sedimentary

Weathered chert or novaculite (flaked stone tool/fragment possible)

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂); likely chert, possibly Arkansas novaculite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Dull gray-green to brown, very fine-grained, opaque, with curved fracture surfaces and possible flake scars. Hardness about 6.5–7, vitreous-to-waxy luster when freshly broken, no visible cleavage, specific gravity about 2.6.

Identified September 14, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered chert or novaculite (flaked stone tool/fragment possible)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂); likely chert, possibly Arkansas novaculite
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Common geological fragment: $1–$15; attractive novaculite/chert specimen: $10–$50. Authentic artifacts vary widely and are not responsibly appraised from a photograph.

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 forms when silica replaces or accumulates in sedimentary rocks; novaculite is a particularly pure, dense metamorphosed chert common in the Ouachita Mountains. The specimen appears heavily weathered and may be a naturally fractured piece or an intentionally flaked artifact; age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Chert is used historically for sharp tools and occasionally aggregate; novaculite is valued for sharpening stones. A confirmed archaeological artifact may have cultural value, but it should not be cleaned or altered.

Geological facts

The reported location near 34.0°N, 94.7°W is near the Ouachita region, where novaculite and other cherts are plausible. The broad conchoidal-looking scars could indicate knapping, but the image is insufficient for an archaeological identification.

Field identification & locations

Check for uniformly conchoidal flake scars, a striking platform, intentional edge retouch, and consistent symmetry. Fresh edges should scratch glass; a streak or hardness test is preferable on an inconspicuous area. Consult a local archaeologist before collecting or selling if artifact features are present.