The process of whitening skeletal remains to achieve a pristine, aesthetically pleasing appearance involves carefully applying chemical agents. This procedure enhances the visibility of fine details, making the bones suitable for scientific study, educational purposes, or artistic display. For example, a discolored femur, after undergoing this process, can exhibit subtle fracture lines previously obscured.
This preparation method provides numerous advantages. It can reveal hidden pathologies, aid in species identification, and prevent further degradation by removing organic material. Historically, natural sun-bleaching was employed, but modern chemical treatments offer a controlled and efficient alternative. The resulting whiteness is frequently desired by museums, collectors, and educators for accurate representation.