[@dustinfindsrocks]

Wow! That was just fantastic! That animation showing the vertebrae was amazing!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yay! Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@lolajo2850]

Morne, your work never ceases to amaze me. I can't imagine how long it must have taken to reveal that much of the bones. That was a CHUNK of a rock! Congratulations on a job well done!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Hahaha thanks Lola! That was done over about 2 months so quite a bit of work 😀

[@Kirsten._._]

Very cool!! It looks great. It must be hard condensing so many hours of work into a video. Great job as always!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Hahahah yes and to make it make sense from all the random video clips!

[@aserta]

Beautiful cleanup and piece. And man that hole really looks like a bite, nice.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks 👍 It really does! I'm going to have to take a closer look at it for sure!

[@valiantwarrior4517]

That has some really nice articulation. I admire your patience for these long projects.

[@MamlamboFossils]

I love how well they fit together! Thanks, it took quite a few weeks to get this done 😀

[@natureswrapture3922]

Very nice. I love watching you prep the fossild. It is mesmerizing! Excellent animation of the diagrams in relation to the fossil. Thank you!

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure! Im really glad you enjoyed it! 😀

[@seashoremudlark3916]

Luv the beginning to end of it all. Such a cool fossil. Gr8 event as well. I appreciate all of your hard work. Keep rockin

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much! I'm stoked you enjoyed it!

[@justjulee9135]

This was incredible! It brought my love of science and my love of rocks together! Wonderful project and I subscribed!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yay!!! I'm so stoked you enjoyed it and thanks for subbing

[@sarejen6868]

That was a pretty interesting reveal, amazing how they stayed articulated and fossilized. Thank you for sharing!

[@MamlamboFossils]

It is amazing!!

[@tinadelaluz3197]

Amazing work. The fossil is just beautiful. Thank you for sharing your skill and knowledge.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Anytime! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@MarlainaAtkins]

Now that is impressive. What a fantastic piece!👌 The time it took...just wow. You did an amazing job. I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing. And cheers to a fantastic makers challenge. Best wishes✨

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thank you very much! It did take quite a few weeks, I was pushing to get it done in time for the Maker's Challenge!

[@a3skywarrior929]

Always a great find and prep job👍. Nice to see how someone works on something for ideals! The extra piece on back would make a self stand for the piece.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Good idea on the shelf stand!

[@michellestenton6430]

Very very cool. I can only imagine the hours it took to get to the final reveal. Well done !

[@MamlamboFossils]

I did it over the course of about 2 months

[@johnd0e25]

Beautiful result!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate!

[@OzoneFineArtVentures]

It's always so interesting to see the prep happen and all the steps you go through. Of course what is revealed is the best part, just grand to find articulated bones. How do you explain this one to the concrete crab conspiracy theorists?! Thanks for bringing us along on this project, awesome Maker's Challenge!

[@MamlamboFossils]

I feel like I need to "build" something more for the Maker's Challenge, maybe I'll try that next time! I loved your lamp so much!!

[@tashacano3324]

Wow that's an awesome piece to have! It's so cool watching the rock dry out after the acid and water baths so you can see the high contrast between the bone & rock! Oh also you definitely have more patience & dedication than me. I'd 1000% forget & leave the piece in the acid bath too long😅🤣

[@MamlamboFossils]

I have done that before so now I set an alarm 😄 yeah, the drying out was cool!

[@tashacano3324]

@@MamlamboFossils 👍 I ignore my timers lol It's a good thing you don't 🤣

[@RockandRoadRockhounding]

Awesome job! It's amazing watching the mystery within get unveiled.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate! It really is! I enjoy seeing the time-lapse because you don't get that effect when you do the work over a couple of months.

[@davidletasi3322]

Again another great video and another great find! Just to add I've been sharing your videos with out education group SETS of Hernando Florida (Scientific Educational Training Services). We are teaching children and adults these preparation techniques you use. Your an inspiration and wonderful sharer of science and curiosity of the prehistoric world found in rock. Your crab fossils are world famous!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much David! That's awesome that you are sharing it with SETS, if you ever want me to jump on a video call to have a chat with the group, send me an email 😀

[@coolesteyes]

Impressive work, patience and experience, we live watching your channel!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Ruben!

[@pastmasters9591]

So freeking awesome!! I just love your channel

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate!! I really appreciate it!

[@rickross2709]

Beautiful job on that block of vertebrae

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate!

[@JimmysGarden]

It always amazes me watching your videos 👍👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@andreawashnak630]

Your videos keep getting better and better!!!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Andrea! That's so encouraging 😀

[@ofelsewhere13]

What a seriously awesome find!! Great prep as always! 👏👏👏

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much! I learn so much with every prep 😀

[@raygrange7312]

Great fossil and great job.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks 👍

[@CityRockhounding]

Wow, this was so cool to see your process. Loved this, fantastic piece man, great work. Thanks for inspiring and sharing your passion!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks a ton! It was quite a prep job this time!

[@CityRockhounding]

@@MamlamboFossils Yea indeed, a lot of hard work!

[@respectanimals2]

Fabulous work and an awesome fossil , peace ✌️ 😎🌴

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate!

[@WorldofRockhounds]

Fantastic job! It's always so cool to see the prep process of your work :)

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate! I'm finding every fossil is different as well!

[@RockHoundingAdventures]

Hey bro this was a super cool video. I really enjoyed watching you go through each step of prepping the fossil. I’ve always been curious on the steps. I need to get some tools to try this out. Thanks for sharing. 🤩🤘

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure mate!! Glad you enjoyed it 😀 I'll do another video showing a bit more detail of the process I follow

[@RockHoundingAdventures]

@@MamlamboFossils oh cool I definitely can’t wait. 👊🤘

[@lancelessard2491]

It almost looked like an ancient script on the stone before work was done on it. I like seeing the transformation to a fully revealed fossil.

[@MamlamboFossils]

It did look like some writing, just vertebra though! I'm glad you enjoyed the video Lance!

[@mariemoss2475]

I love your work, what a great find ..you did it justice 👍💞💞💞

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much Marie!

[@leslyeschoenhuth1107]

Thanks for the photo insert so we could understand what you had found. Such Fun..

[@naomimakin1908]

Fascinating and beautiful 👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Naomi!

[@jorrit.f]

Such a good video! Loved watching the whole process and that you showed where theses bones were in the dolphin!!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yay! It took me hours to do the animation so I'm really glad you enjoyed it!!

[@sandin6689]

Woohoo!!!!! Amazing.... beautiful

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Sandi!

[@micktepolt6276]

what a good find and good job ! very cool

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Mick!

[@bobs-rocks]

Absolutely fantastic and inspiring! Cheers to you mate!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kirktingblad6667]

Very cool fossils, dude!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks! I do like the way they came out!

[@sandsxgg]

Im always excited for a new fossil prep video

[@MamlamboFossils]

I love making them as well!

[@jordonz555]

Well done bro !!! 😊

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks mate!!

[@barrymayson2492]

That's a great find looks amazing. Love the video. Keep it up.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much mate 👍

[@josephcormier5974]

Awesome video I wonder if the skull you have goes with the bone cluster you just did 😉 so much fun five stars my friend thank you for sharing

[@MamlamboFossils]

That would be amazing!! I'll have to check it out!

[@noreenreese5702]

Fantastic find..keep up the good work 👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Noreen!!

[@jackicomber8534]

Isn't it amazing that you can hold something 12,000,000 years old in your hands without having it turn to dust!

[@MamlamboFossils]

I know!!! Its such a mind bend that it used to be alive!!!

[@beckysmith3660]

Awesome prep!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Becky!

[@kiwiprincess76]

That's just so cool!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks so much!

[@mcmenace4847]

Hay mate, question, what would you recommend I get myself to polish agate and other such stones after cutting?

[@MamlamboFossils]

Those pads you attach to a drill will work well. Thats what I use

[@annetalbot9151]

Fantastic piece and prep work ❤

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MontanaRockMom]

I truly admire your fossil prepping skills as you are exceptional. You make it look so easy but I know better as I have struggled to prepare some of the most simple of fossils, failed, then handed over to Theo to help me! 😉 Is the formation of the rock you found the dolphin in approximately 12 million years old and that's how you know the age? Are most in your area approximately that old? You'll have to excuse my lack of education in this area but I am super interested in learning! Thank you friend for your hard work.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Great question! The area has been dated to approx mid-Miocene which is in the roughly 12 million year old ballpark. Not much work has been done on getting a more accurate number for this area. They dated it using microfossils - forams as far as I can tell.

[@MontanaRockMom]

@@MamlamboFossils so cool to think about a 12 million year old dolphin swimming around isn't it?!!! 🐬🐬🐬

[@americanrebel413]

This was really cool! cool music also. Thank you.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Glad you liked it!

[@D989501L]

Hello Again, it was so interesting i forgot i had already watched it when it first came out. What do you do with all your fossils? And have you ever thought of using a high pressure water scribe?. Regards Richard 🇬🇧

[@MamlamboFossils]

I've never used a water scribe, could be interesting! Many of them get donated to local museums 😀

[@D989501L]

@@MamlamboFossils it always seems so interesting, knowing they where swimming about, millions of years ago And you have a part of them sitting on your bench. I hope you find a whole one, one day. Regards Richard

[@chova1000]

Very nice !!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Osvaldo!

[@D989501L]

Amazing find, how do you know when to stop? And how long did that take, as it always seems so easy as it's speeded up. Great Tooth mark, was it before or after ? Regards Richard 🇬🇧

[@MamlamboFossils]

I did it over about 2 months, I'm unsure of the exact hours. The tooth mark was probably when there was still meat on those bones. I stopped the prep on this fossil when I felt I had exposed a good profile of the bones and I couldn't find any other hidden ones.

[@D989501L]

@@MamlamboFossils Thank you, it's always exciting to think what's out there to find, and you might be the person to find it, still waiting for a whole penguin 😁. Regards Richard

[@joang.cavanna2046]

That was awesome! Do you think there is still bone inside ti be uncovered? Like the rest of those bones? Thanks for sharing.

[@tinarankin9290]

Can I ask is that acidic acid that you buy in supermarket ? I notice you don't use gloves so it's not harmful ? Love watching you expose the fossil Nice work 👍

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yip, it's just white vinegar. I usually do wear gloves just cause it's smells so strong!

[@docsavagefan2795]

Beautiful work!

[@Lilith-Rose]

What solvent do you use for your b72? I was planning on using ipa but I've also seen acetone suggested so thought it would be worth asking someone who has experience using it on fossils in particular

[@MamlamboFossils]

The actual name is B72 paraloid that you mix with acetone.

[@Lilith-Rose]

@@MamlamboFossils cheers. Yeah I've got some sitting around (had it for a while) and just never got round to using it. The data sheet it came with mentions using it in solutions of both isopropanol (ipa/isopropyl alcohol) and acetone along with a range of other solvents like toluene with reference to different pigment stability etc for various conservation applications. I have a bottle of ipa lying around so I was just going to use that but I thought I'd ask which you prefer to use. I'll order up some acetone anyway since it's handy to have (I only have a tiny bit left) and it's what works for you and I'll probably mix up some of each to see what the drying speeds and surface penetration are like on some scrap

[@exzendar2523]

Awesome piece!!! Do you think to uncover the other side to?

[@MamlamboFossils]

I won't do the other side, I think I've done enough on this fossil for now!

[@exzendar2523]

@@MamlamboFossils but think about the things that may be uncovered🥸😲

[@ccccarriemchardy9216]

Awesome find!

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Carrie!

[@padego58]

Amazing.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks!

[@colombecouture7974]

12 millions. C'est vraiment impressionnant.

[@openyoureyes7539]

Cool presentation. Man that took some time.

[@Lunchmeat_Larry]

Amazing work as always! Is this your submission for The Makers Challenge? I didn’t hear you mention it in the video…unless I missed that part?

[@MamlamboFossils]

Yes it is! I put it in the video title

[@joshuajackson6442]

So beautiful!! WOW

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks Joshua!

[@johnpayne2465]

Very cool.

[@MamlamboFossils]

Thanks John!!

[@erichaskell]

Well done, having done this on Pleistocene crinoids I understand how much labor is involved.

[@MamlamboFossils]

And then to make the video out of all the random bits of footage!

[@viper516]

It didn’t look like you applied resin before the first acid treatment, how did you prevent the fossil itself from being degraded?

[@MamlamboFossils]

I did apply b72 before, I don't think I showed it on the video. I left it in for 6 hours.

[@VincentGroenewold]

Beautiful! One question; why doesn't the acid you use dissolve bone?

[@MamlamboFossils]

I coat the bones in B72 and the acid prefers to work on the calcium carbonate in the rock rather than the bone

[@VincentGroenewold]

@@MamlamboFossils Aha! That’s awesome, so the CaCO3 acts also like a quencher in that case. Acid concentration versus amount of rock with its CaCO3 will matter then I guess. Thanks!

[@Panzerkita61]

Very cool. Thank you're

[@MamlamboFossils]

My pleasure!!

[@cferguson3368]

To raise the level of the vinegar mix without adding more vinegar, put a couple of plastic bottles filled with water & capped in the empty spaces in the tank.