Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology
We have tested different preparation and photographic methods to define a protocol for UV analysis of fossil specimens. We also have explored its main applications while analysing specimens from different stratigraphic contexts, of different biomineralogical composition, and belonging to differe...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Institute of Paleobiology PAS
2022-09-01
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| Series: | Acta Palaeontologica Polonica |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.app.pan.pl/archive/published/app67/app009482021.pdf |
| _version_ | 1811266371668934656 |
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| author | GAIA CRIPPA STEFANO MASINI |
| author_facet | GAIA CRIPPA STEFANO MASINI |
| author_sort | GAIA CRIPPA |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | We have tested different preparation and photographic methods to define a protocol for UV analysis of fossil specimens.
We also have explored its main applications while analysing specimens from different stratigraphic contexts, of different
biomineralogical composition, and belonging to different fossil groups (including invertebrates and vertebrates). We
have photographed specimens using a camera equipped with appropriate lens and filters both in visible light and with
flashlights at two wavelengths: the 365 nm UV light and the 440 nm visible violet spectrum, the latter here tested for
the first time. Our results indicate that bleach treatment is not recommended for calcite-shelled brachiopods, while it is
suggested for aragonite-shelled molluscs. We show that photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra are useful
tools enhancing the recognition of morphological characters and colour patterns and allowing to distinguish soft-bodied
fossils from the matrix. Also, it allows to discern specimen areas embedded in the sediment from those exposed to sunlight, which is helpful to reconstruct the conditions experienced by fossils. However, the mineralogy of the biomineral
affects UV responses, as morphological characters of calcite shells are better emphasized with the 440 nm wavelength
(visible violet spectrum), whereas those of aragonite, bioapatite and phosphatized specimens with the 365 nm (ultraviolet
spectrum); also, shell microstructures with their different crystal arrangement and elemental incorporation may cause
different reactions, whereas the stratigraphic context affects specimen preservation influencing pigment preservation.
We thus provide a protocol for photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra and show that this technique
has a high potential in palaeontology, having no limitations for its application in invertebrate or vertebrate specimens. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-12T20:41:58Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-c619cc6aa91246abb3f71c74d523c4db |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 0567-7920 1732-2421 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-12T20:41:58Z |
| publishDate | 2022-09-01 |
| publisher | Institute of Paleobiology PAS |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Acta Palaeontologica Polonica |
| spelling | doaj.art-c619cc6aa91246abb3f71c74d523c4db2022-12-22T03:17:24ZengInstitute of Paleobiology PASActa Palaeontologica Polonica0567-79201732-24212022-09-0167368570210.4202/app.00948.2021Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontologyGAIA CRIPPA0STEFANO MASINI1Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra “A. Desio”, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 34, Milano, 20133, ItalyDipartimento di Scienze della Terra “A. Desio”, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Mangiagalli 34, Milano, 20133, ItalyWe have tested different preparation and photographic methods to define a protocol for UV analysis of fossil specimens. We also have explored its main applications while analysing specimens from different stratigraphic contexts, of different biomineralogical composition, and belonging to different fossil groups (including invertebrates and vertebrates). We have photographed specimens using a camera equipped with appropriate lens and filters both in visible light and with flashlights at two wavelengths: the 365 nm UV light and the 440 nm visible violet spectrum, the latter here tested for the first time. Our results indicate that bleach treatment is not recommended for calcite-shelled brachiopods, while it is suggested for aragonite-shelled molluscs. We show that photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra are useful tools enhancing the recognition of morphological characters and colour patterns and allowing to distinguish soft-bodied fossils from the matrix. Also, it allows to discern specimen areas embedded in the sediment from those exposed to sunlight, which is helpful to reconstruct the conditions experienced by fossils. However, the mineralogy of the biomineral affects UV responses, as morphological characters of calcite shells are better emphasized with the 440 nm wavelength (visible violet spectrum), whereas those of aragonite, bioapatite and phosphatized specimens with the 365 nm (ultraviolet spectrum); also, shell microstructures with their different crystal arrangement and elemental incorporation may cause different reactions, whereas the stratigraphic context affects specimen preservation influencing pigment preservation. We thus provide a protocol for photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra and show that this technique has a high potential in palaeontology, having no limitations for its application in invertebrate or vertebrate specimens.https://www.app.pan.pl/archive/published/app67/app009482021.pdfbiomineralsfossil specimensshell colour patternuv photographyvisible violet spectrum |
| spellingShingle | GAIA CRIPPA STEFANO MASINI Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology Acta Palaeontologica Polonica biominerals fossil specimens shell colour pattern uv photography visible violet spectrum |
| title | Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology |
| title_full | Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology |
| title_fullStr | Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology |
| title_full_unstemmed | Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology |
| title_short | Photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra: Unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology |
| title_sort | photography in the ultraviolet and visible violet spectra unravelling methods and applications in palaeontology |
| topic | biominerals fossil specimens shell colour pattern uv photography visible violet spectrum |
| url | https://www.app.pan.pl/archive/published/app67/app009482021.pdf |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT gaiacrippa photographyintheultravioletandvisiblevioletspectraunravellingmethodsandapplicationsinpalaeontology AT stefanomasini photographyintheultravioletandvisiblevioletspectraunravellingmethodsandapplicationsinpalaeontology |