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How to Make Fire With Flint Rock

Flint rock is any hard-edged rock such as quartz, jasper, agate or carnelian. You can use the rocks to create a spark, and with practice, a fire--without matches. This is an easy-to-learn lesson that just might save your life.

Things You'll Need

Tinder
Flint rock
Hard-edged steel such as a hunting knife, a file or a hatchet
Wood

Instructions

- 1
  Place the tinder in a small circle on the ground in front of you. Form a circle about 9 to 12 inches in diameter and 2 to 3 inches high.
- 2
  Pour a thin line of water around the circle to keep the fire from spreading. Place tinder inside the water circle.
- 3
  Take the rock you are using as a flint in your left hand (right, if you are left handed). Hold the flint about 1 inch above the tinder.
- 4
  Take your steel in the other hand. Strike the steel downward just above the tinder. Do this swiftly and until you see sparks begin to fly. Angle the steel so that the sparks land on the tinder. Once the tinder begins to burn, put down the steel and flint.
- 5
  Fan the sparks until a flame begins. As the tinder starts to burn, add dry wood to make the fire burn steadily.

Rocks & Minerals