Ethanolamine thioglycollate as a chemical agent for the neutralization & removal of oxidised pyrite

Abstract

A new technique for the removal of decay products from pyrltized fossil material is now employed in the British Museum (Natural History) Palaeontology Laboratory involving the use of ethanolamine thioglycollate. Dilute alcoholic solutions of this reagent effectively neutralize acidic pyrite oxidation products and removes the sulphates produced in one operation. As the reaction takes place in a water-free solvent there is little risk of damaging the intact pyrite and an added bonus is that the reagent is alkaline, allowing calcareous specimens to be cleaned safely.