Chert is a hard, dark, opaque sedimentary rock which is composed of silica with an amorphous fine-grained texture
From flint-like quartz, 1670s, of unknown origin- a local term, which has been taken into geological use
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Black, Brown, Green, Grey, Red, White
Decorative Aggregates, Homes
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Garden Decoration, Office Buildings
Arrowheads, Construction Aggregate, Cutting Tool, Spear Points
Creating Artwork, Gemstone, In fire-starting tools, Jewelry, To ignite fire, Used in flintlock firearms
Flint, Jasper, Radiolarite, Common Chert, Chalcedony, Agate, Onyx, Opal, Magadi-type Chert, Porcelanite, Siliceous Sinter
Clasts are smooth to touch, Easily splits into thin plates, Has High structural resistance against erosion and climate
Archaeological Significance
Chert forms when microcrystals of silicon dioxide grow within soft sediments that become limestone or chalk. The chert formation can be either of chemical or biological origin.
Uneven, Splintery or Conchoidal
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant, Pressure Resistant, Wear Resistant
Deposits in Eastern Continents
China, India, Iran, Japan, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania
Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
Greenland, Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Deposits in Western Continents
Deposits in Oceania Continent
New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia
Information about Chert
Rocks are naturally occurring solids which are composed of minerals & have been used by humans since ages. From Stone Age, rocks are used for various purposes. Also, the metals and minerals found in rock play an important role in our life. Get to know all the Chert Uses. We have provided you with all information about Chert rock here. Chert is a hard, dark, opaque sedimentary rock which is composed of silica with an amorphous fine-grained texture. Chert is available in black, brown, green, grey, red, white colors. The streak of a rock is the color of powder produced when it is dragged across an unweathered surface. The streak of Chert is white. Get to know more about Chert rock and characteristics of Chert rock in the next sections.