Connecting to Collections Care Online Community

Broken Coral

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    • #134976
      Alix Fox
      Participant

      We have a piece of coral that was damaged by an intern when being moved off exhibit.
      A small piece of the “arm” of the coral was fractured off. Is there a simple method of repair or stabilization I can do to the piece or is this saved best for a conservator? The damaged piece is approximately 1″ X 2″. Thank you!

    • #134994
      Susan-1
      Member

      Alix,
      Can you please send a photo? It can be very helpful – be mindful of the size not more than 150 x 150 pixels.

      Thanks –

      Susan

    • #134995
      Jessica Walthew
      Participant

      Hi Alix,

      Yes, as Susan suggests, a photo would be helpful.

      Unless there is danger of more of the coral being damaged around the area of the previous break, my inclination would be to keep the piece separate for now instead of trying to glue it back in place. I will pass along your inquiry to a specialist in Natural History conservation for any other suggestions they may have.

      Selecting a suitable adhesive for repairs such as these can be tricky because you would want to consider the coral’s sensitivity, the strength of the join you need, and the ageing properties of the adhesive, among many other factors, so it is hard to recommend a particular product without having more information or seeing the object.

    • #134997
      Alix Fox
      Participant

      I will try to get a photo today!

    • #134998
      Alix Fox
      Participant

      Here are two shots of the damaged area and fragments.

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    • #135000
      Alix Fox
      Participant

      Second shot

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    • #135006
      Jessica Walthew
      Participant

      Alix,
      Thanks for the photos. It looks like your coral is quite porous and readhering the broken pieces could be tricky, as you don’t want your adhesive to penetrate into the surface unevenly. I will forward your question and images on to a Natural History conservation specialist to be sure, but I think I would recommend saving this project for a conservator.
      Thanks, and I will be in touch,
      Jessica

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