Microware and gloss feature question

[autographcollector11]

I have read a lot in determining how much a tool was used based on the gloss that is on the piece. Putting aside an axe, does anyone have good examples of what gloss looks like on a small tool or flake?

 

[quito]

I think you mean polish, the term commonly used among hunter/collectors to describe a high degree of use wear on a tool such as an ax.

Use wear on a blade or scraper would sometimes show polish or appear glossy depending on the material. I am sure some one will have some examples to show.

 

[Hot diggity]

Gloss/patina can help you tell if an artifact is old at a glance, but there are legitimate ones found without any signs which makes it tricky & I try not to comment on them. It won't determine use though. As quito said that is wear. This is my most limey-like residue covered tool of 2015.

 

[Hot diggity]

& my wear'iest of 2015. No repro's

 

[Hot diggity]

Hmm...pic no work? The wear'iest!!

 

[The Grim Reaper]

These three pictures show the use polish on the edge of a Hoe I found a couple years back. I found around 30 Hoes total there, but only a few that weren't broken or damaged.

 

[monsterrack]

Artifacts have a shine due to a number of things, use, stone type, heat treating, and water. The 2 photo's show 1st use wear on a Adez . It is only on the end on one side due to that side striking wood or what ever they were using it on. 2nd the point has a shine due to water flow mixed with sand and gravel and also the length of time it was in the creek. Some artifacts have a smoothness due to use with a dull like shine, but looking at it you can see this wear pattern compared to other parts of the artifact.