In lithic analysis (a subdivision of archaeology), an eraillure is a small secondary flake removed from a lithic flake's bulb of force, which is a lump left on the dorsal surface of a flake after it is detached from a core of tool stone during the process of lithic reduction. The mechanics of eraillure formation are related to the propagation of a Hertzian cone of force through the cryptocrystalline matrix of the stone, but the particulars are poorly understood. Eraillures form only when a hammerstone is used for lithic reduction, and then only occasionally; use of soft hammer fabricators made from bone, antler, and wood produce different flake characteristics.
In lithic analysis (a subdivision of archaeology), an eraillure is a small secondary flake removed from a lithic flake's bulb of force, which is a lump left on the dorsal surface of a flake after it is detached from a core of tool stone during the process of lithic reduction.
The mechanics of eraillure formation are related to the propagation of a Hertzian cone[?] of force through the cryptocrystalline matrix of the stone, but the particulars are poorly understood.
Eraillures form only when a hammerstone is used for lithic reduction, and then only occasionally; use of soft hammer[?] fabricators made from bone, antler, and wood produce different flake characteristics.
Sometimes the eraillure flake adheres to the core in the bulbar scar.
The eraillure flake leaves no scar on the core, but always leaves a scar on the ventral surface of the flake.
The eraillure flake is convex/concave (like a meniscus lens), has no distinct features on the "dorsal face", but may contain compression rings on the bulbar face.
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