Labeling+Fossils+-+T.+Yates

Fossils have important stories to tell. These stories are meaningless to science, however, unless pertinent information related to each fossil specimen is accurately collected and recorded. This information should not only include the identity of the fossil, but the collection locality and formation from which the fossil originated as well. It is a simple matter to record this information on a small paper label to be stored with the specimen. When creating fossil labels, use permanent ink or pencil. Examples of the kinds of information that should be recorded are as follows: //** Name of institution **//**// : //** //Oklahoma Baptist University; Meeker High School; Collection of Mary Ray.// //** Name of fossil **//**// : //** // Exogyra costata, // or general name such as //bryozoan//. //** Formation **//**// : //** //Prairie Bluff Chalk, Ripley Formation//. Common abbreviations: Formation = Fm., Member = Mbr., Sandstone = Ss., Limestone = Ls., Shale = Sh. //** Location **//**// : //** This is the single most important item to record. Abbreviate if necessary. Use descriptions and supplement with gps readings if available. Example: //800 meters northeast of junction of I-20/59 and AL 28, Livingston, Sumter Co., AL.// Always describe the location in terms that someone could understand many years into the future. Avoid measuring distances from gas stations, groceries, or mile markers which may change. //** Collector **//**// : //** Full name of collector or initials may be used if full name is on some labels. //** Date **//**// : //** Date specimen was collected. //** Specimen number: **// The number of the fossil specimen. This number should be visible on larger specimens and on the specimen’s label. Commonly used methods include: (1) Sequential for a lifetime: "1, 2, 3, . . ." You must keep track of the last number you used! (2) Sequential for each year: "2011-1, 2011-2, 2011-3, . . . “   Specimen numbers should also be written directly on large specimens. This is commonly done by placing a small circle of light-colored enamel on the specimen and, once dry, applying the specimen number with India ink. This prevents the specimen from losing its identity if separated from its label.   ** Sample Label: **  ** Fossil:____________________________________________________________________ **  ** Formation: _______________________________________________________________ **  ** Location:_________________________________________________________________ **  ** _________________________________________________________________________ **  ** Collector:_________________________________________________________________ **  ** Date:_________________ **  ||
 * Labeling Fossils **
 *  ** Institution: ___________________________________________Number: ____________ **