Characterisation and prehistoric distribution of Piedramuelle flint in the Cantabrian region

This study focuses on the characterisation and prehistoric distribution of Piedramuelle flint within the central Cantabrian region, where it served as a key lithic resource for communities from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Mesolithic. Although previous research has recognised Piedramuelle flint in archaeological contexts, such studies have provided only a macroscopic identification without comprehensive textural or compositional analysis. Addressing this gap, our study employs petrographic thin-section analysis and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to thoroughly characterise the orthochemical, mineralogical, and textural properties of selected samples from primary outcrops. This detailed approach not only strengthens the identification of Piedramuelle flint in diverse archaeological sites but also distinguishes it from visually similar lacustrine and palustrine flints, such as Mucientes, Trevino, ˜ Loza, and Monte Picota. By establishing refined diagnostic criteria, this research contributes a robust framework for the recognition of Piedramuelle flint and deepens our understanding of resource management, usage patterns, and socio-economic interactions among prehistoric groups in the Cantabrian region.