Pitchstones from arran. From Aaron watson Bibliography • Cox et al.

Pitchstones from arran. That is due to its coarser (than obsidian) crystal structure. Of the trace elements, Mo, Sn, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, S and As have been determined chemically, Rb and Zr by X-ray fluorescence Mar 15, 2015 · Off Arran, pitchstone-bearing assemblages never include Mesolithic types, such as microliths, suggesting a post Mesolithic date. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest sites, and pitchstone artefacts from radiocarbon-dated pits therefore provide important dating evidence for this material group and its Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest sites, and pitchstone artefacts from radiocarbon-dated pits therefore provide important dating evidence for this material group and its Pitchstones can therefore form as lavas or as shallow-level intrusions. It can be carried out by public transport from the main centres on the east side of the island. (1992). In contrast, during the preceding Mesolithic pitchstone use was much more restricted geographically. The Isle of Arran[7] (/ ˈærən /; Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Arainn) or simply Arran is an island off the west coast of Scotland, in West Ayrshire. The main reason for undertaking the project was that the number of artefacts in this raw material, as well as the number of pitchstone-bearing sites, had multiplied exponenti Thin-section mount of pitchstone from Corriegills, Isle of Arran, Scotland, petrographic microscope slide. Jul 14, 2018 · Clauchlands and Corriegills are well-known as places where high quality pitchstone occurs. Microcrystallites in the Corrygills Pitchstone, Arran MHA1. It is a volcanic glass; however, unlike a glass, pitchstone has an irregular hackly fracture not a conchoidal fracture. Mesolithic use appears to have been limited to the Isle of Arran itself, while in later periods the material or items made from it were transported around Britain. The comparison between the three raw material groups of the assemblage shows that, although contemporary, they were all reduced according to different operational schemas, probably reflecting a combination of functional and symbolic reasoning. (a) The flow-banded nature of this rock manifests itself at i microscopic scale in the density of the crystallites, (b) Dendrites of The project was defined primarily to the peripheral zone (up to 400 km from Arran), look into the dispersal of pitchstone, a volcanic glass, pitchstone-bearing sites are characterised by the from the Isle of Arran across northern Britain. On my last day in Arran, this proved to be the place where the striking colours of the island finally converged. How far north did Palaeolithic people settle in Britain? The general belief is that they did not go much further than the Midlands, with Creswell Crags often considered the northern The Arran Glenshurig type contains quartz, augite and feldspar phenocrysts and the Arran Tormore type contains feldspar phenocrysts. There is also rich evidence for farming going back almost 6,000 Mar 15, 2015 · In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. This suggestion is supported by worked pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits, where all presently available dates indicate that, on the Scottish mainland, Arran pitchstone was traded and used after the Mesolithic Arran pitchstone (‘Scottish obsidian’) – new dating evidence Introduction pic. During my visit, I was very interested to explore the origins of this unusual material. Analysis of pyroxene and amphibole microcrystallites within the pitchstone suggests that the Corriegills area of Arran is the most likely Thin-section mount of pitchstone from Corriegills, Isle of Arran, Scotland, petrographic microscope slide. The analysis focuses on raw material characterization, technological attributes, site distribution patterns, and potential chronological implications of Presentation of exposed pitchstone dykes and sills across the Isle of Arran, and discussion of the archaeological relevance of these outcrops Abstract This paper deals with the distribution of some trace and major elements in pitchstones from Arran, Eigg and Iceland. This suggestion is supported by worked pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits, where all presently available dates indicate that, on the Scottish mainland, Arran pitchstone was traded and used after the Mesolithic The aims and objectives of the seminar at Biggar in 2000 are set out throughout the following paper on the day, and the principal aim of thisintroduction and the now published account of the seminar are merely to put on record that BAG was the first to publicly promote a fuller study of Arran pitchstone since the pioneering work of Thorpe and Thorpe in 1984 (ref below). This suggestion is supported by worked pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits, where all presently available dates indicate that, on the Scottish mainland, Arran pitchstone was traded and used after the Mesolithic The Arran Glenshurig type contains quartz, augite and feldspar phenocrysts and the Arran Tormore type contains feldspar phenocrysts. In the paper's final chapter, the archaeological relevance of these outcrops is Nevertheless, in the present context these subtleties are of little importance, as the focus is not on the distribution of worked pitchstone within the Biggar area, but on the Biggar pitchstones’ meaning to the interpretation of the exchange network responsible for the dissemination of Arran pitchstone in the Neolithic period of northern Britain. Tam Ward and Alan Saville explain. Both highly porphyritic and Pitchstones can occur geologically in a variety of environments. The only part of northern Britain where pitchstone artefacts Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. Fourteen new analyses are represented. Historically part of Buteshire, it is in the unitary council area of North Ayrshire. The island is home to some of the most spectacular standing stones in northern Europe, one of the greatest concentrations of Neolithic monuments in the UK, and an important collection of megalithic tombs. In the 2022 census it had a resident Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. The analysis indicates differing raw material preferences, suggesting that one assemblage originated from Monamore Glen, dating to the Early Neolithic, while the other, from the Glenashdale area, likely dates to the Middle or Late Neolithic. Obsidian and pitchstone are both defined as being forms of acid volcanic glass, but first and foremost by containing more or less water. This suggestion is supported by worked pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits, where all presently available dates indicate that, on the Scottish mainland, Arran pitchstone was traded and used after the Mesolithic Mar 15, 2015 · Off Arran, pitchstone-bearing assemblages never include Mesolithic types, such as microliths, suggesting a post Mesolithic date. Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. The remainder were less confidently attributed to the petrographic types distinguished. Pitchstone has a resinous lustre, or silky in some cases, and a variable composition. 5 percent H 2 O content shown by the The distribution of lithic materials of possible Mesolithic on the Isle of Arran Chris Allen* and Kevin J Edwards ** Jan 25, 2024 · Pitchstone from the Isle of Arran was used as the raw material for making various items from the Mesolithic through the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. Some are subhorizontal sheets or sills, while some are vertical dykes. Gazetteer of Arran Pitchstone Sources Presentation of exposed pitchstone dykes and sills across the Isle of Arran, and discussion of the archaeological relevance of these outcrops by Torben Bjarke Ballin* and John Faithfull† *Lithic Research, Banknock Cottage, Denny, Stirlingshire FK6 5NA †The Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ Scottish Archaeological Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. The interior of the rock has a distinctive, resinous lustre, a conchoidal fracture, and is speckled with very small (<1 mm Pitchstones can therefore form as lavas or as shallow-level intrusions. In the 2022 census it had a resident population of 4,618 In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. They result from the rapid cooling of silica-rich magmas (the same magmas as give rise to granitic rocks and rhyolites). Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest sites, and pitchstone artefacts from radiocarbon-dated pits therefore provide important dating evidence for this material group and its In northern Britain where good quality flint is scarce, pitchstone circulated widely in the Neolithic with artifacts made from this material being found over 400 km from the primary sources on the Isle of Arran in western Scotland. Biggar Archaeology Group’s work features prominently in this new work. The distribution of trace elements in the residual glasses of the porphyritic pitchstones and in a few of the phenocrysts is also considered. Thin-section mount of pitchstone from Corriegills, Isle of Arran, Scotland, petrographic microscope slide. [3] Mesolithic use appears to have been limited to the Isle of Arran itself, while in later periods the material or items made from it were transported around Britain. One location where it outcrops is high in the mountains. Its colour may be mottled Antique Microscope Slide / Geological Thin Section Pitchstone from Corrygills, Arran, Scotland J. Since it is a volcanic glass, pitchstone may have a conchoidal fracture. Jan 1, 1984 · Petrographic study of 15 archaeological samples indicated that three were of Corrygills type and two were of Tormore type. Although the large Sgurr of Eigg pitchstone is a lava flow or, more likely, an ignimbrite (Brown et al 2007), most Scottish occurrences, including all the Arran ones, are intrusive sheets. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest sites, and pitchstone artefacts from radiocarbon-dated pits therefore provide important dating evidence for this material group and its Jan 1, 2009 · The main element of the present paper is a gazetteer of exposed pitchstone sources across the Isle of Arran. Geology. The Isle of Arran contains the largest variety of pitchstones within the BTIP. I noticed "Spherulitic Pitchstone" indicated on the coast a few Km south of Brodick and thought I'd love to go and look at that. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is May 1, 2009 · The Island of Arran has long been celebrated among geologists for the variety and extensive development of its igneous rocks. The interior of the rock has a distinctive, resinous lustre, a conchoidal fracture, and is speckled with very small (<1 mm) white Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. It is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde and the seventh-largest Scottish island, at 432 square kilometres (167sqmi). (1979): The Interpretation of Igneous Rocks, George Allen and Unwin, London. The phenocryst assemblages of the Mull pitchstones consist solely of Ca-plagioclase and pigeonite or orthopyroxene. In discussing the chemical composition and experimental work on crystallization, the 4-4. I don't know if your sample is from that location but many thanks for posting anyway! Payment | Shipping Microscope slide of PITCHSTONE from Arran Album A very interesting old slide of Microlithic Pitchstone from the Corriegills on Arran. Pitchstone is a dull black glassy volcanic rock formed when felsic lava or magma cools quickly. at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! 2009: Gazetteer of Arran Pitchstone (Obsidian) Sources. Such rapid cooling is restricted to surface and near-surface geological settings. It is similar to obsidian but is defined by the International Union of Geological Sciences as having a higher water talites, whereas some pitchstones (high water content) are entirely aphyric. Summary In a reexamination of microlites and arborescent growths in pitchstones from Arran, off the west coast of Scotland, it is shown that biotite is a common constituent (or as chlorite pseudomorphs) and that clinopyroxene is often present, as well as hornblende. In Ballin & Faithfull (2009, 5), the authors wrote: Pitchstone is glassy, usually silica-rich, igneous rock with a characteristic lustre resembling that of broken pitch. The problem for the Pitchstone from the Isle of Arran was used as the raw material for making various items from the Mesolithic through the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. Pitchstone is a volcanic glass, similar to obsidian, and its nearest source is the isle of … Scottish Obsidian rock prn ! rarest of the rare volcanic pitchstone from Arran island Pitchstones are “archaeology, anthropology, geology, generally held to be hydrated geochemistry, archaeometry, etc. from publication: Arran pitchstone Thin-section mount of pitchstone from Corriegills, Isle of Arran, Scotland, petrographic microscope slide. If private transport is used it will be found more convenient to arrange for collection at the appropriate terminal point, especially if Oct 29, 2023 · Porphyritic pitchstone from Tormore, Arran showing phenocrysts of plagioclase and needles of pyroxene and amphibole, some with fringes of biotite. , & Deer, W. Arran pitchstone is found as far as 300 km from the Arran sources, at the chambered tomb of Ord North in Highland. Abstract In a reexamination of microlites and arborescent growths in pitchstones from Arran, off the west coast of Scotland, it is shown that biotite is a common constituent (or as chlorite pseudomorphs) and that clinopyroxene is often present, as well as hornblende. A. The basaltic group is well represented in its various forms of structure and modes of occurrence; the more highly silicated series by felsites and porphyrites, forming dykes and huge amorphous or columnar masses; while the glassy varieties are illustrated by dykes and Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest sites, and pitchstone artefacts from radiocarbon-dated pits therefore provide important dating evidence for this material group and its The Arran Glenshurig type contains quartz, augite and feldspar phenocrysts and the Arran Tormore type contains feldspar phenocrysts. Even though it remains uncertain exactly where this stone was quarried in prehistory, I was very keen to visit this landscape. Mar 15, 2015 · Off Arran, pitchstone-bearing assemblages never include Mesolithic types, such as microliths, suggesting a post Mesolithic date. The findings suggest that The book deals comprehensively with the geological sources and types of Arran pitchstone, its archaeological distribution and use and indeed everything you want to know about pitchstone. The Isle of Arran has a rich archaeological and geological heritage which can be discovered through its striking landscapes. This paper deals with the distribution of some trace and major elements in pitchstones from Arran, Eigg and Iceland. Adams Dunfermline See Scans for Detail and Condition from PITCHSTONE VOLCANIC GLASS FROM ISLE OF ARRAN, SCOTLAND - NOW AVAILABLE :) Pitchstone is a dull black glassy volcanic rock formed when felsic lava or magma cools quickly. Which source outcrops on the Isle of Arran supplied the pitchstones that circulated among Neolithic communities in northern Britain? 2. Apr 1, 2020 · 1. Sub-silicic to silicic pitchstones are widespread throughout the British Tertiary Igneous Province (BTIP), with examples being found at all the major igneous centres. This suggestion is supported by worked pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits, where all presently available dates indicate that, on the Scottish mainland, Arran pitchstone was traded and used after the Mesolithic Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Antique microscope slide by Charles Sidebotham. It is the largest island in the Firth of Clyde and the seventh-largest Scottish island, at 432 square kilometres (167 sq mi). been imprecise (cf Pellant 1992). From Aaron watson Bibliography • Cox et al. Jan 1, 1984 · Conclusions Chemical analyses of pitchstonefrom 13 source outcropswithinthe BTVP show that sources on Arran may be distinguished from those on Eigg, Mull, Raasay, Ardnamurchan and in Country Antrim. It highlights a significant increase in pitchstone artefact discoveries and the need for precise dating to understand the mechanisms behind their exchange. 1-2: A fresh sample of the Corrygills pitchstone, outcropping on the east shore of the island of Arran, not far southeast of the principal town of Brodick. Staffa Field photographs of the columnar basalt flows of the Isle of Staffa Pitchstones Photomicrographs of silicic pitchstones from Arran, Mull, Ardnamurchan and Eigg Basic Plutonic Rocks This study investigates two pitchstone assemblages found in the vicinity of Giants Graves on the Isle of Arran. Its colour may be mottled, streaked, or uniform brown Abstract: In the present paper, the author offers new absolute and contextual dating evidence for Scottish archaeological pitchstone. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is Pitchstone is a dark coloured, glassy volcanic rock formed when felsic lava or magma cools quickly. Pitchstone from the Isle of Arran was used as the raw material for making various items from the Mesolithic through the Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age. It is a volcanic glass; however, unlike a glass, pitchstone has an irregular hackly fracture not a Pitchstones can therefore form as lavas or as shallow-level intrusions. , Zussman, J. Pitchstone is a dull black glassy volcanic rock formed when lava cools swiftly. It is similar to obsidian but is defined by the International Union of Geological Sciences as having a higher water content. Drumadoon and the Tormore Dykes The object of this excursion is the examination of the composite dykes and other intrusions which abound on this stretch of shore. It is a volcanic glass; however, unlike a glass, pitchstone has an irregular hackly fracture not a pitchstones on the Island of Arran. Trace element analyses of 28 pitchstones from archaeologicalsites show that all these pieces come from the island of Arran. The three raw material groups also represent different procurement strategies, with the pitchstone having been imported from the Isle of Arran, and the Feb 5, 2020 · Another flake of Arran pitchstone has turned up during the analysis of soil samples from Structure Eight. For viewing under transmitted or polarized light. From Virtual microscope Pitchstone. Arran, Britain. This paper addresses the exchange patterns of pitchstone, particularly focusing on the Arran pitchstone and its movement across Northern Britain during various time periods, notably the Mesolithic and Neolithic. This suggestion is supported by worked pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits, where all presently available dates indicate that, on the Scottish mainland, Arran pitchstone was traded and used after the Mesolithic Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Pitchstone from Corriegills Isle of Arran Scotland Petrographic Microscope Slide at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Mar 15, 2015 · Off Arran, pitchstone-bearing assemblages never include Mesolithic types, such as microliths, suggesting a post Mesolithic date. CALEDONIAN ROCK SHOP presents: PITCHSTONE - VOLCANIC GLASS FROM ISLE OF ARRAN, SCOTLAND Pitchstone is a dull black glassy volcanic rock formed when felsic lava or magma cools quickly. How were the pitchstone artefacts found in Neolithic sites used – did pitchstone fulfil a role that was primarily ‘functional’ or ‘symbolic’ (Ballin, 2013)? Jun 25, 2010 · At Howburn Farm in South Lanarkshire, a scattering of flints, discovered by the Biggar Archaeology Group, turned out to be evidence of the earliest human habitation in Scotland. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered Arran Pitchstone What is Pitchstone? Pitchstone is a volcanic stone that is created when lava cools very quickly. It is worth considering one problem with the geological analysis of archaeological pitchstone - the small size of many samples. The findings contribute to the . Pitchstones are generally held to be hydrated equivalents of obsidians, although the This report presents detailed findings from archaeological investigations at Barassie, Troon, South Ayrshire, highlighting the lithic assemblage recovered, which includes notable materials such as flint, Arran pitchstone, and Cumbrian tuff. Presentation of exposed pitchstone dykes and sills across the Isle of Arran, and discussion of the possible archaeological relevance of these outcrops Torben Bjarke Ballin downloadDownload free PDF View PDFchevron_right 2017: Pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits – an update Torben The distribution of archaeological pitchstone across northern Britain from the Isle of Arran in the Firth of Clyde, west of Glasgow. The plagioclase has what is known as a sieve The Arran Glenshurig type contains quartz, augite and feldspar phenocrysts and the Arran Tormore type contains feldspar phenocrysts. 5 percent H (sub 2) O content shown by Download this stock image: Spherulitic pitchstone, slide section, Arran, Scotland, UK, brightfield photomicrograph - 2D9NDA6 from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. 2). • Howie, R. Pitchstone. Abstract Pitchstones and obsidians from Arran, Eigg, and Iceland, are shown to have small but distinct differences in their major-and trace-element composition, and it is concluded that acid magma in the British Tertiary as represented by the pitchstones from Arran and Eigg maybe more variable in composition than that of the Icelandic subprovince. Although the higher water content frequently gives pitchstone a tar-like lustre (thus its name), whereas obsidian generally has a highly vitreous lustre, it may be almost impossible to distinguish (on the basis of hand-samples) between the purest aphyric pitchstones A 3D Geological Map of Arran was posted here recently. This suggestion is supported by worked pitchstone from radiocarbon-dated pits, where all presently available dates indicate that, on the Scottish mainland, Arran pitchstone was traded and used after the Mesolithic The distribution of lithic materials of possible Mesolithic on the Isle of Arran Chris Allen* and Kevin J Edwards ** Thin-section mount of pitchstone from Corriegills, Isle of Arran, Scotland, petrographic microscope slide. ,” and it was equivalents of obsidians, although the accompanied by an interesting map, showing usage of both terms [] has often the world’s obsidian outcrops or zones. Sep 13, 2024 · Arran pitchstone has only been found at two Neolithic sites in Orkney – the Ness of Brodgar complex and the Barnhouse settlement, some 460 metres to the south-east. It is often likened to Obsidian as it shares it's glassy, amorphous structure Textbook example of Pitchstone from the Isle of Arran, in the Tertiary Volcanic District, Scotland Figs. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest sites, and pitchstone artefacts from radiocarbon-dated pits therefore provide important dating evidence for this material group and its Download scientific diagram | Pitchstone blades and microblades from Auchategan, Argyll & Bute (Marshall 1978; Ballin 2006) (photo by Beverley Ballin Smith). Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest sites, and pitchstone artefacts from radiocarbon-dated pits therefore provide important dating evidence for this material group and its The Isle of Arran[7] (/ ˈærən /; Scottish Gaelic: Eilean Arainn) or simply Arran is an island off the west coast of Scotland. Pitchstone Textbook example of Pitchstone from the Isle of Arran, in the Tertiary Volcanic District, Scotland Figs. Pitchstones may also contain phenocrysts, in which case it is a form of vitrophyre. Pitchstones can therefore form as lavas or as shallow-level intrusions Jul 9, 2018 · Arran was the source of an extraordinary raw material used by people in the Neolithic: pitchstone. Much archaeological pitchstone from the Scottish mainland is recovered from unsealed contexts of multi-period or palimpsest CALEDONIAN ROCK SHOP presents: PITCHSTONE - VOLCANIC GLASS FROM ISLE OF ARRAN, SCOTLAND Pitchstone is a dull black glassy volcanic rock formed when felsic lava or magma cools quickly. Pitchstone from Arran. Of the trace elements, Mo, Sn, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, S and As have been determined chemically, Rb and Zr by X-ray fluorescence and Ga Aug 4, 2021 · PITCHSTONE VOLCANIC GLASS FROM ISLE OF ARRAN, SCOTLAND - NOW AVAILABLE :) Pitchstone is a dull black glassy volcanic rock formed when felsic lava or magma cools quickly. o8qzgk ecl5 ud4z k4 wq9 l0z bh3o l3xw 7qa rnfu53