Description
An opaque, white to light-gray, fine-grain stone containing microcrystalline quartz particles. Chert is similar in composition to flint, but has a lighter color. It was used in Paleolithic and Neolithic times for tools, weapons, and vessels. Currently, chert is used as an abrasive, a semiprecious stone, and as an aggregate for the construction of buildings and roads.
Synonyms and Related Terms
hearthstone; firestone; malmstone; jasper; prase; cherte (Port.); Chert (Deut.)
Other Properties
Fracture = conchoidal
Additional Information
° B.Aston, J.Harrell, I.Shaw, "Stone" in Ancient Egyptian Materials and Technology, P.Nicholson, I.Shaw (eds.), Cambridge University Press, 2000.
° Mineralogy Database: Quartz
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Last updated on: 7/6/2009 8:10:54 AM
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