Greenbrier Chert












Natural Form:



Description of Physical Characteristics:

Color:  Greenbrier chert ranges in color from light to dark grays, browns, black, and pale red.

Texture:  Medium grain

Luster: Dull

Translucency:  Opaque

Silica Fabrics / Fossils:  Highly fossiliferous, oolitic.

Patina:

Heat Treatment: 

Knapping: 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution:
Distribution Comments:

Greenbrier chert is associated with the Greenbrier Formation of southwestern Virginia, and eastern West Virginia.  Outcrops occur as nodules in the lower 40 feet of the formation with exposure occurring from the Cumberland gap northeast to the Powell Valley anticline and the Little Stone Gap.

The Greenbrier Formation of West Virginia is similar, but not the same as, the Greenbrier Formation of Maryland.  Both are a marine carbonate, but they are not the same formation.

 

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:
Archaeological Context:

Greenbrier chert was primarily used in the late Paleo to Middle Archaic periods.  However, due to the small size of the nodules, points are generally on the smaller size.  Larger tools generally have cortex present.