References for identifying materials

[seansheedy]

As I go through the arrowhead books and read the posts on this site I have to admit that I fell like an idiot when it comes to material types.
I know quartz and petrified wood, etc., however I have trouble when it comes to flint, chalcedony, chert, etc. Then it gets deeper when they start to narrow down the type and area it came from. Does anyone know of any good reference books where I can learn more abour this? My arrowhead ground is under snow right now so I have some time to study.
Thank you for any help you can send my way.

[Hoss]

Here is a good link http://www.theaaca.com/lithnics/
There is a lot to the subject.

[seansheedy]

Thanks Hoss.  I will start studying while I pray that global warming is real and that it will come melt this damned snow.

[tomclark]

ask locals and/or who collect that material.  Most of it, besides crystalline quartz and other mineral crystals, is all cryptocrystalline (very very tiny crystals) quartz with various purities and impurities.  Agatized coral, pet wood, flint, chert, chalcedony, all cryptocrystalline quartz :blink:  .
IMHOP

[Hoss]

I just now noticed your in Alberta. Well I hope that link helps you out.

[Hoss]

another good site here http://www.uiowa.edu/~osa/lithics/dr...htm#OutOfState
I like this one a lot.
The AACA one is awesome too and if your not a member over there I suggest you join. Everyone on Arrowheads.com should join that group.

[11KBP]

seansheedy wrote:


I know quartz and petrified wood, etc., however I have trouble when it comes to flint, chalcedony, chert, etc.  Then it gets deeper when they start to narrow down the type and area it came from.  Does anyone know of any good reference books where I can learn more abour this?
Thank you for any help you can send my way.

  I do not know of any references that do a really great job
of describing lithics from your region. However you might
want to check into this publication:

http://www.jebtaylorartifacts.com/book-projectile-points-of-the-high-plains.html

There is a chapter in this reference which describes many of
the major lithic sources of the High Plains and includes color
photos of the lithics as well. This publication is also a great
reference for High Plains typology.
11KBP

[seansheedy]

Thank you.  I will be putting this book on my wish list.