Flint

Flint is a hard, dark rock that people have used for thousands of years. It is made mostly of silicon dioxide and forms in small pieces called nodules inside rocks like chalk and limestone. You can often find these nodules near streams and beaches.

Long ago, people used flint to make sharp tools such as knife blades. The sharp edges of flint made it very useful. Because it was so important, people would travel far or trade to get flint. For example, Grime's Graves was a major source of flint in Europe, and Flint Ridge in Ohio supplied Native Americans across North America.

Flint can also make sparks when struck against steel. These sparks could start a fire with tinder. Even though newer materials are used today, the name “flint” is still used for fire starters.

Flint forms in old rock layers through natural changes. Large areas of flint are found in places like Europe. Special shapes called paramoudra and flint circles appear on beaches in areas such as Norfolk, England. Ohio’s official gemstone is “Ohio flint,” which comes in many colors like red, green, pink, blue, white, and grey.

People used flint not just for tools but also to build walls and buildings. It is strong and can be shaped in many ways. Flint was also used to make pottery and jewelry a very long time ago.