I've got about 90 lbs. of Missouri Mozarkite and I want to Knapp 2 points from this for my wife and my best friend who are both Cherokee N.A. .... My problem is I was advised by Todds Point Il. (Gary) that Mozarkite is hard and needs to be heated to be able to Knapp it. Here is where I have a problem, I don't have a means to heat this material and my Arthritis is kicking up a fit ! My question is, is there someone some what close to St. Louis, Missouri that can he this for me? How much would this cost me? I really want to get this done for them ! I want to do this in a N.A. way , just like the N.A. did it back then. Aboriginal (ABO)NO metal or slab saws or copper rods ! I've knapped before but never got to the point of doing a good job of it! Looking for some guidance or help ! I'll defiantly get back with anyone that responds to this! THANKS
To heat treat Mozarkite rock for knapping, you typically need to reach a temperature of approximately 550°F (288°C). The precise optimal temperature may vary, so it is recommended to test small flakes of the specific material first.
Heat Treatment Procedure
The key to successful heat treatment is slow and controlled heating and cooling to avoid thermal shock, which can cause the rock to crack or explode
1: Drying Phase: Dry the stone at a low temperature, around 200°F (93°C), for 8 to 24 hours to remove all moisture.
2: Ramp-Up Phase: Slowly increase the temperature to the target of 550°F.
.For Mozarkite, a slow ramp-up rate of 20-30°F (approx. 11-17°C) per hour is recommended.
.Bury the stone in a medium like fine sand or vermiculite in a container (like a turkey roaster or kiln) to ensure even heating.
3: Soak Phase: Hold the maximum temperature (around 550°F) for several hours (e.g., 4 to 8 hours, or longer for thicker pieces) to ensure the heat penetrates the entire stone.
4: Cool-Down Phase: Turn off the heat and allow the stone to cool down very slowly within the container (still buried in sand). This can take 12 hours or even a full day or two, depending on the thickness of the rock. Do not open the container or try to speed up the cooling process.
Testing and Indicators
Test Pieces: Always start by experimenting with small, less valuable pieces or flakes to find the optimal temperature and time for your specific batch of Mozarkite.
Visual Check: Successfully heat-treated stone will exhibit a noticeable change, typically developing a glossy or satin-like finish on the flake scars, compared to the duller, non-reflective surface of the raw stone.
Workability: The heat-treated stone should feel more brittle and easier to flake, allowing for the creation of thinner, sharper edges.
