Bay Bottom Chert
Description of Physical Characteristics:
Color:
Bay Bottom Chert is a peloidal packstone ranging from a white to brown,
light gray, or dark gray. Clear chalcedony can replace fossils or
vugs giving a splotchy or clotted appearance.
Texture:
Luster:
Translucency:
Silica Fabrics / Fossils: Course coral, coralgal,
peneropolids, and sorites
Patina:
Heat Treatment:
Knapping:
Primary Source
Distribution:
Distribution Comments:
Bay Bottom Chert is associated with the Tampa Limestone Member of the
Arcadia Formation, Hawthorne Group. Primarily occurs around the
Tampa Bay area.
Pictures Provided By:
References: (See Reference Page, Entry Number):
Similar Material:
Commonly made projectile point from this material:
Archaeological Context:
Bay Bottom Chert was most commonly used in the
Paleo period with diminished utilization in later periods. It is
suggested that the primary source became inaccessible due to rising ocean
waters of the Tampa Bay area.
