Flint
Reference articles are in English.
A flint specimen showing its fine-grained surface and pale outer rind. Source
Description
Flint is a dense form of chert associated with chalk. A nodule may have a pale outer crust and a grey or black, glassy-looking interior. In masonry it can be used whole, split or carefully shaped, producing surfaces with contrasting textures and patterns.
History
British Geological Survey classification associates flint with Cretaceous chalk. Flint’s nodular form and hard fractured faces have also shaped distinctive walling traditions, in which it is combined with mortar and adjoining dressed stone or brick.
Commissioning
A flintwork commission should establish the intended face, arrangement and joint character. For repairs, surviving walling provides the reference for selecting replacement pieces. The mortar and construction need consideration alongside the colour of the flints.