Color:  The primary color of Burlington Chert varies from white to gray or tan.  Banding and mottling may be present.

Texture:  Medium to fine grain.

Luster: Waxy luster

Silica Fabrics / Fossils: There are a variety of fossils that may be present including: sponge spicules, brachiopods, corals, and crinoid columnals.  

Patina:

Heat Treatment:  Heat treatment is frequently used which changes the color from white to a pale pink with darker areas of orange and red hues.  The luster will remain waxy, but with become more reflective.

Knapping: 

Note:  There are many overlapping characteristics between Burlington, Elwood, and Jolie cherts making identification between these cherts difficult.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribution Comments:

Burlington Chert is associated withe the Burlington Formation and is primarily found in in both nodules and bluffs from the American Bottoms into the greater St. Louis area and into the confluence of the Arkansas river and Mississippi River (principally Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa)  It has been reported into the central Mississippi River Valley including Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.