Cross-polarized light as an imaging technique for graptolites

Abstract

Photography using cross-polarized light is a standard technique for certain types of fossils such as Burgess Shale material; however, the technique has not been used for photography of graptolites. Here we demonstrate that cross-polarized illumination is useful for obtaining high-quality images of graptolites. The technique can also facilitate visualization of fusellar banding, allowing fossils of uncertain affinity to be identified as graptolites. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 22 June 2021 Revised 1 September 2021 Accepted 17 September 2021