Excavate your mug over newspaper to safely catch any ceramic shards. Safely dispose of shards by wrapping them in paper before placing them in the trash.
Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against flying debris.
Using a screwdriver or small hammer, gently tap the outer ceramic layer until pieces fall off.
Continue tapping until the fossil is fully revealed.
Gently tap around the edges of the chipped area to loosen any remaining ceramic layer. There’s no need to apply excessive force or chisel deeply—what doesn’t come off with gentle tapping is part of the permanent mug structure and should not be removed.
After removing the ceramic layer, use coarse sandpaper (80–120 grit) to smooth the edges of the chipped area. This removes any sharp spots and makes the mug safe to handle. Sand in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling dust.
Once finished, thoroughly wash your mug with soap and water (or place it in the dishwasher) before use. While the ceramic is fully vitrified and non-porous, this helps remove any dust from the chipping and sanding process.
Enjoy your unique fossil mug!
WARNINGS
Choking Hazard: Small ceramic chips may break off during excavation. Not suitable for children under 3 years. Adult supervision recommended for ages 12 and younger.
Sharp Edges: Chipping the outer surface may produce sharp fragments. Use caution and wear protective gloves and eye protection during the chipping process.
Dust Inhalation: Avoid inhaling dust created while chipping. Perform excavation in a well-ventilated area.
Food Safety: The interior of the mug is glazed and food safe. The outer surface is designed to be chipped away and may become rough or porous after excavation. The mug is made from fully vitrified ceramic, meaning it has been fired to a high temperature to make it non-porous, strong, and water-resistant. Is designed to be microwave and dishwasher safe. Wash after excavation.
