A transparent rock crystal tool discovered in a French cave more than a century ago continues to reshape what scientists know about Neanderthals. Once dismissed as primitive and unintelligent, these ancient humans are now recognised as skilled toolmakers with an eye for selecting unusual materials—thanks in part to a remarkable crystal scraper unearthed in 1924.
The rare artifact, now housed at France's National Archaeological Museum, helped challenge long-held beliefs about Neanderthal intelligence and revealed that they were far more sophisticated than many early researchers imagined, reports LiveScience.
