sedimentary
Flint
Cryptocrystalline quartz (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically brown, grey, or black color.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, waxy luster, conchoidal fracture, and typically brown, grey, or black color.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the chemical replacement of limestone or chalk by silica-rich solutions in marine environments.
Uses & applications
Historically used for making stone tools and sparking fire; modern use includes decorative landscaping and specimen collecting.
Geological facts
Flint flakes easily into razor-sharp edges, making it the primary material for prehistoric cutting and hunting implements.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its conchoidal fracture, waxy feel, and ability to spark when struck against steel. Found globally in chalk and limestone deposits.
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