How to Get Fossils Out of a Rock

Cut the fossil away at the top and sides by hammering with a large chisel. Use a smaller chisel when you get closer to the relic. Do not try to start excavation from the bottom or the fossil might fall out. Dig up the fossil, including the rock around it, in one large piece or mass of solid matter.

Brush away debris and dust regularly with a paintbrush to clarify what you are doing. Use a screwdriver as you get closer to the fossil to help with the more detailed work. Proceed with caution to keep from breaking the specimen during the dig.

Cover the exposed part of the fossil after brushing to shield it from potential falling rock pieces. Continue unearthing the specimen until the entire top part of the fossil remains exposed. When the top of the relic is fully visible, brush or spray it with enough white wood glue to glaze over it. This glue helps keep all the little pieces of the specimen together, and acts as the rock around it after removal.

Cut away from the bottom very carefully -- just like the top side -- since you don't know what's hidden below the fossil. Apply white wood glue on the bottom of the fossil, then carefully place it on a newspaper. If the fossil breaks apart or requires assembling again, the glue dissolves. Soak the specimen in water to retry.

Wrap newspaper tightly around the relic for protection after removal. Avoid placement in the sun. Place the excavated fossil in a backpack or sack to safely carry away from the site.