You have probably noticed that many shells look more colorful when wet than
they do after drying out.  Oiling a shell maintains that "saturated"
appearance ("wetting" the shell with something that will not evaporate), and
thereby keeps the colors looking bright. Oiling has little if any effect on
shells which are naturally glossy, like cowries and olives, and are also in
good condition. It also has little visible effect on shells which have
little natural pigmentation. But on shells which are colorful and porous,
like pectens

> ----------
> From:         Stephen Ross
> Reply To:     Conchologists of America List
> Sent:         12, April 2002 12:34 AM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      oiling shells
>
> I heard/read somewhere that rubbing baby oil on shells is a good way to
> not only protect but give some extra shine to em.  Is it good for the
> shells though?  Does it work?  Cuz I also heard that sometimes it makes em
> sticky and more attractive to dust, although possibly this guy I was
> talking to used the wrong kind of oil (it was a buddy of mine, and it
> wouldn't surprise me if he just used cooking oil or sumthin).  Whast the
> opinion out there on doing this to yer collection?
>
> ~Stephen~
>
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