Identification and evaluation of post-depositional mechanical traces on quartz assemblages: An experimental investigation

After the experimentation, the two flakes showed no edge damage or other visible modifications, but some micro traces on the crystal surface were present. Although long and demanding, this step sharply reduces possible errors in the recognition of use-wear during the experimental stage. The micro traces definable as abrasions on some parts of the crystal surface, have been analysed by a metallographic microscope and compared with the same crystal portion taken before the experiment. Even if it is difficult to reconstruct post depositional processes in a laboratory, this attempt shows that the contact between sediment and stone tools in a continuous movement can randomly abrade the crystal surface.