1 Definition
1.1 Definition
Chert is a hard, dark, opaque sedimentary rock which is composed of silica with an amorphous fine-grained texture
A sedimentary rock, deposit of a submarine turbidity currents and are composed of layered particles
1.2 History
1.2.1 Origin
Unknown
European Foreland Basins
1.2.2 Discoverer
1.3 Etymology
From flint-like quartz, 1670s, of unknown origin- a local term, which has been taken into geological use
From Medieval Latin turbiditas, from Latin turbidus (turbid). Turbidity current is from 1939
1.4 Class
Sedimentary Rocks
Sedimentary Rocks
1.4.1 Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Hard Rock
Durable Rock, Soft Rock
1.5 Family
1.5.1 Group
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
1.6 Other Categories
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
Coarse Grained Rock, Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock
2 Texture
2.1 Texture
Banded, Rough
Mud-rich, Sandy
2.2 Color
Black, Brown, Green, Grey, Red, White
Black, Brown, Colourless, Green, Grey, Pink
2.3 Maintenance
2.4 Durability
2.4.1 Water Resistant
2.4.2 Scratch Resistant
2.4.3 Stain Resistant
2.4.4 Wind Resistant
2.4.5 Acid Resistant
2.5 Appearance
Glassy or Pearly
Dull and Banded
3 Uses
3.1 Architecture
3.1.1 Interior Uses
Decorative Aggregates, Homes
Bathrooms, Countertops, Decorative Aggregates, Flooring, Homes, Interior Decoration
3.1.2 Exterior Uses
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Garden Decoration, Office Buildings
As Building Stone, As Facing Stone, Paving Stone, Garden Decoration
3.1.3 Other Architectural Uses
3.2 Industry
3.2.1 Construction Industry
Arrowheads, Construction Aggregate, Cutting Tool, Spear Points
As Dimension Stone, Cement Manufacture, Construction Aggregate, for Road Aggregate, Making natural cement
3.2.2 Medical Industry
Not Yet Used
Not Yet Used
3.3 Antiquity Uses
Artifacts, Monuments
Artifacts, Monuments, Sculpture
3.4 Other Uses
3.4.1 Commercial Uses
Creating Artwork, Gemstone, In fire-starting tools, Jewelry, To ignite fire, Used in flintlock firearms
Cemetery Markers, Creating Artwork
4 Types
4.1 Types
Flint, Jasper, Radiolarite, Common Chert, Chalcedony, Agate, Onyx, Opal, Magadi-type Chert, Porcelanite, Siliceous Sinter
Not Available
4.2 Features
Clasts are smooth to touch, Easily splits into thin plates, Has High structural resistance against erosion and climate
High silica content, Host Rock for Lead
4.3 Archaeological Significance
4.3.1 Monuments
4.3.2 Famous Monuments
Data Not Available
Data Not Available
4.3.3 Sculpture
4.3.4 Famous Sculptures
Not Applicable
Data Not Available
4.3.5 Pictographs
4.3.6 Petroglyphs
4.3.7 Figurines
4.4 Fossils
5 Formation
5.1 Formation
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.
Turbidite is a type of sedimentary rock formed when a river carries or transports pieces of broken rock as it flows. These particles then settle down and are subjected to high temperature and pressures hence forming Turbidite.
5.2 Composition
5.2.1 Mineral Content
Quartz, Silicon
Coesite, Quartz, Sand
5.2.2 Compound Content
Silicon Dioxide
CaO, Carbon Dioxide, MgO
5.3 Transformation
5.3.1 Metamorphism
5.3.2 Types of Metamorphism
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
5.3.3 Weathering
5.3.4 Types of Weathering
Not Applicable
Biological Weathering, Chemical Weathering, Mechanical Weathering
5.3.5 Erosion
5.3.6 Types of Erosion
Chemical Erosion
Chemical Erosion, Coastal Erosion, Sea Erosion, Water Erosion, Wind Erosion
6 Properties
6.1 Physical Properties
6.1.1 Hardness
6.1.2 Grain Size
Very fine-grained
Fine to Coarse Grained
6.1.3 Fracture
Uneven, Splintery or Conchoidal
Splintery
6.1.4 Streak
White
White, Greenish White or Grey
6.1.5 Porosity
Highly Porous
Very Less Porous
6.1.6 Luster
6.1.7 Compressive Strength
450.00 N/mm2200.00 N/mm2
0.15
450
6.1.8 Cleavage
6.1.9 Toughness
6.1.10 Specific Gravity
6.1.11 Transparency
Translucent to Opaque
Opaque
6.1.12 Density
2.7 g/cm31.6-2.5 g/cm3
0
1400
6.2 Thermal Properties
6.2.1 Specific Heat Capacity
0.74 kJ/Kg K0.92 kJ/Kg K
0.14
3.2
6.2.2 Resistance
Heat Resistant, Impact Resistant, Pressure Resistant, Wear Resistant
Heat Resistant
7 Reserves
7.1 Deposits in Eastern Continents
7.1.1 Asia
China, India, Iran, Japan, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Not Yet Found
7.1.2 Africa
Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania
Western Africa
7.1.3 Europe
Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
Austria, Belarus, Romania, Switzerland, United Kingdom
7.1.4 Others
Greenland, Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Not Yet Found
7.2 Deposits in Western Continents
7.2.1 North America
Canada, Mexico, USA
Canada, USA
7.2.2 South America
Bolivia, Brazil
Brazil, Colombia
7.3 Deposits in Oceania Continent
7.3.1 Australia
New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia
New Zealand, Western Australia