sedimentary
Chert Arrowhead (Lithic Artifact)
Microcrystalline Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Grayish-brown; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline; predictable conchoidal fracture patterns used for tool making.
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Grayish-brown
- Luster
- Dull to waxy
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Chert Arrowhead (Lithic Artifact) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Grayish-brown; Luster: Dull to waxy; Structure: Cryptocrystalline; predictable conchoidal fracture patterns used for tool making.
Formation & geological history
Formed as nodules or beds in limestone or other sedimentary rocks through the precipitation of silica. This specimen has been anthropogenically shaped by knapping during the prehistoric period.
Uses & applications
Historically used for hunting and defense; currently high value for archaeological study and private collection.
Geological facts
While naturally a rock, this is a lithic artifact. The 'flakes' removed from the surface to create the point are a tell-tale sign of human craftsmanship known as 'knapping'.
Field identification & locations
Check for symmetrical shaping and 'scalloped' edges resulting from pressure flaking. Found globally in areas of ancient human habitation.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Concretion
Septarian Concretion containing Brachiopods/Crinoids
fossil
Shale
Shale (clastic sedimentary rock)
sedimentary
Brown Sandstone (River Rock)
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Argillaceous sedimentary rock
sedimentary
Mudstone
Argillite / Siliciclastic sedimentary rock
sedimentary