Bayport Chert










Natural Form:



Description of Physical Characteristics:

Color:  Bayport chert varies from an off white to a medium gray and a light brown to a medium brown.  White quartz inclusions can form white clouds or bulls eye forms in the material.  Banding may be present.

Texture:  Medium to fine grain

Luster: Chalky to waxy

Translucency:  Opaque

Silica Fabrics / Fossils:  Fossils include brachiopods, bryozoans, colony coral, and sponge spicules.

Patina: The patina is a creamy white.

Heat Treatment: 

Knapping: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Source Distribution:
Distribution Comments:

Bayport Chert is associated with the Bayport Limestone Formation occurring as beds in Saginaw Bay (near Bayport), Huron County, Michigan.  It is found in nodules and blocks along river banks in the northeastern region of southern Michigan.  Bayport has been reported throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan and into central Indiana, northwestern Ohio, and southwestern Ontario.  Has been reported into Wisconsin.

Projectile point made from this material:



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References: (See Reference Page, Entry Number):

Similar Material:
Commonly made projectile point from this material:
Adena Series, Thebes, Snyders
Archaeological Context:
Utilization of Bayport Chert extends from the Paleo period into the late Prehistoric period.  Heavy utilization of this material is the Early Archaic and Middle Woodland period.