Chert
A species of Chert, Also known as Hornstone Scientific name : Mozarkite Rock : Chert
Chert, A species of Chert
Also known as:
Hornstone
Scientific name: Mozarkite
Rock: Chert
Content
Description General Info
Description
A variety of flint, chert is a very compact and hard material known for its colorful swirls and patterns. Found only in the state of Missouri (USA), it was adapted as the Missouri state rock in 1967. This semi-precious stone can be finely polished so it's regularly used for cabochons and tumbled stones.
Physical Properties
Colors
Gray, white; black, brown and other colors due to staining
Texture
Non-clastic
Luster
Waxy, Dull
Diaphaneity
Translucent, Opaque
Chemical Properties
Formula
SiO2
General Info
Uses
It has won distinction as a particular form or variety of chert because of its unique variation of colors and its ability to take a high polish. It has the hardness of 7-7.5 on the Mohs scale, which qualifies it as a suitable material for semi-precious gemstone, and has a density of about 2.65 g/cm³. Typically, the colors are different hues of red, pink, and purple with varying tints of green, gray and brown. It is collected and admired by lapidarists across the country.
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