Laser cleaning of fossil vertebrates: a preliminary report

In this work we present preliminary results on the application of laser cleaning to palaeontological findings, such as fossils included in various stone matrices. Laboratory tests were carried out on samples of fossil bones of mammals collected from Italian sites by using a Nd:YAG laser system developed for the conservation of stone artworks. Prior to undergoing laser treatment, bones and stone matrices were characterised by mineralogical and petrographical examinations. Objective observations during the procedure, as well as post-cleaning analyses indicated that laser cleaning can provide high precision and control in the removal of stone layers from the surface of fossils.