Need a Lesson in Lithic Materials

[GrouseMan]

I’ve been searching a beachfront in the mid Atlantic for two days now and I’m finding a ton of chert and flint that almost looks worked. Problem is, I’m used to finding stuff in the mountains, where the craftsmanship is undeniable. Here, I can’t tell what I’m looking at! So here’s an example. I’m looking at this piece that looks like it had flakes taken from it. In one photo, you can even see faint radial lines. What’s your opinions? Is this natural breakage or deliberate by man?

 

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[GrouseMan]

Here’s another example

 

[GrouseMan]

View attachment 2010933Here’s another example

View attachment 2010932

Finally, a better look at the ripples on that last piece.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, I don’t know what to make of it!

 

[Tdog]

Finally, a better look at the ripples on that last piece.

Any thoughts would be appreciated, I don’t know what to make of it!
View attachment 2010945

Those ripples are shock ripples. They radiate from the point of impact outward like water when it is disturbed by someone throwing a stone in a still pool. Some of those pieces may be from someone testing them by knocking a chunk off to determine whether the stone is worth further effort to knap into a useful tool or weapon..

 

[GrouseMan]

Those ripples are shock ripples. They radiate from the point of impact outward like water when it is disturbed by someone throwing a stone in a still pool. Some of those pieces may be from someone testing them by knocking a chunk off to determine whether the stone is worth further effort to knap into a useful tool or weapon..

Thanks TDog. You’ve always seemed to provide some perspective on all my posts here. Are shock ripples indicative of human craftsmanship? Do you feel that these pieces are natural or deliberate? Here’s also some better quality photos of the second.

 

[Tdog]

Thanks TDog. You’ve always seemed to provide some perspective on all my posts here. Are shock ripples indicative of human craftsmanship? Do you feel that these pieces are natural or deliberate? Here’s also some better quality photos of the second.

It's difficult for me to say for certain friend. It is indicative of an impact whether from tumbling in water, intentional blow, or other natural force. I wish I could be more help here for you. I would have certainly brought those home to "The Lab" for further scrutiny. I have very little chert here to have hands-on expertise but rather quartz and quartzite predominately which is even more difficult to determine knapping evidence. There are much more knowledgeable people here that could give you better answers. I hope they will chime in.

 

[unclemac]

I see those all the time on my clost (left). In my case mostly jaspers, chalcedony and pet wood. They are so common I doubt their use a cores unless it is unmistakable.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Unfortunately, there are no signs or proof they were handled by ancient man. I found thousands of them walking the creeks and streams in Missouri.

 

[Fat]

... the term Creek chatter is a good one for your specimens. The millions of years and floods and storms and everything else Mother Nature can dish out. I still pick it up and haul home every chance I get..

 

[newnan man]

Dry creek beds in Texas are full of those type fractured rocks.

 

[Tdog]

I see those all the time on my clost (left). In my case mostly jaspers, chalcedony and pet wood. They are so common I doubt their use a cores unless it is unmistakable.

Hello Uncle Mac,

It's good to see you around here a lot. So, I have to ask, what the hell is a "clost (left)"? Are you saying left coast / west coast--as in California, Oregon, Washington? Seriously, we all should put our state and general location in our profile for all to see IMO. It has uncompromsing value for a forum such as this.

 

[Tnmountains]

That is such a good material they would have tested it and them taken it for a preform. Nice material are you seeing any flakes on the water there?

 

[unclemac]

Hello Uncle Mac,

It's good to see you around here a lot. So, I have to ask, what the hell is a "clost (left)"? Are you saying left coast / west coast--as in California, Oregon, Washington? Seriously, we all should put our state and general location in our profile for all to see IMO. It has uncompromsing value for a forum such as this.

oops, yes "left COAST," PNW. I actually picked up handful of jaspers, pet wood and carnelians just yesterday suitable for use.

 

[GrouseMan]

That is such a good material they would have tested it and them taken it for a preform. Nice material are you seeing any flakes on the water there?

I haven’t looked enough to be honest. There’s a strong historic presence of NAs at this site, so I’m sure there is. If I find anything of note, I’ll post it again. I do agree though, the material looks awesome