Novaculite- A very fine-grained sedimentary rock composed mostly of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline quartz.  Novaculite is a recrystallized variety of chert.  It is dense, hard, and white to gray-black in color with other colors less common. It can be opaque to slightly translucent, sharp edges, and has a dull to waxy luster.  It typically breaks with a smooth, conchoidal (shell-like) fracture.  Novaculite is found in the Ouachita Mountains in formations that are highly resistant to erosion.  The name comes from the Latin word novacula, meaning "razor stone."  It has been mined since prehistoric times both as material for use as arrow and spear points and as sharpening stones or whetstones.  The qualities of novaculite whetstones as an abrasive tool are still unmatched today.

German and Japanese scientists have reported that novaculite from the Magnet Cove areas is pure to 99.9 percent silica, the only known location of novaculite of this quality.  It is used for testing gold and also in the space and aircraft industries as a grit and polish material.  Reference: Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture.

Knapping (Lithic Reduction)- The ancient art of making tools from stone; the process of removing flakes or pieces of stone from a core by direct percussion or pressure flaking to produce a finished stone tool or implement.  Flint-knapping is a growing hobby in the U.S. and other countries.  Flint-knapping or "knapping" is done in a variety of ways depending on the purpose of the final product.  For stone tools and flintlock strikers, chert is worked using a fabricator such as a hammer-stone to remove lithic flakes from a nucleus or core of tool stone.  Stone tools can then be further refined using wood, bone, and antler tools to perform pressure flaking.

Lapidary- The art of cutting, polishing, engraving and working with stones and gems.  A lapidarist is an artist or artisan who forms stone, mineral, and gemstones into decorative items and works of art. 

Hello, my name is Dillon Erwin.  I am a native Arkansan and have lived in Arkansas all my life. (Born and raised in Magnet Cove, which is just outside of Hot Springs.)  I enjoy spending time with family and friends, mostly spent in the outdoors of the Natural State. 

Prior to prospecting, digging, and recovery of Novaculite, I really have had no major interest in rocks.  Living in Magnet Cove over the years, I have seen "Rock Hounds" come from all over the world to peck on rocks in the Magnet Cove area, as it seems to be the Mecca for minerals.  Arkansas is known for many natural resources and minerals including quartz crystal and even diamonds.

My dad and I would always laugh as we would see these foreigners on the side of the road pecking on rocks and say there is another "Rock Pecker."  Now as I am getting older these minerals are becoming of interest to me.  I have now officially joined the club; I am a "Rock Pecker."  My main interest is Novaculite for the use of making lithic tools through knapping (lithic reduction.)  Spear points, knife blades, arrowheads, axe heads, and other knapped tools are just cool.  I am a beginning knapper and am learning as I go.  Currently, I really enjoy discovering top quality novaculite pieces for this purpose.

My goal is to provide quality novaculite to my customers.  I want to build long-term relationships, see my customer's creations and the ancient legacy of flint knapping continue.  Again, thank you for taking the time to visit my site!  Please feel free to make a form submission, email me directly, or pick up the phone and give me a call.

Yours truly,
Dillon Erwin