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Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (photo provided by Tyler Houck)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Found on Winchester Hill, Hampshire, UK [A known Iron Age hill fort] many years ago. Just got around to looking at it and noticed a thin straight mark on the top, with the beginnings of a hole. As this is probably a stone age tool, I was wondering what this could be?
A focus stacked image from 50 frames.
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~13.3 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~9.4 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Flint is a hard sedimentary rock, occurring naturally in nodules and masses within softer sedimentary rocks such as limestones and chalks, where it is probably formed by geologic compression. Flint was used in the manufacture of tools and weapons during the Stone Age, as it splits readily into thin, sharp splinters called flakes or blades (depending on the shape) when struck by another hard object (such as a “hammerstone” made of another material). This process is referred to as knapping. Knapping is the shaping of flint, chert, obsidian, and similar types of stone through the process of “lithic reduction” –
a technical term for the controlled fracturing of the stone, followed by the careful, systematic removal of excess material to create a desired form and provide it with one or more cutting edges.
The specific characteristics of each piece of flint help determine what objects can be produced from it, so to a certain degree the stone itself dictates the precise form each object made from it will take. Methods of working flint and similar stones for making weapons and tools are among the earliest technologies developed by prehistoric humans. Flintknapping was probably among the earliest specialized work activities, as it requires a high level of skill and training.
Flintknapping involves the use of specialized handmade tools, as well as considerable expertise. Early knappers could have used simple hammers made of stone, wood or bone to shape flint objects. The first stage of flintknapping usually involves hard hammering with another type of hard stone to split the flint nodule into smaller flakes and blades. Each of these pieces can then be worked with more precise soft hammering techniques to shape the object’s overall form. Finally, blade edges can be sharpened or serrated through carefully controlled pressure flaking using wood or antler points.
As a valuable resource, flint was traded from its sources to other areas lacking this material. The importance of achieving form and balance in a finished blade or projectile point may have taught prehistoric humans to value characteristics such as symmetry, or even the aesthetic pleasure -- as well as the functional value -- of a curvilinear forms.
This flint knife was created by expert flintknapper Harold Elam. The tapered blade is made of material from the Flint Ridge deposits in southern Ohio. It has been attached with sinew to a handle fashioned from deer antler. While this example is not intended as a copy of any specific ancient prototype, in form and materials it is similar to Paleo-Indian knives produced by the Hopewell Culture during the early First Millennium.
See MCAD Library's catalog record for this material.
Many archaeologists from all over the world come to the Land of Legends to perform their experiments, dealing with a broad variety of subjects and artifacts. The Land of legends has, for example, several times supported the experimental work of Errett Callahan, one of the world's most recognised flintknappers.
Flintknapping is an old industry in the Brandon area. Flint is often used on buildings in the area, especially on 'character' and town centre properties.
Although Cahokian craftsman traded for copper, flint arrowheads were still used for weapons.
Photographed at the Cahokia Interpretive Center, St. Louis, Missouri.
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I believe I have correctly identified this colourful piece of rock as a Mookaite Chert from the radiolarite family of rocks. Radiolarite is a siliceous, heavy, hard fine grain, chert-like rock composed of fibrous chalcedony aggregates and the remains of numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians and coccoliths, silica-secreting, single-celled protists that dwell in open ocean locations. This term is also used for indurated radiolarian oozes and sometimes as a synonym of radiolarian earth. The yellow colouring is due to the presence of iron oxide impurities such as haematite and limonite.
This rock was collected from the Kimberley Region of North Western Australia in 1998.
Because of its flint like characteristics Mookaite is particularly sought after by Flintknappers who specialize in replicating stone tools like arrow and spear heads and creating lithic art.
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~5.3 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
via Tumblr.
In trying to learn how to #flute #clovis #paleoindian #points I have found a way to drive far far flakes on very rough limestone material, they DID make points from rock here in #newengland just as beautiful as elsewhere with better rock. It just seems to be a bit more difficult as the rock isn’t as agreeable. This is chert from upstate #newyork #flint. I am not so concerned about getting the style right as I am getting the flutes to run on this tough stuff, I think I finally figured it, flute or channel flake on the left…. Point on the right. A friend gave me some advice that seems to be right on the $. #paleo #paleolithic #archaeology #anthropology #bushcraft #outdoorsman #survival #survivalist #knife #flintknapper #crafts #primitive #limestone #paleotechnology #visionquest #caveman #flintknapping #chipping #aboriginal ift.tt/29Zw6WZ
"White Debitage"
9 1/2" x 3" x 7 1/2"
mixed media
David Francis collaboration with master flintknapper Derek McLean
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~13.8 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
"Black Debitage"
9 1/2" x 3" x 7 1/2"
mixed media,
David Francis collaboration with master flintknapper Webb Hammond
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~13.7 centimeters across at its widest along the base)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Chert is a cryptocrystalline, quartzose sedimentary rock. It principally forms as a chemical sedimentary rock (for example, diagenetic chert nodules) or as a biogenic sedimentary rock (for example, bedded radiolarian cherts). "Flint" is a synonymous term that is asserted by some to be distinctive from chert. Flintknappers will say that chert is low-quality (= low-purity?) and flint is high-quality (= high-purity?), in terms of making tools such as arrowheads. The British will say that flint is biogenic in origin and that chert is chemical in origin. Some will say that chert is light-colored and flint is dark-colored. Regardless, chert and flint are the same - they're both cryptocrystalline, quartzose sedimentary rocks. Chert / flint is hard, has conchoidal fracture (smooth & curved fracture surfaces), and sharp broken edges.
This chert sample has numerous concentric bands, similar to that seen in "pinstripe flint", or "Nethers Flint" at Flint Ridge, Ohio. The concentricity is reminiscent of "Liesegang banding" (really "Wells banding"), but that forms in porous rocks such as sandstone or conglomerate.
Locality: farmer's field between the towns of Utica and Mount Vernon, southern Knox County, central Ohio, USA
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~5.4 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~4.0 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~10.7 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~13.2 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia.
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~3.85 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~3.85 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Chert from the Mississippian of Indiana, USA. (~8.8 centimeters across at its widest)
This rock is "Indiana hornstone". If correctly attributed, it is a chert nodule derived from a Mississippian-aged limestone unit in southern Indiana - likely Harrison County or Crawford County.
Chert is a cryptocrystalline, quartzose sedimentary rock. It consists of tiny quartz crystals too small to see with normal microscopes ("crypto" means "hidden").
In this sample, the dark-colored material is unaltered chert (referred to by some as "flint"). The light-colored material is a weathering rind, which is called "cortex" by flintknappers.
Early American Indians used Indiana hornstone to make arrowheads, spearpoints, and other stone tools.
Locality: unrecorded/undisclosed site in Indiana (possibly southern Indiana), USA
via Tumblr.
A quickly made #knifesheath holding a #flint #fluted #knife #paleopoint #paleo #crafts #flintknapper #archaeology #weapon #spear #atlatl #dart ift.tt/2aRJv2F
Chert from the Mississippian of Indiana, USA. (~9.0 centimeters across at its widest)
This rock is "Indiana hornstone". If correctly attributed, it is a chert nodule derived from a Mississippian-aged limestone unit in southern Indiana - likely Harrison County or Crawford County.
Chert is a cryptocrystalline, quartzose sedimentary rock. It consists of tiny quartz crystals too small to see with normal microscopes ("crypto" means "hidden").
In this sample, the dark-colored material is unaltered chert (referred to by some as "flint"). The light-colored material is a weathering rind, which is called "cortex" by flintknappers.
Early American Indians used Indiana hornstone to make arrowheads, spearpoints, and other stone tools.
Locality: unrecorded/undisclosed site in Indiana (possibly southern Indiana), USA
Chert from the Mississippian of Indiana, USA. (~9.0 centimeters across at its widest)
This rock is "Indiana hornstone". If correctly attributed, it is a chert nodule derived from a Mississippian-aged limestone unit in southern Indiana - likely Harrison County or Crawford County.
Chert is a cryptocrystalline, quartzose sedimentary rock. It consists of tiny quartz crystals too small to see with normal microscopes ("crypto" means "hidden").
In this sample, the dark-colored material is unaltered chert (referred to by some as "flint"). The light-colored material is a weathering rind, which is called "cortex" by flintknappers.
Early American Indians used Indiana hornstone to make arrowheads, spearpoints, and other stone tools.
Locality: unrecorded/undisclosed site in Indiana (possibly southern Indiana), USA
Chert from the Mississippian of Indiana, USA. (~12.9 centimeters across at its widest)
This rock is "Indiana hornstone". If correctly attributed, it is a chert nodule derived from a Mississippian-aged limestone unit in southern Indiana - likely Harrison County or Crawford County.
Chert is a cryptocrystalline, quartzose sedimentary rock. It consists of tiny quartz crystals too small to see with normal microscopes ("crypto" means "hidden").
In this sample, the dark-colored material is unaltered chert (referred to by some as "flint"). The light-colored material is a weathering rind, which is called "cortex" by flintknappers.
Early American Indians used Indiana hornstone to make arrowheads, spearpoints, and other stone tools.
Locality: unrecorded/undisclosed site in Indiana (possibly southern Indiana), USA
Chert from the Mississippian of Indiana, USA. (~8.8 centimeters across at its widest)
This rock is "Indiana hornstone". If correctly attributed, it is a chert nodule derived from a Mississippian-aged limestone unit in southern Indiana - likely Harrison County or Crawford County.
Chert is a cryptocrystalline, quartzose sedimentary rock. It consists of tiny quartz crystals too small to see with normal microscopes ("crypto" means "hidden").
In this sample, the dark-colored material is unaltered chert (referred to by some as "flint"). The light-colored material is a weathering rind, which is called "cortex" by flintknappers.
Early American Indians used Indiana hornstone to make arrowheads, spearpoints, and other stone tools.
Locality: unrecorded/undisclosed site in Indiana (possibly southern Indiana), USA
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~6.75 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~12.8 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
via Tumblr.
Original artifact and my retro….Final shape, calling this done ….In trying to learn how to #flute #clovis #paleoindian #points I have found a way to drive far far flakes on very rough limestone material, they DID make points from rock here in #newengland just as beautiful as elsewhere with better rock. It just seems to be a bit more difficult as the rock isn’t as agreeable. This is chert from upstate #newyork #flint. I am not so concerned about getting the style right as I am getting the flutes to run on this tough stuff, I think I finally figured it, flute or channel flake on the left…. Point on the right. A friend gave me some advice that seems to be right on the $. #paleo #paleolithic #archaeology #anthropology #bushcraft #outdoorsman #survival #survivalist #knife #flintknapper #crafts #primitive #limestone #paleotechnology #visionquest #caveman #flintknapping #chipping #aboriginal ift.tt/2a3HPEC
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~4.75 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~4.6 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~6.6 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
This November we celebrated everything geological as part of the Festival of Geology, in partnership with the Geologists’ Association.
We were showcasing some rare rocks, minerals and fossils from the UCL Geology Collection and Materials Library. Visitors saw meteorites that are composed of a rare type of iron not found on earth. Played with naturally magnetic sand from California. Gazed into an obsidian mirror, which has a long history of association with the supernatural. Watched master flintknapper Karl Lee make delicate tools, weapons and decorative items lump of flint.
We were also exploring the world of geological fakery with fool's gold and synthetic rubies. Visitors got the chance to see if they can spot the synthetic diamonds.
Guests made and named their very own fake rocks with prop maker Richard Graham.
People could try their hand at carving soft materials, like limestone, pumpkins, chocolate, cheese and soap; architectural stonemason Paul Jakeman was on hand to lend carving tips!
Our Makespace manager Ellie, made honeycomb rock and you could try rock! Finally Jo Lathwood was displaying her latest project, ‘Is this Magma?’ and discussing the melting points of rocks.
© All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
I believe I have correctly identified this colourful piece of rock as a Mookaite Chert from the radiolarite family of rocks. Radiolarite is a siliceous, heavy, hard fine grain, chert-like rock composed of fibrous chalcedony aggregates and the remains of numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians and coccoliths, silica-secreting, single-celled protists that dwell in open ocean locations. This term is also used for indurated radiolarian oozes and sometimes as a synonym of radiolarian earth. The yellow colouring is due to the presence of iron oxide impurities such as haematite and limonite.
This rock was collected from the Kimberley Region of North Western Australia in 1998.
Because of its flint like characteristics Mookaite is particularly sought after by Flintknappers who specialize in replicating stone tools like arrow and spear heads and creating lithic art.
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia.
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).
The Flintknappers pub is the timbered building. The Labrokes building was the Co-op supermarket and Mr G's was the Co-op non-food store.
Mookaite from the Cretaceous of Western Australia. (~6.75 centimeters across at its widest)
Mookaite is a silicified sedimentary rock from the Lower Cretaceous Windalia Radiolarite Formation, a succession of moderately deep marine siltstones and cherts that contain numerous microfossils of foraminifera, radiolarians, and coccoliths. Because this rock is hard, very fine-grained, and attractively colored, mookaite is valued as knapping material by flintknappers.
The yellowish and reddish colors are from iron oxide impurities (limonite and hematite).