Neolithic exploitation 4600-3700 av. J.-C. (≈ 4150 av. J.-C.)
Extraction of aphanite for polished stone tools.
1989
Site discovery
Site discovery 1989 (≈ 1989)
Unearthed during archaeological exploration.
14 octobre 1994
Registration historical monument
Registration historical monument 14 octobre 1994 (≈ 1994)
Official protection by ministerial decree.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Career (Case A5-328): inscription by order of 14 October 1994
Origin and history
Plancher-les-Mines is an archaeological site located in the Haute-Saône department in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. It is distinguished by its dated Neolithic exploitation, between 4600 and 3700 BC, to extract a black rock called aphanite (or petite-quartz). This material was mainly used for the manufacture of polished stone axes and tools, essential to the communities of the time.
Created in 1989 during exploration, this site includes two remarkably well-preserved career groups. Unlike most neolithic farms, these quarries have still visible fronts of size, offering a rare testimony in Europe of a relief extraction of raw material. Their state of conservation makes it a major archaeological site to understand the techniques of extraction and tooling of this period.
The quarry was registered as historical monuments by order of 14 October 1994. Today it belongs to the municipality of Plancher-les-Mines and constitutes a protected local heritage. Although the practical information about his visit remains limited, his scientific and historical importance is recognized, particularly for the study of neolithic societies and their methods of production of tools.
L-Aphanite extracted from this site was particularly popular for its hardness and colour, allowing the making of robust and aesthetic tools. The polished stone axes produced here could be exchanged or used locally, illustrating the networks of circulation of raw materials and technical know-how in Neolithic. This site offers valuable insight into the economy and social organization of the people of the time.
