What material is flint primarily composed of?

Flint is primarily composed of quartz, specifically in the form of microcrystalline and cryptocrystalline silica. This composition gives flint its characteristic hardness and the ability to be fractured to produce sharp edges, making it an ideal material used historically for tools and projectile points. The high silica content also contributes to flint's durability and effectiveness when struck to create sparks in fire-starting applications. Understanding this composition is essential, especially in the context of muzzleloading firearms, where flint is used in flintlock mechanisms to ignite the powder charge.