Underground Workable stone

[chubacca]

I was recently exploring a woodland area close to my house when I came across a sign warning of sinkholes. I know that sinkholes are formed by eroding limestone. Since flint is formed in limestone does this sign give a good indication of buried flint or chert.

[Ullr]

I think that is probably an excellent indication that there is chert there. Even if people tell you there isn't chert there, I would still look if its safe.

I don't know where you live but here in NJ everyone will tell you that there are no significant sources of knappable chert here (no offense but I don't think the Tracker school knows it's here either). Sure enough, there is although argillite and quartzite are still the most abundant.

Sorry to get off topic but one other thing (directed to the community): I feel that a lot of begining knappers and wilderness survival people get kind of boxed into this idea that there is nothing beyond obsidian and flint. I did when I first started. There is life beyond flint lol! Seriously, if you don't find flint there keep testing local rocks and inquiring local geologists and archeologists. Watch out for fellow knappers though as they are all trying to hide their honey holes lol!

Sorry if that was unfocused but I am a huge advocate of learning how to knap the tough stuff. It's fun and manly. I do hope you find chert/flint there though and I think it is pretty likely you will.

Ullr

[chubacca]

Thanks for the help

I live in southeastern pa and have heard stories of the natives digging ditches into the ground to get to chert. I'm not sure if my sources are reliable but i'll give it a try. About how far underground are the limestone beds most likely to be? There are no large rivers in the area.

[Ullr]

First, check out this map:

http://www.pcpg.org/images/pennmapmid.jpg

The counties with the (blue) Devonian formation running through them are the most likely to have chert. If your county doesn't have this running through it I would still look anyway.

As far as digging goes- for me it is too much work. The best way would be to look for some type of outcropping or an area where the geological layers are visible, even if it is only a few ft. of it. I really think digging will be to hard and it may be an impossiblity. You will have much greater access to the geology if you locate an area with visible layers or outcroppings.

Don't forget a hammerstone for quality testing! (I only say this because I can never find one I like in the wilderness when I need one).

Let me know how it turns out and if you have any other questions that I can help you with. Also, if you need some help with knapping or getting quality knapping tools let me know. I am by no means an expert but I can help you get over the small issues that are a pain to figure out on your own and usually discourage people from knapping.