What Are The "Flints" You Find In Lighters Made Of?

Chappers | 14:17 Sat 05th Nov 2005 | How it Works

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My mate recently showed me a trick using an ordinary flint that you'd find in any lighter (zippo, clipper etc) He wrapped a metal spring around it (like you also find in some lighters) he heated it up and threw it on the ground where it burst into sparks. I didn't expect this reactin as I had always assumed these ready made flints were made from metal or something, when I questioned this, he laughed and said "well they're made of flint aren't they" is that right? Rock-flint?

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gen2

Lighter flints are NOT made from the rock flint. They are made of metal.

Lighter flints contain Misch metal, an alloy of several of the rare earth metals and about 30% iron to make it harder. Cerium metal makes up about 50% of the Misch metal alloy.

Chappers

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Superb! I LOVE telling my mate that he's wrong after he laughs like I'm some kind of idiot!

Just like I told him that the dwarf in the lord of the rings is that fat fella in sliders and the emperor in star wars (return of the jedi) is the same guy as in the new films...he ridiculed me on both occasions but I've proved him wrong! YEAH!

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