Signs of Life

[FairfieldOH]

I had an hour to kill today so I ran to the new farm near my house. Haven't had much luck and started to wonder if it is even worth going back to. I found just enough today to keep my hopes up. An ok hammerstone, a rock that could be a chopper, and a few broken pieces that look like they were once triangles. Also found a very odd rock. It's a rock surrounded by a rock. I figure it's just a geofact, but what is it? Thanks for looking. We are due for a lot of rain tonight, so Team Hartman might make a return trip to the field Saturday morning.

[FairfieldOH]

a few more pics

[Ohioan85]

Looks like you are on to something there I would definitely keep checking that spot out. Good luck on your hunts!

[joshuaream]

That's a site I'd definately check out again with more time. The triangles and hammer/nutting stone are signs you are in the right area.

The "rock in a rock" is an iron ore mineral called limonite or yellow ochre (it was the original sidewalk chalk before someone actually invented sidewalk chalk.)

Usually it has a hard almost hematite like crust around it, and once that gets chipped or cracked, the crust flakes off leaving a softer inside. You should be able to rub it between your fingers and get a fine powder. Mix that with some vegetable oil (or bear grease if you have it handy) and you can make a yellow paint that the natives probably used extensively.

[eddies]

yes, looks like you should keep going back.good luck

[FairfieldOH]

Thanks for the comments guys. I know there should be something there, so we'll keep going back. The fact that it's so close to our house makes it easy to go to for those quick hunts. I'm hoping after the spring plow some nice stuff will turn up.
Thanks for the info Josh. I think Hannah and I could have some fun making some "Indian" paint. It sure is an interesting looking piece.

[Cannonman17]

I'll be looking forward to seeing what this field produces for you guys, looks like it has some really good potential for sure! Good luck with it!