I work with conodonts. Most of my samples are mainly carbonates, so the buffered acetic acid method is fine for that.
But some samples are more clayey and the acid-based approach is not a viable option time-wise and efficiency-wise.
I know some methods can be very useful for these types of matrix, e.g. solvant or surfactant-based approaches (one of the most recent and useful papers I have read about that was Jarochowska et al. 2013 who made a strong case with the Rewoquat-based technique).
Any tips or opinions to share about any method to break down clayey matrix ?
Thanks in advance !
Louis
I have tried a number of methods when looking at microfossils in clays (from the Mesozoic) including boiling water, bicarbonate of soda, hydrogen peroxide, rewoquat and if you are looking for an efficient method I don't think I have ever come across one for lithified clays, only if the clay is poorly lithified are these efficient. You really need to know your sample before deciding which method is best in my experience, e.g., if it is organic rich use a weak hydrogen peroxide. I am also curious about other peoples experience and recommendations.
Thanks for sharing your experience Willian, this helps !
Yeah H2O2 or Rewoquat were the techniques that seemed to work better from what I saw.
My samples are rather lithified, but I'm probably going to give it a shot with the Rewoquat to see if it still might be better.
The acid-based method works for other clayey material that a colleague of mine has which are from approximately the same location, but compared to other carbonates samples it takes way longer to entirely dissolve and wash out.
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