This flake from Italy was struck from a chert cobble. This artefact is heavily patinated and likely dates to the Pleistocene period.

The artefact is curated by the Australian Institute of Archaeology, catalogue no. IA24.382.

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This relatively large flake was struck from a nodule of tan chert with chalky cortex. Oxidised iron streaks on the ventral surface are from strikes from metal agricultural implements.  This indicates that the artefact was probably found in a ploughed paddock.  The ventral surface and prior dorsal scar on the dorsal surface are heavily patinated and partly devitrified.  This indicates significant age, and the flake likely was struck many thousands of years ago, perhaps in the Pleistocene period.  The steep retouching around the periphery is less patinated than the original surfaces and resulted from natural, post-depositional processes.  The flake was struck by hard-hammer percussion with the blow oriented down the mass isolated by the removal of the prior flake.  The prior flake was struck in the same direction and from the same cortical platform as this flake.
See the annotations for technological details about this stone tool.