Archaeomineralogy (Natural Science in Archaeology)

1.1 Prologue What is archaeomineralogy? The term has been used at least once before (Mitchell 1985), but this volume is the first publication to lay down the scientific basis and systematics for this subdiscipline. Students sometimes call an introductory archaeology course "stones and bones." Archaeomineralogy covers the stones component of this phrase. Of course, archaeology consists of a great deal more than just stones and bones. Contemporary archaeology is based on stratigraphy, geomorphology, chronometry, behavioral inferences, and a host of additional disciplines in addition to those devoted to stones and bones. To hazard a definition: archaeomineralogy is the study of the minerals and rocks used by ancient societies over space and time, as implements, orna­ ments, building materials, and raw materials for ceramics and other processed products. Archaeomineralogy also attempts to date, source, or otherwise char­ acterize an artifact or feature, or to interpret past depositional alteration of archaeological contexts. Unlike geoarchaeology, archaeomineralogy is not, and is not likely to become, a recognized subdiscipline. Practitioners of archaeomineralogy are mostly geoarchaeologists who specialize in geology and have a strong background in mineralogy or petrology (the study of the origin ofrocks). "This book presents a systematic look at the utilization of rock and mineral materials from prehistoric times through the 17th century ACE. The coverage is nearly world-wide and gives more than 800 references. Among the numerous illustrations are maps showing the location of major rock, mineral, and ore deposits, as well as photos and drawings of minerals, artifacts, statues, and large structures. Major portions of this book are based on 34 years of experience the author has doing geoarchaeology, archaeomineralogy, and archaeometallurgy in more than a dozen countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America."--BOOK JACKET. Front Matter....Pages I-XI Introduction....Pages 1-11 Properties of Minerals....Pages 13-40 Exploitation of Mineral and Rock Raw Materials....Pages 41-61 Lithic Materials....Pages 63-86 Gemstones, Seal Stones, and Ceremonial Stones....Pages 87-115 Soft Stones and Other Carvable Materials....Pages 117-137 Metals and Related Minerals and Ores....Pages 139-178 Ceramic Raw Materials....Pages 179-196 Pigments and Colorants....Pages 197-217 Abrasives, Salt, Shells, and Miscellaneous Geological Raw Materials....Pages 219-241 Building, Monumental, and Statuary Materials....Pages 243-273 Back Matter....Pages 275-326