This study examines fossils as part of the country’s natural heritage. These unique and irreplaceable artifacts hold historical, aesthetic, and scientific value. The objective of this research was to investigate the structure and composition of fossils, assess their existing damages, and propose appropriate methods for their conservation and maintenance. The studied samples were obtained from the Maragheh Fossil Research Center, specifically from the 13 Aban site of the Maragheh Formation. The initial phase involved extracting the samples from their encasing blocks and identifying the resulting traces. Following sampling, chemical tests were conducted to identify soluble salts, physical tests including densitometry, moisture content determination, and porosity measurement, as well as structural analyses such as XRF were performed. The soluble salt analysis examined chloride, phosphate, sulfate, and nitrate ions, with results indicating the presence of only phosphate ions in the samples. A precise understanding of the structure, characteristics, and origin of salts is highly beneficial in selecting appropriate conservation and treatment methods. Additionally, the results of physical tests can guide the selection of the type and concentration of consolidate. The XRF analysis was conducted to determine the elemental composition of the samples and their interaction with the surrounding soil. The damages observed in the fossils are primarily physical and mechanical, resulting from environmental conditions, improper transportation, and incorrect restoration practices. Damages such as cracks, microcracks, fractures, cavities, and loss of matrix material may occur before or after excavation. Furthermore, pyrite decay, efflorescence, delamination, light-induced damage, and biological degradation are additional factors affecting fossils and minerals.
