The word "chert" is spelled with the letters C-H-E-R-T. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /tʃɜːt/. The "ch" sound is pronounced as a voiceless alveopalatal affricate, represented by /tʃ/ in phonetics. The "e" is pronounced as a short "e" sound, represented by /ɜː/. Lastly, the "r" is pronounced with a slightly rolled or tapped "r" sound, represented by /r/. Together, these sounds make up the word "chert," which refers to a hard, brittle, and fine-grained sedimentary rock.
Chert is a type of sedimentary rock that is primarily composed of microcrystalline grains of silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is commonly found in shades of white, gray, brown, or black, and has a glassy or waxy texture. The rock is formed from the accumulation of skeletal remains of marine organisms, such as radiolaria, diatoms, and sponges, which have high silica content in their bodies.
Chert often occurs as nodules or layers within other sedimentary rocks, such as limestone or shale. It can also be found in the form of flint, which is a variety of chert that is especially hard and capable of producing sparks when struck against steel. Due to its ability to retain sharp edges and its resistance to weathering, chert has been widely used throughout human history to create tools, weapons, and other utilitarian objects.
In terms of its physical properties, chert is typically hard, with a Mohs hardness scale rating of 7, making it scratch-resistant and durable. Its microcrystalline structure gives it a conchoidal fracture, meaning it breaks with smooth, curved surfaces similar to glass. Chert is often valued for its capacity to preserve fine details when flaked or chipped, making it suitable for the production of sharp cutting edges. In addition to its practical applications, chert also holds geological significance as it can provide valuable insights into past environments and geological history.
An impure flinty rock resembling some varieties of flint and hornstone; a limestone so silicious as to be worthless for the limekiln, is said to be cherty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The origin of the word "chert" can be traced back to the Old English word "ceart" or "certe", which meant a pebble or small stone. This Old English term was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "karthaz" or "kartaz", which had a similar meaning. In turn, the Proto-Germanic word was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*g̑hars-" or "*g̑hers-", which meant a gritty or gravelly substance. The word "chert" specifically refers to a type of hard, compact, fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline silica.