Linda,

The "something" I use is Armor All [sp?] the preservative NOT the cleaner.
It is silicone based and inert. It has not screwed up any shells, marine
or land.

It is also good for stuff like Cypraea and Marginellas, keeps the
moisture in
and the bad stuff out.

It does NOT shine up the shells like oil nor make them slippery.

Later,

Emilio

Linda Bush wrote:

>Hello, Conch-Lers!
>
>Greetings from too wet Missouri; fortunately, we live on high ground, but there are flood waters within a couple of miles of us - as the crow flies.
>
>We started discussing the preservation of land snails.   Obviously, the usually oil mixture, if it changes the appearance of the periostracum, is out.   Emilio said he uses something on the Ligs and Poly's.   Museums prefer "au naturel."   What other options are there?   What will silicone do (now I know there are those of you out there that are absolutely anti-siloicone for
>ANYTHING)?
>
>Comments?
>
>Cordially,
>Linda
>