FLINT, silicious mineral. See MINERALOGY. It consists of 98 silica, 0.50 lime, 0.25 alumina, 0.25 oxide of iron, and 1.0 loss. This mineral occurs of various colour, but generally yellowish or dark gray, and usually in a compact amorphous body, of various shapes. It is widely dispersed over the world, occurring chiefly in the chalk formations, but especially in limestone. Its principal use is for gun-flints, and for striking light with steel; and it also forms, when reduced to powder, an ingredient in porcelain and glass. The manufacture of gun-flints is very simple, and is performed with an iron mallet and chisel. A dexterous workman will make 1000 in a day.