Chemical and visual analysis of flint from Gotland and Öland

We have used visual and instrumental (EDXRF, energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence) methods to analyse naturally occurring flint from Gotland and Öland. We compare the results with previously published analyses conducted on other types of flint. We identify two visually distinct types of flint from Gotland: grey flint and white/brown flint. The chemistry of the more common grey flint is unique compared with other Scandinavian flint types. The chemistry of the white/brown flint is similar to other types of Scandinavian flint, although its visual appearance is unique. Both flint types from Gotland are distinct from Ordovician flint from Öland, both in regard to visual properties and to chemical composition. At present we are unable to identify the geological origin of flint from Gotland.