Archaeological Stones and Their Macroscopic Identification

By (author) James A. Harrell

Extent: 284 pages

Publisher: Archaeopress Publishing

Subjects: European Prehistory

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(February 2025)

ISBN: 9781803279138

6.85 x 9.65 inches

Price: $63.00

In stock

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Synopsis
Contents
Contributing Authors

This book provides archaeologists with a clear and comprehensive explanation of how to recognize the archaeologically important rocks and minerals. It does this using only their macroscopic properties, which are those that can be observed with the unaided eye or, at most, with a low-power magnifying glass.

Worked stones are one of the most commonly encountered materials in archaeological excavations and surveys. They can be either minerals or, if granular aggregates of one or more types of minerals, rocks. The correct identification of these stones is an important part of any archaeological study. This book provides archaeologists with a clear and comprehensive explanation of how to recognize the archaeologically important rocks and minerals. It does this using only their macroscopic properties, which are those that can be observed with the unaided eye or, at most, with a low-power magnifying glass. Such observations include both distinctive visual attributes and responses to inexpensive, simple-to-use tests. Determinative keys are also provided to guide the identification process. Recognition of the many stone varieties is made easier if there is a general understanding of their geological formation and so brief overviews are provided on the origins of minerals and rocks.

Preface

Chapter 1: Introduction

Archaeological Stones

Rock or Mineral?

Part I: Minerals

Chapter 2: Overview of Minerals

Origin and Nature of Minerals

Archaeologically Important Minerals

Approaches to Mineral Identification

Chapter 3: Mineral Properties and Identification

Equipment and Supplies Needed

Macroscopic Properties and Tests

Determinative Tables

Part II: Rocks

Chapter 4: Overview of Rocks

The Rock Cycle

Igneous Rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Metamorphic Rocks

Archaeologically Important Rocks

Rock Identification

Key for Determining Rock Class

Chapter 5: Rock Properties and Identification

Equipment and Supplies Needed

Igneous Rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Metamorphic Rocks

Bibliography

General index

Mineral index

Rock index

Preface

Chapter 1: Introduction

Archaeological Stones

Rock or Mineral?

Part I: Minerals

Chapter 2: Overview of Minerals

Origin and Nature of Minerals

Archaeologically Important Minerals

Approaches to Mineral Identification

Chapter 3: Mineral Properties and Identification

Equipment and Supplies Needed

Macroscopic Properties and Tests

Determinative Tables

Part II: Rocks

Chapter 4: Overview of Rocks

The Rock Cycle

Igneous Rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Metamorphic Rocks

Archaeologically Important Rocks

Rock Identification

Key for Determining Rock Class

Chapter 5: Rock Properties and Identification

Equipment and Supplies Needed

Igneous Rocks

Sedimentary Rocks

Metamorphic Rocks

Bibliography

General index

Mineral index

Rock index

By (author) James A. Harrell

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