Archaeologica.org

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Iron staining by natural processes is quite common. Much of it depends on the history of the strata layers, and how they were deposited. Iron-rich mineral deposits are very common, and the iron will leach out by downward percolating water. This will lead to results in the underlying rock, similar to Stan's picture of the rusty tub.

Iron staining may also be the result of iron working activites, either by direct contact with liquid iron or by water flowing over an iron-rich source such discarded molds or vessels.

The most common source of iron in water today, as seen in the tub picture is iron-rich ground water taken directly from a well or old iron pipes used to transport the water.


btw - it doesn't take very long to iron stain some material - it could happen in a few months, depending on the concentration in the water.

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It's clear in one shot...not so much in the other.

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Charlie Hatchett wrote:Agreed. How you doing, Bro?

I'm doing good. We're just trying to stay warm. The high today is 7 degrees with wind chills about -20, and not looking any better for tomorrow. (This is why Min moved south - in case he needs reminded)

Charlie Hatchett wrote:

It's clear in one shot...not so much in the other.

Which artifacts display more concentrated staining and which artifacts display more generalized staining?

It's good to get feedback.

I meant the hafting.

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The high today is 7 degrees with wind chills about -20

I need no reminding. It got down into the 20's here one night and I was ready to write a letter of complaint to the governor.

Hey, Charlie.

It looks to me as though the staining could have occurred before or after
the making of the tool, depending on the piece. But honestly I can't tell.
You've got the rocks, and I don't!
Is there a smiley for envy?

Forum Monk is right, it doens't necessarily take millennia to stain rocks and you can see iron stains on old concrete and steel structures, too.
(but hard stones like quartz must take longer.)
But I still think that "ritual staining" is unlikely. Painting, yes.

It looks to me as though the staining could have occurred before or after the making of the tool, depending on the piece.

Yeah, Stan, I'm just try to falsify the hypothesis that these tools were used for smelting iron. So far, a big goose egg.

I'm just try to falsify the hypothesis that these tools were used for smelting iron.

Why? I'm confused.

Why? I'm confused.

To make sure there's no other plausible explanations.