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Obsidian and Chert Definition


Chert and Obsidian Definition


Definition

Definition
Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth   
Chert is a hard, dark, opaque sedimentary rock which is composed of silica with an amorphous fine-grained texture   

History
  
  

Origin
Ethiopia   
Unknown   

Discoverer
Obsius   
Unknown   

Etymology
From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius   
From flint-like quartz, 1670s, of unknown origin- a local term, which has been taken into geological use   

Class
Igneous Rocks   
Sedimentary Rocks   

Sub-Class
Durable Rock, Medium Hardness Rock   
Durable Rock, Hard Rock   

Family
  
  

Group
Volcanic   
Not Applicable   

Other Categories
Opaque Rock   
Fine Grained Rock, Opaque Rock   

Texture >>
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Definition of Obsidian and Chert

The general Obsidian and Chert definition can be stated as: Obsidian is a naturally occurring volcanic glass formed as an extrusive igneous rock. It is produced when felsic lava extruded from a volcano cools rapidly with minimum crystal growth. On the other hand, Chert is a hard, dark, opaque sedimentary rock which is composed of silica with an amorphous fine-grained texture. Along with definition of Obsidian and Chert, get to know about Properties of Obsidian and Chert. Get to know more information about Obsidian and Chert origin and discoverer, etymology and class.

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History of Obsidian and Chert

The history of Obsidian and Chert gives information about where the rock was found and who was its discoverer. Almost each and every aspect of Earth's history is recorded in rocks be it the volcanoes which were erupted or the plants, animals and organisms which are now extinct, as rocks are present from millions of years.

Obsidian and Chert Origin and Discoverer

Obsidian and Chert definition gives us a brief idea about the two rocks. In some cases, the definition also gives summary about the Formation of Obsidian and Chert. In this section, you will know about Obsidian and Chert Origin and Discoverer. Origin of Obsidian is Ethiopia whereas Origin of Chert is Unknown. It is interesting to know the name of Obsidian and Chert discoverer. The Discoverer of Obsidian is Obsius and the discoverer of Chert is Unknown.

Etymology of Obsidian and Chert

Along with Obsidian and Chert definition, know more about the etymology of Obsidian and Chert. Etymology of Obsidian and Chert gives information about origin and formation of a particular rock. Know more about Formation of Obsidian and Formation of Chert. The etymology of Obsidian is From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius while that of Chert is From Latin obsidianus, misprint of Obsianus (lapis) (stone) of Obsius. The process of formation of rocks defines the class of rock. All the rocks in a class are formed by similar processes. Obsidian belongs to Igneous Rocks while Chert belongs to Sedimentary Rocks. The sub-class, group and other categories of Obsidian and Chert are listed below.

For Obsidian,

For Chert,

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