The spelling of the word "cherty" is a little tricky. It is pronounced /ˈtʃɜr.ti/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "ch" sound is like "tsh", the "e" sounds like the "i" in "bird", and the "y" is pronounced like "ee". "Cherty" describes something that contains a high amount of chert, a hard mineral commonly found in sedimentary rock formations. It's important to spell "cherty" correctly to ensure clear communication in geology and related fields.
Cherty is an adjective that describes a type of rock or soil that contains a significant amount of chert. Chert is a hard, fine-grained sedimentary rock that is composed primarily of microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline silica. It is usually opaque and comes in a wide range of colors, including white, gray, brown, and black.
When the term cherty is used to describe rocks or soils, it indicates that they have a high concentration of chert material. Cherty rocks often have a distinct texture, characterized by a granular or microcrystalline structure. They are usually very hard and can exhibit a conchoidal fracture, meaning they break in a manner similar to glass, producing curved, sharp edges. The presence of chert in rocks or soils can greatly impact their physical properties, such as strength, porosity, and permeability.
Cherty materials can be found in various geological formations, including limestones, shales, sandstones, and dolomites. They are commonly associated with ancient marine environments and can serve as indicators of past conditions. Due to their hardness, cherty rocks were historically used by early humans for making tools, such as arrowheads and scrapers.
In summary, cherty refers to rocks or soils that possess a significant amount of chert material. Chert is a hard, microcrystalline silica rock that is known for its distinct texture and durability.
Flinty.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The term "cherty" is derived from the word "chert".
The word "chert" originated from the Old English word "ceart", which referred to a hard, fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of silica. The Old English term "ceart" eventually evolved into "chert" in Middle English. The exact origin of "ceart" is uncertain, but it is believed to have been influenced by the Latin word "creta", meaning chalk or clay.
Over time, "chert" came to describe a variety of microcrystalline rocks that are composed mainly of silica, often with impurities such as iron oxides or organic materials. "Cherty" is an adjective form of "chert" and is used to describe anything relating to or resembling chert, particularly its texture or appearance.