The ‘Stone in Archaeology – Towards a Digital Resource’ project is based on the large archaeological comparative rock collection housed in the Department of Archaeology, University of Southampton. The main aim of the project has been to create an easily accessible, unique, multidisciplinary, searchable relational database which comprises the principal stones known to be used in antiquity throughout England.

This database allows the identification of stone samples by searching on the distinctive physical properties of a stone. The results of the search can be backed up by macroscopic and thin-section photomicrographs of each sample and any geologically relevant information. The resource also provides information regarding the use, quarry location/vicinity and distribution of the stone throughout various periods of history. The resource's ability to be manipulated in many different ways is one of its strengths.

Currently the database contains over 200 stones, 300 quarry locations and 500 usage examples. However, we see this as not the end of the project, but the beginning, as the resource will remain ‘open’ to receive further information from academics, local interest groups and the general public.