# Flint > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Striped Flint. Red Flint. Eolith. Pot Stone. Elfshot. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Dark gray, black, green, white, brown | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Ornamental<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Cryptocrystalline | > | **Formations** | Nodules and masses in sedimentary rocks | > | **Formula** | SiO2 | > | **Hardness** | 6.5–7.0 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Silicate mineral | > | **Primary Components** | quartz | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A common, hard sedimentary rock used for millennia to craft tools and weapons, start fires, construct buildings, evoke the power of fire, and deliver magical attacks. ### Physical Description A dense, fine-grained cryptocrystalline quartz with low porosity and a waxy, dull luster. It is usually gray, brown, white or black, with other colors introduced by inclusions of other materials, organic or inorganic. Nodules are commonly covered in a thin, rough white cortex layer, separating flint from the surrounding rocks. --- ## Occurrence Flint is a common rock found as nodules lumps, and seams in other sedimentary rocks, mostly chalks and limestones. The weathered-out nodules are often found alongside streams and on beaches. ### Extraction & Preparation Mine from the surface, on cliffs, or underground, following flint seams. Traditionally, one should leave an offering once the extraction was complete: finished flint tools were common, as were human bones, according to the practice of "giving back to the earth." When struck with a hard object—a process known as knapping—flint breaks into sharp-edged pieces, allowing for easy creation of cutting tools. Due to natural geological processes, some nodules break on their own, creating eoliths: knapped flint nodules once thought to be the earliest human-made stone tools. Heating changes the appearance of flint, turning it dark gray and glossy, sometimes with a cracked glaze-like surface. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Though it is rarely employed in such manner, flint is suitable for jewelry as it accepts high polish and is resistant to weathering. Pieces of striped flint, worked into vessels and ornaments, reach high prices among knowledgeable collectors. ### Industrial Properties Knapped flint had been used since times immemorial in production of tools and weapons. Upon striking iron (usually in the form of steel or pyrite), it produces sparks—an important property that made flint synonymous with all kinds of fire-starters. It was also used in flintlock firearms to ignite the priming powder. In areas rich in flint, it is used as building material. ### Magical Properties Alchemists use flint to start fires and heat volatile liquids. Nodules of flint, known as 'pot stones,' are heated in the fire and then placed in a vessel to warm up liquid that cannot be directly heated over the flames. Use it in spells and rituals to summon fire, ignite objects, and open the gates to the elemental plane of fire. Flint weapons and tools are particularly suited for hunting game, skinning, and preparation of meat and bones. They carry primordial, raw power and bestow the warrior-like qualities upon their users, making one more self-assured, courageous, strong, and enterprising. Ancient flint arrowheads, called elfshots, are used by various material and spiritual beings as a magical weapon, capable of delivering devastating blows without any outward signs of damage. They can cause pain, deliver poison, or cause necrosis in the target struck by such weapon. The only cure for such ailment is an ointment made of feverfew, red nettle, and broad-leaf plantain, applied to the most painful spot.