Amphibolite?  7 lbs?  I'm aware of blacksmith soapstone markers, but not
this material and not this size (~15 inches long).   Thanks for taking the
time, thought.
Jim 

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Patrick
Martin
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2011 7:09 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Mystery Artifact Question

Could be blacksmith or ironworker's chalk, for marking on metal.
pem

On Sep 23, 2011, at 4:19 PM, James D'Angelo wrote:

Here is a good mystery artifact, especially for the historic archaeologists,
is my guess.  This was found near a site we recently recorded - with thirty
8th grade science class students I might add.  It was brought to me by the
former land owner who picked it somewhere between his home and the site many
years ago. The mysterious, but hauntingly familiar amphibolite object, can
be seen at: www.thegars.org on the home page.

Jim D'Angelo, RPA, PH.D.
Lawrenceville, GA

Patrick E. Martin
Professor of Archaeology and Chair
Department of Social Sciences
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI  49931
phone 906-487-2070,email [log in to unmask] www.industrialarchaeology.net