Color:  Root River Chert is opaque and ranges in color from yellowish brown to dark brown or an ocher color with mottling. 

Texture:  Fine grain

Luster: Dull to waxy

Silica Fabrics / Fossils:

Patina:

Heat Treatment:  Heat treatment produces colors or reds to cranberry red or brown.  The luster increases to a waxy or vitreous luster.

Knapping:  Good flaking quality
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Comments:

Root River Chert is associated with the Cedar Valley Formation of the Rapid Member.  It is found from the Root River, Mower County, Minnesota to the confluence of the Mississippi / Illinois Rivers.  Primary sources have been reported in Fillmore County, Minnesota.   It has been found in cobbles down the Mississippi River.