Description
Origin: Harper, Texas, USA
Description: Modern flintknappers in central Texas refer to a type of chert as "Root Beer flint." It is found predominantly in Kimble and Kerr Counties but also occurs in neighboring areas, reaching as far east as Comal County and as far north as the Callahan Divide. This flint resembles the color of root beer, being dark brown or grayish brown with translucency on thin edges. However, there is variation within this designation, with some variants resembling chocolate milk or having maroon coloration with hints of dark blue. The color variation often results from swirling grain textures, although the best specimens are homogeneous, dark, and translucent.
Root Beer flint is commonly found in lag deposits on mesas, divides, and upland plains, remnants of ancient rivers and streams. It also occurs as outcrops within limestone bedrock formations and can be found in gravel beds of streams like the Llano River. The primary context deposits are found in the Segovia and Fort Terrett geological formations of Lower Cretaceous limestone, while similar materials in other locations occur in different Lower Cretaceous limestone formations.
Due to its widespread distribution, abundance, and overall quality, Root Beer flint held significant importance as a tool stone for Native American flintknappers. The flint typically occurs as large, thin cobbles or slabs, with sizes ranging from 12 to 18 inches in length. It has a thin white to orange-colored outer rind or cortex. Many quarry sites in the region provided concentrated sources of this flint, and Native knappers developed a specific method for working the large flat cobbles. They would remove large flakes from the outer veneer of superior Root Beer flint, discarding the rest. Bifacial cores were sometimes created but generally not reused.
Root Beer flint, at its best, is a homogeneous and high-quality material. It is glassy, translucent, and less brittle than other types of flint, such as Georgetown flint. This toughness makes it less prone to breakage during manufacturing. Some contemporary flintknappers even heat treat Root Beer flint at relatively low temperatures to enhance its properties since it cannot withstand the higher temperatures required for many other Texas cherts.
Chemical Composition: SiO2
Grade: Lapidary Grade
Appearance: Opaque
Inclusions: Other than the rind, Root Beer flint is almost inclusion free. there is almost never cracks in it.
Cost per Gram: $0.08
Approximate Size of 1 pc: 12.5cm x 10cm x 5.5cm
Approximate Weight of 1 pc: 1kg
Rough is rough. We do our best to grade and describe pieces in the lot, but ultimately, they all differ.