Tachylite in Victorian archaeological sites facts for kids

Tachylite is a special and quite rare type of stone. People in the past used it to make sharp tools by chipping off pieces, like making a stone knife. This stone has been found at old Aboriginal sites in Victoria, Australia.

Tachylite is a kind of natural glass that comes from volcanoes. It's often found within a rock called basalt, which is a common volcanic rock. Tachylite looks black inside, but its surface can turn a pale grey over time. If you touch this grey surface, it quickly gets dark again, just like the black inside.

Where is Tachylite Found?

Tachylite is not easy to find. One main place where it comes from is Spring Hill, near Lauriston, Victoria. There's also an old mention of another spot called Green Hill, near Trentham, Victoria, but no one has found the exact place yet.

Even though it's rare, small tools made from Tachylite have been found in many places across Victoria. These include areas like Willaura, Burrumbeet, Inverleigh, and Point Cook. This shows that ancient people traveled and traded these special stones over long distances.

How Was Tachylite Used?

Ancient Aboriginal people used Tachylite to make flaked stone tools. This means they would hit the stone in a special way to break off sharp pieces, which could then be used as knives, scrapers, or spear points. Because Tachylite is a type of glass, it can break with very sharp edges, making it good for tools.

Archaeologists, who study ancient people, have found Tachylite tools in Victoria since at least the 1920s. For example, a man named W. H. Gill found them at a large old camp site at Cape Liptrap.

Tachylite Around the World

Tachylite was not just used in Australia. It has also been found in archaeological sites in other parts of the world. People in Europe, North America, and India also used this unique stone to make their tools a long time ago.

Images for kids

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  Tools made from Tachylite