sedimentary (cryptocrystalline silica)
Handaxe with Inlaid Fossil Echinoid
Flint / Chert (SiO2) containing a fossil Conulus albogalerus
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray to translucent brown; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Cryptocrystalline (microscopic quartz grains); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Gray to translucent brown
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray to translucent brown; Luster: Waxy to vitreous; Crystal Structure: Cryptocrystalline (microscopic quartz grains); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed through the replacement of calcium carbonate by silica in chalk deposits during the Late Cretaceous period (approx. 80-90 million years ago). This specific artifact was knapped by Homo heidelbergensis during the Middle Pleistocene.
Uses & applications
Acheulean multi-purpose tool used for butchering, digging, and scraping. In this specific case, it serves significant archaeological/ornamental value as the knapper centered the tool around a fossil.
Geological facts
This famous specimen, found in Swanscombe, England, is known as the 'West Street Handaxe'. It demonstrates that early humans (Middle Pleistocene) possessed an aesthetic sense and an awareness of fossils, carefully flaking the stone to preserve the sea urchin at the center.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive teardrop shape, bifacial flaking scars, and conchoidal fractures. Commonly found in river terrace gravels of Western Europe. Collectors look for symmetrical flaking and unique inclusions like the embedded fossil seen here.
More like this
Other sedimentary (cryptocrystalline silica) specimens
Carnelian
Carnelian (SiO2)
mineral
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions
mineral
Chalcedony
Chalcedony (SiO2)
mineral
Chalcedony (Common Opal variant)
Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with microcrystalline structure
mineral
Chalcedony (Agate/Chert variety)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
mineral
Chalcedony (Common Opal variant or Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
mineral