Unknown X: Found at Last

After nearly 20 years of searching, we have finally found the Unknown X source in the Newberry Volcano area of Central Oregon. Based on the geographic distribution of chemically-characterized artifacts correlated with Unknown X, we were virtually certain that this archaeologically-significant and very elusive source would eventually be found somewhere in the vicinity of McKay Butte. We were nonetheless surprised, however, to accidentally stumble upon it while looking for new outcrops of McKay Butte obsidian. Jennifer Thatcher (Assistant Lab Director), Brad Parker, and Ross Parker get credit for this one - while looking for McKay Butte obsidian for the lab reference collection, they sampled a new area on the westernmost of the trio of McKay Butte domes. Subsequent trace element analysis of the specimens indicate that geologic samples of both McKay Butte and Unknown X [heretofore known as McKay Butte West (Unknown X)] are found at this location. We'll be back soon for a closer look.

More details will follow soon.