Tool stone: Difference between revisions
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#REDIRECT [[Stone tool#Tool stone]] |
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{{Merge|stone tool|date=December 2007}} |
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{{No footnotes|date=February 2009}} |
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In [[archaeology]], a '''tool stone''' is a type of stone that is used to manufacture [[stone tool]]s. Generally speaking, tools that require a sharp edge are made using [[cryptocrystal]]line materials that fracture in an easily-controlled [[Conchoidal fracture|conchoidal]] manner. Cryptocrystalline tool stones include [[flint]] and [[chert]], which are fine-grained [[sedimentary]] materials; [[rhyolite]] and [[felsite]], which are [[igneous]] [[flowstone]]s; 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]]. |
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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]] [[Artifact (archaeology)|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]]. |
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==References== |
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*{{cite book | first=William | last=Andrefsky Jr. | title=Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis | publisher=Cambridge University Press | year=2005 |edition=Second Edition | id=ISBN 0-521-61500-3 }} |
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[[Category:Archaeological artefact types]] |
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[[Category:Lithics]] |
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[[Category:Tools]] |
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Revision as of 18:25, 25 June 2009
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