Modern Jet Channeling Compared to Ancient Scoop Marks

June 28, 2025Technology

Source: Scoop Marks on Unfinished Obelisk: What Tools were Used? How were they formed? by Curious Being

Site mentioned

📍 Aswan, Quarry (north)🌍 Show on the globe

Modern jet channeling uses flames at 2,500-3,000°C to cut granite. It exploits quartz's thermal properties to cause "thermal spalling." Could similar technology explain the ancient scoop marks? Researchers think the ancient Egyptians may have used oversized torches for this. 🔥

Key facts

Jet channeling uses high-temperature flame at 2,500-3,000°C to cut granite
Modern jet channeling can drill channels up to 6 meters deep
Flame drilling is effective specifically on quartz-rich hard rocks like granite and quartzite
It relies on quartz's high thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient causing thermal spalling
Aswan scoop marks are 40 cm wide, which would require scaling up from typical 10 cm drills
The method was replaced in the US by diamond saws and wires