Mudlarking - Learning to Locate Ancient Sites - Archaeology Documentary - Ohio History Channel -

Published 2022-04-11

(by Sheila Koons – Lab Archaeologist & Lithic Specialist)
One of the most common artifacts recovered from Old Colchester is fire-cracked rock (also known as FCR), particularly from the prehistoric areas. Not all cracked rock is indicative of human activity. So then how can we tell if the rock was cracked naturally or by purposeful humanly-controlled fire?
First, it is important to be able to identify fire-cracked rock. Fire-cracked rock is usually quartzite, sandstone, or granite, and is found fractured and split (McDowell-Loudan 1983:24). The majority of fire-cracked rock at Old Colchester happens to be quartz which is a raw material that is abundant in the area. FCR typically retains the exterior or cortex of the cobble, the fractured interior surfaces are crenulated, and the fracture edges are jagged and angular. The cortex may take on red, pink, or black color or it may not change color at all. When quartz is heated, the increase in temperature causes the internal development of fissures and water loss which in turn cause an increase in porosity and a subsequent decrease in density. This finally leads to the expansion of the lithic material (Audley 1921:209 cited in Ibid.). Then the rock will fracture or at least develop fissure lines. On the other hand, quartz can also fracture when cooling down after heating. This sort of FCR will have more cortical or surface damage such as pitting and this will yield another artifact commonly known as a potlid. If a rock is heated or cooled too quickly it will spall off in irregular segments.
Next it is important to know the context within which the burned rock was found. When recovered in large abundance, fire-cracked rock is typically associated with hearths and activities that took place around the hearth (e.g. roasting, steaming, sweatlodges, and potprops) (Akins 1985). As Barbetti stated,”Demonstrating that fire was used at an archaeological site is a two-step process. One must first find the evidence and show that fire was present. It is then necessary to demonstrate that it was associated with human activity” (1986:771). One of the most common causes of natural fire is lightening (Westbroek et al. 1993). Burnt tree stumps and brush fires seem to leave similar impressions as camp fires or hearths (Clark and Harris 1985; Bellomo 1993, 1994). One archaeologist performed actualistic studies of fire at FxJj 20 Main, Koobi Fora, Kenya (Bellomo 1993, 1994). He was particularly interested in recreating what happens in the ground during and after campfires, tree stump fires and grass fires. Using a combination of archaeomagnetic studies and several other studies which measure different aspects of sediment magentism, the archaeologist was able to test for any changes in the magnetic mineralogy from fires. His temperature data showed that campfires burn at higher temperatures than tree or grass fires (544). From this, he was able to deduce that sediments under such humanly-controlled fires (as campfires or hearths) would display a higher change in their magnetism. According to his temperature data, campfires could get as hot as 600oC and maintain a constant 400°C for 1.5-3 hours (533). Neither grass or tree stump fires came close to maintaining such temperatures. Additionally, Bellomo showed that in profile, camp fire and tree stump features were actually completely different (Ibid). Whereas multiple campfires (in one spot) burned a basin-like shape about 15cm below ground surface, the tree stump burned a hole straight into the substratum (Ibid.).
At Old Colchester, there were no hearth features identified but we have so much FCR it begs further questions. Additional site formation processes may provide answers. The features may be deflated or perhaps destroyed by historic bulldozing activity. My next installment will be about the difference between fire-cracked rock and thermal pretreatment of rock.

References:

Barbetti, M. (1986). “Traces of Fire in the Archaeological Record Before One Million Years Ago?” Journal of Human Evolution 15: 771-781.

Bellomo, R. V. (1993). “A Methodological Approach for Identifying Archaeological Evidence of Fire Resulting from Human Activities.” Journal of Archaeological Science 20: 525-553.

Bellomo, R. V. (1994). “Methods of determining early hominid behavioral activities associated with the controlled use of fire at FxJj 20 Main, Koobi Fora, Kenya.” Journal of Human Evolution 27: 173-195.

Clark, J.D. and Harris, J.W.K. (1985) Fire and its roles in early hominid lifeways. The African Archaeological Review 3:3-27.

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@JD-ps6od 2 years ago

Thanks for all of the intel today. Enjoyed the video!

@pauladenicola5583 2 years ago

Great article about the fire rock. You are a Pro, Rocks. Loved all the finds on the river. Keep Digging Rocks.

@angelamillard6418 2 years ago

Love that you take the time to teach. I really enjoy your channel

@Ayerlooms 2 years ago

Awesome video man !! Thank You for taking the time and caring about us to help teach us these tips and tricks man. You are the man !

@artifactsandbigracks3999 2 years ago

A wealth of knowledge ✌️😎

@leapyear9460 2 years ago

Love it bud!! Thank you!! AWESOME!

@brianranck5601 2 years ago

Nice work!! Really appreciate the videos

@carlwiedenhoeft2427 2 years ago

Very interesting! nice finds as always! thanks Rock!

@scottnock5241 2 years ago

Killer brother!!! Great article.. wish I had that sand..

@cyndybutler7330 2 years ago

I just opened the box you sent very cool rock thanks ok I’ll go read it 👍😁

@oldtimejustin7131 2 years ago

Great lessons on this video. Thank you!

@briaginter4837 2 years ago

Great info on the FRC thank you!

@bluecrow3755 2 years ago

Appreciate the write up ...and the titles for research👍♠

@davidmcmahon6305 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. And I really like the shoutout to new channels to watch. Artifacts and Big Racks is very close to my house. Starting to watch him as well. Thanks again Rocks!