Possible hammerstone?

[MStombigbeeriver]

In my research it seems as if this might be a small hammerstone. You guys are the experts so I figured any one of you could quickly confirm or deny that's what it is. As with all of my finds in came from along the tombigbee river in MS. Whether it is or not, thanks for the look!

 

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[arrow86]

Looks like a small full groove axe head. Nice find a lot of people looks for years to find one including me

 

[quito]

looks natural from what I can see. Are the ends showing any sign of use?

 

[MStombigbeeriver]

That's about the best pics I could get of the two ends.

 

[Charl]

IMO, this is a tough one. If natural, in cases like this, people point to differential weathering to explain the depression or groove. In other words, a softer mineral weathered away quicker then the surrounding harder mineral/ rock, and left that groove where it weathered away. But, double clicking your photos to get max enlargement, it's very hard for me to think that is the case. It is hard for me to see that groove as anything other then a groove that was pecked and ground into that rock by somebody. It looks like a miniature axe or hammer. Yet, there is no wear at what would be the business end. No wear if it were a hammer, and no bit if it were an axe. That said, I'm still inclined to see that groove as man made. The entire piece seems water worn, so no real evidence of pecking survives.

All this said, maybe it is 100% natural. Since the side shot of the groove shows a "sharp" edge, rather then smoothed over, well then, maybe it's simply a cool looking rock mimicking the look of a full groove artifact of some type.

 

[stefen]

Appears to be a grooved ax head

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Appears to be a child's full groove ax, unfortunately it seems all signs of work have been erased by water........ I certainly would have picked it up and kept it as a possible artifact...

 

[joshuaream]

It would have come home with me. Some things like that are just hard to identify.

The pictures make me think natural, the grooves look like they would create a weak spot.

 

[MStombigbeeriver]

Thanks for all the input guys! I'll definitely hold on to it either way. Since I'm still learning it was one of my more 'interesting ' finds so I definitely wanted to get a few opinions on it . Thanks!

 

[DigIron2]

Looks grooved to me?

 

[rock]

By the ends being flat and it being so water worn to me if it is a artifact I would guess a net weight of some kind.

 

[austin]

I agree with most of those above. Think it is an artifact, but made for a smaller person, maybe a woman. Cool find...

 

[quito]

By the ends being flat and it being so water worn to me if it is a artifact I would guess a net weight of some kind.

That was my next guess, if the groove was intentional.

 

[rock]

That was my next guess, if the groove was intentional.

What type of material do you think it is? Doesnt look like any limestone I have seen before. That is the reason I think artifact.

 

[MStombigbeeriver]

What type of material do you think it is? Doesnt look like any limestone I have seen before. That is the reason I think artifact.

I'm really not sure what type material it is, but it's not limestone. Luckily there will be an artifact show close by on June 27, so I might ask someone there. Regardless, can't wait for that show because I figure I'll learn a lot!!

 

[rock]

I'm really not sure what type material it is, but it's not limestone. Luckily there will be an artifact show close by on June 27, so I might ask someone there. Regardless, can't wait for that show because I figure I'll learn a lot!!

Show it to many collectors dont tell them of others ideas as to what it might be. Then go with the most like answers as to what it is. That is what I do. Somebody should have a good idea on it that makes sense. Then come back and give us a update on what you found out. Most water worn artifacts have to have a in hand inspection to know for sure what it might be imo.

 

[Charl]

By the ends being flat and it being so water worn to me if it is a artifact I would guess a net weight of some kind.

Some plummets do have fairly wide grooves. The sandstone example below is very similar in appearance. On the other hand, full grooved weights, also interpreted as net weights, are different in form.....

 

[The Grim Reaper]

Honestly guys, I see nothing about this stone that make me think of anything other than natural erosion.