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
Learn more about Properties of Chert
What is Chert? In this section, we will learn more about properties of Chert i.e. physical and thermal properties. Physical properties of Chert include Color, Streak, Hardness, Structure, Cleavage, Fracture, Luster, Specific Gravity etc. The strength of Chert is 450.00 N/mm2. Streak of Chert is white while its cleavage is . Luster of Chert is waxy and dull and its fracture is uneven, splintery or conchoidal. Chert is translucent to opaque in nature. Know all about Chert, What is Chert, its composition, features, facts and reserves in next sections.
Know about Composition of Chert
What is Chert composed of? Get to know about composition of Chert here. Chert definition gives information about the Formation of Chert and its composition.The composition of Chert can be further divided into mineral and compound content. The mineral content of Chert rock includes Quartz, Silicon and The compound content of Chert rock includes Silicon Dioxide. Almost all rocks undergo transformation process. Know all about Chert rock in next section.