sedimentary

Flint (chert) hand axe

Cryptocrystalline silica (SiO₂), worked into a bifacial stone tool

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The dark gray, opaque specimen has sharp conchoidal edges and a matte-to-waxy luster; flint is about 7 on the Mohs scale and has no visible crystals or cleavage. The image appears to show a chipped, shaped artifact rather than an unworked rock.

Identified September 23, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Flint (chert) hand axe
Scientific name: Cryptocrystalline silica (SiO₂), worked into a bifacial stone tool
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Common worked flint pieces may sell for roughly $10–$100; authenticated archaeological artifacts can be worth more, subject to local laws and documented provenance.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Flint forms as silica-rich nodules in sedimentary rocks, commonly limestone or chalk. The tool’s age cannot be determined from the image; prehistoric examples were made by repeatedly striking flint to shape cutting edges.

Uses & applications

Flint was widely used for prehistoric cutting, scraping, and hunting tools; today it is mainly of archaeological and collector interest.

Geological facts

Flint’s conchoidal fracture produces exceptionally sharp edges. Stone tools are often dated and interpreted by their archaeological context, not appearance alone.

Field identification & locations

Look for a hard, fine-grained surface, curved impact scars, and deliberate flake-removal patterns. Flint occurs widely in sedimentary deposits, especially in Europe and parts of North America; provenance is essential for assessing an artifact.