I've recently been finding some artifacts in sandbars along a creek. Some of them seem to have a blackish residue, and have a smoother surface, somewhat polished, than most other flint and stones that I find in the same area. Can anyone help me out with what the residue could be, and are they somewhat polished for a reason? Your replies are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Paul

Paul - If you could post some pics of what ur finding it would help with answering your questions. They could be just plain river rocks or artifacts. It's hard to tell from your description. ---Chuck

Yes Paul we will have to see some pics. River rocks are naturally polished from the water so they can be decieving. Show us your stuff I'm interested to have a look.

Sorry guys, for some reason I can't upload the pics here. I'll upload them to my site, named (creek stones). I appreciate the feedback. Thanks

Hey Paul, it looks like to me the lighter shaded rock of the two could have been used for a hammerstone by the polish and wear in the areas that I see it. The darker one looks an awful lot like a celt but was possibly never finished, either that or it is a very uniform geofact from the creek which is possible as well-Bill

I collect hammer stones. I like them. They are still cheap to buy. A indian could knape out a point pretty quick, but a hammerstone took a lot of time to do.

Thanks for the input William, I was thinking the same, but wasn't really sure. Especially coming from the creek bed, you never know. Thanks again. Paul

Very nice collection. The basalt pestle would look great beside the Mortar in my pics!lol Check it out. I've always admired hammer stones myself, and have yet to find a complete grooved axe or tool. Someday I will! Again, very nice stuff.