Hi Leslie, Vermiculite is probably not an option any more.  Unfortunately
asbestos also occurred naturally with the mica that was processed to make
the vermiculite insulation.  Many of the workers and people who lived in the
town of Libby, MT, USA have been sickened by the asbestos exposures.  The
company that owned the plant has been forced into bankruptcy as a result of
all the damage claims.  Better stick with popcorn, salt or detergent.  Bert
Bartleson

-----Original Message-----
From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Leslie Allen Crnkovic
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 8:26 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CONCH-L] PACKING

Following Peggy's thought.  Vermiculite is very lightweight and non-reactive
or caking.

Also, many years ago in a Caribbean transit situation, I made popcorn (no
salt or butter) to use as packing peanuts for a head of lettuce coral.  Got
the idea form when I was very young and we received a large ceramic statue
packed that way.
Leslie

From: Conchologists List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Peggy Williams
Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 10:10 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [CONCH-L] PACKING

How about packing in salt or detergent?
Peggy'

On Nov 10, 2008, at 7:17 PM, Eddy WILMET wrote:

I've some very spiny Spondylus linguafelis I've to pack (which I've to
store for a longer time) besides the typical cotton woll and
bubblewrapping does anyone have some other practical method of packing
these fragile shells and which can guarantee me a minimum loss of/or
broken spines....
In general can I have on this forum some brainstorming about methods of
packing/sending of shells (fragile or others)....
Regards,

Eddy
[log in to unmask]
www.euromurex.be

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------