Color:  Camden Chert ranges from mottled white to gray, gray to gray blue, pale yellow to olive-yellow or tan.  Vugs, quarts inclusions and streaking are generally present.

Texture:  Fine grain

Luster:

Silica Fabrics / Fossils:

Patina:

Heat Treatment: Heat treatment increases the mottling and brings out colors of reds, pinks, orange, and dark grays.  The luster is increased along with the flaking quality.

Knapping:  Flaking quality is moderate in un-heat treated material, but increases with heat treatment.

Notes:  There are many overlapping characteristics between Camden Chert and Tuscaloosa Chert.  The primary distinguishing charteristic is the presence of vugs and quartz inclusions seen in Camden Chert.  Clear Creek Chert of Illinois is considered an extension of Camden Chert.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Comments:

Camden Chert is associated with the Tuscaloosa Formation of western Alabama.  Primary sources in Benton County on bluffs above the Big Sandy River in  Tennessee.  May be found in cobble and nodules in rivers and streams in western Alabama.