Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 May 2009
THE origin of chert has of late been discussed with renewed activity, especially in American scientific journals. Difference of opinion centres mainly round the question of the source of the silica; whether it is of direct inorganic origin, or the result of the solution and redeposition of organic silica. Further points at issue relate to the age and formation of the chert; whether it is an original deposit contemporaneous with the country rock, or a metasomatic replacement of the latter and therefore of later age.
This paper is the substance of one read before the Gelological Society of London, February 25, 1920, publication of which was declined (Abs. Proc. Geol. Soc. Lond., No. 1,051, pp. 47–8). Some additional evidence is now introduced.
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