sedimentary
Chert
Microcrystalline quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, various colors including brown, grey, and black.
Identified More sedimentary →
Explore Chert in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, various colors including brown, grey, and black.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the chemical precipitation of silica from aqueous solutions or the accumulation of siliceous microfossil skeletons in marine environments.
Uses & applications
Historically used by early humans for making stone tools and weapons due to its sharp conchoidal fracture.
Geological facts
Chert includes varieties like flint and jasper, and was one of the earliest materials utilized for fire-starting and weaponry.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily by its extreme hardness, waxy appearance, and sharp edges when fractured; found worldwide in limestone and chalk formations.
More like this
Other sedimentary specimens
Fossil-bearing concretion, possibly containing a fossil shell or other organic inclusion
Calcareous concretion; exact fossil and host-rock composition are not identifiable from the image
fossil
Sandstone or Siltstone
Arenite (if sandstone)
Sedimentary
Fossiliferous Sedimentary Rock
Sedimentary limestone with invertebrate fossil imprint
fossil
Shale
Fissile Sedimentary Rock
sedimentary
Sandstone
Arenite
sedimentary
Shale
Clastic sedimentary rock
sedimentary