Bourne Chert

Last Updated: April 4, 2023


Bourne chert, 44HN0198, Hanover County, Virginia.

Type Cherts

Collection Location:
Chert material was collected from the Bourne Site (44HN0198) in western Hanover County, Virginia.

Description
The Bourne cherts are large chunks of good quality chalcedony. The distinctive material has fine crystalline-like needles appearing to grow in a different colored matrix of similar material. Some material fades from fine chalcedony into coarse grain quart. Other samples show a smooth waxy texture throughout. Colors range from shades of red, pink, brown, yellow, orange, and light blue. Much of the chalcedony has weathered to a light yellow-while.

Distribution
Artifacts from this material have been found at the Bourne Site (Hanover County) south to the Williamson Site (Dinwiddie County).

Cultural Implications
This material was used during the Paleoindian Period.

References

Prepared By Egloff 2008