Ohio - FLINT

When I pulled Ohio out of the “hat” and looked up their official state gemstone I was sorely disappointed. Flint?…… that’s that grey rock that you use to build a campfire if you’re a Boy Scout or a Survivor contestant. But was I wrong. Flint is actually found in a bevy of colors from red, pink, green, blue, yellow, grey, white, to black. Some of its coloring is quite vibrant and it seems to be a popular stone in contemporary jewelry design. I saw some exquisite pieces which, believe it or not, I actually resisted buying, all but the lovely stone to include in my necklace and a Native American Flint arrowhead.

Large quantities of Flint can still be found in eastern and central Ohio.

Flint was used historically in the making of tools, weapons, ceremonial pieces and pipes. Since we no longer fashion our weapons out of stone, Flint today, polished to a glowing shine, is used in the making of jewelry. Make love, not war! (How do you make a peace sign on the keyboard? I’m sure there’s some cutesy F5, Ctrl, Alt, turn around in your seat and hit any key way, but I’d have to ask a teenager or a twenty-something.)

Also known as fairy shot, elf shot, and elf arrow, Flint was once used in Ireland as a protective amulet against mischievous fairies and elves.

Flint is said to be able to assist one to survive in difficult circumstances. It also enhances will-power and courage. You can wear an amulet of Flint to protect against evil forces and to overcome shyness. It can also help one to separate themselves from stressful situations.

The additional of Flint to my necklace will help in the treatment of kidney stones, skin lesions, indigestion and disorders of the lungs and liver. (To think we wasted its powers in weaponry.)

In 1965, the Ohio General adopted Flint as Ohio's official gemstone.