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bedded chert

geology
Also known as: ribbon chert

Quick Summary

Bedded chert is a type of chert, which is a very fine-grained quartz with minor impurities. It is characterized by layers of chert interbedded with thin layers of shale. These deposits are often associated with volcanic rocks, particularly submarine flows, and deep-water mudrocks.12

Chert itself is a rock composed primarily of microcrystalline quartz and chalcedony, with some amorphous silica. Varieties of chert include flint, jasper, agate, chalcedony, porcelanite, and novaculite. Historically, chert and flint were crucial for Stone Age tools and weapons due to their fine grain and brittleness, which allowed for sharp edges when chipped. Today, chert is used in road construction, as concrete aggregate, and in grinding materials for industries like ceramics and paint.231

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