It is not direct contact with the wood that is the problem, but release of
acid vapors into the air, in the presence of moisture. If you will be
keeping the collection in an area with controlled low humidity you may not
have a problem.  But in areas of moderate to high humidity acid vapors are
released into the air, where they linger inside a cabinet with poor
ventilation, and gradually react with the shell itself, converting part of
your precious calcium carbonate collection into carbon dioxide, water vapor,
and loose calcium salts, which appear as white dust on the surface of your
shells.  Well, not exactly "on" the surface of your shells - that would be
bad enough - but the white dust actually WAS the surface of your shells.

Paul M.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Stemke" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 2:38 PM
Subject: Oak Chest for shells


> Hello all.
>
>  I found a fantastic chest that I would like to keep a portion of my
> shells
> in.   Unfortunately it is made of oak and I understand oak can do serious
> damage to shells.  So, is it just physical contact with the shells I need
> to
> be concerned with or does the oak also release harmful gasses that damage
> shells?  If the former is true then can I simply line the drawer with wax
> paper or someother protective layer that someone here might be able to
> suggest.
>
> By the way for many years I keep my shells in a Maple chest (well before I
> was aware that wood could damage shells) and after many years never saw
> any
> damage.
>
> Doug
>
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