Burlington Chert












Heat Treated
Natural Form:
Raw material



Description of Physical Characteristics:

Color:  The primary color of Burlington Chert varies from white to gray or tan.  Banding and mottling may be present.

Texture: 
Medium to fine grain.

Luster: Waxy luster

Silica Fabrics / Fossils: There are a variety of fossils that may be present including: sponge spicules, brachiopods, corals, and crinoid columnals.  

Patina:

Heat Treatment:  Heat treatment is frequently used which changes the color from white to a pale pink with darker areas of orange and red hues.  The luster will remain waxy, but with become more reflective.

Knapping: 

Note:  There are many overlapping characteristics between Burlington, Elwood, and Jolie cherts making identification between these cherts difficult.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Primary Source Distribution:
Distribution Comments:

Burlington Chert is associated withe the Burlington Formation and is primarily found in in both nodules and bluffs from the American Bottoms into the greater St. Louis area and into the confluence of the Arkansas river and Mississippi River (principally Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa)  It has been reported into the central Mississippi River Valley including Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. 

Projectile point made from this material:

Non-heat Treated


Heat Treated




Pictures Provided By:
Guy McMahon
Chad Wigham
Cyril Calvet





Do you see information that is incorrect on this page, or do you have information that should be added?  If so, please:

Send Us A Message
or e-mail pictures and information to
Material@Projectilepoints.net


References: (See Reference Page, Entry Number):

Similar Material:
Blanding Chert
Elwood - Joliet Chert
Commonly made projectile point from this material:
Cobbs, Dickson, Etley, Godar, Hemphill, Kirk Series, Thebes


Archaeological Context: