Overview

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.

Full Product Details

Author:   James A. Harrell (Emeritus Professor of Geology, University of Toledo)
Publisher:   Archaeopress
Imprint:   Archaeopress Archaeology
Dimensions:   Width: 17.40cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 24.50cm
Weight:   1.225kg
ISBN:  

9781803279138

ISBN 10:   1803279133
Pages:   284
Publication Date:   27 February 2025
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

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

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Author Information

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.

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