Photograph of cross polarised thin section of stone axe/adze (ISAP 04647) from Powderlough, Co. Meath, from the National Museum of Ireland (NMI 1956:5). Macro-ID - Gabbro*Porphyry?. Micro-ID - Gabbro U. Petrology - Grey/green quartz/feldspar porphyry.
Gabbro (Ungrouped Cornish?). Description - Sides rounded. No junctions with butt, sharp junctions with blade. Edge chipped and worn particularly in centre, left and right sides of edge retains sharpness. Blade area defined by semi circular areas of polishing quite distinct from rest of axe surface which is rougher. Face 1 has a degree of flatness, face 2 more markedly convex, with irregularity mid-left. Surface outside blade area is evenly pecked, ground with partial polish. Butt is complete, ground only. Striae visible running at right angle back from edge on face 2. Core taken from face 1. GC/ Dimensions (length x width x thickness) - 14.4 cm, 5.5 cm, 3.9 cm, 471g.