Tool stone

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Merge arrows
 It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with stone tool. (Discuss)

In archaeology, a tool stone is a type of stone that is used to manufacture stone tools. Generally speaking, tools that require a sharp edge are made using cryptocrystalline materials that fracture in an easily-controlled conchoidal manner. Cryptocrystalline tool stones include flint and chert, which are fine-grained sedimentary materials; rhyolite and felsite, which are igneous flowstones; and obsidian, a form of natural glass created by igneous processes. These materials fracture in a predictable fashion, and are easily resharpened. For more information on this subject, see lithic reduction.

Large-grained materials, such as basalt, granite, and sandstone, may also be used as tool stones, but for a very different purpose: they are ideal for ground stone artifacts. Whereas cryptocrystalline materials are most useful for killing and processing animals, large-grained materials are usually used for processing plant matter. Their rough faces often make excellent surfaces for grinding plant seeds. With much effort, some large-grained stones may be ground down into awls, adzes, and axes.

[edit] References

  • Andrefsky Jr., William (2005). Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis, Second Edition, Cambridge University Press. ISBN-10 0-521-61500-3. 
 This article does not cite any references or sources. (August 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.