Baby oil (generic for various name brands) contains fragrances, which may not be ideal ingredients (chemically and aesthetically) for coating shells.  I agree with Toni that pure mineral oil provides one of the better solutions for enhancing the color of non-glossy shells. Whether any coating solution can prolong the intensity of certain shell pigment/color is debatable.  Mineral oil will enhance whatever color-intensity remains in the calcium carbonate.

An even better coating solution is derived from mixing approximately 60% mineral oil and 40% lighter fluid (or any product containing 100% Naptha), which creates a mixture that better absorbs into the calcium carbonate of a shell.

Much like related Aliphatic Hydrocarbon-based chemicals such as mineral spirits and paint thinners used to reduce oil and alkyd based coatings, Naptha thins out the mineral oil allowing the 2-part mixture to effectively soak into the shell, without leaving an oily or sticky surface residue as often happens with pure mineral oil.

Over a period of time shells housed in tropical environments and coated with pure mineral/baby oil (even if the mineral oil is thoroughly wiped off) can occasionally develop a mold or fungus. And, of course, the dust issue (dust adhering to the oil) is always a problem.  The Naptha portion of the coating solution quickly evaporates, leaving only a sufficient amount of thinned-out mineral oil to "wet" and enhance the shell pigments.

Brushing the solution onto a shell immediately brings out the color. This is especially true with shells that have a dull or chalky appearance.  It should be noted that this solution does not absorb very well, if at all, into glossy shells, so you may want to consider not using it for Cypraea, Oliva, and the like.

Also, as previously mentioned, avoid using any oil-based coating solutions on land shells that have a cuticle-like periostracum, such as the "Helicostyla". The cuticle will become transparent. Rinsing and drying an oil-coated "Helicostyla" in a mild soapy solution will restore the cuticle to its natural state.

One obvious and cautionary note relates to the safe use of Naptha. It is very prudent to use rubber gloves in a well-ventilated room when handling this solution. Store the liquid in a tightly sealed glass bottle. And use eye protection when brushing the solution on a shell. The bristles tend to splatter the thin liquid in all directions. Hey kids, do not use this solution without adult supervision.

I guess a mineral oil coating could not be all that harmful to a shell when taking into consideration that it is a petroleum-based product formed from the accumulated remains of large quantities of decomposing marine micro-organisms! We are what we eat?!

Rich
worldwideconchology.com

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Antonetta Stanzione [log in to unmask]
Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 06:56:28 EDT
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: oiling shells


Hi Stephen

      I find mineral oil best. You can use a soft lint free cloth to put it
on than use another dry cloth to wipe off excess. A small paint brush can be
used to apply it to shells with spines, etc., that make using a cloth
difficult. Or even putting them in a bowl with the oil than let them drip and
brush off excess. Hope this helps.

                                                                       TONI


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