When rocks are exposed to the elements a patina called “desert varnish” forms on the surface. Native people used sharp tools to chip into this veneer of iron and manganese oxides, clay minerals and organic materials revealing the lighter color rock beneath. A great variety of petroglyphs (second image below) are present in this area called Newspaper Rock in the Petrified National Forest, Arizona. (Detailed images tomorrow.)

Arizona – Newspaper Rock Vista

Arizona – Newspaper Rocks

Newspaper Rock Marker