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.
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.
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
James A. Harrell earned his BA degree in Earth Science at California State University at Fullerton, and his MS and PhD degrees in Geology at the University of Oklahoma and the University of Cincinnati, respectively. He taught petrology and other geological subjects at the University of Toledo for 30 years, retiring in 2009, and is now an Emeritus Professor at that institution. For the past 35 years, Professor Harrell has been conducting a survey of ancient mines and quarries in Egypt and northern Sudan, and has also done fieldwork on ancient quarries in Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
