Investigating the Geological Origin of Chert
Fossiliferous chert can preserve valuable palaeontological information that is difficult to access through conventional examination.
MGPalaeo can process and disaggregate chert samples within our laboratory to recover embedded microfossils and other resistant components for subsequent identification and analysis.
Chert disaggregation is a destructive analytical technique and involves processing part or all of the chert specimen. Appropriate permission from the owner, custodian and/or relevant heritage authority should therefore be obtained before analysis.
Microfossil Recovery
The recovered fossil assemblages can provide an additional line of evidence for investigating the geological origin, age and archaeological significance of chert artefacts and raw materials.
Microfossil Recovery
Laboratory disaggregation releases fossils otherwise locked within the chert matrix, allowing individual microfossils to be recovered, examined and identified.
Mobility & Exchange
Identifying the likely geological source of fossiliferous chert can help archaeologists investigate how stone materials moved across landscapes.
Raw Material Provenance
Microfossil assemblages can provide distinctive geological signatures that help compare archaeological chert with potential source formations or regions.
Geological & Archaeological Context
Fossil identification can provide information on the age and depositional environment of the original source rock to help interpret artefacts, sites and regional landscapes.
With an onsite laboratory at our Malaga office, we are fully set up to provide a full suite of laboratory services. If there are additional processing or analytical requests that would further improve your archaeological research, please contact us to discuss further.