sedimentary

Flint/chert projectile point

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), archaeologically worked into a bifacial point

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Very fine-grained, dark brown to black, waxy-to-dull luster; Mohs hardness about 7, conchoidal fracture, no visible cleavage, and typically composed of chalcedony/quartz with minor iron-oxide staining. The flaked edges and symmetrical triangular form indicate deliberate knapping rather than a natural crystal.

Identified August 16, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Flint/chert projectile point
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), archaeologically worked into a bifacial point
Category: sedimentary
Identified: August 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Common unprovenanced examples: $10–$75; documented, authentic and well-preserved artifacts may bring $100–$1,000+, depending on culture, age, workmanship, and legal 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

Chert formed when silica-rich groundwater replaced or precipitated within sedimentary deposits, commonly limestone, during diagenesis; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph. The specimen was later shaped by prehistoric flintknapping, likely as a projectile or spear point.

Uses & applications

Historically used as a cutting tool, arrowhead, or spear point; today it is primarily an archaeological artifact or collector’s object rather than an industrial stone.

Geological facts

Step-like flake scars, a pointed tip, notched/contracting base, and edge retouch are characteristic of a bifacially worked point. Cultural age and authenticity require archaeological context and expert examination.

Field identification & locations

Common source materials include Texas, Oklahoma, the Great Lakes, and many regions worldwide. Avoid acid and abrasion; provenance is essential, and unauthorized collecting of artifacts may be illegal.