Coal preservation

[Oyster Diver]

Last week I recovered a lump of coal that was in salt water for almost 90 years. It is currently resting in my toilet tank (much to the dismay of my wife) and will probably stay there for another 6 months to a year so that the salt can dissolve out. Is there anything else I need to do to preserve it? Its about the size of a mini basketball and weighs a couple of pounds. Thanks for your help.

 

[lowwall]

Keep it out of the barbecue?

The folks at the Penn State Coal Sample Bank seem to prefer refrigerated argon-filled foil/polyethlene laminate bags. Of course this makes it wholly unsuitable for display. Perhaps you could take it out for special occasions. Earth Day comes to mind.

 

[moneysavr]

coal I found from a ship wreck about 100 years old from fresh water is fine and dry,right out of water.
Brad