Tuluskivellä

Tuluskivellä is a term primarily used in Finnish geology to describe a type of rock fragment or stone that exhibits evidence of having been subjected to high temperatures. The word itself translates roughly to "fire stone" or "hearth stone" in English, hinting at its origin.

These stones are often found in archaeological contexts, particularly around ancient dwelling sites, hearths, or evidence of metalworking. They are typically characterized by changes in their mineral composition, coloration, and sometimes physical structure due to the heat exposure. For example, a tuluskivellä might show reddening, vitrification, or increased porosity.

The presence of tuluskivellä can provide valuable insights into past human activities. It indicates the use of fire for heating, cooking, or industrial processes such as pottery firing or smelting. Geologists and archaeologists study these stones to reconstruct the environmental conditions and technological capabilities of past societies. The specific type of rock and the degree of alteration can sometimes help date sites or identify the source of materials used. While the term is specific to Finnish geological and archaeological discourse, the concept of heat-altered stones is recognized globally.