Flint

Flint is a hard, sedimentary cryptocrystalline form of the mineral quartz, categorized as a variety of chert. It occurs chiefly as nodules and masses in sedimentary rocks, such as chalks and limestones. Inside the nodule, flint is usually dark grey, black, green, white or brown in colour, and often has a glassy or waxy appearance. A thin layer on the outside of the nodules is usually different in colour, typically white and rough in texture. From a petrological point of view, "flint" refers specifically to the form of chert which occurs in chalk or marly limestone. Similarly, "common chert" (sometimes referred to simply as "chert") occurs in limestone.

Origin

The exact mode of formation of flint is not yet clear but it is thought that it occurs as a result of chemical changes in compressed sedimentary rock formations, during the process of diagenesis. One hypothesis is that a gelatinous material fills cavities in the sediment, such as holes bored by crustaceans or molluscs and that this becomes silicified. This hypothesis certainly explains the complex shapes of flint nodules that are found. The source of dissolved silica in the porous media could be the spicules of silicious sponges. Certain types of flint, such as that from the south coast of England, contain trapped fossilised marine flora. Pieces of coral and vegetation have been found preserved like amber inside the flint. Thin slices of the stone often reveal this effect.

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Keith Flint

Keith Charles Flint (born 17 September 1969) is an English singer and dancer, best known as the vocalist for the band The Prodigy. Flint performed the lead vocals on both of The Prodigy's number one singles - "Firestarter" and "Breathe" - which were released in 1996. More recently he has had success as a motorcycle racing team owner and manager - with his Team Traction Control winning two Isle of Man TT races in 2015 and competing in the British Supersport Championship aboard Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycles.

Early life

Flint was born in Redbridge, London, England, to Clive and Yvonne Flint and initially raised in East London; in the mid-1970s his parents moved out to Springfield, Essex. Keith attended the Boswells School in Chelmsford and moved to Braintree after leaving school and travelling where he eventually met Liam Howlett at local rave club the Barn in Braintree.

Music career

In the late 1980s Flint met DJ Liam Howlett in a rave club and expressed his appreciation of Howlett's taste in music. After receiving a mixtape from Howlett, Flint came back with great enthusiasm, insisting that Howlett should be playing his tracks up on stage, and that Flint, along with friend Leeroy Thornhill, would dance to them.