O.K., I'll try.
      Cleaning shells is easy. You dump 'em into a bucket of bleach. Let 'em sit a while. I've NEVER ruined a shall of any persuasion by this meathod. Then rince well and pick the encrusted stuff off with a dental pick. Sometimes a fingernail will do. Oil!! I use a light rubbing oil. Available at Army-Navy stores. A quart of the stuff will last until Armagedon. It shines shell up nice, any shells.
      Now about Museum quality:  Perfect is nice---but it's not always necessary. You've seen statues in musems without arms and without noses. If a shell is a bit damaged---but is one of a kind---it is "Museum Quality".
     Thas all what I know.
         Art


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PLEASE NOTE: My new, long-term, and correct email address is: [log in to unmask] Please update your records!

---- Matt Blaine <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I have been doing a lot of reading regarding cleaning shells. Some sources
> recommend a light application of mineral oil on shells. I was wondering if
> anyone had any advice on the use of mineral oil  or updated information on
> its use that they would be willing to share? I am new at this and I do not
> want to damage my specimens by doing something inappropriate.
>
> Matt
>

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