Weathering of Thermally Altered Prehistoric Stone Implements

Abstract

Many of the tools used by prehistoric man were thermally altered prior to manufacture. This treatment made it easier to shape the stone and provided superior performance from the completed artifact. This investigation shows the effects of thermal alteration on the weathering rate of Florida Chert. Infrared reflection spectroscopy is used to monitor the extent of weathering and to illustrate alterations on the chert surface due to heating.