Paleontologists use a
similar process to create casts of fossils for display purposes or
for research. The series of images shown below illustrates the
steps in the creation of a cast of a 'breadfruit' leaf. |
The original block with the thin
carbonized imprint of a leaf on the surface is fragile, and would
disintegrate if displayed.
This is one instance where the NPL
would make a cast rather than display the actual specimen. |
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The block with its leaf is thinly
coated with a separating material, to protect the specimen and keep
the molding material from sticking. Then liquid latex is
painted on to make a mold. |
The mold is filled with casting
compound, usually plaster of paris or plastic resin. |
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The cast is removed from the mold,
and carefully painted to resemble the original specimen.
The original fossil and the
painted cast are shown below, side by side. Can you tell the
two apart? Place the cursor over the images to find out
whether you were correct! |
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