[chris (OP)]

While wandering last week in the South Luangwa national park in Zambia, I picked up this small ?flint flake from the ground. It is very thin - perhaps 5mm at the thickest portion.

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I'd be most grateful for your thoughts.

Chris

[chris (OP)]

No one likes my rock enough to comment...

[Geezer]

Awwww. Well, it certainly has a rocky look about it, and, unless that's one enormous pencil, it's not a very big rock.

(The rockers must be on their hols.)

[JimBob]

Now Chris, it's OK. I'm here and will attempt to identify this specimen.

Looks like a tool flake from some jasper (flint / chert.) It wouldn't be as good a tool source as pure chert because of the iron in it but is would cut well enough for a kill and some butchering.

[chris (OP)]

Hi Jim

thanks a million; so you think it's been worked? That was my opinion because of the dimension (thin) and the angles of the edges.

Chris

[neilep]

It's not a rock !...it's a petrified crisp. If you had sought further clues in the locale you may have wandered across some petrified guacamole....some people mistake it for Aventurine.

[JimBob]

Shut up Neil. Just because you win awards doesn't mean you know what you are talking about crisps? Heck, they are POTATO CHIP!  (the English!, hrumph)

[Geezer]

You know, taking a closer look, I think Neil could be right. If so, that would mean potatoes originated in Africa rather than the Americas.

Chris, you didn't happen to notice any evidence of a petrified potato chip factory while you were there?