Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Must haves for fossil and rock collection
9
items All my collection needs that I think are necessary!
Sections
3
Writing and Labelling Materials
Organization
Fossil Preparation
Writing and Labelling Materials
You always, always, always want to have proper writing utensils and labels. Especially if you're like me, where you very easily get rocks that look too similar to one another mixed together!
Sharpie is one of my top materials to use. They are reliable and quick drying, so if I'm on the go I have no need to worry if my label will smudge off. I personally prefer the ultra-fine tip ones due to my small writing, but I think any sharpie works...
Sharpie® Permanent Ultra-Fine Point Markers, Black, Pack Of 5 Markers
Having sticker labels is a must for me. I use them to label my containers. These ones I find are reliable, as they don't peel over time and hold their stickiness.
Avery® Removable Labels, 5454, Rectangle, 4" x 6", White, Pack Of 40
Organization
Cheap, simple organization for your collection needs!
Felt is a good organizational tool to have, as it provides cushioning so your specimens won't get scratched up and damaged when moving around. I like to use white or black felt, and this 0.32c felt is really all I need.
Hello Hobby Soft White Felt Craft Sheet, 9" x 12" for Sewing and DIY
I've recently dicovered my DollarTree has expanded on thier crafts section, which is wonderful for me! I love these little resealable baggies. They make it super simple to store some bigger specimens I might not have a hard container for.
Crafters Square Resealable Plastic Bags, 20-ct.
These are my absolute favorites. They're perfectly sized, so I keep a spare container or two in my purse. They seal really well, so they aren't flimsy.
Crafters Square Mini Storage Containers
Fossil Preparation
I use these when I have bigger rock chunks. Easy to split piece with a basic geological-pick or a rubber mallet.
Acrux7 6pcs Cold Chisel Set - Cr-V Steel
This is a pick I use paired with my chisels.
EFFICERE 22-Ounce All Steel Rock Pick Hammer with Pointed ...
Dental Picks are convinient for getting into those tiny fossils, or scraping away with a ‘just-sharp-enough’ tool to rid of excess matrix on a specimen. Just be careful for more delicate fossils, like shells and trilobites!
Professional Dental Hygiene Kit - Stainless Steel
Tooth brushes are a very helpful, low-budget beginner tool! They help brush away any excess matrix while keeping a gentle feel on the rocks/specimens.
GENKENT Bamboo Toothbrushes 12 Pack Soft