Thermal Alteration of Silica Materials in Technological and Functional Perspective

Abstract

This paper summarizes the characteristics, causes, and identification criteria of heat alteration in silica materials. The costs and benefits of alteration imply that only the production and function of certain tools would profit from heat treatment. A collection of Formative Peruvian tools confirms that prehistoric technologists responded to similar factors when deciding to use altered materials. Altered chert is an alternative, but not always superior tool material.

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