Random article ( of 1116 ) Latest updates

User Tools

Site Tools


content / earth_sciences / flint

Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of Unknowns Wikenigma - an Encyclopedia of the Unknown

Flint formation

Flint is a ubiquitous sedimentary crypto-crystalline form of quartz. It is found across the world, in regions that have sedimentary rocks, such as chalks and limestones.

It mainly appears as 'nodules' which are usually grey, black, green, white or brown in colour, and often have a glassy or waxy appearance.

It was formed in the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, but the geological processes which formed the flint are unknown.

The exact mode of formation of flint is not yet clear, but it is thought that it occurs as a result of chemical changes in compressed sedimentary rock formations, during the process of diagenesis. One hypothesis is that a gelatinous material fills cavities in the sediment, such as holes bored by crustaceans or molluscs and that this becomes silicified."

See Wikipedia
THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT USE TRACKING, ADVERTISING, OR ANALYTICAL COOKIES OF ANY KIND.
All essential cookies (for login status etc) are automatically deleted at the end of the session.
(full details here)

Show another (random) article

Suggestions for corrections and ideas for articles are welcomed : Get in touch!


Further resources :