Bleach and peroxide attack organic material.  Periostracum, most
opercula, and significant components of certain shells are organic, as
are the animal bodies.  Hence the need for caution.

On Mon, Jan 24, 2011 at 10:52 AM, Steve Rosenthal <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I found a nice dead pale Cepaea nemoralis...up in the largest spire whorl
> is what looks like a dark something stuck inside the shell, you can easily
> see it through the outside of the shell, I think its part of dead dried
> animal that is stuck to the inside...does anybody know anything that will
> soften it up or break it up or loosen it without destroying the shell
> itself? I've soaked it in soapy water for a few weeks and used water under
> pressure, but nothing happens.
>
> Thanks
>
> Steve
>
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--
Dr. David Campbell
The Paleontological Research Institution
1259 Trumansburg Road
Ithaca NY 14850

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