Are there many stones in the area that exhibit the characteristics that we look for when trying to identify a stone tool?

Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference By John K. Murray, Arizona State UniversityUpdatedMay 7, 2025 1:04 p.m.

With some guidance from a teacher and plenty of practice, flintknappers can learn how to identify a promising platform on a chunk of stone, called a core, and consistently remove flakes from it.

With some guidance from a teacher and plenty of practice, flintknappers can learn how to identify a promising platform on a chunk of stone, called a core, and consistently remove flakes from it.

Was it a stone tool or just a rock? An archaeologist explains how scientists can tell the difference By John K. Murray, Arizona State UniversityUpdatedMay 7, 2025 12:04 p.m.

With a little guidance and a lot of practice, even you can make stone tools the way our oldest ancestors did – and learn to recognize the signs of a deliberately made tool.