Here are some nice Sauropterygia bones from the middle Triassic of Southern Germany. The surface of these bones is fragile and brittle. Therefore they were secured before preparation and then carefully exposed. One piece was reassembled from three parts. In addition to airscribes, a fine air abrasive unit was also used to gently remove the rock from the surface of the bones.

Due to the low thickness of the matrix, 2 plates had to be reinforced at the back to ensure sufficient stability for further processing.   

Fossil: Sauropterygia, ribs and extremity bones

Locality: Baden-Württemberg (Germany)

Formation: Middle Triassic, lower “Lettenkeuper”

Length of the fossils: 9-13 cm (3.5 – 5.1 inches)

Work required: 4-5 hours each