Rough and Tumbled — the Prehistoric Geoheritage Significance of Ogallala Formation Quartzarenite Clasts in Northwestern Texas

The geoheritage significance of lithic technology, particularly stone tool heat-treatment, remains an underexplored research area within geoheritage studies. The prehistoric use of Potter member quartzarenite is examined as it is a significant lithic resource derived from the Ogallala Formation in northwestern Texas. Also explored is the impact of the physical properties of Potter member quartzarenite on prehistoric populations and their reliance on heat-treatment. Further, the intentional application is investigated of heat-treatment technology and its effects on the material’s physical properties and subsequent usability for tool production during the Late Archaic period (~ 4500–2000 BP) at Macy Locality 313. Experimental results highlight that Potter member quartzarenite, similar to silcrete, possesses unique geological characteristics enabling effective direct heat-treatment methods. The findings suggest that prehistoric populations strategically employed geological knowledge to mitigate thermal shock, underscoring a sophisticated understanding of material properties. By explicitly integrating geological perspectives with archaeological evidence, this study advocates for an interdisciplinary approach to geoheritage, illuminating the interconnected histories of geology and human technology.