From near Hoprig, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire
This piece of a lump of iron pyrites was found near Hoprig at Cockburnspath in Berwickshire. It has been grooved by use with a fire steel (also known as a strike-a-light), a metal object used with flints to create sparks and start a fire.
Lump of iron pyrites grooved by use with a strike-a-light, from near Hoprig, Cockburnspath
Methods to produce fire have always been important. From an early period, flints were struck against suitable stones. Later, fire-steels of iron were used.
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