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The visual and chemical similarity between some chert types and individual outcrops within the same geologic formation often hinders accurate provenance determination. Fourier Transform Infrared reflectance micro-spectroscopy ( FTIR- RM) is a nondestructive method demonstrating potential application in chert sourcing. Prior to analysis of archaeological assemblages, the accuracy of the technique and analytical methodology must be tested. The current pilot study examines a geologic sample database of two visually similar chert types ( Dover and Fort Payne) in order to determine the technique's ability to differentiate both inter- and intra-outcrop variation. The analysis of these results gives us an improved understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the FTIR- RM chert provenance technique and associated statistical methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]