Tool stone

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

In archaeology, a tool stone is a type of stone that is used to manufacture stone tools,[1] or tools that use stone as raw material.[2]

Generally speaking, tools that require a sharp edge are made using

cryptocrystalline materials that fracture in an easily controlled conchoidal manner.[1]
Cryptocrystalline tool stones include
igneous flowstones; and obsidian, a form of natural glass created by igneous processes. These materials fracture in a predictable fashion, and are easily resharpened. For more information on this subject, see lithic reduction
.

Large-grained materials such as

adzes, and axes
.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Andrefsky Jr., William (2005). Lithics: Macroscopic Approaches to Analysis (Second ed.). .
  2. ^ Daniel S. Amick (1999). Folsom lithic technology: explorations in structure and variation. International Monographs in Prehistory. . Retrieved 2010-10-03.