preservation of lignite samples

[Gomez Luis Diego]

What we have done with lignites in tropical environments is the
following. In ithe field we scrape off surface materials and once sample
is obtained it is wrapped in aluminium foil. If lignite's moisture
content is such that fast evaporation will accelerate crumbling of
sample, the intial wrap up is with cling-to saran wrap and then foil.
Samples are then placed in tin containers with insulating materials to
prevent shock and tumbling. Bubble-wrap from commercial sources is excellent.
Samples that are kept for future laboratory extraction of pollen or
spores or microfossils are kept same way in drawers. Contact Dr. A.
Graham, Kent State, Ohio for more hints.

On Thu, 21 Dec 1995, Jeremy Bruhl wrote:

> Hi
>
> I wonder whether anyone can provide advice on the best medium in which to
> place 'fresh' lignite samples in order to perserve and handle the material.
> The samples crumble and decay if exposed to the air. The samples are
> valuable, as they include plant macrofossils.
>
> Greetings.
>
> Jeremy
>
> =========================================
> Dr Jeremy J. Bruhl
> Department of Botany and New England Herbarium (NE)
> University of New England
> Armidale, NSW 2351
> AUSTRALIA
>
> Telephone: +61 67 73 2429
> Fax:          +61 67 73 3283
> Internet:      jbruhl at metz.une.edu.au
>