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. ■/ •'
I
CHAPMAN'S
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE
AND
MINERAL TABLES.
117
h,
U
WrORKS
— SY —
Professor E. J. CHAPMAN, Ph.D. LL.D.
I.
^ MINERALS AND GEOLOGY OF CENTRAL CANADA,
COMPRISING THE PROVINCES OF ONTARIO AND QUEBKO.
Third Edition.
With S50 wood-cuts and a copious Index.
II.
AN OUTLINE OF THE GEOLOGY OF CANADA.
INCLUDING ALL THE PROVINCES OP THE DOMINION.
With six sketch-mapa arid six plates of characteristic fossils.
A New Edition in Press.
IIL
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
WITH ORIGINAL TABLES FOR THE DETERMINATION OF MINERALS.
This work has been favorably noticed in the 11th and 12th editions of
Vcn Kobell's celebrated Ta/eln zur Bestimmung der Mineralien.
Second Edition.
IV.
PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS
FOR THE DETERMINATION BY FURNACE ASSAY OF GOLD AND
SILVER IN ROCKS AND ORES.
Second Edition.
V.
THE MINERAL INDICATOR.
A PRACTICAL OUID2 TO THE DETERMINATION OF GENERALLY-
OCCURRING MINERALS.
Second Edition.
THE COPP, CLARK, CO. (Limited) : TORONTO.
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE:
AN OUTLINE
OV
BLOWPIPE MANIPULATION AND ANALYSIS,
I
'I
I
WITH ORIGINAL TABLES
FOR THE
DETERMINATION OF MINEEAI.S.
BY
E. J. CHAPMAN,
Ph.D., LL.D.
PROFESSOR OF MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO.
Second Edition : Revised and Enlarged.
tToronto :
The Copp, Clark, Co., (Limited) : 9 Front Street West.
1893.
Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, ^i^^ear one thousand
eight hundred and ninety-three, by The Copp, Clark Company, Limited
Toronto, Ontario, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture.
fi
PREFACE.
TO THE FIRST EDITION.
If
.1
-5'
The title page of this little woik iiuliciites suociiiotly tlio scope and
character of the book. The work comprises two distinct parts : au
introductory sketch of the use of the Blowpipe in qualitative mineral
examinations ; and a series of Tables, with chemical and crystallo-
graphic notes, for the practical determination of minerals, generally.
In the first portion of the work, the '■, nter's aim has been t(j syste-
matise and condense as far as possible : but, although confessedly a
mere outline of the subject, this introductoiy portion will not be
found altogether devoid of original matter. The seventh section
contains a new and greatly simplified |tlan of J3lowpipk Analysis,
by which the general comj)osition of an unknown substance may be
determined in most cases very rapidly and with comparatively little
trouble. As a rule, the methods of Blowpipe Analysis, h'tlierto
published, are little more than Tables of Reactions. They attempt
no separation of electro-negative bodies from bases, but mix u > the
two, very illogically ; and they exact the performance of many
unnecessary experiments, by which certain components become
detected over and over again, whilst others escape detection tlto-
^ether, or are recognized only after much unnecessary delay. These
defects are remedied very materially, it is thought, in the mechod
now proposed. The Determinative Tables, which occu})y tlie second
and principal portion of the work, are also original. In their
arrangement, an attempt is made to place botlies of related composi-
tion, only, under the same subdivision : so as to avoid, wherever pos-
sible, the unnatural collocations so commonly seen in Tables of this
character. It will be evident, however, that without greatly
vi
ULOWl'II'E PRACTICE.
increasing the number of the Tables, com{)lete success in this respect
is not always attainable. The Tables inchule, jiractically, a" the
better known or well characterised nnneral hpecies ; but as many of
these are rar(!ly met with, or are comi)aratively of little importance,
an Explanatory Note, i-eferring only to species of ordinary occur-
rence, is attaciied to each Table. In these Notes nuich additional infor-
mation is given respecting the crystallization, spectroscopic reactions,
and other distinctive characters of leading species. The spectrosco[)e
recommended for use, in these investigations, is a simple, direct-vision
pof^ket-spoctroscope, such as can be carried very conveniently, with
acconn)anying Bunsen-burner (the foot unscrewed), in a spare corner
of the blowpipe case.
Toronto : Aui/ust 12th, ISSO.
*j^*In this new edition, the original plan of the work has been
])ractically retained, but the subject-matter has been thoroughly
revised, and numerous additions have been made to it, without,
however, materially increasing the size of the book, or affecting its
synoptical character. — E. J. C.
University of Toronto :
July 1, 1893.
CONTENTS.
M
§2.
§3
§4
§5,
§'6.
PART I.
—Brief Sketch of the History of the Blowpipe 2
—The Blowpipe : Its Structure and General Use 4
— Accessory Appliances and Reagents 7
—Structural Parts and Chemicai, Pkoperties of Fl/me 8
— Blowpipe Operations :
I. Tho Fusion Trial jo
II. Treatment in closeil Tube :
(i) 'I'reatment in Flask or Bull)-Tul)e 13
(ii) Treatment in Closed Tube, proper 14
III. Boasting ; and Treatment in Open Tube :
(i) Roasting on Charcoal, Porcelain, and other supports 15
(ii) Roasting and Sublimation in Ojjen Tubes 15
IV. Treatment v/ith Nitrate of Cobalt iq
V. Formation of Glasses on Platinum Wire, or on Charcoal :
(i) Details of Process ; Flaming, Ac if,
(ii) Table of Borax (Classes n^
(iii) Phosphor-Salt Glasses 19
(iv) Glasses formed with Sodium Carbonate 19
VI. Reduction on
VII. Cupellation .... ^^
VIII. Fusion with Reagents in Platinum Spoon 04
—Blowpipe Reactions :
(i) Non-metallic Bodies „p
2b
1, Oxygen ; 2, Hydrogen ; .3, Sulphur ; 4, Selenium ; 5, Ni-
trogen ; 6, Chlorine ; 7, Bromine ; 8, Iodine ; 9, Fluorine ;
10, Phosphorus ; 11, Boron ; 12, Carbon ; 13, Silicon,
(ii) Unoxidizahk Metals 05
14, Platinum ; 15, Gold ; U, Silver,
(iii) Volatilizahle Metals „-
17, Tellurium; 18, Antimony; 19, Arsenic ';" 20, Osmium';
21, Mercury ; 22, Bismuth ; 23, Lead ; 24, Thallium ; 25,
Cadmium ; 26, Zinc ; 27, Tin (?)
vii
Viil (X)NTKNT.S.
(iv) Flii.i-i'iildiirin;/ Mifiiln 4.')
as, ('(ipper; 'Jit, Nickel; 'M, Colmlt j 31, Iron; 32, Tung-
Htoiiiiin ; 33, Mi)lylMU'iiiiiii ; 3i, Mari^'iinoHo ; 'J"), ('iii'oiniuin ;
37, I'liiiiuiiii ; 3S, Ci-riuiM ; 31), 'riUniuiii.
(v) Achrok Mttnl.i 50
40, 'rnntiilutn (?) ; 41, Aliimiiuun ; 4'i, (iluuiniiiii ; 43, Zir-
coniuiii ; U, Yttrium ; 4.'), MivgiiuHiuin.
(vi) Fliuiii'-rohinriiiij Mititln 59
4(5, Ciiloiuin ; 47, Stroiitiiiin ; 4S, Hariiun ; 4!), Litiiium ; 50,
Soiliuni ; 51, I'l.tiiHuiuiii ; 5'J, Aiiunouiuin.
§7.— Plan of Analyst?'
(i) D'jtenniiiiitiou of the Clicniical CJroup to which a mineral aub-
Htiince liulongM G4
(ii) Detorniinatiou of the Base or BaHea 67
ApI'ENDIX;— OHIOINAI, ('oNTRUil'TIONS T(» Bt.OWl'II'R ANALYSIS.
1. Reaction of Manganese Salts on Baryta 75
2. Detection of Baryta in the presence of Strontia . 75
3. Detection of Alkalies in the presence of Magnesia 76
4. Method of Distingiiisliing the red liame of Lithium from that of
Strontium 76
5. Metiiod of Distinguishing FeO from Fe^O' in Silicates and other
conipoinids 77
G. Detection of Lead in presence of Bismuth 78
7. Detection of Lithia in i)re8ence of Soda 79
8. Action of Baryta on Titanic Acid 79
9. Detection of Manganese when present in minute quantity in min-
eral Bodies 80
10. The Coal Assay 80
11. Phosphorus in Iron Wire . . 85
12. Detection of minute traces of Copper in Iron Pyrites and other
bodies 86
13. Detection of Antimony in tube sublimates 87
14. Blowpipe reactions of Thallium 88
15. Opiilesceuce of Silicates in Bhosphor-salt 90
16. Reactions of Chromium and Manganese with Sodium Carbonate. 91
17. Detecti(m of Cadmium in presence of Zinc in blowpipe experi-
ments 92
18. Solubility of BiHmuth Oxide in Sodium Carl mate before the
blowpipe 92
19. Detection of Carbonates in Blowpipe Practice 93
20. Detection of Bromine in Blowpipe Experiments 94
21. Blowpipe reactions of Metallic Alloys 95
i:a
I
45
m
69
CONTKNTS. I2
PART 11.
Obkiinal Tahi.ks kok Tin; Dk.tkkmination ok Minkkai.m.
Intrdductioii : Kxpliiiiatioii of CVystivl SyniliolH, c"vc 99
Aniilytical Index t<» tho '''nldfa lO.'MOt
Tul.lo I., lOr. ; T. II., 107 ; T. III., 10!); T. IV., lir) ; T. V..
ll'J; T. VI., 121 ; T. VII., I-'; T. VIII., PJ.'J ; T. I.\.,
128 ; T. X., 131 ; T XI., I;i8 ; T. XII., 14H ; T. XIII.. m-
T. XIV., 151' ; T. XV., 150 ; T. XVI., 1(51 j T. XVII., 174 •
T. XVIII., ks.J; T. XI.\., 180. T. XX., 1!»1 ; T. XXI
104; T. XXII,, 195; T. X.VIII., 100; T. XXIV., U08 •
T. XXV.. 2'J7; T. XXVI., 'J41 ; T. XXVII.. 270: T.
XXv'III.,'J75.
Index to Part I ngo
Index to Minerals described in Part II 297
Additions and Corrections o/iu
AN orri.ixK
or
BLOWTIPK PRACTICK.
AS vrniKi* r<> r>iK
grAMTATlVK KXAMINATION OF MlNKHAl. Hi)niKS.
18
■51-
lUMKF SKKTiM{ OV Tin- HISTOHV OK TH K UKUVnTK.
Tiu> •,»,■ of- tlu- I?la\vpi,>o. in xho .n-ts. .l.-.tos tVom :. x.mv .hstant
IHMioa-:, si.npio form of xho insfrumont Imviuj; h.vn Ion- o'luplovo,!.
m \\w iM-.v,-v>. ot-sol,l,Mino;. Uv j.-wollo.-s -muI othor vvorkorsin ^vol.i •uui
siK.M'. Ti.is .Muploym.MU must naturally havo succosto.l its uso to
tHo.il.homists; ana in tlu' ourious ooli.vtion of xvoo.louts ktuuvn as
tlu> A.vVr ,>nit„.<. in ulnoli an uK-luMuist. assisto.1 hy !,
iiopioto.l in (lu> p.vfo.n,aiuv of various oluMuioal op,Mi,ti. h, .so
of tho Mowpipo is doarly in.iioat...l, Tiio Lihn- mutus n>rv
utuvnain .lato. hu, „ lvlon,:,-s. in all prohaUilitv. ,o tl,o ho-Mnnin- o(
tho sov.MU.HMUh .vntury. Vho alohonust is horo on>pKn o.l. it is ,n,o
not ui tho aottial ovan.ination ot a suUst,„uv> hv l,is hlowpipo. but in
tlH>oon>truotio,t or soalinj; „p of n glass vos.s.>l. Xovortl.oloss tho
i>so ot il,o tnstrumont in tho ,vnvo,-sion of oalo spar into li.no is
junntoa out by Krasmi s IVvKruoitv ,u his troatiso on loolan.l Spar
wnttou ,n UuO ; an.l m tho A,-.. v,tr„ru. ..>•}>,, im.ui<,!is of K, nvkk. '
l^HN>shoa in ir.7i». tho bh.wpipo is mMnnnou.loa for uso tn .ho
mluot.on. on oharo.vil. of n>otaM,ol.lin- Kvlios. tho roouisito olasf
iHMUg pnvlm.Hl by a p,i, ..f ,i, ,i^.,,, ,,,^^ j,^ ,.,^, „,;^ o.>:..b,-u,vl
alohontts, .loHAVN- Cmna Sr.u... .listn.otly ro.o.-s to ti.o ,v.l„otion of
loaa :vn.i attttmony. in- tho tusion of what .uv now known .s ,ho
oxi.Jos ot th.vso n,ot.,Is. on a pi.nv of oha.voal. bv luoaus of a -.soiaor
itii r
t':
„|! 1
is BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
ing pipe " or tubulo crementorio aurifabrorum. Johann Andreas
Cramer, in liis Elemenia arlis dochnastrnf, (1739) describes the use of
the instrument in the examination of small pa tides of metallic bodies,
and su<tge.sts the uso of borax (lonji; previously employed in soldering,
and also by the alchemists in crucible operations) for this purpose.
He gives also a description of a mouth blowpipe provided at its lower
end with a cylindrical reservoir for the retention of the moisture which
condenses from the operator's breath.
In Sweden, a few years later (1746), Swen Hinman published some
details on the examination of ferruginous tin-ore, and other minerals,
by the blowpipe; and, in 1748, Anton von Swab — usually but
erronously, cited as the first person by whom the blowpipe was used
in its scientific applications — referied to the use of the instrument in
a paper on the occurrence of native antimony. Bergman states that
VON Swab employed the blowpipe in 1738, but the date of his first
publication in which reference is made to its use is ten years later, as
pointed out by Dr. Hermann Kopp in his valuable Geschichte iter
Chemie : 1844.
Up to this time, however, no general or systematic use of the
blowpipe appears to have been attempted; but in 1758, Axel Frederic
Cronstedt, who had previously employed the blowpipe in his
reseai'ches on nickel (1751), published anonymously at Stockholm his
celebrated treatise on Mineralogy, in which a chemical classification
of minerals was first definitely essayed. In this work, the i)yrognostic
characters of minerals, as determined by the blowpipe, are brought
prominently into notice ; and in addition to borax, the two general
reagents still in use, sodium bicaubonate ["sal sodce") and microcosmie
salt or phosphor-salt (" sal /usibile microcosmicum") are employed as
blowpipe fluxes. To the English translation of Cronstedt's work
published in 1770, Gustav von Engestrom* appended a short but
complete sketch of the use of the Blowpipe, as then known ; and
John Hyacinth de Magellan added somewhat to this sketch in
the second (English) edition of the work, published in London in
*A silly and quite inexcusable attempt has been made in a recently published English book to
deny von Enokstrom's .luthorship of this essay, and to give it to von Swab, or "Swarb" as the
writer of the book erroneously spells the name I Dr. John Lanuaikr, in the Benchte der
deuUehen chcminehen (lem llxchaft (Fehtimry 1893), has shewn very forcibly the absolutely un-
founded character of this assertion.
HISTORY OF THE BLOWPIPE.
Andkeas
tlie use of
Uic bodies,
soldering,
s i)uri)ose.
t its lower
tare which
Lslied some
? minerals,
sually but
3 was used
trument in
states that
)f his tirst
rs later, as
chichte der
xm of the
, FREUEltIC
pe in his
jkholni hi»
issiiiciition
lyrognostic
■e brought
vo general
icrocosmie
iployed as
edt's work
short but
lown ; and
sketch in
iOndon in
ntflish book to
iwARB " as the
Benchte der
absolutely un-
1788. The plii*^«* which accompanies VoN Knoestrom's essay
exhibits a portable case of blowpipe apparatus, comprising, in addition
to the blowpipe as devised by Cronstedt, a hammer, anvil, magnet,
silver spoon and other articles (but none, of course, of j)latiuum),
with candle, charcoal, and three small bottles for fluxes. This essay,
attached to the Knglish translation of Cronstedt's work, was translated
into Swedish by Back (with preface by liETZius) in 1773, and in the
same year thc! Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman published a
memoir on the blowpi))e reactions of lime, ujagnesia, alumina, and
silica ; whils.'", in 1774, Hcheele described the action of tho blowpipe
on manganese ores, molybdenite, and other minerals. A few years
later a concise treatise in Latin on the use of the Blowpipe was
drawn up by Bergman, and published, soon after, under the editor-
ship of Baron von Born, the metallurgist, at Vienna, (Commentatio
lie tubo ferruminatorio, etc.: Vindobontt, 1779). A Swedish trans-
lation, by Hjelm, was issued at Stockholm in 1781.
In the preparation of this work, Bergman was very materially
assisted by Johann Gottlieb Gahn. The latter chemist subsequently
carried out an extended series of experiments with the blowpipe, and
discovered various new methods of research. Berzelius, to wliom
at an after period he communicated personally his mode of oi)eratiug,
states that Gahn always carried his blowpipe with him, even on his
shortest journeys, and submitted to its action every new or unknown
substance that came in his way. In this manner he acquired great
skill in the use of the instrument. He drew up at the instigation of
Berzelius the short sketch of the blowpipe and its applications con-
tained in the latter's Liirbok i Kemien, issued in 1812. Gahn then
undertook, in conjunction with Berzelius, a complete blowpipe ex-
amination of all known minerals ; but his death, in 1818, occcurred
almost at the commencement of this undertaking. Berzelius there-
fore carried on the investigation alone ; and the results, together with
all the improvements and new processes introduced by Gahn and by
himself, were published at Stockholm under the title of Afliandlimj
om Blasrorets anvandende i Ghemien, in 1820. This work lias formed
the basis of almost all that has subsequently been published on the
use of the Blowpipe in qualitative researehes, although many new
tests and methods of investigation have been discovered since its date.
At the death of its distinguished author in 1848, it had tutered its
I'
■f;
1!
i I
4 BLOWPIPE PRACTICK.
fourth edition, and liad been translated into all the leading Europe? i
languages. An English translation (taken however from a French
version) by Children, ap])eared in 1822 ; and another by Whitney
(from the fourth German edition by Heinrich Rose) was published
at Boston, United States, in 1845,
A new era of blowjnpe investigation commenced in 1827, when
Eduard Harkort, of Freiberg in Saxony, applied the instrument to
the assaying or (quantitative examination of silver ores. Harkort,'
left Germany for Mexico, and died there, soon after the publication
of his essay on this subject (Prohirkunst mit df.a Lothrohre, Freiberg,
1827); but Carl Friedrich Plattner, ♦j whom he had shewn his
method of working, carried on this important application of the
blowpipe, and published elaborate memoirs on the assaying, by this
method, of gold, lead, copper, tin, nickel, and other metallic ores
and furnace products. His great work on the Blowpipe, bearing a
similar title to Harkort's earlier publication, appeared in 1835.
It reached a third edition in 1853; and since Plattner's death in 1858,
two other editions (the last in 1878) have beeii issued under the
editorship of De. Theodor Richter, Plattner's successor in the
Freiberg Mining Academy. This work has been translated into
various languages. An American edition, by Prof. H. B. Cornwall,
appeared in 1875.
Of late years, the use of tlie Blowpipe lias been greatly extended ;
and numerous original memoirs on points relating to Blowpipe
Practice and Analysis have appeared from time to time in scientitic
journals. But the discussion of these more modem investigations
belongs properly to a future time. The pi'incipal works published
since the date of Plattner's treatise are mentione't under § G, of the
present volume. A condensed summary of some of the author's
contributions to Blowpipe Analysis is given in the Appendix to
Part I.
4i
:l r li
' li
THE BLOWPIPE— ITS STRUCTURE AND GENERAL USE.
The blowpipe, in its simplest form, is merely a narrow tube of
brass or other metal, bent round at one extremity, and terminating,
v^ that end, in a point with a very fine orifice. Fig. 1. If we place
VARIOUS FORMS OP BLOWPIPE.
Km. 1.
the pointed end of tliis instrument just within tlie flame of a lauij),
common candle, or gas-jet with nar-
row aperture, and then blow gently
down the tube, the flamo will be
deflected to one side in the form of
a long narrow cone, and its heating
power will be greatly increased.
Ma:iy minerals, when held in the
form of a thin splinter at the point
of a flame thus acted upon, may bo
melted with the greatest ease ; and
some are either wholly or partially
volatilized. Other minerals, on the contrary, remain unaltered.
Two or more substances, therefore, of similar appearance, nuiy often
be sei)arated and distinguished in a moment, by the aid of the
blowpipe.
The blowj)ipe (in its scientitic use) has, strictly, a threefold appli-
cation. It may be employed, as just pointed out, to distinguish
minerals from one another : some of these being fusible, whiist others
are infusible ; some attracting the magnet after exposure to the blow-
|)ipe, whilst others do not exhibit that reaction ; some im])arting a
colour to the flame, others volatilizing, and so forth. Secondly, the
blowpipe may be employed to ascertain the general composition of a
mineral ; or to prove the presence or absence, in a given body, of some
particular substance, as silver, copper, lead, iron, cobalt, manganese,
sulphur, arsenic, antimony, and the like. Thirdly, it may be used to
determine, in certain special cases, the actual amount of a metallic or
other ingredient previously ascertained to be present in the substance
under examination.
In using the blow)>ii)e, the mouth is tilled with air, and this is
forced gently but continuously down the tube by the compression of
the muscles of the cheeks and lips, breathing being carried on simul-
taneously by the nostrils. By a little practice, this operation becomes
exceedingly easy, especially in ordinary experiments, in which the
blast is rarely required to be kept up for mo.e than twenty or thirty
seconds at a time. The beginner will find it advisable to restrict
himself at first to the production of a steady continuous flame, with-
out seeking to direct this on any object. Holding the blowpipe in
tl
iii
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li I 'I'
nli
6
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
liis riglit liand (with thumb and two outside fingers below, and the
index and middle finger above the tube), near the lower extremity,
he should let the inner part of his arm, between the wrist and the
elbow, rest against the edge of the table at which he ojierates. The
jet or point of the blowpipe is turned to the left, and inserted either
into or against th6 edge of the flame, according to the nature of the
operation, as explained below. After a lew trials, when sufficient
skill to keep uj) a steady flame has been acquired, the point of the
flame may be directed upon a small splinter of some ea.sily fusible
mateiial, such as nati'olite or lepidolite, held in a pair of forceps with
platinum tips.* Some little difficulty will probably be experienced
at first in keeping the test-fragment exactly at the flame's point ; but
this, arising partly from irregular blowing, and partly from the
beginner feeling constrained to look at tlie jet of the blowpipe and
the object simultaneously, is easily overcome l)y half an-hour's
practice. A small cutting of metallic tin or copper supported on a
piece of well-burnt soft-wood charcoal can be examined in a similar
manner. In these experiments, the beginner must be careful not to
operate on fragments of too large a bulk. Th'> smaller the object
submitted to the flame, the more certain will be the results of the
experiment.
In out-of-the-way places, the common form of blowpipe described
above is frequently the only kind that can be obtained. It answers
well enough for ordinary operations, but the moisture which collects
in it, by condensation from the vapour of the breath, is apt to be
blown into the flame. This inconvenience is remedied by the form of
construction shewn in the annexed figures, in which the instrument
consists of two principal portions : a main stem closed at one end, and
a short tube fitting into this, at right angles, near the closed extremity.
The short tube is also commonly provided with a separate jet or nozzle
of platinum. In this case, the jet can be cleaued by simple ignition
before the blowpipe-flame, or over the flame of the spirit-lamp. In
the variety of blowpipe known as " Black's B}ow])ipe," Fig. 2, the
main tube is usually constructed of japanned tin-plate, and the in-
* If forceps of this kind cannot be i>rooured, a pair of steel forceps with fine i>oints, auch as
watchmakers use, may serve as a substitute. It will be advisable to twist some silk thread or
fine twine round the lower part of these, in order to protect the fingers. The points must be
kept clean by a file.
I
i
I
VAUIOUS FORMS O'' BLOWPIPE.
«triiment is thus sold at a clieap rate. Mitscherlich's Blowpipe, Fig. 3,
consists of three separate pieces wliich fit together, when not in use,
as shewn in Fig. 4. This renders it as portable as an ordinary pencil-
case. Fig. 5 represents Gahn's or Berzelius's Blowpipe, with a
Fi;,'. 2. Fig 3. Fv^. 4. Fiff. .'■).
trumpet-shaped inouth-piece of horn or ivory as devised by Plattner*
This mouth-piece is j)laced, of cour.se, on the outside of the lips. It is
preferable to the ordinary mouth-piece, but is not so readily used Ijy
the beginner. In length, the blowpipe may vary from about seven-
and-a-half to nine inches, according to the eyesight of the opeiutor.
§3.
ACCESSORY APPLIANCES AND REAGENTS.
In addition to the blovtrpipe itself, and the forceps described above,
a few other instruments and appliances are required in blowpipe
operations.* The principal of these comprise ; a blowpipe-lamp (see
under § 4) : some well-burnt, soft-wood charcoal, and a thin narrow
saw-blade to saw the charcoal into rectangular blocks for convenient
«se ; a few pieces of platinum wire, three or four inches in lengtli, of
about the thickness cf thin twine, to serve as a support in fusions
with borax, <fec. (see below) ; some pieces of open glass-tubing of nar-
row diameter, and two or three .siiall gla.ss flasks, or, in default, a
narrow test-tube or two — the latter used chiefly for the detection of
* Only the more necebiai-y operations, instruments, &o., are here aUuded to.
t -^
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t.,!
8
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
^:!|
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I
water in minerals (see l)elow) ; a sniali haniiner anil anvil, or piece of
hard steel, half-an-inch tliick, polished on one of its faces; a triangular
file ; a l»ar or horse-shoe magnet ; a pen-knife or small steel spatula ;
tv small agat(i pestle and mortar ; a small spirit-lamp ; a platinum
spoon ; a small porcelain capsule with handle ; and eight or ten turned
wooden hoxes or small stoppered bottles to hold the blowpipe reagents.
These latter are employed for the greater part in tiie solid state, a
condition which adds much to their portability, and renders a small
quantity sutHcient for a great number of experiments. The principal
comprise : sodium cai'bonate or bicarbonate, used largely for the re-
duction of metallic oxides, and detection of sulphides and sulphates,
manganese, &c., as explained below ; sodium biborate, or borax, used
principally for fusions on the platinum wire, many substances com-
municating peculiar colours to the glass thus formed ; and phosphate
of sodium and ammonium, commonly known as microcosmic salt or
phospiior-salt, used for the same purposes as borax, and also for the
detection of silicates and chlorides, as explained further on. Reagents
etc., of less connnon use, comprise : nitrate of cobalt (in solution^ ;
potassium Insulphate ; black oxide of copper; chloride of barium;
metallic tin; bone ash; litharge, or finely granulated lead or lead foil ;
strips of yellow turmeric-paper, and blue and red-litmus paper ; with a
few other substances of special employment, mentioned under J G, below.
STRUCTURAL PARTS AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES'
OF FLAME.
The effects produced by the blowpipe cannot be properly under-
stood without a j)reliminary knowledge of the general composition
and structural parts of Flame. If the flame of a lamp
or candle, standing in a place free from draughts, be
carefully examined, it will be seen to consist of four
more or less distinct parts, as shewn in the annexed
diagram, Fig. fi. A dark cone, a, will be seen in the
centre of the flame. This consists of gases, com-
pounds of carbon and hydrogen, which issue from
the wick, but which cannot burn, as they are cut off
from contact with the atmosphei'e. A bright luminous
cone surrounds this dark central portion, except at ita
Fig. 6.
! 1
THE BLOW PI PK KLAME.
»
extreme base. In tliis bright coiui the carlton, or a [)orti»)ii of it,
sejtarate.s ■ t'roin the hytliogen of the gaseous coiuikhhuIh |niiii|io(l
up by the wick. Tlie carbon becomes ignited in the foi ni of minute
pai'ticles,* and these, witli the liberated hydrogen and undecomjiosed
gas, are driven }>artly outwards, and partly «lownwards or into the blue
cup-shaped portion wiiich lies at the base of the (iaine. At this latter
spot, the carbon, meeting with a certain supply of dvygen, is converted
into carbonic oxide, a compound of eipial combining-weiglits of carbon
and oxygen. Finally, in the flame-bonier or outer envelo|)e, of a pale
pinkish colour, only discernible on close inspection, complete combustion
i.e., union with oxygen, of both gases, carbon and hyiirogen, takes place.
The carbon burns into carljo o acid or carbon tlioxide, a conipound
of two comlnning weights of oxygen with one of carl)on ; and the
hydrogen, uniting with oxygen, forms a((ueous vapour. If a cold
and polished body, for example, be brought in contact with the
edge of a flame of any kind, its surface will exhibit a streak or line
of moisture.
These different parts of flame, possess, to some extent, ditteivnt
propt^rties. The dark inner cone is entirely neutral or inert. Bodies
placed in it become covered with soot or unburnt carbon. The lumi-
nous or yellow cone possesses reducing powers. Its component gases,
requiring oxygen for their combustion, are ready to take this from,
oxidized l)odies placed in contact with them. This luminous cone,
liowever, in its normal state, has not a sufliciently high temperature
to decompose oxidized bodies, except in a few special cases ; but it*
temperature, and consequently its decomposing or deoxidizing ))Ower,
becomes much increased by the action of the blowpipe, as shewn below.
The blue portion of flsime pos.sesses also reducing powers, but of com-
paratively feeble intensity, as the carbon is there able to obtain from
the atmosphere a partial supply of oxygen. Finally in the outer or
feebly luminous envelope, in which complete combustion takes place,
the flame attains its highest temperature ; and, having all the oxygen
it recpiires from the surrounding atmosphere, it exerts an oxidizing
influence on bodies placed in contact with it, since most bodies absorb
oxygen when ignited in the free air.
In subjecting a body to the action of the blowpipe, we seek : ( 1 )
* Krank'.and has suggested that the luminosity of flame may not be due to solid carbon,
particles, but to the separation of dense hydrocarbons.
10
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
\i^
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I ,i!r
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Fiir.
to miHo its temiKM'iitnre to in higli a dogree us possilile, ho uh to test
the i-olativo fusibility of the Hul>8tiiuo«' ; or (2) to oxidize it, or cause
it, if nil oxido, to coinl»iiu> with a hirger amoti. . of oxyg<Mi; or (3) to
ro(hico it,* oitlier to the. metallic state, or U> a lower degroc of
oxidation. The first and second of tho.se effects may ho produced hy
the same kind of flame, known as an oxidating flame (or O. ¥.), tiin
position of the substance Ijeing slightly diiforent ; whilst the third
effect is obtained by a reducing flamo (or H. F.), in which the yellow
portion is developed as much as po-ssiblo, and the substance kept
-within it, so as to be cut off from contact with the atmosphere.
An oxidating and fusion flamo
is thus produced : — the point of
the l)low[)ipe is in.sertt'd well into
the flame of the gas-jet, lamp or
candle under use, so as almost to
touch the surface of the gas-burner
or wick. The deflected flame is
thus well supplied with oxygen,
and its reducing or yellow portion becomes obliterated. It forms a
long narrow blue cone, surrounded by its feebly luminous mantle.
The body to be oxidized sliould be held a short distance beyond the
point of the cone, as in Fig. 7 ; b<it to test its fusion, it must be held
in contact with this, or even a little within the flame. In this posi-
tion, many substances, as those which contain lithia, strontia, baiyta,
copper, ifec, impart a crimson, green, or other colour to the outer or
feebly lur inous cone.
For the production of a reducing flame the
orifice of the blowpijie must not be too large.
The point is held just on the outside of the
flame, a little above the level of the burner
or wick, as shewn in Fig. 8. The flame, in
its deflected state, then retains the whole or
^8- 8. a large portion of its yellow cone. The sub-
stance under ti-eatment must be held within this (although towards
its i)ointed extremity), so as to be entirely excluded from the atmos-
*A substance in metallurgical lanifuasre is sairl to lie "reduced," or to uiiderjfo " reduction,'
■when, from the condition of an oxidized (or other) coinpouiid, it becomes converted into metal.
'«i
II
REDUCJINU FI-AME, IILOWPM'E LAMTH.
11
pluM'f' ; whilst, fit tlit> Hiiiiii' tiiiif. tlic tciiiiicriituro is riiisnd HuHicioiitly
liij^li to pfoiiiotc rciliictioii. As ii goinMiil rul«s ItotlicH suhjuctetl to u
n'(lufiiig tn'iitiiuMjt slioiiM l»o HupporttHl on cliiirooiil.
For onlimiry pxpnrinuMjtM, hiicIi uh testing tlio roliitivo fusibility, Ac,
of inineriilH, tli(5 hlowpipc may In; used witli tlio tiame of a coiniiiou
caiulle. Tlio wick of the cniullo shoiiKl he kept rather short (hut not
8o as to weaken the flame), and it should ho turned Hliglitly to the
left, or away from the point of the l)lowpipe, the stream of air being
blown along its surfaces A lamp Ham*;, or i,hat of coal gas, however,
gives a hi^dlor temperature, and is in many respects prefer.ible. The
upper part of the wick-holder (or jot, if gas be used) should be of a
rectangular or fattened oblong form, with its surfacf; sloping towards
the left at a sHght angh'.* Kitliei' good oil, or, better, a mixture of
about 1 i>art of spirit of turpentine, or benzine, with 6 parts of strong
alcohol, may be used with the lamp. If the latter mixture be used,
equal volumes of the two ingredients must be first well shaken up
together, and then the rest of the alcohol added. If tlio wick crust
rapidly, the turpentine will be in excess, in which case another volume
of alcohol may be added to th<; mixture.
The best form of portable lamp, however, is a flat, shallow, circula:
or oval, metallic box, fed l»y solid paratHne. The lamp u.sed by the
author is a little over half-an-inch deep, and about an inch and a half
in diametei', stamped out of a solid piece of tinned iron. The wick-
holder is I detached piece of brass vabiug, nealy half an inch in
diameter and a little higher than the dej th of the box. The bottom
is scalloped or kuotched slightly. This carries a .short, thick wick,
wliich gives an excellant flame and is very durable. Most of the
paratHne blowpipe-lamps are made too deep, and do not draw well.
When in use the lamp is placed upon the edge of the blowj)ipe-ca.se,
or on a small block of wood or other object, so as to be raiseci
sufficiently above the test-sul)stance ; and after use, but whilst still
hot, it is refilled by slicing into it a piece of parafiine, or dropping
into it some cuttings from a common paraffine candle.
*A convenient fl.iine for blowpipe use is that of a .small ISiinsen burner into which is
■dropi)ed a narrow tu')e (soniewhut longer than the tube of the burner, and with sloped anil
flattened upper surface), to cut off the sup|i1>' of air and produce a luminous flame. This acces-
sory tube is of course to be removed when bull)-tubes or solutions are heated, or when a sub-
stance is ignited without the aid of the blowpipe.
12
nr.OWI'll'K PKACTICK.
, I
HLOWPIPK OPKIIATIONS.
Tlio followiiijj an) hotiio of the more gt'jmriil o|H'iiiti()iiH n'(|iiinil iit
l)l()w|)i|K' |»nictio<i. Tlu) studiMit slioiild inastt'r tlinii lli()n)u;,'lily,
before! att<.Mn|)ting to (Miipluy tlio l)lovv|>i|)e iii tlio (^\alllinatioll or
arialvHiH of minorals. A t'o.w adtUtional o|tonitioiiH of Hpttcial eiiiploy-
inent aro rofmrod to in a HiiltHoqiuuit Hcction.
(1) IViK Fmion Trial. — \\\ order to aHcortain tlio relative fiiHiliility
of a Hiilwtance, wo oliip oH' a aiiiail particle, by the liainmer or cutting
j)lierH, and (ixposo it, eitliei- in tlio platinnni-tipped forcoph or on oliar-
coal, to the point of tlio blno tlanio (Fijj. 7, above). If tlu! HubHtanco
be easily reduced to niotal, or if it contain arseiiic, it must be sup-
ported on charcoal (in a snuill cavity made by the knifepoint tor its
reception*, as substances of this kind attack platinnin,* I'.i other
cases, a thin and sharply-pointed splinter may V)e taken up by tho
forceps, and exposed for about half-a-minute to the action of the flame.
It ought not to exceed, in any case, the size of a small carraway seed —
and if smaller than this, so much the better. If fusible, its point or
edge (or on charcoal, the entire mass) will become rounded into a bead
or globule in the course of ten or twenty seconds. Ditficultly fusible
substances become vitrified only on the surface, or rounded on the
extreme edges ; wliilst infusible bodies, though often changing colour,
or exhibiting other reactions, preserve the shaipness of their point and
edges intact.
The more cliaracteristic j)henomena exhibited by mineral bodies
when exposed to this treatment, are enumerated in the following
table : f
(a) The test-fragment may "decrepitate " or fly to pieces. Example, moat
specimens of galena. In this case, a larger fragment must be heated in a test-
tube over a small spirit-lamp, and after decrepitation has taken place, one of
the resulting fragments can be exposed to the blowpipe-flame as directed above.
Decrepitation may sometimes be prevented if the operator expose the test-
fragment cautiously and gradually to the full action of the flame.
"Ill order to prevent any risk of injury to the platinum forceps, it Is advisable (even if not
strictly necessary in all cases) to use charcoal an a support for bodies of a metallic asjteot, as
well as for those which exhibit a distinctly coloured streak or hijrh specific gravity.
tUlowpipe operations, as described in this section, are not intended to serve as a course of
analysis Merely a few examples, therefore, are given in illustration of their effects. For plan
of Analysis, see § 7.
, . ffii
OPEHATIONS.
13
t
(/») The tfdt-frft^inenti may cliiingu colour (with or without fiirint?) nml liuoomu
nttrat'tiil)!)' )>>' a innKiict lvxaiii|iU>, carbouato of iron. 'I'hiH Iiucoiiich lii'Ht red,
then lilnck, ami iittraitH tlir rna^jiiet, hiit dot-H not timo. Iron pyritfH, on tlio
other hand, heconiett Ittauk and magnetic, hut fiiHCH aUo.
('■) Thu tuHtfragnient may colour the Harno. TIiuh, must copper and nil
thallium compounds impart a rich green colour to the Maine ; coinpoiindH in
which tellurium or antiin<<ny ix prcHent, aUo thoHu containing haryta, and
many phoHphateH and liorateH, with inolyhdateH and the mineral tnolyhdonilu,
colour the tlame pale i;rccii ; Mulphur, Hclcniiiin, lead, ai'Henic, and chloride of
copper colour the liame Idiie of <lillcreiit degrccH of intensity ; coinpoumlH con-
taining Htrontia aiul lithia impart a crimson colour to the tlame ; Home imu
compounds impart to it a pale red colour ; sodium coinpoundB, a deep yellow
colour ; and potassium compounds, a violet tint.
((/) The test-fragment may l>ec(mio caustic. Kxample, calcic carl.'onate. The
carhonic acid is huriied olF, and caustic lime romainu. This restores the blue
colour of reddened litmus paper.
(i) The teat-fragment may take Hre and burn. Kxample, native sulphur,
ciniiaimr, common bituminous coal, &c.
(/) The test-fragment may be volatilized or dissipated in fumes, either wholly
or partially, and with or without an accompanying od(mr. Thus, grav .*ntimony
ore volatilizes with dense white fumes ; arsenical pyrites volatilizes in part, with
a strong odour of garlic ; common iron pyrites yields an odour of brimstctne ;
and 80 forth, hi nuiny cases the volatilized matter becomes in great part
deposited in an oxidi.ied condition on the charcoal. Autimonial minerals form
a white deposit or incrustation of this kind. Zinc compounds, a deposit which
is lemon-yellow whilst hot, and white when cold. Lead and bismuth are indi-
cated by sulphur-yellow or orange-yollow deposits. Cadmium by a, reddish
brown incrustation.
(7) The test-fragment may fuse, cither wholly, or only at the point and edges,
and the fusion may take place (juietly, or with bubbling, and with or without a
previous "intumescence" or expansion of the fragment into a caulitiower-like
mass. Most of the so-called zeolites, for example (minerals abunilaut in trai)
rocks), swell or curl up on exposure to the blowpipe, and then fuse (juietly ;
but some ; as prehnite, melt with more or less bubbling.
(/«) The test-fragment may remain unchanged. Example, quartz, and various
other infusible minerals.
(2) Treatment in the Flask or Ihdh-Tiihe {The Water Test). — Minerals
are frequently subjected to a kind of distillatory process by ignition
in .small glass tubes cloned at one end. These tubes are of two general
kinds. One kind has the form of a small flask, and is commonly known
as a '* bulb-tube." Where it cannot be procured, a small-sized test-
tube may supply its place. It is used piincipally in testing minerals
for water. Many minerals contain a considerable amount of water, or
14
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
if
U ;l:
the elements of water, in some unknown physiciil condition. Gypsum,
for example, yields nearly 2 1 |>er cent, of water. As the presence of
this substance is very easily ascertained, the water test is frequently
resorted to, in practice, for the formation of determinative groups, or
separation of hydrous from anliydrous minerals. The operation is
thus preformed. The glass is tirst warmeil gently over the Hame of
a small spirit-lamp to ensure the absence of moisture, and is then set
aside for a few moment.'! to cool. This effected, a piece of the sub-
stance under examination, of about the size of a small pea, is i»liiced
in it, an»l ignited over the spirit-lamp — as.
shewn in the annexed figure — the tube
being lield in a slightly inclined position.
If water be present in the mineral, a thin
tilm, condensing rapidly into little drops,
will be depositetl on the neck or upper part
of the tube. As soon as the moisture
begins to shew itsolf, the tube must be
brought into a more or less hoiizontal
position, othei'wise a fracture may be
occasioned by the water flowing down and
coming in contact with the hot part of th&
glass. The neutral, acid, or alkaline con-
dition of the water, can be determined by slips of blue and red litmus
l)aper. A mineral may also be examined for water, though less con-
veniently, by ignition before the blowpipe-flame in a piece of o\)cn
tubing, as shewn in Fig.
10. To prevent the tube
softening or melting a sti i|>
of platinum foil may \)e
folded around it where the
test-fragment rests. The
•■'itf. !"• latter is pushed into its
place by a thin iron wire. The moisture condenses on each side of
the t'lst-matter.
(3) Treatment in Closed Tubes, proper.— In addition to the flask or
bulb-tube, small jueces of narrow glass tubing— closed, and sometimes
drawn out to a point, at or.e extremity — are frequently used in the
examination of mineral bodies. The substance is ignited (either o'^ne.
FiK'. 9.
M
OPERATIONS.
1»
or mixed with drv sodium carl>omito or other Hux) at the closed
eiul of the tube. After the inswtion of the test-siilistauce, the upper
part of the tube must be cleanetl by a piece of .soft paper twisted round
an iron wire, or V»y the feather end of a <iuill pen, «tc. ; but tliis .vill
not be necessary if the substance be inserted by means of a narrow
slij) of glazed paper, folded lengthwise. A characteristic sublimate
is produced in many cases by ignition of bodies in tubes of this kind.
The operation serves especially for the detection of mercury and
arseiiic. (Se's § G).
(4) Boastiriff. — The principal object of this process is the eliminatioa
of sulphur, ai'senic, and certain other volatile botlie.s, from the mineral
under examination, as these bodies prevent the reduction of many
substiinces to the metidlic state, and also mask, to some extent, their
other characteristic reactions. By roasting, the substance is not only
;; deprived of sulphur, »fec., l)ut i* also converted in the majority of
'; instances into an oxidized condition. The operation is most readily
performed as follows. A small fragment of the mineral is reduceii to
powder. Some of this, made into a paste by moistening with a drop
of water, is spread over the surface of a block of charcoal, or, better,
iHm over a small i)iece of porcelain, resulting, for example, from a bioken
^* evaporating dish or thin crucible. It is then ignited before the point
of an oxidating flame (Fig. 7), the heat being kept low, at first, to
prevent fusion. It is sometimes necessary to remove the igniteil paste
to the mortar, and to grind it upjigain and icnew the operation.
When the roasting is terminated, tlie powder will present a didl
earthy aspect, and cease to omit fumes or odour. It is then ready
for Operations 7 and 8, described below. By reducing the i?ubstance
to powder before roasting, the risk of decrepitation and fusion is pie-
vented, and the process itself is more etiiciently preforme<l.
(5) I'veatment inOpen Tube. —
Roasting is sometimes eflTected in
a piece of open giiuss tubing, as in
Fig. 11, the test object being placed
near one end of the tube, whilst the
tube itself is held in an inclinetl
position. For the better retention
of the substance, the tube may be
•■''f- ^1- softened at this end in the flame
16
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
I ,1
! iiil!"
of the spirit-lamp, and then bent into a slight elbow. Sulplvr
eliminated from bodies by this treatment, is converted into sul-
phurous acid (a compound of sulphur and oxygen, the latter taken
up from the atmospheie) ; and aisenic forms arsenious acid, which
deposits itself in the shape of numerous microscopic octahedrons on
the cool sides of the glass near the upper part of the tube,* Sulphurous
acid in escaping from the open end of the tube is easily recognized
by its odour (identical with that emitted by an ignited match), as well
as by its property of changing the blue colour of a slip of moistened
litnuis pa))er to red. Antimonial compounds form a dense white
uncrystalline sublimate.
(6) Treatment loith Nitrate of Cobalt. — This operation is requii-ed in
si)ecial cases only. It serves for the detection of alumina, magnesia,
oxide of zinc, and some few other substances ; but it is not applicable
to deeply coloured or easily fusible bodies, nor to such as possess a
niPtallic lustre or coloured streak. A fragment of the substance,
under treatment, is reduced by the hammer and anvil, and afterwards
by the use of the agate mortar, to a fine powder. This is moistened
with a drop of the cobalt solution (nitrate of cobalt dissolved in water),
and the resulting paste is strongly ignited on charcoal by being held
about an inch before the point of the Hame, fusion being carefully
avoided. Thus treated, alumina assumes on cooling a fine blue
colour; magnesia (and the comparatively rare tantalic acid), a flesh-red
tint; baryta, a dull brownish-red colour; oxide of zinc, binoxide of tin,
antimonv oxides, a green colour. With other substances a grey,
bluish-guy, brownish-black, or other indefinite coloration is produced,
unless fufiion takes place, in which case a glass may be obtained,
colourt I blue by the dissolved oxide of cobalt.
(7) Formation of Ghisaes on Platinum Wire or Charcoal. — This
oj)eration is one of constant utility in the determination of the constitu-
ents of minerals. The glasses in question are formed by the fusion of
small portions of boiax, phosphor-salt, or sodium carbonate : the latter
reagent, however, l)eing only occasionally used. Most substances dis-
solve in one or the other of these fluxes before the blowpipe, and many
communicate peculiar colours to the glass, by which the nature of the
test-matter is made known. If the matter to be tested contain sulphur
*To otitain wfU detiticd crystals, the operator nuiat ifiiiili' the test-substaiice very j,'eiitly. If
the heat be too stronif, metallic arsenic may also he «lei>osite(i. Skb §6. (19).
OFERATIONif.
17
Sulplvr
into sul-
;er taken
d, which
drons on
ilphurous
ecognized
i), as well
noistened
ise white
(quired in
magnesia,
applicable
possess a
jubstante,
fter wards
moistened
in water),
»eing held
carefully
fine blue
flesh-red
e of tin,
a grey,
)roduced,
obtained,
a?.— This
constitu-
fusiou of
the latter
vnces dis-
md many
e of the
\ sulphur
iri
y ij;eiitly. If
or arsenic, it should be roasted before being subjected to the action of
these fluxes. Metals and metallic alloys, as well as metallic oxides,
chlorides, «fec., of very easy reduction, must be examined on charcoal,
but in otiier cases it is more convenient to employ a piece of platinum
wire as a support. One end of the wire may be inserted into a cork
or special handle, or, if the wire be from 2i to 3 inches in length, it
may be held in the naked fingers, as platinum conducts heat very
slowly. The other end is bent into a small loop or ear. This, when
borax or phosphor-salt is used, is ignited by the blowpipe-flame, and
plunged into the flux, the adhering portion of the latter being then
fused into a glass. If a suflicient portion to fill the loop be not taken
up at first, the process must be repeated. With beginners, the fused
glass is often brownish or discoloured by smoke, but it may be rendered
clear and transparent by being kept in ignition for a few moments before
the extreme point of the flame, the carbonaceous matter becoming
oxidized and expelled by this treatment. When sodium carbonate is
used, a small portion of the flux must be moistened and kneaded in
the palm of the left hand, by a knife-point or a small 5i)atula, into a
slightly cohering paste, which is placed on the loop of the wire, and
fused into a bead. Whilst hot, the soda bead is transparent, but it
becomes oi)aque on cooling. The portion of test-matter added to a
glass or bead, formed by the.se reagents, must be exceedingly small,
otherwise the glass may become so deeply coloured as to appear quite
black. In this case, the colour may be ol).served by pinching the bead
flat between a pair of forceps, before it has time to cool. It is always
aflvisable, however, in the fii*st instance, to take up merely a minute
particle or two of the test-substance, and then to add more if no char-
acteristic reaction be obtained. The glass, in all cases, must be
examined first before an oxidating flame, and its colour observed both
whilst the lux is hot and when it has become cold ; and, secondly, it
must be kept for a somewhat longer interval in a good reducing flame
(Fig. 8), and its appearance noted as before.* With certain sub-
stances (lime, magnesia, »fec.,) the borax and phosphor-salt glasses
become milky and opaque when saturated, or when subjected to the
intermittent action of the flame — the latter being urged upon them
in short puffs, or the glass being moved slowly in and out of the
flame — a process technically known as flaming.
* The colour of the glass ought not, of course, to be examined by the traimnitted li(jht of the
lamp or candle tlnnie. Strictly, it should be observed by daylight.
3
18
BLOWPIPE PBACTICE.
The colours, &c., coniinunicated to these glasses by the more com-
monly occurring constituent bodies, are shewn in the annexed tabular
view.
BORAX.
Colo\ir o( Head after exposure
to ail Oxidatini^ Flame.
Violet or amethystiue
Violet-brown (whilst hot). .
Clear-brown (when cold) . . .
Blue (very intense)
Green (whilst hot)
Blue or greenish-blue (cold) . .
Green or bluish-green
Green (dark)
Yellowish or reddish (hot) . .
Yellowish-green (\\hen cold).
Yellow (whilst hot)
Greenish-yellow (cold)
Yellowish or reddish
Yellowish or reddish
Enamelled by flaming
Yellow (whilst hot)
Pale yellowish (cold)
Enamelled by flaming
Yellow (hot)
Colourless (cold)
Enamelled by flaming
Yellow (hot)
Colourless (cold)
Enamelled by flaming
Yellow (hot)
Colourless or yellowish (cold)
Grayish and opa(iue by flaming
Coiiipouiids of :-
.Manganese
Nickel
Cobalt
}- Copper <
. . Cobalt + Iron
1 Copper -I- N ickel )
/ Copper -f- Iron . . )
y Chromium
Colour of f?cad after exposure
to a lU'diiciiiK: Klaiiio.
J Colourless, if (juickly cooled.
( Violet-red, if slowly cooled.
Vanadium
. Iron
Uranium . .
...{
Cerium
i
Yellow or yellowish-red (hot)
Yellowish or colourless, and
often opaline, when cold . .
/ j-itamum ^
Tnngstenum . .
Molybdenum . .
Lead
Bismuth ,
I Silver '
Antimony . . .
Yellowish (hot)
Colourless (cold) ,. . .
Opuque-white when saturated
Colourle88(permanentlyclear)
Slowly dissolved
SeeunderPhosph 'r-salt, below
lo
Cadmium
) Aluminium
> Silicon
n'in
I
. . (^ray and op!i<(ue.
. . Blue (very deep).
More or less colourless whilst
hot ; brownish-red ik opaijue
on cooling.
Creen or bluish-green.
Brownish-red, opaijue, on
cooling.
Emerald-green,
Brownish (whilst hot).
Emera'd-green (when cold).
Bottle-greeu.
.Green (black by flaming).
Colourless or yellowish.
Opjique-white, if saturated.
Yellow or yellowish-brown.
Enamelled light-blue by flam-
ing.
See under Phosp.-salt, below..
Yellow or yellowish-brown.
Enamelled by flaming.
Sue under Phosphor-salt, below
Brown or gray, semi-opaijue,
often with separation of black
specks.
See under Phosphor-salt, below
Gray and opacjue on cooling ;
but after coutinutd subjec-
tion to the flame, the glass
becomes clear : the reduced
metallic particles either col-
lecting together or volatil-
izing.
Colourless — the reduced metal
being volatilized.
Colourless : permanently clear.
(Tin compounds dissolve in
small quantity only. On char-
coal, they become reduced to
metal, especially if a little
carb. sodium be added to th&
glass).
OPEKATIONS.
19
lore coin-
jd tab>ilar
>r cNposiire
Kliuno.
ukly cooled,
wly cooled.
iless whilst
d <k opmiue
Colour of lii'iid [iftcr fxpoMure
to an Oxidatitij; Klaine.
een.
aiiue,
on
lot).
hen cold).
laming).
)\visli.
saturated.
sh-brown.
lie by Hum-
salt, below..
ish-brown.
ning.
-salt, below
nii-opatiue,
ition of black
)r-salt, below
ou cooling ;
iut:l subjec-
the glass
the reduced
either col-
volatil-
le,
or
jduced metal
nently clear.
dissolve in
ly. Onchar-
le reduced to
if a little
added to the
(Jolourless. Whf n saturated,
oi)a(|iie-\vliite on cooling or
by flaming
C.'oiii|)cmti(l8 of : —
Zinc
Tantalum
Zirconium . . . .
(ilucinum .
Yttrium, &c. . .
Thorium
Magnesium. . .
Calcium
Strontium . . . ,
Barium
Lithium
Natrium ... .
I Kalium
Colour of Head after expoHure
to a Ri'duciiiR Klatni'.
Colourless. When saturated,
opatiue-white on cooling or
by naming.
See Reaotions, § 5.
IMlOSI'UORSAI/r.
The glasses produced by the fusion of constituent bodies with this reagent
arc for the greater part identical with those obtained by the use of borax,
although somewhat less deeply coloured as a gcmeral rule. The principal
exceptions are the glasses formed in a reducing (lame with compounds of
molybdenum, tuuLstenum, and titanium, respectively. The molybdenum
glass presents, Avhen cold, a fine green colour, and the tungstenum glass
becomes greenish-blue. If the latter contain iron, the colour of the glass is
changetl to blood-red or brownish-red. Titanium in the presence of iron gives
a similar reaction ; but when free from iron, the glivss is yellf)W whilst hot, and
violet-coloured when cold. Phosphor-salt is an important reagent for the
detection of silica in silicates, as the silica remains for the greater part undis-
solved in the glass, in the form of a translucent Hocculent mass, technically
known as a "silica skeleton," the associated constituents being gradually
taken up by tlie flux. A small amount of silica is also generally dissolved,
but this is precipitated as the bead cools, rendering it semi-transparent or
opaline. Phosphor-salt is likewise employed for the detection of chlorides, &c.
(See under Hkactions, § 6). In other respects, it is especially adapted for fusions
on charcoal, as it docs not spread out like borax, but forms a globule on the
support.
SODIUM CARBONATE.
This reagent is principally used to promote the reduction of oxidized and
other bodies to ;he metallic state, as explained below, under that process.
It is also ©f very frequent emjiloyment as a test for sulphur in sulidiides and
sulphates. (See under Reactions, § C). It is rarely used, on the other
hand, for the formation of glasses on platinum wire, except as a test for the
presence of manganese ; although, when employed in this manner, it serves to
distinguish salts of the alkalies, and those of strontia and baryta, from all
other salts : the alkalies, with baryta and strontia, dissolving completely and
rapidly in the bead, whereas lime, magnesia, alumina, and other bases, remain
unattacked. M anganese compounds form by oxidizing fusion with this reagent
a green glass, which becomes blue or bluish-green and opaque on cooling. A
very minute amount of manganese may be thus detected. The delicacy of the
test is increased by the addition of a small (quantity of nitre, as this promotes
•I,
Ml
, 1,1
20
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
th'}[
:;:<;■
oxidation ; and if the substance contain much hine, magnesia, iron oxides, or
other bodies more or less insolul)le in sodium carbonate, it is advisable to add a
little borax to the test-mixture. The blue or bluish-green bead thus produced,
is technically known as a "turquoise enamel." Chromium compounds produce
a somewhat similar reaction ; but if the bead be sat">'ated with silica or boracic
acid, it will remain green in the latter case ; while if the green colour result
from the presence of manganese, a violet or amethystine glass will ))e obtaijied.
Some other applications of sodium carbt)nute as a blowpijie reiigent will be
found under the head of Keaction.s, § G.
(8) Redtiction. — Tliis term denotes the process by which an oxidized
or other compound is converted into the metallic state. Some com-
pounds become reduced by simj)le ignition ; others require for their
reihiction the addition of certain reagents ; and some, again, resist
reduction altogether. The reduced mental is in some cases so higlily
volatile that it cannot be obtained except by a kind of distillatory
process. In other cases, one or more fusible globules, or a number
of minute infusible grains, are obtained in blowpipe operations.
Reducible metals may be thus distributed into three groups, as shewn
(with omission of a few metals of rare occurrence) in the annexed
table : —
A. Yiehlinij metallic ijlohules, — Gold, silver, copper, tin, lead, bismuth,
antimony.
B Yh'ldbifj Infusible metallic grains. — Platinum, iron, nickel, cobalt, molyl)-
denum, tungstenum.
C. Yielding metallic vaj)onrs onl<j, when treated on charcoal. — Mercury,
arsenic, cadmium, zinc.
A metal of the first grouj) may be obtained, unless present in very
small quantity, by a simple fusion of the previously roasted test-sub-
stance, with some sodium carbonate, on charcoal, in a good I'educing
flame (Fig. 8, above). In ordinary cases, metallic globules are rapidly
produced by this treatment. By a little management the globules
may be brought together, so as to form a single large globule. This
must be tested on the anvil as regards its relative malleability,* Ac.
Gold, silver, copper, tin and lead are malleable ; bismuth and anti-
mony, more or less brittle. Gold and silver (if pure) retain a bright
* To test the relative malleability of a metallic globule as obtained by the blowpipe, the
globule must be placed on a small steel anvil, and a strip of thin paper (held down t)y the fore-
finger and thumb of the left hand) being placed over it to prevent dispersion, it is struck once
or twice by a light hannner. Thus treated, malleable globules become flattened into discs,
whilst brittle globules break into jwwder.
%
OPERATIONS.
21
I oxides, or
)le to add a
8 i)r()duced,
ids produce
a or boracic
jlour result
>e obtained.
ent will be
,n oxidized
Some coin-
e for their
[ain, resist
3 so highly
distillatory
a n\imber
operations.
3, as .shewn
le annexed
d, bismuth,
bait, molyb-
— Mercury,
ent in very
3d test-sub-
d reducing
are vapidly
le globules
tule. This
bility,* «fec.
and anti-
in a in-ight
blowpipe, the
wii l).v the fore-
t is 8tru('k once
tied into discs.
surface after subjection to an oxidizing flame. Copper becomes
covered with a black film, and tin with a white crrst. Lead and
bismuth volatilize more or less readily, and deposit en the charcoal
a yellow coating of oxide. Antimony is rapidly volatilized with de-
position of a dense white incrustation on the charcoal. It is not, of
coui'se, always necessaiy to subject tlie test-substance to a previous
roasting (Operation 4, above), but it is always safer to do so. Sul-
phur in most, and arsenic in all cases, must be driven off by this
preliminary treatment before the actual process of reduction is
attempted.
When the metal to be reduced belongs to the second group, or if
the amount of a fusible metal in the test-substance be leas than 4 or
5 per cent., the operation is ])erformed as follows : A small jiortion
of the substance in powder — subjected previously to the roasting pro-
cess, if it contain sulphur or arsenic — is mixed witli 3 or 4 volumes
of .sodium carbonate (or neutral o.xalate of |)otassium, or a mixture of
about erpial parts of sodium carbonate and cyanide of potassium — the
latter, it must be remembered, a highly poi.sonous substance), and the
mixture is exposed on charcoal to a good reducing flame, until all the
alkaline salt has become absorbed. More flux is then added, and
the o[»eration is rejieated until the whole or the greater part of the
test-uuittev is also absorbed. This effected, the charcoal, where the
assay rested, is removed by a sharp knife-point, and carefully groiuid
to powder in a small agate mortar or porcelain capsule, whilst a fine
stream of water is projected upon it from tinui to time, until all the
carbonaceous and other non-metallic particles are gradually washed
away. For tliis pnrj)OH0, the mortar or capsule may be placed in the
centre of an ordinary plate ; and if the operator be not provided with
a chemical washing-bottle, he may use a small syringe, or, in place jf
this, a simple piece of glass tubing, five or six inches in length and
about the fourth of an inch in diameter, drawn out at one cud to a
point. This is filled by suction, and the water is expelled, with the
neoessary force by blowing down the tube. The metallic grains or
spiingles obtaiut'd by this process must be exanjined by the magnet.
Those of iron, nickel and cobalt are magnetic. Sometimes, however,
when but a trace or very small percentage of reducible metal is con-
tained in the test-substance, its j»resence is only indicated by a few
metallic streaks on the sides and bottom of the mortar. Metallic
markings of this kind can be moved by a piece of pumice.
55
BLOWPIPK PRACTICE.
! ' §
Metallic com poii nils retBi-abie to the third group, yield no metal on
charcoal, or l>y other treatment in open contact with tlie atiuoHi)here.
Tlie presence of arsenic, however, in easily made known by the gurlic-
like odour evolved during fusion with reducing agents (or alon3) on
charcoal. Cadmium and zinc may also be recognized by the oxidized
sublimiites which they deposit on the charcoal. The cadmium sub-
limate is ieddisli-b"own : the zinc sublimate, lemon-yellow and phos-
phorescent whilst hot, and white when cold. Mercury forms no
incrustation on charcoal ; but its presence in any compound may be.
determined by reduction with sodium carbonate or iron-fillings in a
glass tube of narrow diameter. A small test-tube or piece of glass
tubing closed at one end before the blowpipe, may be used for the
experiment. The test-substance, in powdei-, mixed with 3 or 4 vols,
of dry sodium carbonate, is inserted into the tube by means of a
narrow strip of glazed writing-) )aper bent into the form of a trough,
so as to prevent the sides of the glass from being soiled, and the
mixture is strongly ignited by the spirit-lamp or by the blowpipe-
flame. If mercury be [)resent, a gray metallic sublimate will be
formed near the upper part of the tube. By friction with an iron
wire, or narrow strip of wood, &c., the sublimate may be brought
into the form of fluid globules, which cun be j)Oured out of the tube,
and are then easily recognized as metallic mercury.
(9) Cupellation. — Gold and silver are separated by this ])roce3s from
other metals. The test-metal is fused with several times its weight
of pure lead. The button, thus obtained, is exposed to an oxidating
fusion on a porous support of V)oneash, known as a cupel. The lead
and other so-called base metals become oxidized by this treatment, and
are partly volatilized, and partly absorbed by the boneash, a globule
of gold or silver (or the two combined) being finally left on the sur-
face of the cupel. For blowpipe operations, cupels are generally
made by pressing a small quiintity of dry boneash into a circular
iron mould, the latter being fixed, when presented to the flame, in a
special support consisting essentially of a wooden foot and pillar,
supporting a wire stem, with three or four short cross-wires at the
top, between which the cupel-mould rests. Instruments of this kind
cannot be obtained in remote places, but the process may be performed
equally well by pressing some dry boneash into a suitable cavity
fashioned at the extremity of a cylindi-ical piece of pumice or well-
OPKRATIONS.
23
baktMl clay, or even cliaicoal. The smooth eml of the agate pestle,
or a ghiSH button ceiuent»'tl to a cork, or the rouiuleil end of a ghisa
stopper, may he used for this purpose. Tlie ciii)el, thus formed, must
then be exposed foi- a few moments to the point of tlio blowpipe-flame,
so as to render the boneash perfectly dry ; au»l if its surface becDine
blistered or be in any way affected dy this drying process, it must be
rendered smooth again by pressure with the pestle. The substance
to be cupelled must be in the metallic state ; if not in this condition,
therefore, it must tirst be subjected to the reducing operation described
above. The piece of test-metal, which may weigh about a couple of
grains (or from TOO to 150 milligrammes) is wrapped in a piece of
j>uro lead-foil of at least four times its weight, and the whole is
exposed, on the surface of the cupel, to the extreme )ioint of a clear
oxidating' flame. If the substance consist of argentiferous lead, aa
obtained from galena, tfec, the addition of the lead-foil is of course
uimec(issary.* As soon as fusion takes place, the cupel must be
moved somewhat farther from the tlame, .so as to allow merely the
outer envelope of the latter, or the warm air which surrounds this,
to play over the surface of the globule. By this treatment, the lead
will become gradually converted into a fusible and crystalline slag.
Wlum this collects in large quantity, the position of the cupel must
be slightly altered, so as to cause the globule to flow towards its edge,
the surface of the lead being thus ke])t free for continued oxidation.
When the globule becomes reduced to about a fourth or fifth of its
original bulk, the process is discontinued, and the cupel is set aside to
cool.f This is the tirst or concentration stage of the process. Another
cupel is then pre|)ared and dried; and the concentrated globule — after
■ In refluciiii,'- jfaleiia, with a view to test the lead for silver liy cuiiellation, the reduction
niav lie eoiiveniently perfonned .as follows: a small portion of the jralena, crushed to powder,
is liiixed with ahout twice its volume of so<liuni carhfiiiate, to which a little borax has been added.
This is made into a paste by the moistened knife-blade, and a short piece of thin iron wire is
stuck through it, and the whole is then placed in a charcoal cavity, and exposed for a couple
of minutes to the action of a reducin',' flame. By a little inaiiaKement, the niiiuite iflolmles of
lead which first result can easily be nuule to run into a sinj,'le srlobule. The iron serves to take
uj) the sulphur from the (falena. When the fused mass is sutticiently cool, it is cut out by a
shari)knife-i)oint, and flattened (under a strip of paper) on the anvil. The disc of reduced
lead, thus separated, is then ready for cupellation. See also, under silver, 8(5. In the case of
ordinary ores or niattei's suspected to contain ),'old or silver, the roaste<l test-substance nuist be
mixed with ahout an eiiual quantity of either litharj^e or f;ranulated lead and a sufficient amount
of flux, and then fused in a charcoal cavity. The lead takes up any f;old or silver that may be
in the assay -matter, and tliese metals are set free by subsequent cupellation as described above
tin many cases this is not strictly necessary, as the cupellation may often be effected withon
interruption on the same cupel.
.#
34
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
'.)
; II:
.'. Ji
i w
!l''i
I n
careful sepHrHtion from the slag in which it is imbedded — is jiluced
on this new cui)el, and again subjected to the oxidizing influence of
the flame. During this second part of the process, the flame iw made
rather to play on the surface of the cupel around the lead button than
on the button itself, a complete absorption of the oxidized lead being
thus eflectcd. The flame should be sharp and flnely-pointed, and
urged down on the cupel at an angle of forty or forty-tive degrees.
Finally, if the test-metal contain gold or silver, a sudden flash or
gleam will be emitted at the close of the oj)eratioi;, and a minute
globule of one (or both) of these metals will be left on the surface of
the boneash. By concentrating several portions of a test-substance,
nieJting the concentrated globules together, again concentrating, and
finally completing the cupellation, as small an amount as half an ounce
of gold or silver in a ton of ore — or in round numbers, about one
part in sixty Hiousand — may be readily detected V)y the blowpipe.*
During cupellation, the process sometimes becomes suddenly arrested.
This may arise from the t smperature being too low, in which cast; the
point of the blue flame must be brought for an instant on the suii'uce
of the globule, until complete fusion again ensue. Or, the hindrance
may arise from the boneash becoming saturated, when a fresh cupel
must be taken. Or, it may be occasioned, especially if much copper or
nickel be present, by an insufficient quantity of lead. In this latter
case, a piece of pure lead must bo placed in contact with the globule,
and the two fused together ; the cupel being then moved backward
fi'om the flame, and the oxidating process again established.
( 10) Fusion with Reagents in Platinum Spoon, — This operation
is only required in certain si)ecial cases, as in the examination of a
substance susjiected to be a tungstate or molybdate, or in searching
for the presence of titanic acid, Ac. The substance, in fine powder,
is mixed with three or four parts of the reagent (sodium carbonate or
potassium bisulphate, ifec), and the mixture, in successive portions, is
fused in a small platinum spoon. As a rule, the flame may be made to
injpinge upon the bottom of the spoon ; and the operation is teriui-
■^ A Cupellation bead may appear from its pure white colour to consist of silver only, and
may yet contain a notable .nmount of \io\(\. A white bead, therefore, should be flattened into
a disc, and fused with some potassium bisulphate in a small platinum spoon. By this treatment,
the silver is removed from the surface of the disc, and the latter, if gold be present, assumes
yellow colour. If the metal l)e again fused into a globule, the white colour is restored.
•is pliicej
fluencH of
e iu inmie
tton than
Bad being
nted, HI 1(1
3 (legieeH.
1 flash Of
a minute
surface of
mb.stance,
titing, and
F an ounce
iibout one
)wi»i])e.*
y arrested.
1 case the
lie suil'iice
hindrance
resh cupel
coi)per or
this latter
e globule,
backward
operation
atioii of a
searching
■e powder,
bonate or
ortions. is
)e made to
ia termi-
ner only, and
lattened into
his treatment,
nt, assumes
;oretl.
REACTIONS. 85
nuted when bubbles cease to bo given off and the mixture enters into
Kiif. 1.;.
quiet fusion. During tlie operation the spoon is held in the spiing-
forceps (Fig. 12), the points of which remain in close contact when
the sitles are not subjected to i)ressure. The fusion accomplished, the
spoon is dropped, bottom upwards, into
a small porcelain capsule (Fig. 13) pio-
vided with a handle. Some distilled
water is then added and brought to the
boiling point over the spirit-lamp. The
kik- 13 fused muss (juickly separates from the
spoon, and it can then be crushed to powder and again warmed until
solution, or partial s )lution, takes place. When the undissolved mat-
ters have settled, the clear supernatant liipiid is decanted carefully
into another capsuh; (or into a test tube) for further treatment. (See
experiments 7 and S, in j; 7, beyond).
§6.
BLOWPIPE REACTIONS.
In this section, the leading reactions of the more important
elementary bodies and chemical groups are passed rapidly under
review. Bodies of exceptional occurrence as mineral components —
or such of these, at least, as cannot be i)rojierly detectid by the blow-
pipe — are omitted from consideration.* The other elementary sub-
stances are taken in the oi'der shown in the following index :
"For full details resjiectinsf the blowpipe reactions of inorjfanie bo<lies (generally, the following
works may be especially consulted : 1. The old work by Berzelius, " I>ie Anwendiint; rtes
Li ithrohrs, " etc. ; translation of the 4th edition, by J. U. Whitney; Uoslon, 184.'). 2. " Han<l-
bncli der Analytischen Chemie, " von Heinrich Hose, (ith edition, by K. Kinkener : F-eijisiy,
\>'\. ;t. Plattner's " Probirkunst mit dem Luthrohr " '>th edition, by Itichter, 1878. Aniericun
translation of 4th edition, by H. B. Cornwall : Xew York, IST.'i. 4. "" rntersuchunjfcn mit dem
I.iitlirohr, " by Dr. H. Hartmann : Leipsi^, 1862. '). " Luthrohr-Tabellen, " by Dr. .1. Hirsch-
wald ; Leipsitf aud Ileidelberia:, 1875. ti. " Manual of Determinative .Mineralogy and Blowpipe
Analysis,'' by Georjfe ,f. Brush: -ind edition, 1878. 7. " I.eitfaden bei (pial. und (|uan. I.cith-
rohr-l'ntersuchunxen, " von Bruno Kerl, 2iid edition, Clausthal, 1877. I.andauer's Blowiiipe
Analysis, 18i)'2. F'or the determination of minerals, the far-renowned " Tafeln " of Von Kobell
(in addition to the work of Prof. Brush, essentially constructed on that of Von Kobell, although
with much ampliflcation and addition of new' matter) may be especially consulted. The
" .\nleitunit,' zum Bestimmeii der .Mineralien," of Dr. Kuchs,"is also a very serviceable little
Book : and some useful tables are triven at the end of E. 8. Dana's excellent " Text Book of
Mineralogy. " As rejfarils the Silicates, the Clacis der Silicnte (18C4) by the late Dr. L. H. Fischer
contains many original observations, and will be tound a valuable yaiide.
96
ni.OWl'll'K I'llAPTtCR.
i4|
h
1 1
I. Xon-metalliK. liotilen. — I, ()xy;(»Mi ; 2, Hy<liof,'on ; 3, Sulphur;
4, Selenium ; 5, Nitrogen ; 0, Chlorine ; 7, Ihoniino ; S, lotlinc ; i),
Fluorino; 10, PlioHphoruM ; 11, Boron ; 12, Curhon ; 13, Silicon.
II. Unox'ulhahlii Metah. — \\, Pl.itinuni ; If), UoKl ; 16, Silver.
III. Volalilizabh- Mftals.—M, Tellurium ; IS. Antimony; ll>.
Arsenic ; 20 OHinium : 21, Mercury ; 22, I'lismuth ; 23 Lead ; 24,
Thallium ; 2r), Cadmium ; 2(), Zinc; 27, Tin.
IV. Flux-col ourhuj nipJuU — 28, Copper ; 29, Nickel ; 30, Cohalt ;
31, Iron ; 32, Tun;,'Htenum ; 33, Molybdenum; 34, Manganese; 35,
(thromium; 3G, Vanadium ; 37, ITranium ; 38, Cerium ; 3U, Titanium.
V. Achroic Mctnls. — (40, Tantalum ); 41, Aluminium; 42, Clu-
cinum ; 43, Zirconium ; 44, Yttrium ; 45, Magnesium.
VI. Ffame-culouriuy MpIuIx. — 46, Calci.iin : 47, Strontium ; 4S,
JBarium ; 49, Lithium; 50, Sodium; 51, Kalium ; 52, Ammonium.
I. — NON-METALLIC nODIES.
(1) Oxjfijen. — Although this element occurs so ahundantly as a
constituent of mineral bodies, its presence, as a rule, can only be
inferred by negative evidence. If a substance be neither one of the
few known simple bodies of natural occurence, as golil, carbon, kc,
nor a sulphide, selenide, arsenide, chloride, itc, it may be regai-ded
with tolerable certainty as an o.xidized body. And if, farther, its
examination shew that it is not an oxygen-salt, i.e., a sul|)hate, car-
bonate, silicate, or the like, we can then only infer that it must be a
simple oxide, either electro-negative or basic in character.
All non-oxidized bodies attackable by nitric acid, decompose the
latter in taking oxygen from it, and thus cause the evolution of ruddy
nitroiis fumes ; but this decomposition is also effected by certain
oxides in passing into a higher state of oxidation, as by Cu-0, for
exam{)le.
Some few , todies, as binoxide of manganese, nitrates, chlorates,
'bichromates, »ikc., give off oxygen on strong ignition. If the-se be
ignited (in not too small a quantity) in a test-tube containing at its
upper part a charred and feebly glowing match-stem, the latter, as
the evolved oxygen I'eaches it, will glow more vividly. These bodies,
also, if fused with borax or phosplior-salt, dissolve with strong ebulli-
tion ; but carbonates pi-oduce the same reaction.
HEACTfONS.
87
Hdlphur ;
Iodine ; *J,
licoii.
Silver.
lony ; l\)<
Lead ; 24,
0, Colmlt ;
meso ; 35,
Titaiiiuin.
; 42, CJlu-
iium ; 48,
iiiuoniuin.
ntly KH a
■U only lie
one of the
irboii, ikc,
! regarded
irtlier, its
|)hate, car-
must be a
iipose the
\ of ruddy
jy certain
Cu^l, for
chlorates,
these be
ing at its
latter, as
»se bodies,
mg ebuUi-
#
:si.
(2) Hyilroijfn — 'Phis oleinont, apart from its occurenco in bitumen
and other hvdro-carltonacoouH Hubstanci^H, in only present in oxidized
minerals. Krom tliese, it is evolved, with o.xy^en, in the form of
water, durint,' the ignition of tlio substance. (See Operation 2, § ').)
{\\) Sulphur. — Ocfiirs in tlie free state, as " native uulphiir ;" also
con)bin(>d with metals in sulphides and siil|>hur-salts ; and in eomltiiia-
tion with o.vygi'ii as SO', in the large group of sulphates. Native
sulphur is readily inHainable, burning with 1)1 ue flame, and vola-
tilizing (with till" well known odoin' of burning brimstone) in the
form of sulphurous acid SO-'. Metallic sulphides and siilphur-salts
(especially if previijuslv reducfij to powder and moistened into a
paste), when roasted in an open tuiie of not too nnrow diameter-
give oft' the same compound (SO-), easily recognized by its odour, and
by its action on ,i slip of moistened litmus paper placed at the top of
the tube, the paper becoming reddened by the acid fumes. In very
narrow (as in closed) tubes, part of the evolved sulphur may escape
oxidation, and may de| .)sit itself on the inside of tlie tulx' near the
te.st-substance. The sublimate, thus foinied, is distinctly red whilst
hot, and yellow on cooling. Fron» many arsenical and antimonial
sulphides also, a coloured sublimate of this kind, but consisting of
As'S'', or 2Sl>'-'S'-f-SlrO', vtc, may be deposited in nariow tubes,
especially if the tube be held more or less horizontally.
Suli)hides of all kinds, if fused on charcoal with sodium carbonate (or
better with soilium carbonate mixed with a little borax) readily form
an alkaline sulphide or " hepar. " This smells, when moistened, more
or less strongly of sulphuretted hydrogen, and imparts u dark stain to
a sih er coin or to paper previously steeped in a solution of lead acetate.
A glazed visiting card may lie used as a substitute for the latter. Tlie
stain is removed from the silver surface by friction with moistened
boneasli .
Sulphates fused with sodium carbonate and a little borax (the borax
in the case of earthy sulphates greatly assisting the solvent power of
of the flux) pi'oduce the same reaction. This reaction is of course
produced also by sulphites (which do not occur, however, as minerals),
and by bodies wliich contain selenium or tellurium in any form.
Sul))hites, trt^ated with hydrochloric acid, evolve sulphurous acid,
easily recognized by its smell and its action on litmus paper ; and, in
■fcU.-:.^,^^^.^^
iia
28
BLOWPIPK TKACTICE.
I
u
acid solutions, they yield no pri'cipitute with chloride of bariiuu
Sulphates, on the other hand, emit no odour of SC wlicn treatetl with
hydrochloric acid ; and chloridt^ of barium ])roduces an insoluble
precipitate in their acid or other solutions. Boilies containing
selenium, are distinguished from sulphur compounds by the strong
odour, resembling that of "cabbage-water," which they evolve on
Ignition.
The efficacy of the sulphur-test is imperilled however by two
causes: (1), the ditticulty, in many places, of i)rocuring sodium car-
bonate perfectly free from traces of sulphates ; ami (2), the very fre-
quent presence of sulphur in the flame, where gas is used in blow-
pipe operations. The first defect may be remedied (if the soilium
carbonate, employed alone, produce the reaction) by substituting, as
proposed by Plattner, potfissium oxalate for i.he test, as that salt is
generally pure and free from sulphates ; and the flame of a cautUe,
or an oil or spirit-flame, ma}' be useil in thi.s experiment when thfr
gas flaiue is fouiul by trial with pure fluxes to give the reaction.
Sulphides of natural occurrence aro tlistinguished from most
sulphati's, by emitting sulphurous acid (or, scrictly, by emitting
sulphur vapour which combines with atmospheric oxygen ami forms
sulj)hurous acid) on ignition ; although in the case of certain sulphides,
(blende, nuilybdcn'te. itc. ) a i^frong reaction is only produced by the
ignition of the substance in powiler. Most natural sulphides, also,
present a metallic aspect ; or otherwise are highly inflammable
(orpinient, cinnabar, itc); or yield a strongly coloured streak. Ligiit-
coloured varieties of zinc blemle are the only exception. On the other
hand, no sulphate possesses a metallic aspect; ami, in all. the streak
is either colourless or verv liglitlv tin.ed.
(4) Si'h'niion. — Met with only, as an essential component, in a few
minerals of very rare occurrence, but occasionally replaces a minute
portion of the sulphur in galena and other sulphides. Volatilises
with blue flame and emission of stiong odour of ilecomposing vegetable
matter or "cabbage water," by which its })resence is easily recognized.
All selenides emit this odour on ignition, and form a "hepar" (as iu
the case of sulphur and tellurium) by fusion with sodium carbonate.
This, when moistened, imparts a dark stain to the surface of a silver
coin. In the oihju tube, selenides form near the assay-matter a dark
steel-gray deposit, and, fartlier off, a red coating.
PKACTIONS.
29
if barium
Oil ted with
insoluble
containing
;1k' strong
evolve on
•V by two
Kliuni oiir-
(? very tVe-
il in blow-
lio sotliiini
itutiny;. us
hut salt is
a eaiuUe,
when the-
;tion.
foni most
r emitting
iiml forms
sulphides,
ed by the
ides, also,
tiammablo
Ligiit-
the otiier
the streak
t, in a few
a minute
Volatilises
vegetable
eoognizt'd.
ar " (as iu
.•arbonate.
)f a silver
ter a dark
(5) yitro(fen. — Found only, lus regards niir.ei-als proper, in an
oxidized condition (Xi'-O') in nitrates. These are soluble or sub ,
soluble in water ; a..d they deflagrate when ignited on charcoal or in
contact with other caibonaceous bodies. Heated with a few drops of
sulphuric acid (or fused with jHJtiussium bisulphate) in a test-tube,
nitrates evolve also ruvldy fumes of nitrons acid ; and many nitrates,
moistened witli sulphuric acid, impart a dull green colomtion to the
fhiine luirder.
(I)) Cfi/oriiie. — Oecnra, among minerals, in combination with
various bases, forming the group of chlorides. In these, its presence
is very easily recognized by the bright azure- blue eoloiiition of the
tlame-border which originates during the fusion of a chloride with
a bead of phosphor-salt coloured by oxide of copper. The fusion may
be performed on a loo]> of platinum wire, the })ho.s])hor-salt being tiist
fused with some black oxide of copper into a somewhat deeply
coloured glass, and the t?st-substance, in the form of ]>owder, being
then added. Or the fusion may be matle on a thin copper-wire with
plios])her-salt alone, the .d of the wire being cut oil' after each
exptMiment. By this treatment, chlorides become decomposed, ami
chloride of coi)per is formed. The latter conipoimd rapidly volatilizes,
and imparts a i-emarkably vivid bright-blue colour to the flame. The
coloration soon pas.ses, but can, of coursi , be reneweil by the add f\on
of fresh test-matter to the bead. Care must be taken to use pure
phosphor-salt, as that reagent, unless carefully made, is fretpuMitly
found to contain ti-aces of ch' iride of sodium. Many other chlorides
nlso volatilize more or le.st, readily on strong ignition : NUH^l, KCl,
NaCl ; and chlorides ot Hg. Sb, Bi ; Pb, Cd, Sn. Zn, i\:c., arc ex-
amples.
Oxidised chlorine-co>i>pounds do not occiv as minerals, but it may
be stated that chlorates produce the same flame-reaction as chlorides,
when fusetl with phosphor-salt ai\d copper oxide. All chlorates,
however, detonate like nitrate-., only mon> violently, when ignited in
contact with carbonaceous botlies ; and they turn yellow, decirpitate,
and emit greenish fumes when wanned with a few drops of sulphuric
acid (or fused with potassium bisulphatt^) in a test-tul)e. The fumes
smell strongly of chlorine, and bleach moisteneil litnnis paper. Most
chlorides, when thus treated with sulphuric acid, eflervesce and give
otV white fumes of hydrochloric acid.
30
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
ii
(7) Bromine. — Only known, among minerals, in some rare silver
bromides. Its blowpipe reactions closely resemble these of chlorine,
but the flame-coloration of bromide of copper is a bright-blue with
green streaks and edges. A small sharjdy-pointed tlame is required
to shew the reaction properly ; and care must be taken not to add
the test-matter to the cupreous phosphor-salt bead until all traces of
the green coloration, arising from the oxide of copper, have disap-
peared. Heated in a test-tube with sulphuric acid (or fu-t.'d with large
excess of potassium bisulphate), most bromides yield brownish or
yellowish-red, strongly smelling vapouis of bromine. Bromates pro-
duce the same reaction, but this is accompanied by sharp decrepitation;
and when fused on charcoal they detonate more or less violently. (See
Appendix, No. 20).
(8) Iodine. — In nature, iodine occurs only in one or two rare
minerals, compounds of iodine and silver, or iodine, silver, and
mercury. In these, as well as in all artificial iodides, its presence may
be recognized by the vivid green coloration imparted to the flame
during fusion with a cupreous phosphor-salt beau, The test-matter
must not be added to the bead unhil the copper oxitle is completely
dissolved in the latter, and all traces of green (commiuiicated by the
CuO) have disapi)eared from the flame. Iodides, also, when warmed
with a few drops of sulphuric acid (or fused with exces8>of potassium
bisulphate) in a test-tube, evolve strongly smelling violet-coloured
vapours, which imi)art a deep blue stain to matters containing starch.
A strip of luo" "tened tape or starched cotton may be held at the top
of the tube. lodates exhibit the same reactions, but deflagrate when
ignited with carbonaceous bodies. (See Appendix, No. 20).
(9) Fluorine. — This element, as an essential component of minerals,
occurs in combination w'th calcium and other bases, forming the
various fluorides. It is also largely pi-esent in topaz, prolmbly in
combination with silicon and aluminium ; and it occurs, ti;('U,;;h in
smaller proportion, in chondrodite, and as an accidental oi. in. ?- atial
component in many other silicates. Its presence is reveaL^d in
ordinary fluorides by warming the substance in powder, with a few
drops of sulphuric acid (or fusing it with potassium bisulphate) in a
test-tube, when stifling fumes, which strongly corrode the inside of I he
glass, are given off. The potassium bisulphate should be fused first
and the test-matter then added. The conosion is to be looki'd i'oi:
REACTIONS.
ai
rare silver
3f clilorine,
>blue witli
is required
not to add
II traces of
lave disap-
with large
[•owuLsh or
Hiiates pro-
repitation ;
utly. ( See
' two rare
silver, and
esence may
I the tlaine
test-matter
comi)letely
ited by the
eii warmed
)Otassiiim
et- coloured
ling starch.
it the top
t.rate when
minerals,
rniing the
;'!'.i.i!)ly ia
i,<.ii...;h in
i. o iitial
eaL^'l in.
ith a lew
late'; in a
side of the
'used Hist
ooki'il foi:
immediately above the assay-mixture. It is best observed alter the
tube has been washed out and thoroughly dried. Or, the trial may
be made in a platinum crucible covered with a glass plate: on washing
the test-tube or glass, and drying it, the corrosion is rendered visible.
When fluorine is ))rese.nt in very small quantity in a substance, it
is f'eueraliy driven off the more readily, often l)y the mere ignition of
the substiince (either alone, or with previously fused phosphor-salt) at
one end of an open narrow tube — the Hame being directed into the
tube, so as to decompose the test-matter and drive the expelled gases
before it. A slip of moistened Brazil-wood paper, placed at tiie
mouth of the tube, is rendered yellow. Many silicates which contiiin.
only traces of fluorine lose their polish when strongly ignited per se
in the form of a small splinter ; but in certain Huo-silicates, as topaz,
in which fluorine is largely present, the fluorine-reaction is not readily
manifested. The best method of detecting it is to fuse the assay-
matter in flne powder with a fused bead of phosphor-salt on a lunit
slip of platinum foil inserted into one end of a piece of open tube
whilst the flame is driven strongly up the latter.
(10) Phosphorus. — Occurs, in minerals, in an oxidized condition
only, i.Ts., as phosphoric acid (or anhydride) in the gi-oup of phosphates.*
It is assunifd to lie in this coinlition siiii|ily heoause pliosi)hcUi.'9 ^ivo tlie known rouctioiis
nf i)hos])liorio iiciil or phosphoric aiihydriiU-, .ilthougli thusi' inactions may, of course, he
iiiodifie'l to some extent hy the presence of otlier hodies. In hke maimer, when iron is present
in an oxidized hody, we assume that it is present in the condition of KeO if the suhstance ;rive
the known reactions of that conii)oun<l, ami increase in weitflit on ijfiiition ; and that it is
present .as Ke-O* if the reactions of sesquioxide of iron lie ;riven by the suhstance. As to the
actual ciimiiliiins, either physical or chemical, of bodies in combination, we know absolutely
nothinir, but we /mi/'f a certain knowled)^e of the secondary components of most bodies. We
are able to examine these components apart, and to form more complex bodies by their union.
Thus, from a piece of limestone or calcite we can obtain two well known compounds, lime and
carbonic .acid (or carbon dioxide); an<I with these compoumls we can readily proiluce
limestone or its e(iuivalent. Hence, the simi>lest and most practically useful way of statinjr,
either verbally or by symbols, the composition of limestone and other mineral bmlies, is surely
that which makes known to us at once the components into which the body readily splits up
or decomposes, or which char.acterize it directly by their reactions. In all commercial analyses
this method is neces.sarily followed. It is adhered to therefore in the i)re.sent handtirxik. It
may lie urtred that a formula of the kind represented by C'aO, Co- asserts too iimch, an<l that
consequently the more modern Ca C'O.j is pref"rable. Hut rightly considered, the old foninilie
need not be assuuied to make any assertion ' rej.jai'din;,' the actual condition of bodies in
combination, hut only to indicate clearly the well know n simple <'ompounds into which (in the
ure.it majority of cases) substances may be more or less readily decomposed, and the reactions
which substances exhibit. As a strict matter of fact, moreover, the new fornnilie are not free
from assertion. They carry upon their face, at least, a seeming assertion that the elemetitary
•iwlies in compounds are pres'JUt in an absolutely free, separate an<t independent state ; or that
jnknown problematical compounds, asC(».,, Si(>,, 8i(),, .Sit>„, etc., etc., are present in the
substances to which these fornmlie refer. To take another illustration. A student h.-vs two.
"Ml
•I'l!
f.
32
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
.4
i
As first ))ointed out by Fuclis, these bodies, when moistened with
sulphuric acid, impart a distinct green coloration to the flame-border
and many produce this reaction per se. A closely similar coloration,
however, is communicated to the flame by borates (when moistened
with sulphuric acid), as well as by bod'os containing barium, copper,
<fec. It only serves, therefore, as a pi-obable indication of the pi'esence
of phosphoi'ic acid. The readiest and most certain method of detect-
ing the latter, is to boil oi' warm the powdered substance in a test tube
with a few drops of nitric acid, and after half-filling the tube with
distilled water, to drop into it a small fragment of ammonium
molybdate. In the jiresence of phosphoric acid, this will turn yellow
immediately, especially if the sc'ution be warmed, and a canary-
yellow precijutate (soluble in ammonia) will rapidly form. All
natural phosphates, with the exception of the rare phosphate of yttria,
xenotime, are dissolved or readily attacked by nitric acid ; and
xenotime, if in fine powder, is generally attacked sufficiently to yield
the reaction. Phosphates may also be decomposed by fusion, in fine
powder, with three or four parts of sodium carbonate in a platinum
spoon or loop of platinum wire. An alkaline phosphate, soluble in
water, is formed by this trea ment — with xenotime as with other
phosphates — and the solution, rendered acid, may then be tested by
ammonium molybdate. Or it may be rendered neutral by a drop of
acetic or very dilute nitric acid, and tested with a fragment of nitrate
of silver, in which case a carary-yellow precipitate will a'so be pro-
duced. Or it may be tested l)y adding to it a small fragment or two
of acetate of lead, and fusing the resulting precipitate on charcoal.
On cooling, the surface of the fused bead shoots into crystalline facets.
niiiiei'als before hiiu : one he finds to lie the well known mineral, eoruiuluni, a?id coiisequently
Al'O' (alumina); and the second he finds to he or<linary quartz, and conse(|uently SiO''' (silica)
according' to the commonly received formula. He has also before him a third mineral, one
that (fives the reactions of alumina and silica, and yields these separate bodies or. analysis^
Naturally, therefore, he writes the formula (assuming the two components to be in ev-jiial atomic
proportions) Al'O*, SiO-. But, to his bewilderment he finds it given in modern bnoks as
AUSiOj. Practically, we do not want to know how much aluminium, silicon and oxygen, are
present in a hotly of this kind, but how nuich alumina and silica ; and the first formula shews
us this, or enables us to determine it at once. Were only simple elements and their complex
combinations known to us, the new views, carrieti out properly to their full conception, might
pass without opposition : but the question becomes entirely altered by the occurrence of simple
binary compounds so abundantly in the free state. In mineral analysis, and in the practical
study of minerals, it is not possible to ignore these binary formuUo without great inconsistency.
Among other works, they are retained essentially, in the standard and very copious " Hand-
worterbuch der Chemie," now being published, since the death of Dr. Von Fehling, under the
editorship of some of the most able chemiste of Germany. See also Von Kobell's remarks on this
subject in the 6th edition of his " Mineralogie :" 1878.
REACTIONS.
33
3ned with
iie-bcirder
coloi-ation,
inoistoned
m, copper,
e presence
of detect -
a test tube
tube with
iinmonium
urn yellow
a canary-
form. All
of yttria,
acid ; and
tly to yield
ion, in fine
a platinum
, soluble in
with other
e tested by
y a drop of
t of nitrate
so be j)ro-
lent or two
m charcoal,
ina facets.
consequently
y SiO'' (silica),
1 mineral, one
ies or. analysis _
in eo.iittl atomic
5(lcrn bnoks as
\<\ oxygen, are
formula shews
their complex
iception, mijfht
rence of simple
n the practical
t inconsistency,
ipious " Hand-
iling, under the
remarks on this
(11) Boron. — Present in nature in an oxidized condition only, as
boracic acid. This occurs: (I), in the hydrated state; (2), in combi-
nation with bases, in the group of borates ; and (3), in certain so-
■called Ijoro-silicates. Boracic acid (or anhydride) and many borates
and boro-silicates impart per se a green coloration to the flame-border,
and all produce this coloration if previously saturated with sulphuric
acid, more especially on the addition of a drop of glycerine, as first
made known by lies. In some few silicates, liowever, the reaction is
rvaicelv or only very feebly developed. But a somewhat similar
flame-coloiittion is produced by phosphates and certain other bodies.
For the proper detection of borates, therefore, the following long-
known method should be resorted to. The test-matter, in fine
powder, is .saturated with suli)huric acid, and allowed to stand for a
minute or two ; a small cpiantity of alcohol is then added, and the
mixture is stirred and inflamed.* Tiie presence of B'O^ — unless in
vcrv minute or accidental quantity — communicates to the point and
«ilges of the flame a peculiar green or yellowish-green colour, Phos-
phates colour the flame very feebly under this treatment, or manifest
no reaction.
(12) Carbon. — Occurs in the simi)le .state in the diamond and
grai)hite, and practically so in the purer kinds of anthracite ; also
combined with hydi'ogen, &c., in ordinary coals a 1 bituminous sub-
stances ; and in an oxidized condition, as carbonic acid (or anhydride)
in the grouj) of carbonates. Free (mineral) carbon is infusible and
very slowly combustible in the blo\vi)ipe-flame, a long continued
ignition being necessary to effect the complete combustion of even
minute splinters. Ignited with nitre, it deflagrates and is dissolved,
potassium carbonate resulting. With other blowpipe reagents it
exhibits no characteristic reactions. The presence of carbonic acid or
•carbon dioxide in carbonates is readily detected by the effervescence
which ensues during the fusion of a small particle of the test-substance
with a previously-fused bead of borax or phos|)hor-salt on platinum
•wive, CO" being expelled. All carbonates, even in comparatively large
fragments, dissolve readily under continued effervescence in these
fluxes. A mixture of calcic carbonate in silicates, sulphates, and
"With Tonnaline and some other " boro-silicutes " the previous'y fu ■ ■'. or ijfiiited mineral,
in fine powder, must be dij^fested slowly on a sand-bath with 8tron<f s\ilphuric acid until most
of the acid is expelled. The residuum, moistened with glycerine, or with alcohol, will then
generally give a green Haiue. Axiuite gives this flame per ge.
34
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
4
!
!'■;>'
)'
■ t
■i';:i;
■■1
m
■■A
I;
other bodies, may thus be easily recognized. (See Appendix, No. 19).
It should be remembered, however, that bodies which evolve oxygen
on ignition, produce also a strong effervescence by fusion with borax ;
bixt, with the excej)tion of binoxide of manganese, very few of these
bodies are of natural occurrence. As a confirmatory test, the suspected
carbonate may be warmed with a few drops of dilute hydrochloric
acid in a test-tube.*
(13) Silicon — This element occurs in nature only in an oxidized
condition, as Silica, SiO'-. Tl)e latter compound, in the form of
quartz and its varieties, is the most widely distributed of all min-
ei'als. In the various opals, it occurs in a colloid and mostly hydrated
condition ; and in combination with bases (esi)ecially with Al'-O'*,
Fe-'O^ CaO, MgO, FeO, Na'-O, and K-'O), it forms the large groups-
of silicates. In the simple state, silica is quita infusible in the
ordinary blowpipe-flame. With sodium carbonate it dissolves with
effervescence (due to the expulsion of CO- from the flux), and it forms
with that reagent, in proper proportions, as permanently clear glass —
i.e., a glass that remains clear on cooling. To obtain this, the flux
should be added little by little, until perfect fusion ensue : with too
much flux, the bead is opaque. Borax attracts silica very slowly, and
in phosphor-salt it is still more slowly attacked. A })ortion may be
taken up by the hot glass, but this is precipitated on cooling, and the
glass becomes opalescent. (See Ap))endix, No. 15), Silicates vary
greatly in their comportment before the blowpi[)e, the Aariation
depending chiefly on the relative proportions of silica and base, and on
the nature of the base. Many silicates are infusible ; others become
vitrifled on the thin edges; and others, again, melt more or less readily^
— most of the so-called zeolites (hydrated silicates of alumina, lime,
soda, uc, especially characteristic of trap rocks) — exhibiting the
phenomenon of intumescence. Silicates, as a rule, are very readily
detected by their comportment with phosphor-salt : the bases are
gradually taken up, whilst the silica remains for the greater jnirt
undissolved, forming a "silica-skeleton." This is seen as a diaphanous,
flocculent mass (of the shape and size of the test-fragment) in the
centre of the hot bed. A small portion of the silica, or in one or two
exceptional cases the greater part of it, may be dissolved with tlie
" If only n inoinentar.v effei'vesfeiife ensue from this treatment, the sul)stiince, in place of
lieiiiK a tarboiiate proper, will I'oiitaiii simplj' intermixed civ'.iute or other carbonate. This ic-
especially to he reiDemherecl by students inexperienced in mineral detenninatioiis.
REACTIONS.
35
K, No. 19).
Ive oxygen
ith borax ;
w of thesft
3 suspected
jftlrochloricr
n oxidized
e form of
)f all inin-
y hydrated
'ith Al-'O'',
rge groups-
ble in the
iolve.s with
nd it forms
ear glass —
is, the tlux
: with toa
dowly, and
ion may be
ig, and the
icates vary
) variation
ase, and on
jrs become
ess readily y
miua, lime,
biting the
ery readily
bases are
■eater i>art
iauhanous,
ent) in the
one or two
with tlie
loe, in place of
Dimte. This is.
bases, but this precipitates as the glass cools, and renders it senu-
translucent or opalescent. Practically, silicates are readily dis-
tinguished from phosphates, carbonates, sulphates, «fec., by these re-
actions with phosphor-salt : namely, very slow or partial solution,
and formation in most cases of a silica skeleton or opalescent glass.
The trial is best made on platinum wire, and the test-substance should
be ailded, if possible, in the form of a thin scale or splinter. (See
Appendix, No. 15).
II. — UNOXIDIZABLK METALS.
As regards their blowpipe reactions, the metals of this group fall
into two series: Infusible metals, com[)ri.sing platinum (with palladium,
kc); and Fusible metals, comi)i"ising gold and silver. Strictly, silver
absorbs a small amount of oxygen when fused in contact with the
atmosphere, but +he oxygen is evolved as the metal solidifies. It is
this which caus(3S cupelled silver to "spit" or throw out excrescences,
if the button be iillowed to cool too quickly. All the metals of this
group ({talladium slightly excepted, retain a bright surface when
exposed to the action of an oxidating flame.
(14) Platinum. — Occurs in the metallic state, alloyed with iridium,
and commonly with small (juantities of other metals, as with
arsenic in the lately discovered Sperrylite. Practically, infusible;
but the point of a wire of extreme tenuity may be rounded
in a well-sustained flame. Not attacked by the blowpipe fluxe.s.
(See Appendix : No. 21).
(15) Gold. — Occurs principally in the metallic state, alloyed with
variable proportions of silver. Also, but far less commonly, com-
bined with mercury in some vai'ieties of native amalgam, and with
tellurium in some rare tellurides. In the metallic condition, or p(!r-
haps as an arsenide or sulphide, it is present likewise as an accidental
component in many examples of arsenical pyrites, iron pyrites, coi)pt'r
pyrites, zinc blende, »fec., in the proportions of a pennyweight or two,
to several ounces, per ton. Fuses readily on charcoal before the
blowpij)e, and retains its bright surface in an oxidating flame. Not
attacked by the blowpipe fluxes. Separated from silver by fusion
with bisulphate of potash in a platinum spoon, the silver becoming
di-ssolved ; or (if the silver be not in too small a quantity) by dilute
nitric acid moderately warmed. In the latter treatment, the gold
sepai'aces as a dark mass or powder. This assumes a yellow colour and
30
BLOWPIPE PRACnCK.
i'f^:
«;«■
metallic lustre by compression with a glass rod or other hard body.
An alloy of goUI coiituining but little silver is merely blackened by
the acid. In this case it may be foUhsd in a small piece of pure sheet
lead with a piece of silver of al)out twice or three times its size, and
cui)elled before the blowpipe (Operation 9, § 5). The alloy is
then readily attacked l)y the acid, and the silver is dissolved out.
(See Appendix : No. 21).
(16) Silver. — This metal occurs in nature under various conditions :
principally in the simple state, as an amalgam with mercury, and as
a sulphide, sulphantinjonite, sulphaisenite, and chloride : less com-
monly as a .selenide, telluride, antimonide, sulpho-bismuthite, bromide
and iodide. Tt occurs also as an " accidental component " in many
varieties of iron pyrites, «kc., and in almost every example of galena.*
Metallic silver melts readily before the blowpipe, and the fused globule
retains a bright surface after exposure to an oxidating flame. In a
prolonged l)last a slight brownish-red sul)limate is deposited on the
charcoal, the sublimate being more distinctly red in the presence of
lead or antimony, l)ut in the latter case it is scarcely ob.servable until
these metals become lor the greater part volatilized. Silver oxide
becomes rapidly reduced on charcoal. It is dissolved by borax and
pho.sphor .salt, forming glasses which are indistinctly yellowish whilst
hot, and opaline or opafpie-white on cooling. Metallic silver is
attacked with similar results by these fluxes, and also by bisulphate
of i)otassium. In all ordinary cases the presence of silver in minerals
is best detected by leduction an<l cupellation with lead, as described
under Operations 8 and 9, in § o above. Or a kind of scoriti-
cation process may be employed, by mixing the unroasted ore (to
avoid loss of silver) with a little borax, and fusing it in a small
cylindrical case of pure lead-foil, made by folding a piece of foil
round the end of a common pencil, and flattening down the projecting
edge. The mixture is inserted into this little case by a folded slip
of glazed paper, or a small scoop of horn or thin brass. The upj)er
edges of the foil being then pressed or flattened down, the case with
its contents is sunk in a sutficiently deep charcoal-cavity, and exposed
for a few minutes, first to a reducing, then to an oxidating, and ohen
again to a reducing flame, until the rotating globule shews a clean,
bright surface. If the metallic button, after separation on the anvil
* For its detection in this mineral, see the foot note to Operation (!, in § 5.
REACTIONS.
37
lard body,
ckened by
pure sheet
s size, inul
alloy is
alved out.
onditious :
vy, and as
less coui-
i, bromide
iu many
)f galena.*
3d globule
me. In a
ed on the
resence of
able until
Iver oxide
jora.K and
ish whiKst
silver is
nsulphate
minerals
described
of scoriti-
[1 ore (to
a small
e of foil
)rojecting
)Ided slip
'he upj)er
case with
I exposed
md oh en
3 a clean,
the anvil
from accompanying slag, be too large to be cupelled in one operation,
it may be flattened out and cut into several pieces. Those can bo
concentrated on separate cupels, and then cupelled together as
described at page 23,
III. — VOLATILIZABLE METALS.
The metals of this group are characterized (tin excepted) by the
emission of more or less copious funu;s when ignited before the blow-
pipe. Tin becomes rapidly coated with a crust of oxide, and is only
.slightly volatile. In arsenic and osmium the evolved fumes are accom-
panied by a marked odour. Tellurium, antimony, arsenic, bismuth,
lead, thallium, cadmium and zinc, form characteristic sul)limates on
charcoal, and (cadmium and bi.smuth excepted) these metals impart
a marked coloration to the Hame-border. Tin forms only a slight
sublimate. Lead, thallium and tin give malleal)le globules; tellurium,
antimony and bismuth, l)iittle globules. The other metals of the
group volatilize without fusion, or without yielding metallic globules
on charcoal.
(17) Telbirium. — This metal is of raie occurrence. It is found
occasionally in the simple state, and also combined with gold, silvei',
lead, and other bases in the small grouj) of tclluridcs. The metal
fuses easily, volatilizes, tinges the flame green, and forms a white
deposit of TeO- on charcjal. In the open tube, TeO- is also dc[)osited
as a white coating, but this, when the flame is directed upcm it, melts
into small colourless drops, a character V)y which it is distinguished
from the sublimate formed by antimony and antimonial compounds.
Tellurides produce the same general reactions. The presence of
tellurium may also be recognized by fusing the test-matter with sodium
carbonate on charco:',!, cutting out the fused mass, and di.ssolving the
resulting alkaline telluride in hot water. The solution has a <lis-
tinct reddish-purpi^ colour. If the fu.sed mass be placed with a drop of
water on a silver coin a dark stain is produced, as in the case of
sulj)hur and selenium compounds, i^ purple (or redtli.sh) coloration
is also obtained by warming the test-substance, in powdisr, with
concentrated sulphuric acid. On dilution with water, the liquid
becomes dark and opacjue from separation of metallic tellurium in
small black flakes. These fall gradually on adtlition of water in
excess.
38
BLOWPIl'E PRACTICE.
I*!
Tf:,
I
hr-
(18) Antimony — Occurs in iiiiture (tho<igli rarely) in tho simple
state, and in one or two rare antimonideH, Also much more abundantly
in combination with sulpliur; and as a sidphur-acid in coinhination
with lend, copper, and other hases, in tlie somiiwhat extensive group
of 8uli)hantimonites. It also occurs in an oxidized condition, hut in
that state is comparatively raie. Tiie presence of antimony is
revealed in these minerals V)y the emission of copious white fumes,
with dcipusition of a white coutinj;^ on charcoal, and t,'reen coloration
of the flauie. The white coating if moistened with nitrate of cohalt,
and gejitly ij^nited, assumes on cooling a greenish colour. By treat-
ment in tho open tube, a dense M'hite, or grayish-white, uncrystalline
sublimate is jjroduced. This is soluble in tartaric acid. If a bead
of suli)hide of .sodium (obtained l)y tht^ fu.sion of .some sodium carbonate
witli a little liorax and some potassium bisulphate in a reducing flame
on charcoal^ be placed in the solution, an oiange-nvl precipitate (8b-'8'')
is produced. (See Appendix, No. 13). 8ulpliantimonites are par-
tially dissolved by a solution of caustic potash. Hydrochloric acid
throws down from the solution the same oiange-coloured precipitate
of Sb'-'8''. Antimonial oxides dissolve readily in borax and phosphor-
salt, forming beads which are slightly yellowish or colourless after
exjjosure to an oxidating dame, and grey, from reduced particles of
metal, svlien expo.sed to the R. F. Prolonged lilowing, however,
causes the metal to volatilize, and the glass becomes cl(?ai'. The
phosphor-salt bead treated with tin, becomes on cooling dark grey or
black, and (piite opacjue. This reaction is strikingly characteristic of
antimony and bismuth compounds.
(19) Arsenic — Occurs, more especially, under the following con-
ditiojis : In the simple metallic state (usually impure from the
presence of small quantities of Sb, Fe, Co, kc). In various arsenides,
combined chiefly with cobalt, nickel, and iron. In condjination witli
suljdiur, alone, and combined with bases (Ag, Cu, itc), forming a
small series of sulpharsenites. In combination with oxygen, as
arsenic acid, alone, and combined with CuO, NiO, and other bases
forming the various arseniates. In these conilitions its presence, as a
rule, is easily recognized by the strong odour of garlic evolved during
the ignition of the mineral on charcoal. This odour is not caused by
the production of As'-O'', but comes fi-om metallic arsenic or from the
metal in some low (unknown) state of oxidation. In substances of a
REACTIONS.
39
lio Hiniplo
liiindantly
luhinutioii
Hive group
311, hut in
tiiiiouy is
ito fiiinos,
coloration
of cobalt,
Ijv treut-
■rvstiilline
If a head
carl)onate
nng flanift
it('(Sl.-8'')
i ari' par-
loric acid
recipitate
jiliosphor-
less after
rticlcs of
however,
ir. The
ijroy or
nistic of
iiig con-
oni the
'senides,
ion witli
nuing a
gen, as
3r l)ases
ice, as a
during
ised by
om the
ces of a
non-metallic aspect, the odour is more strongly developed, if the test-
niittter he niixt-tl with sodium carbonate, Metj'.'.lic arsenic sublinieB,
without melting, in copious funics, whicli form a white or grayish
deposit on the charcoal. A clear blue tint is communicated at the
same time to the Uame-bonh-r. Similar fumes are also emitted (though
le!ss copiously) by most arsenides and sulphaisenites, as well as by
oxidized minerals, as the arsenic acid of the latter is readily reduced
on charcoal. Non-oxidized arsenical bodies when ignited in the open
tul)e (Operation 5, page 1.")), evolve arsenic, which bficomes oxidized
into ansenirnis acid As-'O', by the current of air passing up the tube •
and this compound is in great part deposited in the form of minute
crystals (octahedrons), a short distanci; above the test-matter. If the
tube be of veiy narrow diameter, however, or if it be held too hori-
zontally, or heated too quickly, a gray or black (h'posit of metallic
artscnic, or a yellow or red deposit of sulphide of ar.senic, may also be
fonned. The crystals, although very minute, can generally, from their
glittering facets, be recognized by the unaided eye, but a strong
niiignifying glass or small microscope is retpiired for their proper
oliscrvation. All arsenical bodies, either i)er se, or when mixed with
dry sodium carbonate, neutral potass, oxalate, or other reducing agcjuts,
and ignited in a narrow tube closed at onts end, form a dark shining
"mirror" on the inside of the neck of the tube. The reaction is
assisted in the case of oxidizad bodies which contain merely a small
amount of iirsenic, by placing a charted match or slip of charcoal in the
tube, above the assay-mixture, and igniting first tlie charcoal and then
the mixture, so as to drive the fumes over the charcoal. A dark metal-
lic ring is formed by this method, even if the test-substance contain only
truces of ansenic ; and if the charcoal be shaken out of the tube, held
against the side of the flame until ignited, and then brougl't quickly
under the nose, the presence of the slightest trace becomes revealed
l)y the characteristic, garlic-like odour which is then emitted.
Non-oxidized arsenical minerals possess a metallic, aspect, oi- in
default of this, are readily inflammable and show a brightly colored
streak. Ar.seniates, on the other hand, never ])resent a metallic
lustre, and none are inflammable. Many cupreous anseniates defla-
grate strongly when ignited on charcoal. Arsenic acid, A.s'0'' (both
alone, and in some arseniates), gives ofl" oxygen on strong ignition,
and becomes volatilized in the condition of As'^O". This compound
40
BLOWPIPE PHACTICE.
k
does not omit the gailicliko odour wlien ignitftd on a non-roducing:
suppui't ; l)ut on cliiiicoiil it Wcomes reduced, and the chunicteriHtio
arHeniotii odour is thus developed.
(20) Osmium, — This metal is of (piitc exceptional occurrence. It
is found in only one niincnil, Osmium-Iridiuin, and is thus often,
classed as a so-called "platinum metal;" but its general oharactera
and reactions give it a place near arsenic. Osmium-Iridium remains
unchanged before the blowpipe, unless the osmium greatly itrcpon-
derate (as in the variety known as sisserskitf?), in which case part of
the osmium is volatilized. All variotics when fused with nitre in
the closed tube or on charcoal, emit the penetrating disagieeable
odour of osmic acid. Osmium, it.self, volatilizes without fusing,
emitting necessarily the sam(! odour ; and in a finely divided state it
is inflammable. If volatilized in the pale tiame of alcohol, or that of
the Bunsen burner, it renders the flame highly luminous.
(21) Mercury. — Occurs sparingly in the simple state; in siher
and gold amalgams; and in certain selouiiles. More abundantly as-
a sulphide — Cinnabar, the only ore of mercury.* Sparingly, also, iu
some varieties of grey copper ox-e (tetrahedrite); and in combination
with chlorine, in native calomel. In these compounds, its presence
may be readily ascertained by mixing the tes' itter with souk?
sodium carbonate, iron Hlings, neutral pota.ss. o? or otlun" reduc-
ing substance, and igniting the mixture in a closed tube of narrow
diameter. The metal volatilizes in great part, and deposits itsiOf on.
the neck of the tube in the form of a d:uk grey sublimate. If tliis
be rubbed by an iron wire or thin glass-rod it runs into fluid globules
■which can bo poured out of the tube, and which are easily recognized
as metallic merciu-y. Without the reducing agent, many of these
mercurial compounds (cinnabai-, calomel, &ic.) sublime without or
with only partial decomposition. In the case of mercury iodide, etc.,
decomposition is not readily if at all effected excejjt by the use of
cyanide of j)ota.ssium. When mercury is present in traces only, a
piece of gold-leaf, twisted round an iron wire or glass rod, may Ije
inserted into the mouth of the flask. The gold is whitened by a
mere trace of the volatilized metal.
■Kod oclire is fre(|Ui'iitly mistaken hy explorers (or cinnabar. Ai)art from the hiKli sp. \iY.
of the latter, the two may be easily (listin(,aiishe(l by an ignited match. Held (in the form of a
small fragment) in the match flame, cinnabar takes fire and volatilizes ; red ochre blackens and
becomes niaKnetic.
RKACTIONS.
41
j-reducing,
racte fistic
•ence. It
IiUH often,
iilmractors-
I roiiiiiins
y prcpoii-
niti(! in
1
iagit'cal)le
.. t
it fu,sin<,%
d state it
f
or that of
m
in siher
m
uhmtly us-
' 'M
y, also, in
M
nbination
ril
presence-
^i
itli some
m
ler rediic-
m
)f narrow
W
itM;lf on.
:m
. If this
m
gk)liules
W
Bcogiiizetl
m
of thesp
m
thout or
1
lide. etc.,
1
e use of
M
i only, !i
m
may Vje
9
lod by a
J
le form of a
lackcii>< aiui
1
('2'2) liixmnth. Occurs in nature chietly in the simple uietailio
state. Found also, lait more sparini,dy, in comliiuation witii tollu-
rium, selenium, ami sulpliin-, and with bases in sulpho-bismuthites.
OccaHionaily, likewise, in an oxidized condition (Hi'-<)'') hh bismuth
ochre (commoidy mixed with somo carlM)nato of Itisnuith), and in a
single rare silicate, arseiiiato, and vaiiadiate. Metallic liismuth fuses
readilv, and gradually vohitilizes, depositing a (hirk yellow ring of
oxide on the charcoal. The latter volatilizes in tho inner ilame
without colouring tho flame-bor(h'r. Bismuth oxi«hi is at once
reduced and volatilized on charcoal. Ft dis.solves in sodi um carbonate
in an oxidating Hume, very readily, if a platinuni wire or other non-
reducing support bo used. The glass is yeillow or yellowish-brown
whilst hot, pahf yellow and opatpie when cold. In borax and ]ihos-
phor-salt, it dissolves also readily. Tho bora.x glass in the O. K. is
yellowish, hot ; and very pale yellow or white and opaline when
cold. In the R. F. tla^ glass becomes clear from separation of tho
reduced metal. The phosphor-.salt glass in the O. F may lie rend<'r(!d
milk-whito by llaming or saturation. In the It. F., with tin, it is
transparent whilst liot, and very dark-gray or black on cooling. In
this respect, the reaction resembles that produced by antimony. Tiie
presence of bismuth, in bodies -(>nerally, is detected by the dark-yellow
coating or ring-deposit formed on charcoal by the fusion or ignition of
the test-substance with sodium carbonate. This deposit is dis-
tinguishetl from that formetl by lead, by its deeper colour and by im-
parting no colour to the Hame. Also, l)y the black bead formed l»y it
(or by another portion of tho test-substance) with phos|)hor-salt and tin
in a reducing flame, as described above. The button of reduced bisimuth,
moreover, is brittle ; that of lead, malleable. These nuitals may also
be distinguished by the sublimates which they form when igniti'd on
charcoal with iodide of potassium, according to the method of Merz ;
or by fusion with a mixture of about equal parts of sidphur and
iodide of potassium, according to the more delicate proce.ss of Von
Kobell. With lead, the sublimate is lemon-ycillow, or in thin lay<'rs.
greenish-yellow; whilst with bismuth it presents a vivid scarlet colour,
or a ririg of this colour around the outer edge of a yellowish dtsposit.
When a very small amount of bismuth oxide is associated with excess
of lead oxide, Cornwall recommends a modidcation of the process,
as follows : the substance, mixed with about an equal quantity of a
mixture of five parts sulphur and one part iodide of {)OtHSsium, i.s.
42
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
ignited in a test-tube by the spirit-fl.iiue or Bunseu burner. Tlie
piesence of bisinutli is indicated by a scarlet or orange-coloured band,
wliich forms above the yellow sublimate occasioned by the lead.
(23) Lend — The occurrence of native lead is quite exceptional.
The met.d occurs most commonly as a sulphide (galena), and not
uiicomuionly as a sulphantimonite (and to some extent as a sulph-
arsenito). Also, fre([uontly in an oxidized condition, as a sulphate,
carbonate, phosphate and arseniate. Among rarer (natural) com-
pounds, it occurs as a sclenide, telluride, chloride, oxide, chromate,
vanadiate, tungstate, molybdate, antimoniate. The presence of lead
in bodies gcmerally is made known in blowpipe testing by the two
following charactei's : the formation of a yellow ring-deporsit on
charcoal, and the ready formation of a malleable metallic globule —
+hese reactions requiring, howevei", in some few cases, the assistance
of sodium carbonate* or othei- reducing tlux for their pro[)er
manifestation.* Lead oxide is immediately nnluced on -hareoal,
colouiing the flame light-blue. It dissolves reaiUly in the blowpipe
fluxes if the fusion Ije jjrcfonned on a non-reducing sup[)ort. Tiie
glasses, produced by an oxidating flame, are colourless or yellowish,
and become opaque by saturation or fl;'.ming. (See A]>pendix, No. O).
(24) Thallmm — This new metal is present to the amount of over
17 per cent, in the rare selenido Crookesite, otherwise it is only known
to occur (in very minute quantities) in certain examples of iron pyrites,
copper pyrites, zinc blende, native sulphur, and some few other
minerals. Its chief characteristic is its property of imparting a
brilliant green coloration to the Bunsen or blowpipe flame. In other
respects its reactions much resemble those of lead, but the oxidized
riiig-de[)Osit (best been on a i)orcelain supjjort or on the surface of a
boneash cupel) is lark brown. (See Appendix, No. 14). The
thallium spectrum consists essentially of a single vivid green line
near the position of the E. line of the solar spectrum.
(25) Cadmium. — As an es.sential component, this metal occurs
only in a rare sulphide, greenockite. It is pvesent, however, in small
quantity in many examples of zinc blende, and in certain varieties
of the carbonate and silicate of zinc. INIetallic cadmium, on charcoal
before the blowpipe, shrinks s-omewlntt together, blackens, takes tire
slightlv. and becomes volatilized in dense brown fumes. These
• III the presence of giilphur, more esiwcially, the reduction is facilitiiteil by the addition of
a (mall piece of iron wire, See note at foot of ynge 23.
REACTIONS.
43
ner. The ^
ireJ baml, k
lead.
iccoptioiial.
, and not
s a sulph-
sulpliate,
mil) com-
chromate, /|
ice of lead ,i
>y the two . f
leposit oil
glol)iile —
assistance
sir proper
•liai'coal,
B Itlowpipe
)oi't. Tiie
yellowisli,
ix, No. G).
lit of over
ily known
i)n pyrites,
few other
parti 11",' a
In oth'.r
9 oxidized
I'face of a
4). The
freeu line
;al occurs ^
-, in small ^S
varieties ^gm
1 charcoal ^H
takes tire ^H
H
luUUtion of ^^^B
deposit themselves in the form of a brownish-black and veddisli-
brown coatinjj (CdO) with a tinge of brownish-yellow towards the
outer edge. The deposit is at once reduced and dissipated by either
flame, without communicating any colour to the flame border. In
both the closed and open tul)e. if the latter be of narrow diameter, a
metallic sul)limate is formeil near tli»^ assay-matter, ami a dark-brown
sublimate, with yellowish edge, higher up the tube. Fused with
j)hosplior-.salt on charcoal, metallic cadmium (like metallic zinc) yives
rise as the bead cools to slight detonations and flashes of light.
Cadmium oxide on ;i non-reducing support is infusii)le, and remains
unvolatilized. With borax and phosphor-salt it forms colourless
beads which become milk-white and opa(|ue by saturation or flaming.
On ciiarcoal the oxide is rapidly reduced ami volatilized, l)ut yields
no metallic globule. The dark red-brown sublimate, formed on char-
coal or better on a ]>orceIain support by the fusion of a cadmiferous
substance with sodium c.irlionate, is the princijial blowpipe-reaction of
the metal. In the luesence of much zinc, the Idast must not be con-
tinued too long, otherwise the dark deposit of cadmium oxide,
formed before the deposition of the zinc oxide, may be obscured
by the latter. For the detection of cadmium in the j)re.sence of zinc
generally, see Ajipendix. No. 17.
(•JCt) /^inc. — Of (ioui'tful occurrence in the native state. Found
jirincipally as a sulphide, oxy-sulpliide, oxide, sulphate, carbonate,
silicate and aluminate. Metallic zinc, when ignited on charcoal,
burns vividly with transient flashes of gn'en, blue and greenish-white
flame, and throws off dense fumes which become oxidized and
deposited as a coating on the charcoal. This coating ZnO is jiale-
yellow and phosphorescent when hot, and white when cold. It is
not dri\en ofl' by the reducing tlame, unless the bla.st be long con-
tinued. If moistened with a drop or two of nitrate of cobalt, and
ignitt-d by ;i>. v,.;idating flame, it becomes of a light-green colour on
cooling. Zinc oxide forms with borax and phosphor-salt colourless
beads, which become milk-white and opatpie by .saturation or when
flamed. ]Metallic ziu". fused with a bead of phosphor-salt on I'har-
coal, detonates slightly and emits flashes of light afti'r removal from
the flame — a reaction flist noticed by Wiihler, and comlidered to arise
from the formation of a zinc phosphide.* It is manifested, however,
' I have trii'il, hut wiihoiit Micccs.i, fn makf this ri'iic^tioti iivuiliil)l(' for the (U'tcitioii of
lihosiilmtfs liv fiisiiiif tlu-e. in juiwdtT. witli liomiMi- acid, Imrux iiiid otluT roiitfi'iits, and thon
addin;; a piire of nulallic zinc (n tin- «!'>*"•■ The reaction, although HOiiit'timus prodiiccd liy
tliis troatmunt, is too unciitain to sine us a test.
44
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
not only by zinc but also by cadiniuni, aluiuinium and magnesium,
and to some extent by iron pyrites, arsenical pyritoa and several
other minerals ; but it is not produced by tin, lead or thallium. The
presence of zinc, in bodies, is best detected by fusing the substance,
in powder, with two or three parts of sodium carbonate iind a little
borax on a clean j)iece of charcoal. A characteristic ring-deposit
(lemon-yellow and phosphorescent, hot ; white, cold ; and green, on
cooling, after ignition with cobalt solution) is readily obtained as a
inile by this treatment. In the case of silicates (and indeed in all
cases)the deposition of this ring-coating is facilitated by tirst fusing the
test substance with 2)hosf)hor-salt, and then ciushing the saturated
bead on the anvil, and re-melting it with sodium carbonate on
charcoal.
(27) I'm. — Native tin is of doubtful occurrence, The metal of
commerce is obtained entirely from the binoxide, known in its
natural occurrence as Cixssiterite or tinstone. Tin occurs also, but
rarely, as a sul[)hide in tin pyrites; and the binoxide is present in
small quantities in tantalates generally, and in certain titaniates, sili-
cates and other compounds. Metallic tin melts easily, without colour-
ing the i!ame. Before the outer flame it rapidly oxidizes and gives off
slight fumes, which form a coating on the fused globule and on the
charcoal immediately ai'ound the latter. The coating is slightly
yellowish whilst hot, and white or greyish-white when cold, and it is
not driven off by the flame, but in a long continued blast it may
become reduced. When moistened with a drop of cobalt solution
and ignited, it becomes on cooling blueish-green. SnO and Sn-'O^
(neither of any interest, mineralogioally) burn on ignition, and
become converted into binoxide. The latter SnO-, is infusible l»y
the blowpipe, but on charcoal, in a well-sustained blast, it is reduced
to metal. The reduction is greatly facilitated by the addition of
sodium carbonate, neutral potassium oxalate, or a mixtui'e of sodium
carbonate and cj'anitlc! of potassium, the latter acting most rapiilly.
In borax, the binoxide is very slowly attacked and dissolved ; and
phosphor-salt acts upon it still more slowly. With both reagents the
glass remains clear when flamed. With sodium carbonate in the
outer flame, it forms, with effervescence, a grevish-white infusible
mass. In a good reducing flame (especially if a little borax be added
to promote fusibility) it yields leduced metal. As pointed out by
REACTIONS.
46
aijnesmm,
id several
mm. The
substance,
nd a little
ing-deposit
green, on
lined as a
eed in all
fusing the
saturated
bonate on
: metal of
\vn in its
I also, but
present in
niatos, sili-
out colour-
d gives off
md on the
slightly
1, and it is
ist it may
solution
md Su-0='
ition, and
isible by
is reduced
ddition of
of sodium
3t rapidly.
Ived ; and
agents the
ite in the
infusible
c be added
ed out by
Berz<^liu«, a small ])ortion of borax should always lie added to the
soiliuin carbonate in the examination of tantalates and infusible
bodi&s, geuiirally, for the presence of .in. A malleable, easily oxidiz-
al»le, metallic globule is then, as a rule, obtained without difficulty; but
when a trace only, or very small percentage of tin is present, the regular
reilucing proce.ss (explained on |)age 21) must be resorted to. A
button of metallic tin may be distinguished by its malleability, feeble
sul)limate and read}' oxidation, from other metallic globules as
obtained by the blowpipe. In nitric acid it becomes converted into
a white insoluble powder (SnO'-'), behaving in tliis respect like anti-
mony ; but the latter metal gives a brittle button, and also a copious
sublinuite or ring-deposit which volatilizes wholly or in chief part,
aiul communicates to the flame a greenish coloration. Fiom silver,
the tin globule is distingui.shed by its ready oxidation, and its con-
vei'sion into in,solul)le binoxide by nitric acid — silver, in that reagent,
dissolving rapidly. From lead and bismuth, it is distinguished also
by this acid reaction, and by the non-formation on charcoal of a
yellow sublimate. Wh(;n small pieces of tin and lead (or tin and
thallium, or tin and bismuth), are melted together, a remarkable
oxidation ensues. The fused ma.ss becomes rajiidly enciusted, and
continues after withdrawal from the tiame, to push out e.xcrescences
of wliite and yellow oxides. (See Appendix, No. 21.)
IV. — FLUX-COLOURING MKTALS.
The oxides of the metals of this group pos,sess, in common, the
property of communicating distinct and more or less characteristic
colours to borax and phosplior-.salt glasses belbi-e the blow-pipe. By
some, also, a colour is imparted to the sodium bead; but most of these
oxides are insoluble in sodium cai'l)onate. They fall into two leading
sections, as in the following arrangement : —
A. — Reducible from an oxidized or
other condition hi/ the blowpipe.
A*-. — Fusible, aud tlierefore obtaiued
by reiUiction in metallic glol)ules :
Copper.
A'^ — Infusible (practically), and
therefore obtained by reiluction in the
form of separate grains or scales :
t Magnetic :
Nickel. Cobalt. Iron.
tt Non-magnetic :
Tuugsteuum. Molybdenum.
B. — Ao< rediicibli' from an o.vidized
or other condition /ii/ the tdowjn/ie.
/i' — The borax-glass not rendered
i opju(ue by Haming.
I Manganese. Chronium. Vana-
dium.
B'^ — The borax-glass converted by
i Haming inco a dark or light enamel :
I Uranium. Cerium. Titanium.
■'■»i>»M
46
BLOWPIPE PRACnCET.
I
(28) Copper.-— This metal occurs frequently in the native state-.
Also as a base in numerous sulpliides, .;ud in certain arsenides,
selenides, sulpharsenites and sulphantimonites. In combination like-
wise with chlorine. Also in an oxidized condition as Cu-0 and CuO;
and in the latter form, as a base, very commonly in ai-seniates, phos-
phates and cai'bonates ; and less commonly as a sulphate, chromate,
vanadiate and silici-te. Metallic eopper, on cliarcoal, melts before the
blowpipe into a malleable globule, the surface of whicl), if exposed to
the outer flame, becomes quickly tarnished by a black coating of
oxide. This oxide imparts to the flame-border a rich green colour.
Cupreous sulphides, arsenides and related compounds become con-
verted by careful roasting, with avoidance of fusion (see the Opera-
tion, page 15), into the same black oxide; and a roasting of this
kind is always necessaiy as a preliminary to the reduction of the cop-
pei", and its detection by fusion with borax. Botii the red and black
oxides fuse readily and becouie reduced on charcoal. With borax
and phosphor-salt, the glass after exposure to an oxidating flame,
is green whilst hot, and clear-blue when quite cold — unless much
ix'on or nickel be present, in which case it retains its green colour
on cooling. In a I'educing flame, especially on charcoal, the glass
becomes almost colourless, and on cooling turns brick-red and
opaque. This reaction (which serves for the detection of copper in
the presence of most other flux-colouring bodies) is developed more
easily with phosphor-salt than with borax ; but when very little
copper oxide is present in the glass, it is not always obtained without
long blowing, although the glass on cooling often becomes clear ruljy-
i"ed. If however, a small piece of tin or iron-v ire be stuck through
the soft glass, and the bead be then again submitted for a few
moments to a reducing flame, the opaqxie red glass (due to the
reduction of the CuO to Cu'-'O) is readily produced. In place of iron-
wire, a small ft-agment of any substance containing FeO (as iron-
vitriol, nuignetic iron ore, spathic iron, kc.,) ma}' be used to promote
the reduction, the FeO becoming converted into Fe-'O' at the expense
of some of the oxygen of the copper comi)Ound. The fusion may
then be performed on platinum wire ; but, in any case, the bead
must not be kept too long in the flame, as the whole of the copper
oxide might bo reduced to metal, and the glass becomes colourless, by
prolonged fusion. By this reaction, the presence of copper in bodies
REACTIONS.
47
Live state-,
arsenides,
ation like-
and CuO;
ates, plios-
clironiate,
before the
exposed to
coating of
len colour,
come con-
the Opera-
nji of this
of the cop-
and black
Tith borax
ing flame,
dess much
een colour
I the glass
k-red and
copper in
aped more
very little
I without
ear ruby-
through
or a few
ue to the
ce of iron-
(as iron-
,0 promote
10 expense
usioii may
the bead
the copper
3urless, by
in bodies
'4
generally (after the preliminary roasting of those which contain
sulphur, antimony, ikc.) is unmiftakably revealed.* Another charac-
teristic reaction is the bright azure-tlame produced by chloride of
copper. The slightly-roasted substance may be moistened with a
drop of hydrochloric acid — or fused with chloride of silver — and
held just within the point of an oxidating flame. If copper be pre-
sent, the flame around the test-stibstance will exhibit a brilliant
azure coloration. The test mt>y also be made by simply fusing tlie
substance on platinum wire with phosphor-salt, and then adtling
some chloride of sodium to the bead. (8ee also, Appendix, No. 12).
(29) Sickel — Occurs in small and variable proportions in most
examples of meteoric iron, and also in some meteoric stones as a
phosphide and sulphide. In minerals proper, it is found more
especially as an araeiiide, antimonide, sulphide and sulpliarsenite; and
very frequently it replaces a small [)ortion of the iron in pyrrhotite or
magnetic pyrites ; it occurs also in an oxidized condition, at times as
a simple oxide in coatings on nickel ore, but more commonly as an
arseniate, carbonate, sulphate and silicate. In some (mostly mag-
nesian) silicates, and in the apple-green variety of calcedony, known
as chrysoprase, it is present in mnmte quantity as the colouring
material of the substance. Metallic nickel is infusible in the blowpipe
flame. As obtained by reduction of the oxide NiO by sodium car-
bonate or other reducing agent on charcoal, it forms numerous minute
particles of a shining white colour. These are strongly magnetic.
8ulphi(.les, arsenides and related compounds, become Miverted by
roasting into this oxide. The latter is unaltered j^^^' *'c hy the blow-
pipe flame. With borax, it forms in the O.F. a glass which is
amethystine in colour whilst hot (if the NiO be in moderate quantity),
and pure brown or yellowish-brown when cold. If not too deeply
coloured, the glass on the addition of a carbonate or other salt of
potassium in excess, is rendered more or less distinctly blue or greyisli-
blue. The reaction, however, is not very strongl}' marke<l, and
exce[)t under special conditions it can scarcely be regariled as
characteristic. In the R. F., the borax glass when saturated becomes
grey and o[»!V(iue on cooling, and also magnetic, from precipitation of
reduced particles of metal. This i« the characteristic blowpipe i-eaction
III the txainiimtioii of cuiu'eous Kul]ihi(les, as copin-r pyrites ic, the sulistance iiuiat lie very
thoroii'.'-hly rousted lieforo fusion witli liorax, otheiwi-ie no reil bead will result, Imt oiih ;in
opaciue liliick bead coloured by C.'u-'S.
48
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
of nickel. The magnetism is best <letected by crushing the fused
bead to powder. With pliosplior-salt, NiO jtroduces mucli the same
r<'actiouH as with borax, only the glass in the oxidating flame is less
distinctly coloured. With sodium carbonate on charcoal, as stated
above, it is reduced to luinute sliiiiing piirticles of magnetic metal.
(30) Cobalt. — This metal, as an essentia! constituent, occurs only
in a small number of minerals, and chieflv as an arsenide and sul-
l)hide, saparately and coml»ined. More rarely it is found as a selenide
and oxide, and occasionally as an arsoniate ; but it is present in
traces, as an accidental component, in many sulpides and arsenides,
as in varieties of arsenical ])yrites, cubical pyrites, kc. The metal
itself is practically infusible. Sulphides, arsenides, «kc., become con-
verted by roasting into the oxitle CoO. This, with sodium carbonate
on cliarcoal, is readily reduced to shining, magnetic j)articles of metal.
With both borax and phosphor-salt, and in both flames, the oxide
forms gla.s.ses of a deej) blue colour, even when present in traces only.
This is the characteristic reaction. When much iron, nickel, or
copper is present, the glass however is dark green ; but copper and
nickel may be removed by reduction in the inner flame (especially if
a small piece of tin l)e added to the glass on charcoal), and the tint
derived from iron is generally overpowered in the outer flame by the
much stronger reaction of the cobalt.
(31) Iron. — Occurs in the simple state in meteoric iron, though
commonly alloyed with a small percentage of nickel. Occurs also,
and in numerous localities, in vai'ious sulphides, arsenides and sul-
phur-salts ; and in an oxiilized condition as FeO -f Fe'O^ in magnetic
iron ore, as Fe'-O'' in luvmatite, kc. ; and as FeO or Fo'-'O'' in numerous
silicates and other oxygen salts. MetHllic iron is practically infusible
in the blowpipe-flame, but the extremity of a very thin wire may be
oxidized and then fused, Hai'd wires fuse in general the most easily,
and the fusion is accompanied by a rapid scintillation or emission of
sparks, whilst very frequenth' a thin green flame streams from the
point of the wire. The latter reaction is due to the presence of
phosphorus. {See Appendix, No. 11.) Sulphides, arsenides, »fec.,
become converted into the sesfjuioxide Fe-0^ (often termed *' red
oxide ") by roasting. This oxide, by fusion with sodium carbonate,
and a little borax on charcoal, is easily reduced to shining particles of
metal, strongly attractable by the magnet. On plantinura wire or
"3?
REACTIONS.
49
i
; the fused
h the sfime
ame is less
I, as stated
c metal.
occurs only
de anil sul-
18 a selenide
present in
.1 arsenides,
The metal
jecome con-
u carbonate
les of metal.
1, the oxide
traces only.
, nickel, or
copper and
especially if
,nd the tint
lame by the
•on, though
Occurs also,
es atid sul-
n magnetic
n numerous
ly infusible
vire may be
most easily,
emission of
3 from the
)rosence of
3nides, tfec,
med " red
carbonate,
particles of
ura wire or
^)ther non-reducing support, it forms with soda a slaggy infusible
nui-sg. It dissolves readily, on the other hand, in V)orax and plios-
phor-salt, forming glasses which are reddish or orange-yellow whilst
hot, and pale-yellow or (with phosphor-salt, almost colourless when
cold, after exposin-e to the OF; and more or less of a dark bottle-green
colour after treatnient in the R. F., especially if a small piece of tin
be ailded to promote reduction, Fe-0' becofing thus converted into
Fe^O* and finally into FeO. With borax when the oxide is in excess,
the glass after exposure to the R. F., appeare black and opaque but
+lun splinters are translucent and bottle-green ov brownish-green in
colour. All minerals which contain 10 or more per cent, of iron
becomes magnetic after ignition or fusion. By this reaction, ferrugin-
ous substances may be easily recognized, as although cobaltic and
nickeliferous bodies also become more or less magnetic on ignition,
these latter bodies are of rare occurrence. They are readily distin-
guished, moreover, from ferruginous substances by the colours, <fec., of
the glasses which they form with borax. When the presence of iron
is recognized in a silicate or other body, it is often desirable to
ascertain whe*^her the iron is present as sesquioxide Fe-'O'', or partly
or wholly as protoxide, FeO. This may be determine<l by adding
some of the test-substance, in powder, to a bead of bomx coloured
blue by previous fusion with a few particles of oxide of copper, and
•exposing the bead (in a loop of platinum wire) to the point of the
blue flame until the 8ub.stance begins to dissolve. If any FaO be in
the substance, it will become converted into Fe-'O^ at the expense of
some of the oxygen of the copper oxide, and the latter will thus be-
come reduced to suboxide, Cu'-'O, causing red streaks and spots to
appear in the glass, as this cools. If no FeO be present, the glass
will, of c •ui'se, become green on cooling, but will remain transparent.
'(•S'^e Apjiiiudix, No. 5.) A very minute trace of ii'on may be detected
by the following ])roces8 : Fuse into a bead of phosphor-salt, on
platinum wire, as much of the substance, in powder, as the bead will
take up. Then saturate the bead with successive portions of potassium
bisulphate (or treat the crashed bead with that reagent in a platinum
spoon), and dissolve out the soluble mattei-s in warm water. Finally,
place in the solution a very small particle of ferrocyanide of potassium
•( " yellow prussiate " ), If iron bo present, a deei)-blue precipitate
will necessarily ensue.
5
50
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
(32) Tungstenum or Wolframium. — This comparatively rare inetali
is known in nature only in an oxidized condition, as WO^ a compound
which occurs occasionally alone, but more commonly in conil)inatii)n
with hases, thus forming the small j^i'oup of tungstates. Tungstic
acid or anhydride WO', is scarcely effected l)y the hlowpipe-flame ;
but on charcoal, after long ignition in the R. R, it becomes l)lackened.
by conversion into W'-'O^ With sodium carbonate or neutial potas-
sium oxalate, it is reduced on charcoal to minute particles of nu'tallic
tungstenum ; but if much Hux be used, the |)ortion of test-matter
absorbed by the charcoal is generally ol»tained (l)y washing in the
agate mortar, page 21) in the form of minute yellow specks, of metallic
lustre, consisting of a compound of soda and tungstic oxide. On
platinum wire, with sodium carbonate it dissolves more or less readily
into a yellowish glas.s, which becomes opaque and somewhat crystal-
line on cooling. Borax dissolves it readily. After exposure to the
O. F. the gliiss is yellowish and clear, but becomes enamelled by
fl.ming. In the R. F., with excess of test-nuitter, the glass is.
yellowish-brown, and by flaming or oti cooling it becomes opacjue.
With phosphor-salt, in a reducing flame, a deeply coloured greenish-
blue glass is obtained. This is the chai-acteristic blowpipe reaction.
of tungstenum compounds ; but if much iron be present, the glass-
becomes deep-red. The juesence of tungstenum may also be detected
by fusing the powdered test-substance with 3 or 4 parts c.' sodium
carbonate and a little nitre in a platinum spoon or loop of thick
j)latinum-wire, dissolving out the soluble alkaline tungstatc (as
explained on page 25), decanting the clear solution, acidifying it with
a few drops of hydrochloric acid, and placing in it a pieco of zinc.
A dark-blue coloration (from reduction of the WO^ to W'-O^) will
rapidly result.
(33) Molyhdenuvi. — This metal occurs in Nature most commonly
in combination with sulphur, in the sulphide molyl)denite, a mineral
which presents a curious resemblance to graphite in many of its pro-
perties (foliated or scaly-granolar texture, softness and flexibility,
soapy feel, detonation with nitre, infusibility, «fec.) It occurs also,
tliough rarely, in an oxidized condition as MoO'"', this latter comjiound
being found at times alone, but more commonly combined with lead
oxide in the molobdate wulfenite. Molybdic acid or anhydride.
MoO'\ melts easily on charcoal, tinges the flame yellowish -green and
KKACTI0N8.
01
' rare inetali
a compouiKl
:oiii))iniitioii
. Tunystic
^pipe-flume ;
i lilackciuHl
iutiiil jtutas-
} of nu'tallic
test-matter
hing in the
, of metallic
oxide. On
less readily
^hat crystal-
osure to the
lamelled by
the glass is
mes opacjue.
ed greenish-
ipe ri^actioii
it, the glass-
be detected
Ci' sodium
op of thick
ingstato (as
ying It with
ecii of zinc.
W-(>») will,
t commonly
e, a mineral
y of its pro-
flexibility,
occurs also,
r compound
sd with leatl
anhydride,
ih-jireen and
becomes gradually volatilized, fornung a deposit which is sliglitly
yellowish whilst hot, and white wiien cold. When touched by tho
reducing flame, this deposit a.ssume8 a dark-bluish tinge from partial
conversion into Mo'-'O'. In addition to tho white coating, an indi.s.
tinct reddish deposit is also formed near the test-matter. With
sodium carbonate, reduction to minute steel-gray particles is easUy
eflected on charcoal. On platinum wire, solution takes place with
efTerve-scence. With borax, Itefore the O. F., a Yellowish glass, which
becomes grey and opatpie l»y flaming, is formed ; and in the K. F., a
brown or grey glass, with separation of dai'k flecks, the latter best sec^n
by pressing tho bead flat before it cools. With phosjthor-salt, on cool-
ing, and especially after exposure to a nulucing flamt;, a flue green glass
results. By this reaction (combined with tho projMU'ty of colouring
the flame pale yellowi.sh-green,* and yielding per se or with soilium
carbonate a white sublimate and reduced particles of non-magnetic
metal), molybdenum compounds are chiefly recogniz<!d in blowpipe
practice. Molybdic acid and molybdates, as first made known by Von
Kobell, when warmed with sulphuric acid, produce a rich blue solution
on the addition of alcohol. If the test-substance V)e fused with sodium
carbonate and nitre, and the solution of the alkaline molybdate be
treated with hydrochloric acid and metiillic zinc, a bluish colour may
appear at first, but this quickly changes to dark-bi-owa (See under
Tungstenum, No. 32, above). After a time, however, the solution,,
where it creeps up the sides of the vessel in which it is contained,,
gradually resumes a blue tint from atmospheric oxidation.
(34) Manganese. — This metal is unknown in nature in the metallie
state. It occurs occasionally as an ai-senide .*nd su'phide, but is chiefly
found in an oxidized condition — mostly as MnO" and JVIn'-'O'' (these
compounds occurring alone, combined together, or as hydrates); aiul
as MnO in various silicates, carbonates, phosphates, tungstates, ikc.
As an accidental or inessential component it is present in the latter
state in very numerous minerals. In these, the MnO generally
replaces small portions of MgO, CaO or FeO. Manganese oxides,
are not reduced bj sodium carbonate on chaicoal. Very little of the
oxide dissolves in the flux, but his communicates to the bead a greea
colour whilst hot, and a blue or greenish-blue coloiir when cold..
■ Althoui^h iiiol.vltdenuiii coinii xiikIh colour the liuriNPii Haiiie viir.v ilistinctly, tlirv unu no
colourt'tl lines in tlic Bpt'ctroscoiK.-, but merely a. continuoux 8i)ei'truni.
.^2
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
The reaction is hrouglit o>it more proiiiinnntly by tho additiun of a
little borax to the Hoda, as this promotes solution (see Appendix, No.
9) ; and it is also increased in intensity by melting a small portion
of nitre into the bead, or by pressing the hot bead upon a small
fragment of nitre. A greenish-blue bead of this kin<l is known
t(!chnically as a "tunpioise enamel." Manganese oxides dissolve
readily in borax and in phosplior-salt, and the solution in the case of
the higher oxides (MnO'^ especially) is accompanied by great effer-
vescence or ebullition, due to the* escape of oxygen from the test-
matter. Oxygen is also evolved when these oxides are strongly
ignited per sf, as in a closed tube, Ac. (See under "Oxygen," above).
The borax glass after exposure to an oxidating Hame pnssents a
beautiful amethystine colour; but if too much of the test-matter be
taken, it iippeai-s quite black and opaque. In a reducing flame it
becomes colourless or nearly .so ; but if allowed to cool slowly it
absorbs oxygen, and the ametliystine or violet colour is restoied.
This may be prevented by urging a stream of air from the blowpipe
upon the Ix^ad, directly the latter is removed from the flame. When
very little mangane,se is present in the test-matter, the formation of
a violet-coloured glass is facilitated bv the use of a small fragment of
nitre. The phosphor-salt glasses i-esemble those produced with borax,
only the amethystine colour is paler, and whtin very little manganese
is present it is scarcely developed without the aid of nitre. The great
test for the presence of manganese in bodies, is the formation of a
turquoise enamel by fusion on platinum wire or foil with sodium
carbonate and a little borax. Less than one part in a thousand may
be ejusily detected by this reaction ; and by the addition of nitre, as
described above, the reaction becomes still more delicate. Chromium
compounds when fu.sed with sodium carbomite foi-m a yellowish-gi-eeii
mass, which might in some ca«es be thought to arise from the presence
of manganese. But if a greenish mass of this kind be fused with
sufficient boracic acid or silica to form a clear glass, the latter in the
case of manganese will present an amethystine colour, whilst in that
of chromium it will be emerald-green. (See Appendix, No. IG).
(So) Chromium. — Traces of this metal occur in some varieties of
meteoric iron, but otherwise chromium is found in nature only in an
oxidized condition, as Ci'-O* and as CrO''. In the former state it
occurs occasionally alone, as in chrome ochre; but more commonly
RKACTIONS.
53
H<Mitk>n of ;i
L|»i)eiulix, No.
small portion
iipuu a Binull
ill! I is known
sides dissolve
in the ciiso of
•y gi'P'it effer-
fioni tli(* tost-
i are stronj^ly
ygen," ahove).
lie pnjscnts ii
test-niiitttn' l»f
icing flume it
cool slowly it
ir is restored.
I the blowpipo
flame. When
e formation of
II fragment of
m1 with borax,
;tle nningiineso
re. The great
brmation of a
with sodium
thousand may
in of nitre, as
,e. Chromium
ellowish-green
n the pi'esence
be fused with
latter in the
whilst in that
, No. IG).
w varieties of
ire only in an
jrmer state it
ire common! V
^i
in combiinition with iron in chromic iron ore, or. as a basi^ in certain
silicates, and varieties of Hpinel. In many silicates it ih present as
an inessential component, as in the emerald, proper. In the condition
of Cr<)^ it occurs in coml»ination with lead oxide <«• copper oxide in
the small group of chromates. Tiie leading hlowpijie reactions of
chromic oxide are as follows: Per se, the oxide is practically un-
changed. With sodium carbonate, it dissolves more or less readily,
forming a yollowisii, opatjue bead in the outer flame, and a yellowish-
green bead in a reducing flame. If a [tarticlo or two of nitre be fused
into the bead, the latte*' becomes blood-reil whilst hot, and light-yellow
when cold — a soluide alkidine chromate resulting. With borax and
phosphoi-salt, clear, emerald-green glasses are produced, especially l>y
treatment in a reducing flame, and after complete cooling. Whilst
hot, the glass is yellowish or red, as in many other cases. The pro-
duction of an enii raid green glass with liorax generally serves for the
detection of chromium comiwunds ; but the character Itecomes neces-
sarily masked to some extent by the presence of other flux colouring
Itodies, as iron, co|»per, and cobalt oxides, for example. In the presenco
of i)odies of this kind, chromium is best detected by fusing the test-
matter (in powder) with three or four parts of sodium carl)onat()
and a little nitre in a platinum spoon or loop of stout platimim-win;.
A soluble alkaline chromate then results. The solution Hltereil or
carefully decanted from the insoluble residuum may he divitled into
two i)ortions. One portion may be evaporated to dryness, and
the resulting deposit tested l)y fusion with borax. The other
portion may be carefully neutralized by a drop or two of dilute
nitric acid, or acetic acid, and tested with a fragment of nitralt; of
silver : a red precipitate should be produced. Chroinates, also, when
treated with sulphuric acid and alcohol, form a rich gnH'ii solution
which remains green on dilution. Chromic acid, CrO'', per se, blackiuis
Avhen ignite<l, gives off" oxygen, and becomes converted into chromic
oxide. Bichromates, and many chromates also (but not neutral
alkaline Sivlts), produce the same reaction.
(30) Vanu Hum.— Occnvs, in nature, only in an oxidized condition,
as V-'O'', combined with lead oxi(h% and more rarely with other bases,
in the small group of \iinadate3. On charcoal, vanadic acid, fuses
and becomes in part reduced to dark-grey oi- black shining scales of
suboxide. If heated on a fragment of porcelain or other non-reilucing
04
ULOWPIPK I'KACTICE.
wuppoi't, it film's witliout (loooinpoHition, iiml conijoiils witli vivid
<!miHHi()n of lij:;lit, on niinovul from tin; (luiiu!, into a red or dark
oriiii;,'** ooloiircd cryHtiillino iduhh. With l)oriix, it fornH a clt'ur
yellowish grcpii plaHs, mid with |»hosphor-.siiU n. y(dh)\v ;,'1iihh, on cool-
ing, after oxposure to tlu) outer flame ; ami emoraid-yreen glasses
with hoth fluxes, on cooling, after »*x|tosiire to a reducing tlame.
With hydrochloric acid iind alcohol vanadates give a green solution
which hecomcs light-blue on dilution (Von Kol)ell). In aildition to
this test, it may lie observed that whilst chromiiini com|i(iiinds give
in the (). F. with phosphor-salt (on cooling) a greon glass, the glass
formed by vanadium remains yellow when cold — in tli(* abstdice, at
least, of copper or other tlux colouring bodies.
(37) (^raiiinin — Occurs only in an oxidized condition : chielly as
UO, U'-'()'' in the mineral jtitchblende, and as IJ-O' in man ochre
and a few comparatively rare phosphates, sulphates, carbonates, and
silicates. The sescpiioxide is infusible per ae, but is blackened in the
K. F. from partial reduction to UO. It is insoluble in sodium car-
bonate, and is not reduced to metal by that reagent, but it is readily
dis.solved by borax ami phosphor-salt. The liorax glass is d(!ep yellow
in the O. F., and dingy brownish-green, when cold, aftcu' subjection to
a reducing flame; and, if thoroughly saturated, it maybe rendered
black by^ flaming. The jdiosphor-salt glas.se.s present a striking con-
trast, in being brightly coloured : yellowish-green in the O. F., and
clear cliroine-green in the K. F., especially when cold. This reaction
serves to distinguish uranium compounds from those of chromium,
kc, ; but ill the presence of other flux-colouring bodies uranium is
not readily detected.
(38) Cvriu- — Occni-s in only a few comparatively rare minerals
— chiefly as a fluoride, or in an oxidized condition in certain silicates,
phosphates, ifec. On ignition, CeO becomes converted into yellow or
reddish Ce-'O^. This remains unchanged. With sodium carbonat<'
on charcoal, it is reduced to "rev CisO, but gives no metal. With
borax in the O. F. a reddish or yellowish glass is obtained, and in the
K. F. a colourless glass. Both glasses become opa(iue when flameil, if
tolerably saturated. With phosphor-.salt, the glasses on cooling are
colourless, but they are not rendered opacpie by flaming, even if
strongly saturated. As a rule, the presence of cerium in minerals
cannot be safely proved by the blowpipe alone.
HEACTIONS.
ftS
s witli viviil
red oi- iliirk
Df.uH II, clmir
jfliiss, on pool-
;,'r('(!ii glii.sHcs
luciiif,' tlamr,
refill solution
II tiildition to
ii|ionii(ls give
llHH, tlio gliiss
10 llbHOlICO, 111
(11 ; diit.'tly us
11 iiiiin oclire
rlioiiates, uiid
okonod ill tiio
1 sodium car-
t it is ri'iidily
is doep yellow
[ suhjection to
1)0 rcndorod
striking coii-
10 (). F., and
Til is roactioii
if cliroiiiiuni,
's uraiiiiiin is
•aro minerals
tain silicates,
to yellow or
ni carbonati-
iietal. With
1, and in the
len flamed, if
cooling are
ing, even it'
in minerals
^'^) Tit'ininm. — Ocoiirs, in nature, in an rxiilized comUtion only
— as TiO- in three separate forms (llitile, Ootaliodrite, Brookito),
and combined with lime, yttria, zirconia, tzc, in the Humll group of
titaniates. In this condition it is present also in cert'iin Hilicates ;
and as Ti-'O' it |(artly replacoH Fo'-'O' in titaniferous iron ores.
TiO- hecomes yellowish on ignition, hut remains infiisihlo, and re-
Humes its whiti' colour on cooling. .Moistened with nitrate of
coliidt, and ignittnl, it hecomeH green when cold. With sodium
carlionate, on charcoal, it is not reduced to metal, but it fuses with
<iflerv('scence, and on cooling the surface of the bead shoots into broad
crystalline facets of a jiearly-grey eolour. With borax, it forms in
the (). F, a yellowish glass which loses its colour on cooling, and when
saturated becomes on cooling or by flaming milk-white and ojtacpio.
Ill the R. K., the glass, moderately saturated, assumes on cooling a
brownish-amethystine colour, and with more of the test-iiiatt«'r it
becomes blackish. ))lue and opaipie on congealing. When flame<l, a
light greyish-blue film spri^ids over the sui-face of the be.id which
i.i'ii presents a curious nwemblance to an eye aflected by cataract.
The dark-blue tint (Plattner calls it "brown") arises from Ti'-O' ;
the light-blue surface-film from the partial oxidation of this into 'PiO'-'.
With phosphor-salt, the glass in the O. F. is colourless or pale yellow-
ish and in the R. F., on cooling, it assumes a fine amethystine colour.
When titanium compounds contain iron, howeviu-, the glass is deep
red-brown or blood-red. Tn the case of Menaccanite or in Titaniferous
lion Ore, })roper, this reaction is very marked ; but it is not suf-
ficiently definite to serve for the detection of small (juantities of
titanium in ordinary iron ores. In these, the presence of titanium
is most readily detected as follows :— Reduce a portion of the ore to
as 111 e a powder as possibh' ; warm this with hydrochloric acid in a
small covered beaker-glass for about lialf-an-hour on a sand-bath*
keeping the acid just below the boiling-point ; add a little water, and
filter from the insoluble rock-matter, itc. ; jilace a piece of metallic
till in the filtrate, and lioil for ten or fifteen minutes. Thus treated,
the deep-yellow solution will cpiickly become greenish and then coh/r-
less, and on the l)oiling being continued, a jnnk tinge will appear
and gradually deepen into a distinct ametliy-stine colour. In the
absence of titanium, the solution will of course remain colorle.ss, but
the boiling nnist not be discontinued too soon. Tlie presence of
- turn
56
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
tila.~>ium in iron ores, tSrc, may also he detected l)y fusi; the test-
matter, ?n tine jiowder, witli six or eight parts of potassium hisulithate
(added in successive portions) in a |)laiitinun) spoon ; treating the
fused mass with a very small quantity of warm water ; decanting or
filtering from insoluble matter ; adding a few drops of nitric acid,
and then five or six volumes of water ; and, finally, boiling for ton cr
twelve minutes. Titanic acid, if present, is precipitated in the form
of a white or pale-yellowish powder. This may be fused with
pho3phor-salt, in a reducing fianie, for the production of the character-
istic amethystine ghiss. As pointed out by Gustav Rose, a glass of
this kind, rendered colorless or nearly so by the O. F,, and then
slightly flamed, becomes opalescent from the precipitation of nunicrou.s
crystals of TiO-. These are best examine'', in the flatteneil liend. by
a microscope with object glass of moderate but not too low power.
v. — ACHROIC METALS.
This group is to a great extent conventional. Its representatives
are separated from those of the preceding series by their property of
forming imcoloured glasses with the blowpipe fluxes ; and from those
of the next series by not imparting a colour ^.o the blowpipe-flame.
Aluminum compounds, it nay be pointed out, are distinguished from
those of the associated me(.als by not forr 'ug an opa(|ue gla.ss with
borax, and by the blue colc;ur assumed after ignition with nitrates of
cobalt. Compounds of t'.ie other metals belonging to the group,
magnesium excepted, are of comparatively rare occurrence.
(40) Alunminm. — O'jcurs in nature as a fluoride (in cryolite, &c.,)
but essentially as au oxide, Al-'O''. The . .Iter com|)ound occurs
alone and in a hydrated condition (corundum, diaspore, gibl«ite) ;
and in combination with magnesia and other bases as the electi-o-
negative principle of the small group of aluminates. It occurs also,
and more frequently, as a base, in various silicates, j»hosphates, and
sulphates. Exjeptioucally, also, as an arseniate ; and in combination
with an organic acid in tiie mineral inoUite. Alumina presents the
foUov mg blowpipe reactions: (I) Perse, it is infusible and unchanged.
(2) Moistened with nitrate of cobalt, and ignited, it assumes, on
coolinsr, a fine blue colour. The reaction is exhibited bv all ahiminouH
silicates, phosphates, A'c, which are free from iron oxides or othei-
;icrongly coloured b<ises {See page 16.) (3) Alumina is not attacked
REACTIONS.
67
" the test-
. I)i8uli)iiiite
renting the
3ciinting OP
nitric acid,
ij for ten or
n the form;
fused with
f! cliiinictt'r-
I, a glass of
., and then
f numerous
ed head. l)y
r power.
resentative-s
pro|)orty of
from tlios«
q)ipe-Hame.
lished from
ghiss with
nitrate! of
the group,
^^olite, »fec.,)-
iind occurs
, gibhsite) ;
he electro-
jccui-s also,
)hates, and
ombination
esents the
unchanged.
)snmes, on
ahniiinouH
s or otiier
t attacked
by sodium cailmnate. (4) It is very 8U)wly dissolved by borax and
phosphor-.salt, forming colourless, permanently cU-ar bead.s. (ri) It is
dissolved, in tine powder, by fusion in a platinum spoon with tive
or si.K parts of bisulpiiate of potasii (i»age! 24). Tiie acpieous solution
of the fused mass yields u white precipitate (soluble in caustic potash)
with ammonia. Silicates resist this treatment, but in line powder
many are soluble in hydrochloric acid, and nearly all may be ren-
dered 8oliil)lt; by previous fusion with a mi.xture of sodium carbonate
M\\ bora.x. The solution (with slight addition of nitric acid) must be
evaporated slowly to drynes-s, the residuum moistened with a couple
of (hops of hydrochloric acid, water added, and the clear supernatant
liijuid decanted or filtered from tht; in.soluble silica. If the precipitate
fnrnied in the filtrate by ammonia bo brown in colour, it must be
separatetl and boiled with caustic potiish. This will take up any
alumina that nuiy bo present, leaving Fe-'O-' undissolved.*
(41) Tantalum. — Occur inly in an oxiilized condition as tantalic
acid (Ta-O') commonly jis.sociated with Columbia or niobic acid (Nli-'O '
and combined with iron oxide and other bases, in a few mimuals of
exceptional occurrence. Tantiilic acid b(>comes i>ale yellowish on
ignition, but resumes its white colour on cooling, and remains
infusilde. After treatment with cobalt-solution it becomes pale tlesh-
red. With sodium carbonate it dissolves with etfervcscence, but is not
reduced. With l»or;«x, it dissolves (easily, tim .saturated glass
becoming opa({ue on cooling or by flaming. With phosphor-salt it
forms a permanently clear bead. Its presence in minerals cannot We
safely detected by tlie blowpipe alone.
(42) Glucinum, or, Berijllium. — Occurs only in an oxitli/ed i on-
dition, BeO, as a base in a small numl>er of silicates (Plieiiakite,
Beryl, Euclase, ifec), and in a single aluminate (Chrysobcryl).
(Jlucina is infusible f>er se, ..nd is not dissolved by sodium carlioiiate
With cobalt sohition it becomes pale l)liiis!i-grey ; with borax and
phosphor-salt it di.s,solves more or less rapidly, the saturated glass
becoming opacpie on cooling or when flamed. When glucii\a is com-
bined with other boilies, it.s blow|tipe reactions are not sutlicient for
its detection.
' .Mi'tiillic uluiiiitiuni iiofti-ns at a Htroni; red-heat, Ihtoiiu-h sli(;litl.v tariiiiiheil unit lilititt'ri'<l on
I he surface, Imt exhiliitM only »\g\\» of fii«ion— a thin \xi\m or j-dife remaining; intorl for »oun'
eonsideralile time. .\ very tliin wire, however, shriiikH loifefher nrnl melts at the enil.
68
HLOWPII'K PKACTICE.
(43) Zirconium. — Ocoura only oxidized, as ZrO- in comhiniition
witli silica and variouH haaos in a small nuinlMM- of niinerals. The
ziicon (ZrO-, SiO-'), distinguished chiefly hy its hardness, liigii sj).
<jjr. (—IL* 48), Tetratjonal crystullization, and intiisihility, is the
only representative s|>(^cies of toleral>ly common occurrence. Zir-
conia when ijnrnited. Lflows with more than onlijiary Itrit^htness, hut
remains nnfuscMl. After treatment with col)alt solution, it assumes
a dull violet tin<i;e. [t is not dissolved by sodium ciuhonate, but dis-
solves IVe(Oy in borax and |th()si>hor-salt, foiininj^ a colourless i^lass
which on saturation becomes opai|ue on coolinj; or by flamin<^. Zircon
and other silicates in which zirconia is pres<Mit bt^come decomposed l)y
fusion in line powiler with sodium carbonat(\ and tiiey are then
soluble or partly solultle in hydrochloric acid. The dilute solution,
as lirst jiointed out by Jiuusii, imparts an oranute-yellow or reddish-
brown colour to turmeric paj)er, seen most distinctly as the paper
dries.
(44) Vftriuiii. ~Th\n rare metal (almost always associated with
Erbium) occurs in the mineral Yttrocerite as a fluoride : but in
general it is found in an oxidized condition ( YO) as a base in cer-
tain silicates, titanates. tantalates, niobates and phosj»hatos, all of
more or less exceptional occurrence. The blowpipe reactions of
yttria agree in all essential resp'^cts with those of glucina. It is
thus infusible per He, and also with sodium carbonate ; but soluble in
borax and phosphor-salt, the saturated glass becoming opacpn; by
flaming or on cooling. Practically, its presence in minerals escapes
detection by the blowpipe.
(45) Ma(/nei*iHiu. — Occurs, though rarely, as a chloride, and still
more rarely as a fluoride ; very abundantly, on the otht^r hand, as an
oxide, magnesia MgO. This compound, though occuring alone in Peri-
clase, and as a hydrate in Brucite, is chii^fly met with as a base in various
aluminates, silicates, sulphates, carbonates, borates, jOio.sphates and
arseuiates. Magnesia is infnsil'h^ per se, and insoluble in sodium car-
bonate. After ignition with nitrate of cobalt it assumes on coolini,' a
pale flesh red colour. This reaction is manifested by magnesium car-
bonates, silicates, itc, in the absence of iron or other colouring oxides,
but in many cases it is not very distinct. Magnesia does not colour the
blowpipe flame, and its (onipounds, when ignited in a Bunsen-buiner,
give no spectrum lines. Witl» liorax and phosi»hor-saIt it dissolves
ItEACTIONS.
69
tnlnmition
•als. The
, iiigh 8p.
ty, in the
lice. Zir-
biiess. liiifc
t iissiiiiies
e, but (lis-
•loss j,'laHS
;. Zircon
npostMl l)y
are then
solution,
r riMlilish-
tho paper
ite«l with
) : l)Ut in
ae in cer-
r>s, all of
Lctions of
a. It is
solnhic in
|ta(pi(! l»y
s escapes
and still
nd, as an
o in P(U-i-
n various
lates ami
iuin car-
cKoliiiii a,
siuni car-
si oxith's,
olonr the
n-1 turner,
lissolves
very reftdily, th»i saturated i;lass heeoniing opa(|uo on coolinji or when
flanieil. Tlie non-color,ition of the (lame and the reaction with nitrate
of C()l)alt ^^enerally serves to distiniiuish majinesian compounds, except
in tlie case of certain silicates. In these, and in otlier doul)tful cases,
the test substance, in fine powch'r, may Ix; dis.solved in a small (juaii-
titv of liy<lrochloiic acid in a porcelain capsule ov(M' the spirit lamp
or Hunstn llame : or. if iiisolultle in acids, it may he rendctred soiulile
hv previous fusion with a mixturi* of sodium carhonatif and borax.
The fusion is best perfcirmed in a paper cylinder (accordin;,' to Platt-
ner's method), the cylintler being nnnle and tilled as direcited in the
case of the lead cylinder on page 30. The .solution it. then to l»e
diluted, a drop of nitric acid added, th(^ whole evaporatcfd to diyness
no separate silica), the residuum re-moistened with hydrochloric acid,
distilled water added, and the solution filtered. Tn the filtrate, AI-'O'
an. Ke-0 ", if present, aie thrown down by ammonia in slight excess;
linn is next precipitated l>v oxalic acid or oxalate of ammonium; and
finally the magnesia is separated by souk,' <lissolved phosphor salt.
( "aie of course must Ite taken in each case to see that the precipitation
is complete.
VI. — KI-AME-('OI.0L'RrN(; .MKTAI,S.
This group includes calcium, strontium, barium, and the alcalino
metals, pi-oper. Tiie tirsi liy the ins(iluitility of its oxide (l)efore the
blowpipe) in soditim carl)onat<!, is allied to the metals of the j)rec(Mling
group, whilst strontium and barium compounds, and those of the
alcaliiK! nu'tals. dis-solve icadily, lili, in that n^agent. The carbonates,
sulphat(% fluoride.s, iVc. of all the representatives of the group, react
alkaline after strong ignition, and thus restore the blue colour of
rechU^nc'd litmus-paper: but in other compounds (silicates, itc. ), the
ii iction is less clearly marked or is not observable. All the oxith;s
biilonging ti) the group dissolve freely in borax and phosphor-salt,
forming cleai ,'lasses wjiich on saturation Itecome opa(jue by flaming
or when cold.
(4<i) Cdlcinm. — ( )(■( lus frequently as a fluoride, and occasionally as
a chloriile; but principally in an oxidized condition (CaO) as a liase in
silicate*., carbonates, sulphates, phosphates and other oxygen com-
pounds. I.iine glows strongly on iijnition, and imparts to the (lame-
border a distinct red colour, but this is h^ss intense; than the crimson
coloration produced l»y strontium and lithium compounds. The
60
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
characteristic lines in its spectrmu are two in nuiMber
red hand (a little farther from the sodinni-line than tlie orange
strontium-hand), and a clear green hand.* This Hame-reaction la
given by carbtmatea and sulphates, as well as hy Huor s[)ar, after
prolonged ignition in the Biuisen tlame ; hut as a rule it is hest
obtained by moistening the test-suhstance with hydrochloric acid.
Per 86, lime is infusible. It is not dissolved liy .sodium carbonate, but
dissolves readily by fusion with boiax and pliosphor-salt, the saturated
glasses becoming opaque by flaming or on cooling. With nitrate of
cobalt a da .c-grey coloration is oljtained. For the ch^tection of lime
ill silicates, see inider Magnesium, No. 45.
(47) S'-ontium. — Occurs only, amon<.' natural compounds, in an
oxidized condition, as SrO, combined with sulphuric acid and with
carbonic acid ; more rarely with silica. Both the sulphate and car-
bonate become caustic on ignition, and then give the crimson tlame-
coloration and other reactions of pure strontia, — dissolving, like the
latter, very i-eadily and completely in carbonate of sodium, a character
by which strontium and barium compo»inds (with those of the alkali
metals proper) are at once distinguished from other alkaline earths.
With borax and pho.sphor-salt strontia dissolves freely, the colourless
glass becoming opaque (if sufficiently .saturated) on cooling or when
flamed. After ignition with nitrate of cobalt, strontia becomes dark-
grey or black. In the strontium sjiectruni the distinctive lines
comprise (1) a broad orange line, qtiite close to the sodium hue,
(2), a group of several crimson lines, and (3) a single blue liiu\ A
*Iii these e.viiniiiatioiig, a small, diiwt-visioii s|itH'trosc'ope— such as Hrowiiing'a pocket
spectroscope with attached scale and extra prism— will be found most suitable. Uy ii little
practice, the student will readily re('0(,Miii!e the |)osition of the various lines, without
the assistance of the scale, by thtir relative distance from the sodium-line. A small fraynient
of lejiidolite will give the sodium and lithnnn lines very distinctly. Strnniianite, and also
celestine, after a short exposure to the flame, »;ive the oranire, red, and blue lines characteristic
of strontimn ; barite and witherite, the characteristic liarium bandH; and fluo.'-spar, (fyjisum,
calcite, iiv., the red and ;,'reen calcium lines. The effect is heitfhtened by ijioisteninj; the
calcuieil test-matter with a drop of hydrochloric aci<l, but as rei.'ard>t the above ,aiid various
other) minerals, the distinctive lines come out very vividly by a sutliciently proloiit;ed if?nition
of the substance per m: The small sharp-edt;ed fragment is conveniently helil in the platinum,
tipped forcei)8, and these can be fixed at the projier height by thnisting their op|>OBite ends
ocroMS the stem of one of the ordinary wire supports used in spectroscope examinations ; or they
may be lui<l across a few blocks of wocmI or small lable-supiKjrt raised to the projwr height.
Thin iron wire answers jierfectly for these operations when the substance is tested in ])owder.
The U9e<l end is of course cut off and thrown away after each trial. If platinum wire be used,
much difficulty is often experienced in removing from it subseipiently all traces of flame-
colouring matter.
RKACTIOXS.
61
orange-
oninge
ictiou is
iv, after
is hest
ric acid.
iiatC; but
atu rated
itrate of
1 of lime
Is, in an
md with
and car-
an tlame-
, like the
character
,he alkali
le earths,
iolouiless
or when
les dark-
ve lines
uni line,
ino. A
njf's pocket
Uy 11 little
es, withdiit
ill frau:iiieiit
tv, and iiUo
iiiriicti'ri8tio
lar, gyiwuni,
istt'iiiii^' the
and \ari(>U8
i;ed ij^iiitiun
I' )>lntinuin.
|)08ite ends
ins; or they
)\wr hei;fht.
1 in i)ow<ler.
lire he \ised,
e8 of flame-
.small fragment of strontianite or ccle.stine shews these lines very
distinctly after a .short exposure to the etlge of the Bunsen flame. If
ii .strontium compound he fused on platinum wire with chloride of
harium, the crimson flame-coloration is destroyed. By tlii'i character
—as well as l)y the spectruui— strontium compounds are readily
distinguished from those of lithium. (See Appendix, No. 4).
(48) Barium. — Occurs in nature in an oxidized condition only,
and chiefly as a sulphate and carbonate, more rarely as a silicate.
Present also in some of the naturally-occurring oxides of manganese.
Baiyta dissolves entirely in sodium carbonate, and resembles strontia
in its other blowpipe reac'tions, excepo as regards the coloration of the
flame and the reaction with nitrate of cobalt. It communicates to
the flame-border an apple-green or yellowish-green colour, and be-
comes reddish-brown after treatment with the cobalt solution (page
16), but the hitter reaction is of little moment. The spectrum of
))arium compounds is essentially clvaracterizetl by a group of green
lines, four or Ave in nuuiber, of which two are especially vivid and
<listinct ; with a line or two, often ill-defined, in the orange and
vellow, and one or two more or less indistinct lines near the commence-
ment of the blue, the whole at nearly equal distances apart. The
group of green lines is the characteristic portion of tlie spectrum In
the calcium or lime spectrum there is only a single well-pronounced
green or yellowish-green line, whilst the spectra of Sr, Na, Li, and K,
show no green lines. 8ee also Appendix, Nos. 1 and 2.
(49) Lithium. — This metal as an essential mineral-component
occurs only in an oxidized condition (Li-0) in a few silicates and
phosphates ; but in mintite (piantities it appears to be widely dis-
tributed throughout nature. The pre.sence of lithia in niost com-
pounds is readily detected by the crimson coloration imparted to the
l)lowpipe flame or that of the Bunsen burner, especially on pro-
longed ignition. When lithia is merely jtresent, hoA'ever, a.", an
accidental or inessential constituent, the flame-coloration is best
brought out by moistening the test-matter in powder witii a drop or
two of hydrochloric aciil. The mixtures of bisulphate of pottish and.
fluor-spar, or gypsum and fluor-spar i-ecommended in books for this
purpose, often bring out by themselves a vivid red coloration. By
fusion with chloride of barium, the intensity of the lithium flame is
increased, whereas by this treattnent the red flame of strontium is
^iS
62
BLOWPll'E PRACTICE.
destroyed (see Appendix, No. 4). Tlie sp<'ctruiu of lithiuiii ia iilsc
exeedingly characteristic. It consists pnicticully of a single crim-
son line, much farther from the sodium line than the characteristic-
orange-red line of strontiuiu, or the red calcium line. Jio.st
examples of K'))idolite give both the lithium and sodium lines.
(i)0) Sodium or Natrium. — Widely distrilt\ued as a chloride, and
occuring also as a duoride. Present also abumlantly in an oxidized
condition (Na-0) in various silicates, suljihates, and carbonates, and
in the nitrate soda-nitre. Distinguished very readily in most ca.ses
by the strong ytdlow coloration which its compoinids impart to the
Bunsen and blowpipe ilame. Its s|»cctrum consists of a single yellow
line (as seen in ordinary spectro.sco[»t's) correspoiidin<; in position with
the line (or double line) D of the solar spectrum. This yellow line
is exceedingly ciiaracteristic; and its very constant pre.sence in spectra,
generally, serves as a conveiuent index to the position of other lines,
as those of calcium, strontium, iio. The yellow tlame-coloration is
completely hidden if viewed through a deep-blue gla.ss.
(51) Potassium or Kalium. — Occurs as a chloride; but more com-
monly in an oxidized condition (K-'O) as a sulphate and nitrate, and in
various (chiefly aluminous) silicates. Potash (if p<?rfectly free from
soda) imparts to the outer flame a clear violet tint, but this coloration,
is masked or rendered more or less invisible by the least trace of soda
or of any sodium com^K)und, and also as a rule by other flame-colouring
bodies. If the flame be viewed however, as first shown by Cartmell,
through a deep-blue glass or a solution of indigo, tiie yellow coloration
due to sodium becomes entirely obliterated, and the potash-flame
exhibits a bluish-red colour. The indigo-solution (I part indigo,
8 concentrated suljduiric acid, 1500 water) is best contained in a
prism-shaped or wedge shaped bottle, so that ditterent thickne-sses
may be conveniently brought between the eye and the flame.
Cornwall has recommended a solution of permanganate of potash in
place of the indigo solution. When the {)Ota.sh flame is obscured by
lithium, it will be rendered visible, according to Merz, if viewed
through a green glass, the lithium flame becoming then obliterateil.
A good deal depends, however, on the shade of colour of these glasses
and solutions, and the results are not always entirely satisfactory.
Whenever therefore recoui-se can be had to the sj)ectroscope, the
latter should always be employed. The |)Ot<tssium spectrum consists
'J
,i
u
REACTIONS.
63
indigo,
ed in ii
k nesses
iianie..
otii-sli in
urt'tl by
viewed
iterated,
e glasses
factory,
ope, the
consists
essentially of two lines, far apart— a red line, almost at the conuuence-
uient of the normal siwctrum (it coincides, practically, with the solar
line A), and a violet lino near the other extremity of the spectrum,
proper. The latter line, however, is not generally visible, but a small
portion of potass, chlorate in a loop of i»latinum or iron wire shews
it very distinctly during the vivid flash th.it immediately precuiles
volatilization. The red line is t!ie characteristic one. It lies about
(but not quite) as lar from the re«l lithium-line as this lies from the
sodium-line. Starting therefore from the latter, the characteristic
orung*! and red spectrum lines of the common alkaline ami earthy
bodies succeed each other in the following order: (Na)— Sr — Ca— Sr
("roup of lines) — Li — K : one of the red Sr-lines coinciding with the
solitary Li-line.* If the student be uncertain, at any time, regarding
the red K-lin(!. he should insc^rt into the edge of the IJunsen tlaine a
small scale of lepidolite (or other lithium-containing body), when the
relative positions of the two will at once become ajjpai-ent ; or, if his
spectro.scope be fitted with an extra prism, he can, of course, exandne
the two spectra separately. A still simpler plan is to exandne the
line through a piece of deep blue glass held between the spectrosco[je
and the flame. This leaves the potassium line alone visilde. The
nitrate, and the natural sulphates and chlorides (as well as the
ordinary potassic salts of the laboratory, phos{)hates, bromides, &,c.,),
shew the red line very distinctly, but it is not always proiluced
directly by natural silicates. To detect potash in the latter, a small
portion of the silicate, in flne powder, must be fused on a loop of stout
platin\im wire with a mixture of sodium carbonate and borax, and
the fused bead (cnished to powder) must be boiled with a few drops
of hydrochloric acid. The solution, eva))orated nearly to drynes.<, or
a small portion of the pasty mass, may then be exan)ined liy the
spectroscoj)e. Or, us pointed out by Bunsen, the silicate in tino
powder m.^y be ignited on platinum win; with sodium cailtonate ; or
better, in a flat platinum capsule with aminoinum fluoride, ami then
examined on the wire. The i)resence of sodium does not interfei-e
with the production of the red potassium-line, but the suppoiting wire
should be kept, as a rule, just at the edge of the Bunsen-flanu?, and
Theoithofa ciijar or of ordinary tobacco, if moisteiuMl with hydrochloric acid, will »lin\v
tlic (fi'ccn and red calcium litifN and the red K-linc very distinctly. The latter, indeed, ''cmieH
ont Mtroni^ly without the addition of acid. The lithium-line in abo shewn hy some kindx of
tobacco.
iwBi
liHMtti
(34
niiOWIMPK PRACTICE.
U '<
tJie observations Hhonld be iimde in a darkened room. The glare from
the sodium is (jiiitc (h^sti'oyed hy the intervention of a piece of deep
I due ghiBS between tlie spectroscope and the tlame.
(r)2) Ammoniiun. — Occurs among minerals chiefly as a cldoride ;
more rarely, or cpiite exceptionally, as a sulphate and borate.
Accidentally pr<iS(*nt also in many bog imn ores and other min-
erals which contain truc(>s of intermixed oi-ganic matter. Its
presence is recognized more or less readily by the odour evolved on
moderate ignition, especially if the substance, mixed with dry sodium
carbonate, be ignited in a test-tube. A slip of red litmus-paper,
slightly moistened and placed at the top of the tube, will be rendered
Vjlue by the evolved vapours; and these will also manifest themselves
in white fumes if a glass rod moistened with hydrochloric acid be
brought over the opening of the ^ube. Most ammonium compounds
impart a feeble blueish-green or orownish-green colour to the flame,
Imt none give a distinctive spectrunj.
§7.
PLAN OF ANALYSIS.
In the examination of a mineral substance with a view to determine
its general nature by the blowpipe — aided by such liquid reagents
and processes as are available in blowpipe practice — it is advisable, in
the first place, to determine the electro-negative element or compound
in the substance (or, in other woi'ds, to ascertain the chemical group
to which the substance belongs), and afterwards to determine the
base or bases that may be present in it.
The methods of IJIowpipe Analysis usually followed, although well
adapted to convey a kiiowledge of the special reactions of bodies,
have two essential defects : they draw no line of separation between
electro-negative substances and bases, but mix up the two together
in a loose and confusing manner ; and they exact the jierformance
of a great uumlier of experiments, by which many substances are
detected over and over again, whilst othei-s may easily escape detec-
tion altogether.
In the plan now propo.sed, these defects are in a great measure
remedied, and a knowledge of the chemical nature of an unknown
mineral — so far as this can be obtained by the Blowpijie — is arrived
1
PLAN OF ANALYSIS.
60
^lare from
e of deep
chlovido ;
il boi'iit.e.
)tlier niin-
,ttpr. Its
9Volve»l on
Iry sodiniu
niuspiiiitT,
e reinlered
themselves
•ic aciil be
compoumls
the Hame,
at ill most niMt'rt with very slight trouhle or dchiy.* If tho eleotro-
iit'iiiitivf prinoiph! in the sulistaiice 1)h not ih't('L't«Ml liy one or tlie
otiier of the eight easily and riipitlly i)reforme(l rxperimenls givi'ii
miller the Hrst section of the scheme, the siihstance will he itractioally
♦'ithcr ,1 siiiiple oxide or a metal, and its true natiiiff will he revealed
in tiie examination for hases, a.s givi-n ninhtr Taiilk IV The plan has
Iteeii so arrangeil as to make one experiment serve for the detection
of M'\(i;d Itodies. It will, of course, l)e iimierstood, that, as a rule,
tile I'litire series of experiments for the ihstection of electro-negative
* ImicIIcs need not he carried out. Sul|ihat(!s und ar.s(!niates, for
'•' e.\;iiM|.li', will he recognized liy the first experiment, carlionates and
.silicite^ hy the second, and .so on as regards representatives of o'dier
giMiips. Except, tlierefore, in certain rare ca.seH indicated in the text
<:i.s in the conihination of a phosphate aiul lluoride, itc.,^ it will only
lie iieciftsary to continue the experiments until the chemical group to
wliiili the suh.stance es.sentially h<doiigs has heen ascertained. The
li;tse or ha.se.s, present in the substance, may tluui at once he sought
fnr.
'if '
\.
v;
A-DKTKIM'ION oK KLKCTKO-NKdATlVE BOUIKS.
determine
reagents
visable, in
compound
deal group
srmine the
lOugh well
of bodies,
n between
o together
erformance
itances are
ape detec-
it measure
unknown
-is arrived
K.xrKRIMKSTM.
I. Fiisu the test-suh-
stancf, in powder, with
MfxHuiii earhonatu (and a
Biiiall addition of borax)
ill li. F. on charcoal.
^^li^itt'n the fused mass,
and place on lead test-
I paper or on a silver coin.
N. II— If the fusion l)c I' If I'd wl
\h\ .i ,'ii* Haiiii', the jfao should
|"bf trsti'd [iri'vioiislv for prcn-
[" Sulphur" ui ji (i.
KKHI'LTH MOKK KMrKCIALliV
To UK LooKKI) Koll.
(1)1 mission of arseni-
cal odour.
(2) Kniission <»f copious
fumes, and de))ositioii of
dense white coating on
the charcoal.
(3) Formation of "he-
par," or alkaline sulph-
ide. 8ee under sulpliur
iu go.
othi'i- rt'sulfs (if any) such
as ri'diictioii to nii'tal, yellow
c'oatiiii; on churcoul, ivc, may
lie noted down for after refer-
ence.
Sl'BHTANCRM I.NDICATRD.
(1) As., Aiseuides, Ar-
seniates. (2) iSb ; Te.
^ (1 and :i) AsS., As'6\
Hulpharsenites.
(2 and 3) .Sb^S' ; .Sul-
phantinionites.
(3) S. Sulphides, Sul-
phate.*, also the rare
Helenides.
.See special reactions ji (1, for
distinctive and conliriuatory
characters.
It need hardly •>e stated that lieforo ntteniptititr to make use of this I'lan of Analysis
|the student should hecoiiie familiar with the various Q|ieratioiis and leadint; reactions
i\en in detail in S ji .'> and 6 of the precedini; patres.
00 nr.OWIMPK PKACTICK.
UKTKCTION OF KI-K("rit()-NK(JATIVK MODI HS— (.'..«/;»»../.
KXTKRIMKNTH.
KKMI LTH MOHN KMI'RCIAkLY
TO HK U<HiKKI> K«R.
'2. FiiKi' 11 Holitl particle ( I ) N'l-ry shiw solution,
(if ihf ti-st-siilwtiimc witli witli fniniatioii of silicii-
(|)r»!vioHHly fuHtili IkiuI of skeleton or opaltHuent
jdidsphor-Halt on plati- l>en<l.
nnin wire. (-1 l!api<l «olution, ae-,
eonipanied tliroughnut
by etl'
ervest inee.
otlitr ii'!<iiU'< (it.x ra)>lil hoIii-
>ion, wifhiiiit ctfi'ivi'sccnrt'
fir.), iim> III' Miitt'il iliiuii, lint
an- Milt tn 1)1' tiikdi inio ac-
eoiilit here.
(3) Kune t\\v teHt-8iil)-
stance in powder with
phoHplior-salt and copper
oxide oti plat, win;, or
with phoHphor-Halt alone
on copjHjr wire holdinj}
the head junt witliin the
peint of the hlue tianie
4. Hoil the substance,
in line powder, with a
few drops of nitric acid
in a test-tube. Half-till
the tube with water, drop
into the solution a fra>{-
nient of anini. niolybdate,
and warm gently.
Iiich a/ure-b!ue color-
ation of outer tlanie.
.NiiTK If II liliie :iiiil Krci'ii,
or an inloiisclv vi^id ifi'ti'ii
fliiiiit' tic |ii(i<l\ii'i<l. Ill', iiiid I
liiav III' siflirrli'il, liiit iiiitlli'al
llr(iii;iili'S ami liiiliiirs are of
MTV rare nrcuneiice. TeMt.
nilh (<ln ) liiNiiliiliatt' of imt-
:i»<, ill cldseil tuiie iimt Hum-
Heii flume (fill' m-IIhw nr viulef
(lliiiex).
A canary-yellow pre-
cipitate.
other ri'HiilfM, if mw in <•(•
fervesieiiie (fruin earluiiiafi'M),
eiiiiHsiiiii of I'liliiureil fiiiiit's,
A;i'., iiiav III' iliM'eKarli'il.
5. Warm the test sub- (!) A deep-green solu-
stance, in powder, with a tion.
few drops of sulphuric (2) .\ pale or dingy-
acid, add a little alcohol, . green solution,
stir and inflame the nii.\- | (.'{) A i nh blue sol^ition.
ture. ! (4) A diirk-iirown solu-
tion.
(.">) A gri'i'ii I'olnriition
of the flame.
N'lirK— .\ '.;ri'eii tlaiiii' I.h |ii'ir
(llli'i'il liv must liiirati's /ii r xo
ill all, li.v iiKiisti'iiinir flir test'
subHUiiKe with Miliilniric aciil.
<irwilh)fl.veei'iiii'. riii)s|iliateK>
however, in'inluci' the Mniiu' le-
ni'lioii wlii'ii treateil with huI-
)ihiii'ii' ai'iil, lint ilo not uive u
j;reen flame with '.'Ivi'erinc.
Sl'BSTAM'KH iMHi-ATK.Ii
( I ) .Silica, SilieateM
generally. See si (i.
C2) ('arl)onates i.-iUn
bodies which t-volve ox-
ygen, as Mii<»'^, Hichro'
mates, f'hlorates. .N'it
rates, &e).
Kor I'lintlriiiali'iv rrni'liiuiH.
see iiiiili'r siliiim, railidii, iVi. .
ill « U.
Chlorides,
.'\Ihii, rll|i>l'i)-)llln
pyrnioriihilr, iiiai
tVr.. I .iiiil 111 tain li
liini'ii with I'hloi'iiii ■
h.v experiintiits 4 ui
ilihates (.'»!■
i.v a|iafiti'H.
iiiiti'M ('<iin
rniiillriii
1'hosphate.s.
NiiTK. .Mi'-l |ihiiK|iliati's.
eN|H'i'ially it iiioi'.fi'ni i| with
Miillihurii' ai'iil, impart a '.'leeii
tiii«:e to the Mainr.
.Maii.\ natural |iho8)ihati'Nari
romliiiii'il with ihlnriili'H or
fluiiriili'-, ur ui'li Imth. ('I., it
liresent. «illha\ ilii'eiiileteileil
liy K.vjif. :i ; Kl. mu>t lie snujfht
lor h.v Kxpt. 0.
(1)1 'liromatt'S,
(2) \ anadatt's,
(.'<) -Molyixlates.
(4) 'I'ungstati's, Titan
iates, Tantalates.
(">) 14<irate.s, also '•Horo-
Silicates. "
NoTK. Small jMirtioiis ot
lt-<ii ill Kilii'atr.i, iVi'.. ma.v
eKra|ii' ileti'i'tiiin li> this K\|ii.
hut till' iihji'i't lit till' |iiest'iit
sriiinie is nut to ili'tiit minii'i
"I :iies!<eiitial i'oiii|iiiiii iits, lull
111 ileteriuiiu' Ihe i hrinical
;friin|) to whii'h the test kuIi-
stanie ma\ heliiii'.:. Sii' iiiidti
Reie'tions, S (i.
;.'*i
•f
II' ll.
XI>li'ATKli.
I, SiIuhUm
if Si ti.
rVdlVf ox-
1 »-. Hi.liiK-
•atfc. Nit
iir.N ri'niiidiiH.
I, carlHiii, iVf. .
Iiiixiiliatt!. (:if
laii.v apiititt'H.
lioiati'H <'')iii
\U'*. ri>iiil)riu
liiis)ilnit IS.
>i>fi mil with
iipait a u'liM'ii
i)i(<8|>hati Hall
ililnridcM (II
iHith. CI., it
liirlMlcfccli'il
Ust lit S(>U;thI
-es.
itfS.
l-S,
t'S,
illso
ritiiii
■ i->(>i(i-
)lii|T|iiII« lA
, «v.. iiia\
> this K\iii.
t fill' lUfM'ilt
Icfict iilirili'r
1)1(1111 iitN, lull
lit' ( hriiiMMl
till' tcst-K ill-
Sit iiiiiitt
l'L\N OF ANAI.YHIB. #7
DKTKCTION OF KLK(:TUt>XK(iATIVK BoI)IKS--(Coh^«».-/|.
Kxi'KHIMKMr*.
ill I
tll'OI
lu.'iii
tiilif
IiIhii
tllllC
Meat thu HiiliHtniice,
Hiwdcr. widi a few
iH of stroiiu' li>liiiii<'
II n IIHIIi'W tcHt-
iir t'liat! with potiN.'d,
l|iliat)! in till' liiill)-
7. Fuse teBt-Hulistance,
ill linc|iiiwiler, with about
.'< {itti. of carl). Hoiliiiin and
'J nitre in aplutinuin sjioon
or loop of platiniiiik wire.
DiHHolve reHulting soliiltle
inatterH m hot water : ,
tieeaiit clear Holiition into I
a small poreelain eapaule,
add a few drops of hydro-
chloric acid, and place in
the Holution a piece of
/.iiu;.
Krmi i.rH MnKK F>rReui.LY.
TO HK LitlOKKII KilR.
(1) Corror-ion of inside
of tidie. <\VaNh out
thoroiijjhly, and dry lie-
fore coming to couclu-
Hion)
{'1) Kvolution of rutldy
(nitrouH) funieH.
(3) Kvolntion of white
fiiiiuH with odour of
hyilrochloric aeid. See
under hroniinuaiid Iodine
in i;i ti.
A dark-blue coloration,
.NiiTK. Molyliili'Tiuiii coin
|ioiiiiiIm wIii'Ii tlniH ticafrd iiia.v
uIhii )ir(Klii('i' II liliic ('iilonitioii
at Hi'Nt, .lilt this, (III Kt4iiiiliiiu,
hi'ciiiiicH ripldly (lurk hrowii.
HlIRMT.^NCKH tNI>l( ATICII.
( 1 ) Fluorides, also com-
binatiouM of Flunridei)
aiitl l'hoHphates(Heeunder
Kxpt. 4 above).
(2) Nitrates.
(3) Chlorid.
Tungstie
Tungstates.
acid a!i<l
If iiiiii'h Mild i»> iirt'Hi'iit (itM
ill WoIfrninV the Holutlon will
at tltHt 111' jicfh, liiit thisiliH-
ii|i|wiir8 iai>iilly on hi'Utiiit',
ami the Nohirinii hrciiinrn
nearly colorleiM and then ileep
liiillt(o-hlue.
8. Fuse test-substance, A white or jiale yi ! Titanic Aciil.
in fine jiowder, with 5 or , lowisli precijiitate, chang- Titaniates.
(i parts of potass, bisul- ing to a v mlet or aiiiethy- j
{ihate (added successive- | stiiu; colour if warmed j Cinyiirmaturii tot. -¥\\*v a
y), in platinum spoon or wit ii hydrochloric aci.r I^"■,''"", "'Hip iHiiiiipitatf
• I Ik- I ^ 1 • .' i "111 lihosphor-Na I on ulat.
Wire loop, Dissulve out and a piece ot /.inc '"■ wii-.-. .Sm- Waiiidris, sii
in slightly warm water, j tin-foil. (See page ill).
decant and boil.
B.— DKTKCriON OF HASKS.
Ill iimiiy luiiKinils, the so-called Imsc — lead, for exiiiii|)lt', iu siil-
pliide of lead, copper in red or Idack oxide of copjier, baryta in car-
boMiitt' of baryta, and ho forth — may fwi (Misiiy recognized by tlie use
of till' blowpipe. Tliis is especially the case, when the base consists
of a single ahd easily reducible metal or metallii oxide, such as siht'r,
lead, copper, tin, itc. ; or where it impartH a colour to borax or other
reagent, as in the case of copper, iron, cobalt, nick*;!, manganese, ifec. ;
■■■>
m
(i»
BI-OWIMI'K I'UACTICK.
or wiici'H it foriiiH II <lo|Kmit on flniiroul, coiiiiiiuiiiciituH ii culoiir to
tlH» tliiiiit', or cxIiiliitH other olianu-hMistic rciictioiiN. Kv(mi when
st'vt'ial lM)ili«(.s of tliiH kiml mo inosciit, tlmir r»icoi,'iiitioii, iis a gi'iicial
nilt', is easily *>tIt!ct(Ml. Kartliy and alkaliiif WaMtn, wlini in tli** fonii
of i-arli()iiat<>H, Hiilpliates, pliospliatt^s, tiiioriilcH, iSic, can alno \h'. niailr
out, in 1,'fiii'ral, withont tlitlioulty, unlcsH HevomI lia|i|i(Mi to lie pinHt-nt
tojLffilK'r, in wliit'li ca.so it is not aiwayH possilile, l»y tli«! siiiiplt* aiil of
tli»' l)ln\\|ii|it', to (listingnisli tlicin individuaily. Wlit-n tlicso liascw
arc ('(inil)in<-il witli Hilioa, on the utiier hand, the Idowpipe alone is
rarely Mitlicient for their detcfetion. Tiiis, liowever, ho far as praetieal
Iiiirposes livo concerned, is of little coiisetjuence, as no econondc value,
in silicates of this chtiractur, is d(>pendent on thu has(^ In general
cases, four (experiments only will he ru({uired. Thes(* c()n»|»riHe :
'resting for wattu- hy ignition in tin; i)idh-tuhe ; fusion or ignition of
the suhstance pfr He ; fusion with sodium carhonate ; and fusion with
horax. It will thus he seen that, in many cases, the nature of the
hase will be sutiiciently revealed hy the reactions which ensue during
tlie determination of the electro-negative character of the suhstance.
Kxl'KRIMKNTM.
I
KKHI'I.TH MORK Km'WIALI.Y TO I
IIK I.dciKKI) KiiH.
Si'tmTA.tCIM INIIICATKI).
1. Igiiitu in hulh-tiilie.
NoT^. -TliiMexiHjrinient may
he omittnl us 11 rule in the cunt-
of miMi'nil> of iiii'tallic iispfct.
'2. Ignite or fuse ]>^r xc |
ill |il!\tiiiiiiit f:'.rcu|m, or, if
laetullie, on churcoal.
( I ) Coloration of Hume ;
1" KimI tliimc; li Yellow Huiiii';
le Orwii Hiiiiie ; l"* Ului' llaiiic ;
1« Violet Hume.
(I) Presence of inoiitture
('J) AsHiiiniition of ihirk
colour liiul iiiugiit'tisiii.
otiit'i' rftiiili8(if uii,v)ma.v In-
iliiirc'K'ai'iUMl.
I. Water.
Tfxt withliliii-iiii(lre<llitiniii*
|ia|H-iii.
'J. Iroii,iirohahlya«Fe(»
(1)" Lithia, strontia,
lime.
(I)'' Soda.
(1)"^ Copper, aatimouy,
/iiic,molyli(lemini,l>aryta,
aminouiii.
H Lead. (Also CuCI,
kti.)
1' Potash.
See lleactioris, 8 i>, and ail-
(kiiduiii toTablf U.lit'ldw. Thi-
Hliidont must irmi'inlier thai
certain uU'ctro-iii'ifativoliiMlifs,
S, l'io». lr-'0»,iVu., also (five fol-
ourtMl Haiiii'ij.
I'I,AN OK ANALYSIS.
G'J
colour to
veil wlifii
a gi'iHM'iil
1 the fonii
> Ih- lltlllll'
lie plOHL'llt.
ijih- aid ui
licHo lias»fs
i; aloiir is
H practical
iiiio viiliic.
In general
comprise :
gnition of
isioii with
ure of the
ue (iurin<r
snlmtance.
[NDU-'ATKI).
III! iTillitinuH
ahlyjwFeO
Htroiitia,
iintiiiiony,
iiiii,liaryta,
\l8() CuCI,
ti r>, and lul-
l.beldw. Thf
ii'iiihfr I hill
;utivel)iHlii'ii,
also jfivK ro\-
KXI'KRIMKNTM.
KWtiaTH MtlKK hJ^I'Kl lAia.V TO
HK l/M)HKII K<IH.
(2) Itill^' ■ llepOMit Oil
chiiri'oiil :
•2«\Vhilcilc|i ; ■.'* Kctl-hrnwii
ilc|i. ; 'J' Yfllciw (Icp.
(D) Aii8iiiiiiiti<in of niii^-
notistii.
(4) AMHuiii|ilioii of CIIU8-
tfoity. (Vniiv \:\).
otiici' ifsiillH (if an,\ ) miiy he
iliHr«'Uiir<li'<l.
■'{. I'UMf (after thorough
io;isiiiij». if iiecfHMiiry I
with soiliiiiii cai'hoiiattt
.'iiiil a little liorax on cliar-
cciikl ; or, if the Hiihstaiicc
IMfsi'iit a iioii-iiiutaliii' a»-
|i('i't, on |ilatiniiiii win'.
4. Kiisf with lioriix on
|i 1 a t i n II III win; (after
clioroiig!! ronHtiiig, if ne-
ccHsary).
(I) White! or yoliow
ring-(lL'iM>.sit on charcoal.
('_') licdiucd metal : j
■-'• I'lllilllc, ll(ll|.0\i<li/.llllll' ^
k'liitiulf ; -* IritiiH.. iiiiri ox. par |
UiIcn; ■>' IrifiiNililf, nxiilizalili',
iiiaKiiflii'|iarticlcs; ■.'< Kiisililc,
oxiil., lion Vdlatilc ^rlolmlcs ; 'J«
Kunitili', Nolalili/.alili' iflutiiili'H,
{'A) A grccli-l>luc till- ,
quoiHu ciiaini'l. I
(4) (Joiiiplutc soliiti 'II
(with al>s(n'|ition, if on
charcoal).
(I) A coloured head
which liccoincs turhid or
o|iai|Uc (from reduction or
(lartial reduction) in the
UK
Hl'iUlTANtHI" I.M'li ATKIi
'-'" .\ntimoiiy(ycllowiH)i,
hot); arHcnic; /.inc lyi'llow
and |ilioH|i|iori'sci'iit, Imt i ;
niolyltdciiiim lycllowiMh,
hot) ; tin (very nliglit).
'J'' ('admiiim
'2' Mi^<llllltll ; had ; /inc
(wliiUt hot).
Sec luMi'iiiliini, liclow .
A. Iron, (nickel. eoliiilt),
4. Alkaline earths
{('n<\ Ac.) in carlMiiiateM.
Hul|ihateM, tliioridcH, fic.
(I ) See under Ivvpt - ;
alMotlio .Adileiidiim lielow.
(•-')" (Jold ; Silver.
C-'l'' riatiniiin.
(•-•r Iron, Nickel, Cnhalt
CJ)'' ('opj)ir; Till practi-
cally).
'J' lliHinutli ; Leail ; An-
timony.
(H) MangancHc.
(4) Itaryta ; Strontia ;
Alkalii'H.
See AiIiIimkIiiiii, IkMhw.
(2) .A coloured liead, not
hecoming opai^ue in UK.
(3) A colourless head,
not affected by Haming.
(4) a coloiirlcs.s dead
which liccomes opaipie on
saturation or hy tlaming.
(1) Copper ; Nickdl ;
Cciiiim ; I'raniiini (the
gliiHs liecoiiicH lil;ick in
HK).
AIho MolylMleiiiini fto
some ex tent), 'I'll iigsteiiiini
ami titanium ; l)ut these
metals occur mostly in
minerals asoxidi/eil elec-
tro-negatives, and thus
(Mime under detection in
Tahi-K a.
(■J) Manganese ; ( "liro-
miiiin (see talde A); Ireii:
Cohalt.
i'Ji) Alumina ; Tin oxide
(to some extt'iitl. Moth
very slowly attacked.
(4) Zirconia : <ilucina ;
Yttria; Zinc oxiile; Alka-
line earths (.MgO, » 'aO,
etc.); Alkalies.
See detailed reactions
of these bodies in i$ (i.
u:'..
'.'5?
^'f'
m
rW^
lO
Br.OWPIPE PRACTICE.
Note : Some adilitiniial exiKirinients— (as igiiitinii with cohalt Holution ;
tetiting f *' Mg. with reducing agents in closed tube; uupellation, ike.,) if
thought necessary by physical characters of the test-substance, or by indica-
tions resulting from the above blowpipe trials — may occasionally be reijuireil.
>"' )§§;") and (5.
ADDKNDUM TO TABLE !..
A ClanKi/mlioii, nccordimj to their Jilow/iiiu ClKtmrti'vn, 'f thv mure ronimouly
occnrrhiy Miwral lidHfx.
Section 1. — Giving per se, ou with sodium cakhonatk on
CHAKCOAL, MKTAIiLIC OLOBITLES OK MKTALLIC (iKAINS.
(Jroup \.— Yi>'hliny vutlleahle metnlUc ylulmle^, ii'lthoitt ih' posit on
the didi'Cunl.
Hold. iSilrer. I'opfier.
(t'old is iuHuluhlo in tlif fluxes. Sl/rtw is not oxidi/cd pt-r ne, hut
retains a bright surfaeo nt'tor cximwuih to an oxidating flanio. Copper
lieconioH encrustod on cooling witli a Itlaok coating, ft imparts a
grpt'ii colour to the flauie-ltordcr ; and forius strongly coloured glasses
with i)or,ix aiul phosphor-.salt : (ii;reen (!iot), blue (cold), in O F;
red bi'own, opa<)ue, in H F : see § 6). (told and silver may be
separated from copper, ttc, by fusion with h'ail, and sul)Seipuuit
cup(diation. If gold and silver be present together, the bttail i^s
generally more or iess white. By fusing it in a small | latinuiu-
spoon with potassium bisulphat((, the silver dissolves, and the surface
of the •'lobule becomes vellow. If the <'lol>ule 1m! flattened out into
a disc on the anvil, before tn^atment with this reagent, the silver
is more rapidly extracted. The sulphate of silver may l)e removed
by heating the H|)Oon, in a porcelain or platinum capsule, with a
amall <piantity of wate'-, over the spirit-lamp. By (evaporation, and
fusion ot the residuuni with sodium carbonate on charcoal, m;t.^llic
silver can be aga'n obtained.
(jrioup -. — Yiehling itifusihle tiiftd/llr tn'di'nH, without i/cpasit oiithr
charcoid.
Platinum. Iron. Xickel. (Jobalt. Mol ijhdenuin. Tuniinlennnt.
Platinum is not attacked by the blowpipe fluxes. Iron, Nich'l, and
Cobalt, or their oxide.s, are readily dissolved by fusion with borax or
phosphor-salt, producing a coloured gla.ss. (Sue under " Borax," in
J5 5 (7^ above.) These metals are also magnetic. As a general ruhf
PI-AX (»K ANALYSIS.
1
3NATK ON
it" a sul)stance Im'couh' attruotalili' l»y tin* iiiiigiutt aft«'r oxposuru to th«
liil()W|ti|io, till' jtroHence of iron iiiuy \n^ infcneil, cohiilt iiml nicUol com-
jiouiiils lif'iiijj compaicitivt'ly liiit'. Tin- pi't'senoe of colmlt is icailily
«l«atM,'t«'il l)y tin' rioli l)lne citlouiof tln' liorax iiuii |ilii»s|ilior -salt glussi's,
liii liotli all oxiilating and r<>iliicini( tliiiii<> ; l>ut if iiiiicli iron li«; present
;ilso. the glass is l»luisli <^ii;en. Witli buiax in the K F, nickel eoin-
jlionntls givtj reiliiceil inetiil, and tlio glass l)ecoines grey and trou'detl.
A/ofi/hileniim a)id TunjHti'iiuin giv«} non-inagnetiu grains of reduced
unetal. I'liey are coniinonly present in niin<;rais as the electro-nega-
rive principle, and thiiir presence is Ih'sI detected liy the inotiiod given
'indei' experiments, ') and 7 Talile A. alMtve.
(Iruiip .'i. — Yiehlimi mutiilUc ijlohnlna, mitk ir'iiti' i>r ifil/inn tli'/xmit
'ill till' ('/nu'i'iiit/.
Till. Lfii'l. /tisiiiiiffi. Autimnmj.
Titi. ;iiid A'v/t/ give inatleaUle glolinles.* The sniilinnite formed l>y
din is white, small in <piantity. and deposited on, and immediately
Mround, the giolnile. The lead sulilimate is yelhuv, and move or less
•••(ipinns. Hisiiiut/i and Autiini>ni/ <i[\{' liritlh' glolndes. Tlit; IJismnth
sulilimate is daik yellow ; tin- antimony snliliniate, while and very
ilminlant. Lead imparts a clear blue colour to the llame-liorder ;
•tntimony, a greenish tint. As a j^eneral rule, a yellow deposit on the
• iiarcoai may lie regarded as indicative of the presence of lead; whilst,
the iiiiissiiin of copious fumes, and d«'position of a while coating on
ihi cliaicoal, may lie safely considered to iiulicate antimony. The
■ oatiii;,' tir sulilimate fornu'd liy zimMsee lielow). although white when
'iiiil, is lemon-yelhiw whilst htit. The rare metal, tellurium, clost^ly
•itsemMes arainM)ny in its reactions, liut if warmed with concenlraled
Mil|iliiiri<' ai'id. it forms a reildish-piirple solution. (See jj (i).
r>i.->miitli is liest detected, accoi'ding to the method ot \on Kohell,
Hiy fusing the tesi-sulistance in powder with a mixture of sulphur
Hid pMtass. iodide on a lii'ojid and snuioth [liece of cliarcoal. .\ ring-
'leposit of i: liright scarlet-cfilour is pnxluced. See undi'i' I'ismutli
in ,!5 'i, aliove.
1^:
:1^''
>:.*
m^
■irt
SKflloN "J — llKI»rCII«l,K, in T VIKI.!)I.N(i SO MKTAI, ON rllAIU.'OAL.
("I'liis arises from the rapid volatilization of the reduced metal).
■ Sec ill the .\|i|M>l|ili\, No. 'il, tlif ^trikintr reililinii iii.inilf-ltil l>> :illii » nf tlu'Hf iiictulM.
mm
72
MLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
Ornup 1. — VolaliliziiKj without odour, and without formation nf' u
deposit on the charcoal.
Mercur}/.
For tlio proper detection of this iiietul, a siniiU portion of the test-
suhstaiice in pi'wder must he mixed with some sodium earljoniite. and
the mixture stron'jfly i;j;nited at tlie bottom of a small tulie or nairow
flask. If mercury he present a gray suldimate will he formed. 'Phis;
may h(! collected hy friction with a wiie. itc, into small mcTallic
glohules, and jiouied out of the tul»e. If some iron tilings or | otas-
sium cyani le ho mixed with the soilium carhonate, the mercuiial
.•siihlimate is more readdy ohtained.
(•roup '1. — VoJatdizimi irithont (xloiir, hat tonuinij n ih'pu<if mt
the charcoal.
Codininm. Zinc.
The deposit producd hy cadmium i.i dark yellowish-hrown or red-
dish-hrjwn. That |iroduced liy zinc is lemon-yellow and phosphor-
escent whilst hot, and white when cold. If moistened with a dni|.
of nitrate of cohalt an<l ignited, it hc'comes bright green.*
Group 'S. — Vohiti/izin;/ irl/h utronij odonr of ijnrlic.
Arxenic (mon; commonly present in ndnerals as an electio-negativn
l)ody. See Tuble A, above).
The alliaceous or gai-lic like odour is most readily develojied wliei*
the testnv'tter is juixe(l with some sodium cail»oniite or other reducinj^
flux, and evr )sed on charcoal to the action of a reducing flame.
The pr(!.sence of arsenic may also be proved as follows: (1>
Hy roasting a fragment of the substance in an open glass tube.,
when nunute octahedions of aisenious acid (easily recogni/(»d l)y tlieii-
triangular faces if examined by a coinUion lens) will be deposite(l at
the upper end of the tnl»e ; and ("_'), by igniting the test-sulistance,
mixed with sonu; dry oxalate of potash or cyanide of potassiuui. at
the bottom of a small flask or closed tube, when a dark, shining subli-
nnite of metallic arsenic will be )»roduced. Without the reduoing
flux, a yellow or yellowish red sublimate of ar.senical sulphide uiigi't.
be formcul in certain ca.ses.
' III ti'KiiiiK 11 siitiiititiict' siipixisi'il to coiitniii <uiliiiuiiii, :i iittU- chiilk-iKiHiIcr or 'lOIl(•u^ll iiiii'.
In- ruliln-d oviT the surfiicf of tlic eh trcoal. If eiuliniiiiii be iirt-siiil, its rwUlish liowii Mil)li
mate (C<U>) is ilicii nioii' roadil.v seen.
PLAN OF ANALYSIS.
73
Skctiox 3. — Not kkduciulk hkkokk the I ! low p in:.
(Jroup 1. — /lit parti III/ a colour to borax.
MaiKjiinnse. C/ironiiam. Titaiihiin. (Tli<; two latter are coiii-
iiionly present in minerals as eloctro-negativo bodies).
MdiKjdHese Voinjuninds inipait. l»efoie an o.xidatirii,' llaine. a violet
colour ti) Itorax ; ('/ironnuin compounds, ti v\*'ny i^reen colour, i.^'tc
also under sodium carhonate, § a, and under Manj^anese § 0, al)ove. )
Tifiniium couipoundu form, with bora.x in the I! F, a luownish-
ainethystine yla.ss, wliich iieeomos liyht blue and opaipie liy Haminjf.
The )>ie.senee of titani\im in minerals is most readily iletected by fu-
.sIml; the sulistance in very fine powder with .'5 oi- 1 parts of earb. sodium
in a |)latinuni s[>oon, ili.ssolving the fused mass in hydrochloric acid,
diiutiny slij^htl}', ami then boiling witii a slip of tin or zinc. The
solution, if titanium be present, will gradually a.SHume an amethystine
lint. Or, the substance, in tine powde., may lu; fused with bisulphate
of potash in successive; poitions. The titanic acid by this treatment
Incomes solulde in water, from whicli il may lie precipitatctl as a
white or slightly yellowish powd<!r by boiling. The precipitate can
then l)t fu.sed before tin; l)U>wpipe in a reducing Hame with some
phosphor-salt, whtni a violet-coloured or amethystinci bead will result.
If iron be present in the substance, a drop or two of Hydrochloric acid
should be added to the solution Ixd'ore the precipitation of the titanic
acid.
The rare metals, cerium, uranium, itc., belong also to this group.
Heference should also be made to iron, nickel, cobalt and copper, as
the oxides of these latter metals, if in small (piantity, might e.scape
detection by the reducing process. {S''e under Operation 7, !; '•,
the colours imparted by these oxides to borax.)
iJroup 2. — Impdrtnicf no colour to thf fluxes. Slowly dii>so/r>'d In/
liiivax, the, (jhiss remiiinimj pcrnianenthj dear.
Alummii.
Moistened with nitrate of col lalt and then ignited, this l)a.se a.ssunies
on cooling a tine blu<! colour.
(iroup 3. — Imparling no colour to the llnxes. llupidhj dissolved
III/ borax, the glass hecoming opaijue on cooling or when Jlame.d. In-
fioluble in sodium carbonate.
74
HLOWPll'K PKACTICK.
M(i(jnei<ia. L'nne.
Moistened witli nitiatc of eohult, aii<l iyiiitiHl, Mnijiit'sin heooineH
|tule-i-(>ii in colom- ; Limp, dark grey. After Htcoiig ijL,Miition, liniu
coiupoiindH (apart from silicates) comnuitiicate a nioit" or less distiuct
red colour to tlie outer llaine.
(irouj) 4. — Kntiri'lif disso/nul hy fiminn n'ilh Hodiitm carhondle.
/lari/ltt. Sirontid. l/tthUi. Soda. I'utush.
liiiri/td ('oiufxmii'h impart a distinct green colour to the point and
holder of tin; llanie. Stt'0)ilia and lAtliia colour tlie tianje deep car-
luine-red. TIk! crimson coloration is destroyed in tlio cuse of strontia
if the HuliHtanco be fused with chloiide of harium. Sodd colours the
(lame stiongly yellow. I'otuxli comniunicates to it a violet tint ; but
this colour is cou»pletely masked Ity the presence of soda, unless tiie
tlame lu! examined llirouirh a deep l)hut glass. Sec also the spectro-
scopic reactions of the.se l)ascs gi\cn under their I'espective Inads in
APPENDIX.
OKKJINAI. CONTKIIU'TIONS To I'.LOWPIPK ANAI.YSIS*
IIV K. I. CtlAI'MAN.
1. -IJKAtTION OV MAN(JANKSK SALTS ON HAUYTA.
W'lit'ii iiioisteiicd witli a snlution of any niiiiiyuneHc milt, ami !;^'iiitc<l
ill all oxidating' llaiiic, iiaiTtu and liaryta c()iii|i()Uiids, <»(fiierally,
assiiiiic on I'oolini; a l)lii(' or <,'r<'(MiiHli-lilue colour. This aris(;s rioiii
till' toi Illation of a niiui;L,'anat(! of" l)aryta. Strontia and otli«!r liodics
(apart from tlic alkalies) wlicn treated in this maimer, liecome lnown
or darlv-^^ivv, A mixture; of liaryta and sti mtia also iissiimes an
iiidctinitt! ^'rayish-ln-own colour. It sdiiic ok, 1<; of man^ant-se lie
iiisi'd with nirl)onat<' of soda so as to prciucc a i:,rcfiiisli-lilu(; lieail or
'• tuniuoise enamel," and some baryta or a baryta salt be nudted into
this, the colour oi' the bead will remain iiii(;liaiii,'ed ; lint if strontia lie
used ill place of baryta, a brown or ^fieyish-brown enamel is prodiieed.
.N'lilK. -Soinu cxiiinplcH <if witlierite, liarytini', and Icvryto-calcitu, ('(intiiiii
tnii'i'M i)f oxide uf iiiiiii^ani'Sf. ThfMu, aftur strong ignition, oftoii aHsuine />' r si
a \i:\W L:i'otiiii!4li-l)liie coiour.
•J DKI'KCTION OF liAltVTA IN Till', IMIKSKNCK OF .STPONll A.
This test is ciiiedy applicable to the detection of baryta in the
iiatni.il sulphate of strontia ; but it answers eipially for the examina
tioii of chemical jirecipitates, itc, in which baryta and strontia may
lie present toj^ether. T)ie test-matt(!r, in tine powder, is to be melted
in ■.'. platinum spoon with ',\ or 4 volumes of chloride of calcium, and
the fused mass treatiMi with boilinj!; water. Foi this piiipose, the
' All these coiitrilmtioiiH (i> lilowpiiie anulyMiH have lieeii iimertwl in manv work» without
n('kncmic<li{t'iii('iit, and have liccii pusMi'd om-i- in otlicr riisi's fioin Imvinjr Ih'i'Ii ii|)|>fii(iitl.v
niiknown, they an- Ih'It rcpriiilcd in ccindt'tiMHl form (liul witli icU'iition dI iIic urik'inal
noincnilalun')fri)in tin- jmiriialsiii which llicy liisl appeari'd. ScvcMal of liu'sf lilowpipc nicUimIs
have niw to a u'l'iat cxltiit liiin rrplaicd hv >pt'ctids((ipic olwcinalions ; lait lht'\ may ^till
pnni' iwi till ill situations in wliii'ii a sivi'itroscopi' is not at hand or cannot com* cnicnlly tic
iinpli)\cd.
76
76
IILOWI'II'B I'llACTICK.
P
Kpoon may he dropped into ii test-tube, or phured (hottoiii upwards)
ill 11 siiiali porceluiii capsule. The clear solution, decanted from any
residue tliat may remain, is tlien to )i< Minted with 8 or 1(1 times
its volume of \vat(M', and tested with a , w drops of chromate (or
Itichroiiiate) of potash. A precipitate, or turbidity, indicates tlie
presence of Imivta.
3. -DiOTKCIloX OK AI.KAMKS I.V TIIK l'ltKSKN( K OK MA(iXKSIA.
In the analysis of inoi;^anic bodies, ma^iuisia ami the alkali'-s (if
presenl) b(!comes separated fiom other constituents toward the riose
of th<! optM'ation. In cuntiniiation of the analysis, it tluMi becoiixs
desirable to ascertain, at once, whether maj,Miesia be alone present, or
wlif rJ.cr the saline mass, produccid by the evaporation of a portion of
the solution, consist of maj^nesia and one or more of the alkalies, or
of the latter only. Iiv t'using a small tpiantity of the test-matter with
eail)onate of soda, the presence of maynesia is readily dett'Cted, as this
Kubstanc«! remains undissolved ; liut the; presence or abs(!nce of alka-
lies is not so easily determined, the coloration of the flame 1m inj;
fre(piently of too indetinite a character to allbrd any certain evidence
on this point. TlaMpiest'on may lie solvtfd, however, liy the followin;,'
simple process. Some lioracic acid is to bt; mixed with the test iiiatter
ami with a lew particles of oxiile of copper, and tlit; mixture is to In-
»'.vpose<l for a f«nv secom' , on a loop of platinum wire, to the action
of an oxidaiing thuiie. In the ab.sence of alkalies, the oxide of copper
will remain undissolved; but if alkalies bo present, an alkaline Ixiratci
is produccil, forminL' a iea<lily fusil>le ylaiss, in which the copper oxide
is at once dissolved. th(( j,'la.ss becoming green whilst hot, and liiue
when cold. If magnesia also htt present, white specks remain for a
tiiiMt uiidi.s.solved in the centre or on the surface of the bead, .^iiy
metallic oxide which imparts by fusion a colour to alkaline borates,
may, of course, be employed in |)lace of oxide of copper ; l)ut the
latter has long been used in other operations, and is therefore always
carried amongst the reagents of tin; blowpipe-ca.st;.
4.- METHOD OK i> TIN(it'lsHl.N(i TMK UKD FLAMK OK IdTMIl'M
KUO.M IMAr OF S'lUONTllM.
It has l)ceii long known that tiit; ciiiuson coloration imparted to the
blowpipe-tlame '.y strontia, is destroyed by the presence of baryta.
This reaction, confirmed by Plattner (see more especially, the third
S
AIM'KNDIX TO I'AIIT I,
77
••(litioii of liis " ProldrkiiiLst, " |»ag<( 107). was olist-rvcd nh curly mh
lS:.'lt liv Hutzcii!,'<'ii,'<'r ("Aimait's des jMiufs," t. v., |>. 'M\). Tim
liitt'i- .siil)stiiiic't', liowt'vcr, iis lirst iinlicn'cd liy tlii' wiilcr, docs nut
iitl'iM't the crimson tlunic i-oionition inoducfd liy liLliia. Ilcncf, to dis-
tini.'iiisli tiie two Hani«>.s, tin* tt'st-snlistanco may lie fused with 'J or ;{
Miliinifs of cldoridc uf liariuni on a h)o|) of platinum wiic, the fused
Iliads lieint; kept just within th<' |ii)int or edi,'e of the liluc coin'. If
tiie original Hame coloration proetteded from strontia (or lime), an
impure lnownish-yellow tinife will he impaited to the llamehorder ;
liut if the orii,'inal red colour were caused liy lithia, it will not only
remain un<lestroyed, hut its intensity will be nnich increased.
This test may lie applied, amongst other bodies, to the natural
silicates, lepidolite, spodumene, \'c. It is ecpially availaliie, also, in
the examination of phosphat(!s. The mineral triphylline, fi)r example,
when trt'ated jfr !<•■, inipaits a green tint to the point of the llame,
owing to the presence of phos|)lioric acid; l)ut if tiiis mineral lie fused
(in powder) with chloride of barium, a beautiful crimson coloration in
the surrounding flame-border i.s ut onco produced.
•j.-MKTIKM) OK DISTIN(JI'ISHIN(; THK MONoXIKK (»1' IKo.V
(FuO) FlioM THK SKSgiloXIDK (hVO^ IN SlIdCATKS AM)
OTIIKl! (M).MI'()l'NI)S.
If iron be rec(/gni/.e(| in an oxidi/ed body, its jiresence or absence
as ferrous oxitle (Ke(J) is readily indicateil l)y this ttist : assuming,
of course, that no other reducing l)ody be present, a point easily
ascertained by tlm l)lowpi|ie. The test is |ui'formed as follows : A
small (juantity of black oxide of copper (CuO) is dissolved in a l»ead
of borax on platinum wire, so as to form a glass which exhibits, on
cooling, a decided blue colour, but which remains transparent T(j
tiiis, the test-substance in the form of powder is added, ami the whoh*
is exposed for a few seconds, or until the test matter begin to dissolve,
to the point of the blue Haini'. If the Hiibstance contain Fe-'O" only,
the glass on cooling will remain transparent, and will exhibit a bluidi-
yreen colour. On the other hand, if the test-substance contain KeO,
this will beconx! at once convcuteii into Fc-'O' at the expeiist? of some
of the oxygen of the copper <'ompoutid ; and opa(pie red streaks and
spots of Cu-'O will appear in the glass as the latter cools.
NiiTE. — Although this teat is ({uotvd by I'luttaer — perhups the best criterion
of its accuracy — it is paaseil over, without lueiitiou, iii many works on chemical
■; ;l»>'
>'■
I i
(H HLoWIMi'K I'HACTICK.
aiialyHiM. The writer may theri-forti lie nllowetl to nil to iniiiil, in ]iro<)f of itn
elliciii'v, tliiit liy itx UM<! ill |S4H lit; |ioiiitt!(l out the prusi^ncit of hV( > in tiio
iniiiL-rnl Htiiiirolitu ("Clieiii. I>ii/,," •liily 15, 184'^: huu iiIho KniinaturH ".foiirnal
fur pnict. ChiMii.," XLN'I., \t. 1 1!»), nt.iirly thirteen yenrn before tliin f.ict —
now iiiiiverHiiliy ailniitteil — waH ilinoovered anil announueil hy raniiiu-i>)ierg,
" Herielite li. Kongl. jireims. Akati. il. Wigs, zu licrlin," Marz, 1801.
0. -!)ETK("TluN oF I-I;aI» IN THK I'KKSKNOE OF msMmi.
When It'inl uinl liisniiitli an' |»rf*Ht!nt toj^f^tlior, tin' latter metal may
1k' readilv detecteil liy its known reaetion with pliosplmi-salt in a
rednciuo llame -antimony, if present, lieing first eliniitiated ; Imt the
laeHenee of lead is less easily ascertained. If the latter metal he )ne-
Heiit in larye f|nantity, it is true, the metallic j^lohnh; will lie more or
less malleatile, and the flame-ltorder will assume a clear hlue colour
hen made to play upon its surface, or on the snMimate of lead-oxide
il ; lint in other cases this reaction liecomes
w
as produced on charcoa
exceedintjlv indefinite. The presence; of lead may he detected, how-
ever, I'V the following plan, hased on the known nMluction and
precipitation of .salts of hismuth hy metallic lead, a method which suc-
ceeds perfectly with brittle alloys containini^ from Hi) to 90 per cent.
of 1
iismn
th. A small crystal or fraj'tnent of nitrate of liismnth \>
placed in a porcelain capsule, and moi.stened with a few ilrops of water.
the f^n^atiT part of which is afterwards poureil oH' ; ami the metallic
"lohule of till' mixed metals, as ohtained by the blowpipe, haying la'en
sli'ditly thittened on the anvil luitil it be;(ins to crack at the sides, is
then placed in the midst of the sub-salt of bismuth fornnnl by the
action of the water. In the course of a minute; or even less, according
to tin; anniunt of lea<l that nniy be presi-nt, an arbor<;Hcent caystalliza-
tion of nn'lallic bismuth will bt; formed around the ^jjlobiile. The
reaction is not allected by copper ) but a precipitation of bismuth
wouhl ensue, in the absence; of lead, if either zinc or iron were pieseut.
These metals, howev(;r. may be eliminated from the test-globule by
exposiiii,' this on charcoal for some minutes, with a mixture of carb.
soda and borax to a reducing Haiiu;. Tin; zinc Ix^comes volatilizeil,
and the iron is gradually taken up liv the borax, If a single opera-
tion <lo not etlect this, the globule; must be; renujvexl from the saturate'd
• lark yree'ii glass, ami trenite^d with further portions of the niixturi'.
unl
il tiie; resulting glass lie no longe;r colouriid.
■, 1
APl'KNPIX TO PAHT !.
7!>
7.-I>KTK< ION OK MTHIA IN THK I'HKSKNCK OF SODA.
'riiis h'st limy 1m' n|»|tli«il to iiiixtureH oF tlu^nc iilkiiliwH in tli« Hiiii|»l«f
Htiitc, or to tlieir ciultoiniteK, Hiilplmtes, nitruU'H, or otimr coinpouiKl.s
tii|>iil>lo of l)eiiig (lt>coiii|»()SKil hy i'tiHiou witli cliloridH of hariuin. Tlif
t»'Ht-siilistnnct', ill powder, in to 1k« iiiixt'd with about twiu*! its voluiiic
of ('liloriiic of hiiiiiiiii, ami a small portion of tiii! mixture is to l)t>
cxposoil on a loop of platinum wii(f to the p<»iiit of a well-HustaiiUMl
oxiiiatiiig flaiiu!. A dci-p ycMow ouh)i'ation of the flame-UonlHr, pro-
duced hy tlie volatilization of chloride of sodium, at tirst enHiies.
This griiduiilly dimiiiishtts in intensity, and itfter a short time a thin
;{ic(Ui streak, occasioiif I l>y < hloi ido of harium, is scimi to stmain from
(he point of the wire, as the test matter shrinks further -town into the
loop. On the fused inatH beings, llieii broMgiit somewhat deeper i«ito
the Uame, the point and etl;{e o! [\\\\ lattel' will at once assume the itm^Is
crimson tinge chaiacteriHUo of the p(AHMM)ce ol lithium coiii|>ouiids ;
and the ooKmr will en Inn' Mil\ieienllN loim to prevent tlu' ^li^ll^est
ehaiice of misconception ov vincertainty. 'riie prei«rnee of ss-Mtufium
eom[>ounds tloes \\\\\ \\\W\ this reaction, as these compoumls. when
fused with chUuVvIe of Wai'um, eeasMt to im|iart a red coluiir to the
flamo. ('NVe No. 4.) In order, however, to «'iisure success in the
application of this te.-.t, it is lu'cessary, in some case.s, to keep up a
cl(!ar and sharply-defined tlitme for about a couple of minutes. If the
red coloration do not apptNir by that time, tie' al«(uice of lithia —
iinleHs the latter substance be present in minute traces only — may lie
safelv concltide<l.
M:;v
:.>,
S, ACTION ol' iJAIiVTA oN Tlf.VNIC ACID.
Fused with lioiax in a reduiin<^ tiame, titanic acid, it is well known,
forms a <lark amethystine-lilue ylass which Incomes lii^dit blue and
opaipie when subjected to the Haniiii^ jirocess. The amethystine
colour arises from the pre.sence of Ti-'O'; tht; lii^lit Idiie enamelled siir-
fa(!<>, from the precipitation of a certain portion of tlit^ titanium in
the form of 'I'iO-'. '{"he piesence of Itaryta, even in (!omparatively
small (|uanfity, ipiite di-stroys th<' latter reaction. When (exposed
to an intermittfMit llame, the i,d.i.ss (on the addition of baryta) remains
dark Itliie, no precipitation of titanic acid taking place. Strontia
aits in the same manner, but a much lar;{er <piantity is reipiired to
produce the reaction.
1 ,. ». ■
80
HI.OWI'WK I'HACTICK.
•I. DKTKCTION OF O.XIDK OF MAN(J.ANI':s|.: \V||i:\ I'ltKSKN'T
IN MINIJTK (H'ANTITV IN MI.VKUAI, UoDIKS.
It is iisuiilly Htiitcil ill works on tlir l)|()\v|ii|if, tliat tlii> simuIIisI
tiiiccH ol" iiiiiiipiiicHe iiiiiy \»i ivmlily <l«!t«'i;t()<l liy fiisiim with carlioii.itc
of soiia, or with a inixttiio uf c'arl)oimli> orHuda ami iiitrato of |>olasli :
Init tliiH HtatciiKMit is to hoiiih (•xtciit n'l'onroiis. In {\w |>r«'H('iK'«> of
iiiiich lime, ma;^rii<>Nia, alumina, si>si|iii(>\i(|(^ of iron, or other hoi|i(>s,
iiisolul»l(', or of (litliciilt .solnl)ility Ix'tore the l»l<»sv|>i|M' in i-arlionatc of
sotia, traecs of oxide of maiij,'aneHe may easily esea|H) (ietection. I»y
addin*,', however, a small portion ot Ikiihx or phosphor-Halt to tliH
carlionatfj of soda, tlu'se IxidieH liecome diss(»!ved, an<l the formation
of a •'tunpioiHe enamel" (inaiiijanate of soda) is readily oH'ected. The
process may he varied hy dissolviiiij the test-siilistanee (iist in hoiax
or phosphor-salt, and then treatini; the fused head with earlnniate of
soda: the hitUn' heiiig, of course, twlded in excess. IJy this treatment
without the udditioii of nitratw of potash, the faintest traces of oxide
of manganese in limestone and other rocks, are at onco made known.
No'l'K. — 'I'liis niutiioil of oxaiiniiing hodicH for tlio piVHciice of iiiaii^aiieHe,
Wii8 let'oinmuiuleil liy Dr. LiHip. II. Fisher in IH(51 (" Leoiih. .Iidulaicii "
|IS(>I]. |i. I>53), lait tlio writer hiul foreatnlled him ))y iiiiiu years, having alrcmly
dbsorihed it in lii't'2.
10. -THK (X)AL ASSAY.
In the practical examination of coals, the following operations are
essentially necessary:* (1) The estimation of the water or hygio-
' To tlit'Ke iiiiKlit lie ailileil, tli» (i«turiiiiiiiitioii nt' tin* lu'iitiiiK jidwith nr "uliHuliitct wariiitli "
ot the colli, ttui tliiH iiiii.v iilwii.VH III- cNtiiiiuti'il with siiWi'it'iit cxiirtliKSH for iirni'tiial jiurpoxcH
liy thv iiiiioiiiit of I'ciki-, ash, ainl iiniiHtiiri', iih i'iiiii|iartMl with other coalH. Fiopurly ('oii!<iitt'ri''i,
the litliar^e teHt, resorted to for the (Iftcriiiiiiatinii of tin- cahirilic |iow»-r of cobIm, is of vi-ry
httlt! actual value. The respective results furiilsheil l>y ^■noil wood chariMal ami ordinary coke,
for example, arc closely alike, if not in favour of the charcoal ; and yet experience almndantly
jiroves the stronger heatilij/ powers of the loke. In practice, moreover, the aitual value of a
coal does not alwa)s dejieml upon the " absolute warnilh " of the lattei', as certain coals, such
as hrown coals rirh in bitumen, may possess heating powers of considerable amount (as esti-
matecl by the reduction of litharge) though only of brii'f dnratlt n. Thus, the lignites of the
department of tht Itasses Alpes in south-eastern Krance, ami those of Cuba, yield with litharge
from ih to 20 parts of reduced lend ; whilst many caking; coals, practically of much higher heat-
ing power, yield scarcely a larger amount. When pyrites also is present in the coal— a londitiun
of very commom occurrence -the litharge test becomes again unsatisfactory, the pyrites exerting
a reducing a<'tion un the lead compound.
As described, however, by Bruno Kerl, in ({uoting the writer's 'oal assay (" Liithrohr-Unter-
suchungen :" Zweite Autl. IS&l, p. 140) the so called absolute warmth or heating power of a coal
sainplo may be determined, if desired, in blowpipe practice, by the following modltlcation of
liertliier's method : 20 milligramnies of the <'oal, in line powder, are to iio mixed intimately
with 500 milligrammes of oxy-cliloride of lead (consisting of three parts of litharge + 1 part of
chloride of lead, fused together and finally |>ulverized). The mixture is to be placed in a blow-
pipe crucible, and covered with about an eipial amount of the lead compound, a second cover
of 8 blowpipe-spoonfuls of powdered glass + 1 spoonful of tioraz being spread over this. The
crucible, covered with a clay capsule, is then tu be fitted into a charcoal block in the ordinary
blowpipe furnace, over which a charcoal lid is placed, and the Maine directed against Its iiniler
side, so as to keep it at a red heat for from 5 to 8 ininutes. The weight of the reduced lead
divided by 20 gives the amount of the lead mixture reduced by one part of the coal. One part
of jiure carbon reduces 34 parts of this mixture ; om^ part of charcoal, 30 to 3:i jiarts ; one jiart
of bitunnnous coal, 10 to 33 ; one part of brown coal, 14 to 20 ; one part of peat, 8 to 27 ; and
one imrt of wood, 12 to 15 i>arts.
r'A
API'KNrUX To I'ART
SI
s"i>]tio iiioistun' pi't'stMit ill tin" ooal ; ('J) tlio il(>t<M'iniiiatii)M of tin-
wt-i^ht aixl cliiiiMi*tei' of tli ki>; (•')) tin* <'Htiiniition ami i)xiiii>iiiiitit>n
.)f' ilu' iisli or iin>ri,'imii' iiiuttcis ; nml (\) tli«' I'Htiiimtioii oC tlic -^ul
|,liiif, I'liiffly pn'scnt in tlic cial us Ft'S-'.
Hi^limiifion nf Moisture. — Tliis oponitioii is "\u- of «'Xtif'iiH' sini-
i.Iji'iiv. Sonus sii^lit circ, liowj'vcr. is r<M|iiir«)tt to iircvciit oiImm-
\i>l,uili' iiiiittfrs from ln'iiii,' lirivfii oil' iluriiii,' the cxiiiilsion ol' ilu'
III ii>
tiiii
ScMii or ciglit small |iarlicli's. avtMa;^iiiL; to:;«'lin'r troin
lull Id j.'di iiiilliuraiiiiiK'H, art- to \»' ilctaclicil from tin* assay s|MTim»'ii
liv iiiiMiis of tli»' ciittiiii^ plit-rs, aii<l carefully vvciiflifd. Tlicy arc tlicii
to lie traiisfcrrcil to a porot'laiii capsule with thick Itottom, ami stroiinly
liciiteil fur four oi' live tiiiiHites on the suppiiit attarheij to the lilow
pipe-lamp, tlio iiiiaiileil llame of the lamp )> iii!{ alone employed for
this purpose. It isadvisalile to place in the capHiile, at iho same time,
a small strip of filtering or while Idottiiiy; paper, tl harrin<(of whi(;li
will ui^'' indications of the temperature hecomiiiy too hiijli. The coal,
whilst still warm, is then to lie irinsferred to tin- little hrass or horn
capsiile in which the weiifhini(s am performed, and its weight
;ov'i'tained.* In Iransferriiii^ the coal from one vessel to tho other,
till liir:,'er p' ^es should lie removed liy n puir of line liiuss forceps,
mi the little particles or dust afterwards swept into the weiuhiiij,'
.apMile Iiy means of the camel'sdiair pencil or small coloiir-hrush
iM'l()nL,'in^' lo the lialanoe case. The wcii»hini^ capsule should also lie
placed in the centre of a half sheet of gla/.ed wri tin;,' paper, to prevent
tlie risk of any accidental loss diiriii!,' the tiansterence. After the
wcii;liing, the operation must always he repeated, to eiiHiin* that no
further loss of wtuglit oci'ur. In jilace of the lilowpipe lam|i, the
spirit-lamp may tie (Miiployed for this operation ; luit, with the former
thor(> is less danger of the heat hecoming too high. It should he re
maikeil that some anthracites decr«(pitate slightly when thus treated,
in which case the porcelain capsule must lie covered at first with a
small watch-glass.
In good sample.s of coal, the moisture ought not to exceed 3 or t per
cenr., hut in coals that have heeii long exposed to damp, it is often as
hiifh as or 7, ami ev(M» reaches l."t or 20 percent, in certain lignites.
Where large (luantitics of coal are consumed, therefore, a serious lo.ss
.1
' TheHp Minall \veii;hiiii;-<'a|Huli'!i, as well as thi' |>aiiH o( the Ipalanci', are now often iiiuile uf
aliiniiiiiuin.
-ymm
^1
^> \rv^
V<^..'vT.
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)
1.0
1.25
^ li£ 12.0
JA ill 1.6
— 6"
V
<^
^
^ s^'
Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 WEST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, NY. 14560
(716/ 872-4503
4^
\
\\
^
„<^
O
M
82
BLOWUPE PRACTICE.
i ^:
r
li:
! i
1 1 I
is entailed on the i)urcliiiser unless the moisture be propeily chHer-
niined iincl allowed for.
Estiniatioa, dix., of Coke. — In this oi)eration, a small crucible of
j)latinum is most conveniently employed. The crucible may consist
of a couple of rather deep spoons — the larger one without a handle.
so as to admit of being ])laced over the smaller spoon,
thus serving as a lid. The long handle of the cru-
cible-spoon must be bent as shewn in the annexed
tigure, in order that the spoon may retain an iipright
position when placed on the pan of the balance.
About 150 milligrammes of coal are detached as before, in several
small fragments, from the assay-sj)ecimen. These may be wt^ighecl
directly in the crucible, the latter being placed in the little weighing
capsule of horn or brass, with its handle-support projecting over the
side of this. The crucible, with its cover on, is then taken up by a
pair of spring forceps, and is brought gradually before the blowpipe
to a red heat. The escaping gases will take tire and burn for a few
seconds around the vessel, and a small amount of carbonaceous matter
may be deposited upon the cover. This rapidly burns otf, however,
on the heat being continued. As soon as it disappears, the crucil)le
is to be withdrawn from the flame, a -.id placed on the blowpipe-anvil
to cool quickly. Its weight is then ascertained, always without lemov-
ing the cover. The loss, minus the weight of moisture as found by
the first |)rocess, gives the amount of volatile or gaseous matter. The
residue is the coke and its contained ash. The coke in some anthra-
cites exceeds 89 or 90 i)er cent. In anthracitic or dry coals it usually
varies from 70 to 80 per cent., and the fragments are sometimes slightly
agglutinated. In ordinary bituminous or caking coals, it amounts in
general to about 65 or 70 per cent., and presents a fused and maniil-
lated surface. In cannel or gas coals, the percentage of coke may be
assumed to equal 50 or 60, but it is sometimes as low as 30. The coke
fragments are often partially agglutinated; but they never present a
fused, globular aspect. Finally, in lignities or brown coals, the coke
may vary from 25 to 50 per cent. It forms sharp-edged fragments
of a dull charcoal-like ap})earance, without any sign of fusion.
Estimation of Ash or Inorganic Matters. — A platinum capsule is
employed for this operation. One of about half an inch in diameter,
2^^
APPENDIX TO PAKT I.
83
with a short ear oi- handle, is suftxciently large. A somewhat smaller
capsule, with its hantlle cut otf, may be fitted into this (in reversed
position) to serve as a lid. The coal mv. t be reduced to a coarse
jiowder, and about 150 milligrammes weighed out for the experiment.
The platinum capsule i& then to be tixed in a .^lightly-inclined posi.
tion abo'/e the spirit-lamp, and heated as strongly as possible. If the
wick of the spirit-lamp be raised sufficiently, and the capsule be light
and thin, the temperature will be sufficient to burn off the carbon, at
least in the majority of cases. The lid of the capsule must be placed
above the coal j)Owder until combustion cease, and the more gaseous
products are driven off, as otherwise a portion of the powder might
very easily be lost. During tlie after combustion the powder must
be gently stirred, and if agglutination take place the particles must
be carefully broken up by a light steel spatula, cr by a piece of stout
platinum wire flattened at one end. If the carbonaceous matter be
not burnt off by this treatment, the blowpipe may be used to accelerate
the process ; but the ojierator must blow cautiously, and direct the
flame only against the under side of the capsule, in order to avoid
the risk of loss. Finally, on the ash ceasing to exhibit in any of
its particles a black colour, the lid of the capsule is to be caref- "'y
rej)laced, and the whole cooled and weighed.*
In good coals, the amount of ash is often under 2 per cent., and it
rarely exceeds 4 or 5 per cent. In coals of inferior quality, however,
it may vary from 8 or 10 to even 30 per cent. As regards its compo-
sition, the ash may be — (1) argillaceous, consisting essentially of a
silicate of alumina ; (2) argillo-ferruginous ; (3) calcareous ; and (4)
calcareo-ferruginous. If f.;ee from iron, it will be white or pale gray,
but if more or less ferruginous, it will present a red, brown, or yellowish
colour. Phosphor-salt, so useful in general cases for *^^he detection of
siliceous compounds, cannot be safely used to distinguish the nature
of the ash obtained in blowpipe assays. Owing to their fine state of
division and to the small quantity at command, argillaceous ashes dis-
solve in this reagent with as much facility as those of a calcareous
nature, and without producing a characteristic silica skeleton, or
' If the ash be very ferruginous — in which case it will i)resent a red or tawny colour — the
results, as thus obtained, will require correcting, the original iron pyrites of the coal being
weighed as sesquioxide of iron. In ordinary assays, however--aa distinguished from analyses—
this may be fairly negle<'ted. When also the ash hapjiens to be calcareous and to occur in large
quantity, it shauld be moistened with a drop or two of a solution of carbonate of ammonia, and
gently heated, previously to being weighed.
:;#*^-^
mmmm
84
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
cansiiig the opiiliziition of tlie glass. With calcareou.s ashe.s also, the
iiinount ohtained is rarely sntticieut to saturate even an exceedingly
niinuto bead of phosphor-salt or bora.K, jind hence no opacity is ])ro-
(hiced by the flaming process. The ont kind of ash may be distin-
guished, nevertheless, from the other, by moistening it, and placing
the moistened mass on reddened litmus paper, (.'alcareous ashes
always contain a certain amoinit of caustic lime, and thus restore the
l)lue colour of the paper. The calcareous ashes, also, though ]>rinci-
))ally composed of carbonate of lime, sometimes contain small portions
of ])liosphate and sulphate of lime. The presence of the latter may
be readily detected by the well-known production of an alkaline sul-
))hide by fusion with carbonate of soda in a reducing liame — the fused
mass exhibiting a reddish colour, an<l imparting when moistened a dark
stain to a plate of silver or piece of lead test-pa[)er. The; latter may
be replaced by a glazed visiting-card. In examining earthy sulj)hates
by this method, a little borax ought always to be added to the car-
bonate of soda, in order to ])romote the solution of the test-matter.
If oxide of mangane.se be present in the ash, the well-known man-
ganate of soda, or "turquoise enamel," will also be obtained by this
treatment.
'I
1 1 f
h .(
Estimation of Sulphur.- -The following plan is (terhaps the most
simple that can be employed for the determination of sulphur in coal
samples. It is merely an adaptation to blow|)ipe practice of the pro-
cess very generally emi)loyed for that purpose :
As lai'ge an amount of coal as practicable, several pounds at least,
taken from ditferent parts of the same heaj) or be \ must be broken
into powder and well stirred together. About 150 milligrannnes are
to be weighed out for the assay. This amount is to be intimately
mixed with about 450 milligrammes of nitrate of i)otash and an eciuul
quantity of carbonate of potash, and the mixture, with a good cover-
ing of salt, is to be fused in a small platinum crucible of about a
quarter of an ounce capacity. The crucible may be tixed in an
ordinary blowpipe-furnace, in the centre of an already used charcoal-
block, as the cavity of the latter will require to be larger than usual ;
or it may be ignited by the flame of a bunsen burner, without the
aid of the blowpi[)e. The heat at first must be very moderate, as
the mixture swells up greatly; but after a couple of minutes, or
thereabouts, a tolerably strong blast may be key^t up for froui two to
!:•:
APPENDIX TO PART I.
85
three luinuteH in iulditiou, wlien tlie operation will be finished. Tiie
iilk.ilint' siil[)hiite, tluis produced, is dissolved out by boiling water,
iiiul the filtered solution, acidiiied by a few drops of hy<lroc'hloric' aciil,
is then treated with chloride of liarium. The weijjht of the pre-
cipitate divided by 7.28 gives the amount of snlphi',r. An ni-dinary
blow[)ipo-crucible of clay may be employed for this operation; Ixit it
is always stronjjly attacked by the mixture thiring fusion, and is
otherwise less convenient for the purpose than one of plutiuum.
When the iron pyrites in the coal is not in a state of semi decom-
position, its amount, and consequently the amount of sulphur, may
be arrived at more nearly than might at first thought be supposed,
by the simple process of washing in the agate mortar. Eacii single
part of pyrites corresponds to 0.533 of s;ilp!iur. Some large pieces
of the assay-coal should be selected, and broken up into powder ; and
on this, several trials must be made. About 500 milligrammes may
l)e taken for each trial, and washed in three or four jjoitions. In
the hands of one accustomed to the use of the mortar in reducing
experiments, the results, owing to the lightness of the coal pai-iicles,
and the conseciuent ease with which they are floated off, come out
surprisingly near to the truth. In travelling, we may dispense with
the washing bottle, by employing, in its place, a piece of straight
tubing drawn out abrujjtly to a i»oint. This is to be tilled by suction,
and the water expelled with the necessary force by blowing down the
tube. A tube 6 inches long and the fourth of an inch in diameter
will hold more than a sutKcient quantity of water to be used between
the separate grindings. The mortar should be but slightly inclineil,
and the stream of water must not be too strong: otherwise, especially
if the coal be ground up vcny fine, portions of the pyi-ites may bo
lost. The proper manipulation, however, is easily ac(juired by a
little practice.
11.— PHOSPHORUS IN IRON WIRE.
Many years ago, it was stated by Griffin that thin iiou wire
exhibits, in burning, a green light. This statement is repeated by
Prof. CrALLOWAY in various editions of his useful little work on
chemical analysis : iron wire being placed in one of the tables, given
in that manual, among the substances wihich impiU't a green colora-
tion to the blowpipe-flame. On the other hand, neith(M' Bkrzelius,
PlATTNER, lilCHTER, Vo.v KoHELL, Dr. Harald Lexz (Did
fe,
"SSiBI
86
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
i •
Lothrohrschule, 1848), Sciieerer, Bruno Kerl, nor any other of
the nuineroiis workers with the blowpipe on the continent of Europe
have ever alludeLl to the reaction. Lenz gives a minute (lescri|)ti<)n
of tlie action of the hlowpipe-Hanie on iron wire, and points out that
the fusion is always accompanied by oxidation; but he makes no
allusion to any coloration of the flame. Struck by this apparent
omission, I have examined a number of samples of iron wire by the
l>lowpipe. All the light-coloured and comparatively hard wires
exhil»ited the reaction voiy distinctly. A bright green flame streamed
from the point of the wire during the oxidation and fusion of the
lattei', and a rapid scintillation or emission of sparks accompanied
the ])heuomenon. On the other hand, the soft and dark wires fused
niuch less readily, and did not occasion the slightest coloration of the
flame. The green flame-coloration, occasioned by the harder wires,
arises, I tind, from the presence of a minute amount of phosphorus,
this being converted into phosphoric acid during the combu.stion of
the wire. As iron-wire is often emjiloyed in blowpipe ))ractice as a
reagent for phosi)horic acid in phosphates, and as it is also occasion-
ally used in preparing a solution of iron oxide (Fe-'O'') for the estima-
tion of phosphoric acid in bodies generally, the publication of the
present note may not be altogether superfluous.
\e
r
12.— DETECTION OF MINUTE TRACES OF COPPER IN IRON
PYRITE.S AND OTHER BODIES.
Althougli an exceedingly small percentage of copper may l)e detected
in blowpi[)e experiments by the reducing process, as well as by the
azure-blue coloration of the flame when the test-matter is moistened
with hydrochloric acid, these methods fail in certain extreme cases to
give satisfactory i-esults. It often happens that veins of iron j)yrites
lead at greater depths to cojiper pyrites. In this case, according to
the experience of the writer, the iron pyrites will almost invariably
hold minute traces of copper. Hence the desirability, in exploring
expeditions more especially, of some ready test, by which, without
the necessity of employing acids or other bulky and diflScultly jjortable
j-eagents, these traces of copper may be detected. The following
sim|)le method will fje found to answer the purpose : the test-sub-
stance, iii powder, must first be roasted on cliarcoal, or, better on a
A-
APl'KNDIX TO PART I.
87
tViigiiient of porcelain,* in order to tlrive off the sulphur. A small
jiortinu of the roasted ore is then to be fused on platinum wire with
jiliosphor-salt ; ami some bisulphate of potash is to be added to the
a;hiss (without this being removed from the wive) in two or three suc-
cessive portions, or until the glass becomes more or less saturated.
Tills ertocteil, the bead is to bo shaken off the i)latinum loop into a
■siiiall capsule, ami treated with boiling water, by which either the
whole or the greater part will be dissolved; and the solution is finally
to be tested with a small fragment of ferrocyauide of potassium
i'" yellow i)russiate,") If copper be present in more than traces, this
teagent, it is well known, will produce a deep red i)recipitate. If the
«;opper be present in smaller quantity, that is, in exceedingly minute
tf races, the precipitate will be brown or biownish-black ; and if copper
be entirely ab.sent, the precipitate will be blue or green — assuming,
of course, that iron pyrites or some other ferruginous sul)stance is
operated >ipon. In this experiment, the preliminary fusion with
j)hosphor-saIt greatly facilitates the after solution of the substance in
S)isulphate of potash. In some instances, indeed, no solution takes
g)lace if this preliminary treatment with phosphor-salt be omitted.
l:i. — DETECTION OF ANTIMONY IN TUBE-SUBLIMATES.
Tm the examination of mineral boiUes for antimony, the teat-sub-
tstance is often roasted in the open tube for the production of a wiiite
sublimate. The presence of antimony in this sublimate may be
'It'tected by the following process — a method more especially available
when the operator has only a portable blowpipe-ca.se at his command.
The portion of the tube to which the chief jiortion of the sublimate is
.ittached i" to be cut off by a triangular file, and dropped into a test-
tube containing some tartaric acid dissolved in water. This being
warmed or gently l)oiled, a part at least of the sublimate will be dis-
solved. Some bisulphate of potash —either alone, or mixed with some
^^arb. soda and a little l)orax, the latter to prevent ab.sorption — is then
III the niastinj^ of metallic suliihides, iVi'., the writer has cmiiloyed, for sonic years, iiiiall
tragiiieiits of Berlin or Mei-<sen iioreelaiii, smli .is result from the breakage of crmililes ami
other vissels (jf that material. The tesl-substanee is trushed to jiowder, moistened slightly,
...lid sjiiead over the surface of the iioreelaiu ; and when tlie operation is lini.slied, the jiowder is
I'usily seraiied otl' by tlie'imint of a kiiife-blade or small steel-spatula. In roasting operations,
r,uuly mure tlian a dull red heat is required ; but tlie.se porcelain fragments ULiy be rendered
vliite-hot, if such be necessary, without risk of fraiture. Tliey are held, most conveniently, by
;i. pair uf spring forceps—" Canadian Journal," Septemtier, ISOO.
djj
P'
■''■A
m
88
ULOWl'IPE I'KACTICK.
to h« fused on cliarcoal in a reduciiii,' flume; and the alkaline Mulpliiilf.
tlius produced, is to he removed by tiie point of a knife-Made, ami
j)]nced in a small porcelain capsule. The hepatic mass is most easily
separated from the charcoal hy removing it before it has time to soli-
dify. Some of tiie tartaric acid solution is then to be dropped upon
it, when the well-known orange-coloured precipitate of Sb-.S ' will at
once result.
In preforming this test, it is as well to employ a somewhat large
fragni(!nt of the test-sulistance, so as to obtain a thick deposit in the
tube. It is advisable also to hold the tube in not too inclined a posi-
tion in order to let but a moderate current of air pass through it :
and care must be taken not to e.xpose the sublimate to the action of"
the i!ame — otherwise it might be converted almost wholly into a com-
pound of 81)^0'' and Sl/-t)'', the greater part of which would lemain
undissolved in the tartaric acid solution. A sublimate of aiseniout-
acid, treated ir this manner, would, of course, yield a yellow precipi-
tate, easily distinguished by its colour, liowever, from the dee[i orang*^
antiraonial sulphide. The crystalline character, etc., of the suljliiuate.
would also effectually prevent any chance of misconception.
14— ON THE REACTIONS OF METALLIC THALLIUM BEFORE
THE HLOWITI'E.
1,1:.
The following reactions are given from direct experiments by th(>
writer : *'
In the clo.sed tube, thallium melts easily ; and a brownish-red
vitreous slag, which becouies pale yellow on cooling, forms around
the fu.sed globule.
In the open tnbo, fusion also takes place on the first application ot
the flame, whilst '.;he glass becomes strongly attacked by the formation
of a vitreous s'.ag, as in thc^ closed tube. Only a small amount of
■ The leacticins pivim by Crookes are a.s follows : " Tlii' metal nielt.s instantly on charcoal,
and evolves copious brown funics. If the bead is lieatcil to redness, it ylows fur some time aftei
the source of heat is reiiitiveU, continually evolving vapours which appear to be a mixture o4
metal and oxide. A reddish amorphous sublimate of proto-ieroxide surrounds the fuseil
globule. When thallium is heated in an open glass tube, it melts and becomes rapidly con
verted into the more fusible protoxide, which strongly attacks the glass. This oxide is of u
dark red colour when hot, solidifying to a brown crystalline mass. The fused oxide attacks
glass and porcelain, removing the silica. Anhydrous peroxide of thallium is a brown luwder,
using with difficulty and evolving oxygen at a red heat, beco ming reduced to the protoxide-
The phosjihate and sulphate will st.ind a red heat without change."
< •
AI'l'ENDIX TO I'AKT I,
89
suliliiimto i.s prodiicod. This is of a griiyisli-wliitc (loloiir, l)Ut MinltT
tilt' iiiagnifying-<fli>ss it shows in jiiiices a fiiiiit iridi'swncc.
On cliurooiil, per se, thiiliiunj melts vory eusily, and volatilizes in
ilenso fumes of a whito colour, streaked with brown, whilst it imnaits
at the same time a vivid emerald-green coloration to the point and
edge of the flame. If the heat he discontinued, the fused glohido con-
tinues to give off copious fumes, l)ut this action Cisases at once if the
globule be removed from the chaicoal. A deposit, partly white and
partly dark brown, of c.ide and teroxide is formed on the support ;
bu^, compared with the copious fumes (evolved from the metal, this
deposit is l)y no means abundant, as it volMtilizes at once where it
conies in contact with th(! glowing charcoal. If touched by either
tliime, it is dissii)ated immediately, in ini])arting a brilliant green
cnlour to the flame-border. The bi'own deposit is not readily seen on
charcoal unless the surface of this be whitened by having a little bone-
ash rubbed upon it ; but if the metal be fused on a cupel, or on a
piece of thin porcelain or other non-reducing body, the evolved fumes
are almost wholly of a brownish colour, and the d(!posit is in great
part brownish-black. It would appear, th(;refore, to consist of TIO ',
rather than of a mixture of metal and oxide. On the cupel, thallium
is readily oxidized and absorbed. It might be employed, consequently,
as suggested by Crookes, in place of lead in ciipellation; but, to effect
the absorption of copper or nickel, a comparatively large ipiantity is
required. When fused on jiorcelain, the surface of the supporj is
strongly attacked by the formation of a silicate, which is dee.) red
whilst hot, and pale yellow on cooling.
The teroxide, as stated by Crookes, evolves oxygen when heated,
and becomes converted into TIO. The latter compound is at oice
reduced on charcoal, and the reduced metal is rapidly volatilized with
brilliant green coloration of the tiame. The chIori(h; produces tlie
SMine r >action, by which the green flame of thalliu n msiy easily be
di.stinguished from the green copper-flame; the latter, in the case of
(Upreous chlorides, becoming changed to azure-blue. With borax
and pliosphor-.salt, thallium oxides form colourless glasses, which
become gray and opaque when exposed for a short time to a reducing
flame. With carb. soda, they dissolve to .some extent, but on char-
coal a malleable metallic globule is obtained. The presence of soda,
unless in great excess, does not destroy the green coloration of the
flame.
-^■v
i»o
HLOWIMPK l'RA(!TI('K.
Tlialliiiiii iilloyH morn or l(!ss roiulily with most other luetalH hoforo
the hlowpipo. With ithitiimin, ;^ohJ, hi.sinutli, nii<l iintiiiiony, rospcfc-
tively, it forms si diirlv-i^niy hritth' i^lohuh;. With silvor, copper, or
lead, th(» hutton is iiiiilhiiil>lt(. With tin, tlinlliiim miitcH I't^ulily, lnit
th<! fused iiiiisH imiiindiiitoly l)Ofi;iiis to oxidizu, tiirowiiig out oxiMds-
c(!nc(\s of 11 (hirk coh)ur, atid continuing in a state of ijjuition until
the oxi(hition is coinph^tc. In this, as iu other reactions, therefore,
the metal much resembles lead.
H^'
I i
15.-0N THE OPALKSiJEXCK IMIODLTCKI) BY SILICATES IN
PHOSPHOR SALT.
It is well known that most silicates when fused with |)hosphor-salt
are only partially attacked; the liases, as a rule, i^radually dissolvini,'
in the flux, whilst the silica remains in the form of a llocculent mass
technically known as a "silica skeleton." Very commonly, almost
invariahly indeed, if the blast he long continiied, the Ijead becomes
more or less milky or ojmlescent on cooling. This latter reaction was
apparently regarded by Plattner as essentially due to the presence of
alkaline or earthy bases, such as exhibit the reaction j)f',r se. He states,
" Probirkunat," Dritte Auflage, p. 4GS : " Da man nun von mehrereu
Silikateu ein Glas bekommt, welches, so hinge es heiss ist, zwar klar
erscheint, aber unter <ler Abkiihlung mehr oder weniger opalisirt, so
muss man sich von dei- ausgeschiedenen Kleselsaure iiberzeugen, so
lange des Glas noch heiss ist, und dabei die Loupe zu Hiilfe nehmen.
Die so eben erwiihute Erscheinung tritt gewiihnlich bei solchen Sili-
katen ein, deren Basen, Kalkerde, Talkf>i-de, Beryllerde oder Yttererde
sind, die fiir sich mit Phosphorsalz, be! gewisser 8iittigung des Glases,
unter der Abkiihlung oder durch Flattern milclrveiss oder opalartig
werden." Dr. Theodor Richter, the editor of the 4th edition of
Plattner's work, leaves out the "gevvbhnlich" of the above quotation,
and so makes the im|>licatiou still stronger. In this vicrte Auflage,
the statement runs: " liei solchen Silikateu dereu B:isen fiir sich mit
Phosphorsalz, bei gewisser Hilttigiing des Glased, unter der Abkiih-
lung oder durch Flattern milchweiss oder opalartig werden (Kalkerde,
Talkerde, Beryllerde, oder Yttererde) wird die Perle unter der
Abkiihluny: mehr oder weniger triibe." It is true enouffh that sili-
cates in which these bases are ])resent exhibit the reaction ; but as
other silicates, practically all, indeed, exhibit the reaction also, the
inference implied in the above statement is not adniissil)le. The
I' t
AIM'KNOIX TO I'AKT I.
01
4
i
(i|i;tlf'*'niio(f of tlio 1,'Iass iirisns osacMitiiilly fVoiii |iro(;i|)iti\t<Hl silica. If
till' hlast bo sutlicitiitly kept up, a oortain aiiKJiiiit of ailica is almost
always ilissolved, but this hijf'onics pnicipitatoil as the glass cools. A
siinplt) experiniont will .show that this is the true cause of the opales-
cctiii'. If .some |»ure silica (or a silicate of Any kinil), in a powdered
condition, 1)0 dissolved before the blowpipe-Hame in borax until the
','hi.ss be nearly .saturat(;d, and some pliosplior-.salt be then added, and
the blowing bo continued for an instant, a precipitation of silica will
immediately take place, the bead becoming milky — or, in the case of
niiiuy silicates, opa(|ue-whit(f — on cooling. This test nniy be resorted
to for the detection of silica in the case of silicates which dissolve-
wii'h ditUculty in pliosjilior salt alone, or which do not give a well-
prt)ni)unced "skeleton" with the reagent. *
Kl.-ON THK UKACTIONS OF c^HIlOMlUM AND MANGANESK
WITH CARBONATE OF SODA.
When a mineral substance is suspected to contain manganese, it is
cummonly tested by fusion with carbonate of .soda. But chromium
compounds form with that I'oagent a green or greenisli-ytdlow enamel,
miuli resembling that formed by some compounds of manganese.
The ehromate-of-soda enamel, however, is yellowish-green aftei-
exposure to an oxidating Hame, and the green colour never exhibits
any tinge of blue.
The manganate-of-soda enamel, on the other hand is generally
greeni.sh-blue when quite cold.
To avoid, however, any risk of error in the determination, the
bead may be saturated with vitrified boracic acid, until all the car-
Ijonic acid is expelled, and a clear glass is obtained. The chronu^
glass will retain its green colour, whilst the manganese glass will
l)ecome amethystine or violet. In jjlace of boracic acid, silica may
■ By wliiini was the formation of a " silica skeleton " lirst made known ? tliere is no rcfereui'e
to it ill the early treatise of Von Enj,'estroni attached to liis translation of Cronstedt's " Miiier-
:ilo,L,'ie," 1st edition, 1770; 2nd edition, liy John Ilyacintli de Magellan. 17S8), although jdiosiihor-
sxlt is mentioned as a reagent under the term of nalfuaihilc niicr(Kost)neu)ii, and was indeed used
liy C'ronstedt hefore 1758, the year in which hi.s " Mineraloj^ie " was anonymously pnhlished.
Uerjimnnn, wlio toUowed as n l)lowi)iiie worker, states that "siliceous earth" is very slowly
attacked liy microcosmic salt, but he does not seem to have remarked the skeleton formation
in tlic case of any silicate. The reaction appears to have l)een lirst definitely jtointed out hy
Berzelius in his standard work on the lilowiiipe, piililished in 1820. It was therefore most
[irolialily discovered by him, or perhaps— as he lays no claim to its discovery, whilst claiming
to be the originator of other tests— it may have been communicated to him by Oahn?
92
BLOWI'll'K I'lACTIlK,
1)1- iisimI if iiioic c'oiiveiiitMit, III tills ciiHe tin* rmatioii in iiHHihUd liy
tlic iidilitioii of a vci'v siiiiill anioiiiit uf liontx.
I 'i
I7.-ON TIIK ItKI'KurioN oK ('AKMUM IN 'l"HK I'UKSKN'CK oK
/INC IN lU.oWI'll'K K.\I'1;1!IMI:NTS.
WluMi ciKliiiifcroiis zinc oich, or furiiiic('-|»ro(liK'tH dciivfil from
tlicst', iin; trciitcd in powilcr witli carl), soda on cliaicoal, tin; cliainc-
toiistic red-blown dt'iiosit of cadniinni oxide is j^oiuMiilly foinicd at
the coiiimoiicenHMit of tlit; uxporiiiitsnt. If tlio Idowin;; lie I'ontinnt'd
too lonj,', liowdver, this deposit miiy he altoj^ether ohscniod by ii thick
coatini,' i>f ■.'■'U: oxide. When, tii»M'efore, the jtreHenco of cudiiiiuni is
Huspt!cted in th(! assay-snlistaiice, it is udviiiahh; to einph)y the fol-
lowing process foi- its detection. The sul'stance, if in tlu; inetallic
state, must first he gently roasteil on a support of porcelain oi- other
non-reducing hody. Some of the resulting powder is then fused witli
horax or phosphor-salt on a loop of platinum wire, and hisulphato of
potash in sevei-al succi^ssive portions is added to the fnseil head. The
latter is tluMi shaken olf tiie wire into a small jjorcelain capsule, and
treated with boiling water. A bead of alkaline sulphat*! is next pre-
pared Ity fusing sonui bisiilpliate of potash on charcoal in a reducing
riame, and removing the fused ma.ss before it hardens. A portion of
the solution in the capsuhi being tested with this, a yellow precipi-
tat(! will b(! produced if cadmium l)e present. The precipitate can
be colIect(!d l>y deoantation or filtration, and tested with some Cjirb.
soda on charcoal. This latter operation is necessary, because if either
antimony or arsenic were i»re.seut, an orange or yellow precipitate
would also 1)0 prbduced by the alkaline sulphide. By treatment
with carl), soda on charcoal, however, the true nature of the prtn-ipi-
tate would be at once made known. 187G.
18.-0N THE SULUBILITV OF BISMUTH OXIDE IN UAKBONATE
OF SODA BKFOUE THE BLOWITPE.
Neither in the treatise of IJeizelius, nor in the more modern and
advanced work of Plattner, is any reference made to the behaviour
of oxide of bismuth with carb, .so 'a in an oxidating Hanie. In
Plattner's " Tabellari.she Uebersicht des Verhaltens der Alkalien,
Erden nnd Metalloxyde fiir sich und mit Reagentien im Lcithrohr-
feuer," whilst oxide of lead is stated, correctly, to be soluble in carb.
ii:
AI'I'KNDIX TO I'AKT
03
M»la ill all oxiilatiiii,' llaiiii', tlit! icfcrt'ii'M' to oxiilf of liismiiMi is,
.Hiin|ily, that witli tMili. soilu on clian-oal it Imm-oiiicm •miiicdiatcly
ifiliu'fil tu metallic liisimitli ; aiiil iiomc of liis tninslators hcciii to
li,i\i' llioiii,'lit it 111 Hsarv to su|»|ily tlio omission. In lliirtiiitin's
taltnlar " Unt«M'suijliuiii,'tMi niit ilriii Liitlii'olir, " in tlic liamly littlti
v.dik of Uriiiio Kcrl, (" l/iitfaih-n lici <|nalitativ('ii nml i|iianlitaiiv<'n
l.utiirolir rnti'isncliMiigiMi "), in tln! " liOtlirolirTilxilli'ii '' of llirscli-
wald, and all otluM" l)lo\v|»iji(' l)ooks tlint I have met with, thf saiiio
sin'^iilar omission occui's. Tiiis sooms to Ihmi' out vciy fofi-ilily thf
xiiiicwhat cynical a<hiL;o tliat " hooks ar<! made from l>ool\s. " 'I'o
Mi|i|ily tlic omission, it may lie ohscivcd that l)isinntli oxide dissolves
ill I'arti. soda very r(>adily in an oxiilatiiii,' llame. if the iiiiiiortiiiii
a.,'eMt lie |tlatiniim wire or other non-reiliicin;; liody. 'I'he ^lass is
dear yellow whilst hot, but on cooling it asstimes an oraiiLfe or yel-
lowish lirown colour, and Wcconies pale yellow and o|i:i(|ue when idld.
As re^'ards their soluhility l)y fusion in ciirl). soda, metallic oxidcH
tail into three! j^'roups : (1) EaxUy soliihic, fj/., PhO. Ui-'O', I'.aO. »»L'c. ;
(•_') S/ig/it/i/ or pirtialli/ sofiiUe, <'.(/., jNIn-'O', CoO, itc. ; and (M),
I nsuhibk, e.g., Fe-0=', Ce-'O-', NiO, (!aO, M^ljO, iic.
1!».-(»N' THH DKTKCTION OF CAnHOXATES IN' nLOWI'Il'K
PUAUTKJE.
A mineral sulmtanco of non-metallic asjHjct, in nine cases out of
ten. ^vill l»e either a silicate, sulphate, phosphate, horatc , carlionate,
tluoiide or chloride : more especially if tin* streak lie uncoloured or
merely exhibit some shade of gieen or blue, or if the substance evolve
no fumes when lieated on charcoal.
Simple fusion with phosphor-.salt on a loop of ])latinum wire
.serves at once to distinguish a silicate from any of the other bodies
enumerated above, as, whilst the silicate is but slowly attacked,
these other bodies are readily and rapidly dissolved. Among the
latter, again, the carbonates ai"e distinguished very I'eadily by the
marked eft'ei-vesceiice which they produce in the bead by the evolution
of carbonic acid during fusion — the phosphates, sulphate.s, ifec. dis-
solving quietly. The reaction is quite as distinctive as that produced
by the application of an ordinaiy acid ; but, of coui'se it may arise
in both cases not only from a carbonate proper, but from the presence
of intermixed calcite or other carbonate in the 3ul)stance under exami-
/•::'M'
i^
94
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE
' )
nation ; niul it is al.so occiisioncl by l)oiUes which evolve oxvytMi on
ignition : but these hitter, manganese oxides excepted, are ot' rare
occurrenco anioni^ minerals proper. By this reaction, the wiiter,
many years ago detected the presence of carbonate of lime in certain
specimens of Wernerite (the " Wilsonite " variety) portions of whicli
had previously l)een analyzed without the impiuily having Iteen
discovei'cd. It need scitrcely bo stated that the test-substance must
be added to the phosphor-salt, on the ])latinum loop, oidy after the
ijuiet fusion of the tlux into a transparent glass. The reaction is. of
course, manifested equally well with borax.
20. -ON THK DKTKCTION OF BHOMINE IN BLOWTU'K
EXPKKIMENTS.
When fu.sed with phosphor-salt and copper oxide, the bromides, it
is well known, !n\part an azure-blue coloration to the flamt>, much
like that produced by chlorides under similir treatment, although
streaked more or less witli green, especially at the commencement of
the operation. To distinguish these bodies more closely, Berzelius
reconnnended the fusion of the test-substance with G or 7 volumes of
bisulpliate of potash in a closed tube. Bromides by this treatment
become decomposed as a ruK', and give oti' strongly-smelling brownish
or y llowish-red vapours of bromine. But this process does not
always give satisfact(My results, i'.s in some instances the bromide is
very slightly attacked. In this case, the following method, based on
a {)eculiar reaction of bromide of silver, tirst pointed out by Platbner,
may be resorted to : If insolubh , the bromide is fused with 3 or 4
volumes of carb. soda. A soluble bromide of sodium is thus formed,
with separation of the base. To the filtered or decanteil solution
of the fused mass, a small fragment of nitrate of silver is added, in
order to precipitate bromide of silver. This, collected by decanta-
tion, is fused with a small quantity of bisulphate of |)otash in a little
tiask or test-tube. The bromide of silver will quickly separate from
the Hux in the form of a blood-red globule, which becomes pale-
yellow when cold. The little globule, washed out of the tube by
dissolving the fu.sed bisulphate in some warm water, is carefully dried
by being rubbed in a piece of blotting or tiltering paper, ami is then
])laced in the sunlight. After a short time it will turn green. C.'hlo-
ride of silver, iia obtained in a similar manner, melts into an orange-
red globule, which changes to clear-yeilow ou cooling, ami finally
APPKNDIX TO PART I.
yf)
Ikvoiih's white, or nearly so. Placeil in suuligiit, it riipitily assumes
.1 iliii k-<i;rav colour. lotli lo ot' silver, under similar treatment, forms
wliilst hot an almost lilaek globule, which becomes anu'thyst-red
(lining (tooling, and dingy-yellow when cold. In the sunlight it
retains the latter colour. A mixture of chloride and iodide of silvt-r
assumes a greenish tint sonunvhat resembling the colour ac(iuired by
tilt' bromide globule. This, however, can scarcely give rise to any
error, as the oresence of iodine is revealed — even if no violet-coloured
fumes be emitted — by the dark amethystine colour of the beatl whilst
hot.
•Jl— BLOWPIPE KKACTIONS OF METALLIC ALLOYS.
In examining these reactions, about eijual portions of the metals
(forming the alloy) may be placed together, on charcoal, and subjeeteil
to the action of a reducing Hame.
I. Plat'mutn tind Tin unite with violent detlagration and iMnission
of light, forming a hard, brittle, and infusible glol)ule.
■J. Platinaia, Zi>ic and Tin unite with violent action, the zine
throwing otf long Hakes of oxide.
3. Platinum and Zinc, per m, do not combine, the zinc burning
into oxide.
4. Plafininn and Lead unite ipiietly, forming a l>rittle globule.
f). Platinum (tnd Thallium unite tpuetly ; the resulting globule is
.lark externally, grey internally, and (piite brittle.
(i. Platinum and liismuth unite quietly, or with •>''• slight
spitting, into a dark, brittle globule.
7. Platiniim and Copper combine (piietly, though n» readily,
into a hard, light-coloured, malleable glol)ule.
5. Platinum and Silcei' unite tpiietly but not very readily, unless
the silver be greatly in excess, into a wliite malleable globule.
9. Platinum and (r'old unite ipiietly, forming (if the gohl be some-
what in excess) a yellow malleable globule.
10. (roid and Tin unite (piietly into a very brittle^ globule.
I I. Gold and Zinc do not combine per ne; the zinc burns into oxide.
12. Gold and Lead combine (piietly, forming a gray brittle bead.
13. Gold and 7V/(j//t'</u unite ([uietly, but separate again to some
extent during cooling. The globule may thus fre(iuently be flattened
out, but not without cracking at the sides. If the metals renniin
united, the button is dark blackish-gray, and ipiite brittle.
>■' I
1
9()
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
: ,i
11
W
14. 6'o/(i (Mu^ liisniulh unite quietly and readily, forniing a very
brittle globule.
1"). Gold and Hopper, and 16, Gold and Silver, unite, and form a
ujulleable globule.
17. Silver and Tin unite quietly into a malleable globule.
18. Silver and Lead unite readily into a malleable globule.
I'J. Silver and ThalUnni combine readily: the globule is uialleable.
20. Silver and Bisninth unite readily and quietly : the globule is
brittle, but admits of being slightly flattened out.
21. Silver and Copper, and "22, Silver and Gold, form malleable
globules. The gold alloy, even with gold largely in excess, is (juite
white. If it be flattened out and heated in a platinum spoon with
some bisul[)hato of j.-otash, it will Ijecome yellow from the silver
on the surface being dissolved. On re-melting the flattened disc, a
silver-white glol)ule is again obtained.
23. Copper and Tin unite into a gray and partially malleable bead,
the surface of which, in the OF, becomes more or less thickly encrusted
with cauliflower-like excrescences of oxide.
24. Copper and Zinc do not unite, j^e?- se, into a glouble, the zinc
burning into oxide. Under carb. soda, or carb. soda and borax, brass
is readily formed.
25. Copper and Lead form a dark gray globule, which is sufliciently
malleable to admit of being extended on the anvil.
26. Copper and Thallium melt into a dark gray malleable globule.
27. Lead and Tin unite readily, but the globule commences imme-
diately to oxidize, throwing out excrescences of white and yellow
oxide. On removal from the flame it still continues in ignition, and
pushes out further excrescences. The unoxidized internal portion (if
any remain) is malleable.
28. Lead and Bismuth unite readily : the molten globule acquires
a tliin dark coating of oxide on the surface only, and admits of being
flattened out, more or less, upon the anvil.
29. Lead and T'hallium form a malleable globule.
30. Bismuth and Tin unite readily, but the fused mass immediately
throws out excrescences, and becomes covered with a den.se crust of
oxides. The reaction, however, is not so striking as with lead and tin.
31. Thallium and Tin exhibit the same reaction as lead and tin,
but the cauliflower-like excrescences are brownish-black.
ill
. vj-
PART II.
ORIGINAL TABLES
(BASED ESSENTIALLY ON BLOWPIPE CHARACTERS)
FOR TFIB
DETERMINATION OF MINERALS.
8
y
(I
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if
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i
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PART II.
INTRODUCTION.
In these Tables for the Determination of Minerals, an attempt
has been made to place in the same Table, or under its sub-divisions,
those minerals only which are properly related to each other :
related, that is, not by a single determinative character, but by their
conipos-ition and characters, generally. It is not, of course, jjossihle
to effect this with complete success in all cases ; but the present
Tables, it is thought, will be found for the greater part to be at least
free fi'om the startlingly incongruous, and hence objectionable, group-
ings seen in Determinative Mineral Tables hitherto published. At
the same time, as regards ready api)lication and efficacy in a purely .
determinative point of view, the present Tables will compare favour-
ably, it is hoped, with other efforts in this dii'ection. In using the
Tables, the student is assumed to be familiar with the more common
blowpipe-operations and reactions, as given in Part I. of this work.
It has not been thought necessary, therefore, in prefixing to subordi-
nate sections the headings " Cu reaction," " Pb reaction," " Na re-
action," &c., to repeat these reactions in full.
The present work is not, of course, intended to serve as a substi-
tute for an ordinary text-book, but sim])ly as an adjunct to the latter.
To add, however, to its usefulness, the leading characters of each
species, including Composition, System of Crystallization (with an
occasional angle). Hardness, Specific Gravity, Colour, «k.'.c., are briefly
given ; and in the Notes appended to each Table the crystallographic
characters of leading species are more fully described. TJie composi-
tion is stated in percentage values in most cases ; but in others merely
the components, as separated by analysis — e.a., CaO, FeO, Al-0'',
Fe-0'', C02, SiO'^ *fec.— are stated. The sti-^ent will thus be able,
after determining a mineral by the Tables, to verify the determination
by reference to the general composition of the substance.
99
H' '■ '
'i
100
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
i -. ■
Tlie names of tlie Crystal Systems are pr'nted chiefly in abbntvi-
iited form, as follows: — Re;; ( = Regular, Tesseral, Isopolar, Isometric,
Mouometric, ikc); Tet. ( = Tetragonal, Quadratic, Dinietric, «kc.); Hex.
( = Hexagonal), or Hemi-IIex. (aaRhombohedial and other Henii-
Hexagonal forms) ; Rh. ( == Rhombic, Ortho-Rhombic, Trimetric, tkc.) ;
C^/7io- M. ( =«Clino-Rhombic, Monoelinic, Oblique Rhombic, Ac);
Aiiorth. ( = Anorthic, Triclinic, Clino-rhondioidal, kc.) In Ortho-
ihombic and Clino-Rhombic crystals, the prism angle ( = oc P : no P.
Naumann) is given under the symbol of V : V, and other interfacial
angles and crystallographic characters are occasionally stated, moie
especially in the Notes at the close of each Table. *
Haidness ( = H) refers, of course, to the universally adojited Scale
of Mohs. This scale is given below, together with a roughly corres-
ponding scale (published by the author in 1843) to serve as a substi-
tute where the minerals of v Inch the scale of Mbhs consist may
not be at hand.
* The system of crystallograiihic notation employed in this worl< lias been lung followed by
the auUior. It possesses the advantage of being readily translited into words corresponding
more or less closely with its symbols, and of thus bringing before the mind's eye, at once ami
without etfort, the position of any given form. It is basedon the seli-evident fact that the forms
present in any crystal must bo either Basal, Vertical, or Polar, forms ; no other kind of form
as regards position) can jiossiWy occur. These — apart from crystals of the Regular or Isopolar
System, in which there is no distinction of axes, and where consequently the initial of the form's
familiar name is of mure convenient usage — are denoted respectively by the symbols U, V, and
P. A basal form cimsists, of course, of a single plane at each extremity of the vertical axis, and
therefore lying parallel with the middle or basal axes, to which it essentially conforms, it is
evident, tlierefore, that iu all cases the sign B is suttlcient to deMne this form. Vertical forms
consist of planes which stand parallel with the vertical axis. The synibo! V indicates this.
But the.se forms are of thr'^e general kinds; Front Verticals (j.e. Macro- Verticals or Ortho- Vertic.les,
according to the cry.stal system) ; Side- Verticals (i.e. Brachy-Verticals or Clino-Verticals) ; ami
Virtical prisms, the planes of the latter being parallel only to the vertical axis. All Iront forms
whether Verticals or Polars are distinguished by the horizontal sign (- ) placed above their
symbol ; and all side forms by a short or inclined sign ( — or /), representmg the sign of the basal axis
to which they are parallel. Polar or Pyramidal forms incline upon or towards the vertical axis or
poles of the crystal. They lie thus above and below the vertical planes when present, connecting
these with the bssal jilanes, or, in the absence of the latter, with the crystal poles. They are also
of three kinds: Front Polars (i.e. maero-polars or ortho-polars = macrodomes or orthodomes);
Side Polars (i.e. brachy-polars or clino-polars = braoliydomes or clinodomes); and Pyramids or
Polars proper. The symbols of these vertical and polar forms thns become : V, V or V, \m ;
viV ni^ or mV, and mV: orally. Front V ; Side V ; V ; Front P ; Side P ; P. A numerical value
(m or ^) placed after a symbol refers to the frontal axis, the right-and-left axis being unity. A
value of this kind placed before a symbol refers to the vertical axis. There is thus no necessity
to place the sign of the axis, referred to, over the numeral, although to avoid any risk of mis-
conception this is occasionally done In Clino-Rhombic and Anorthic or Triclinic crystals, iu
which the polar forms at the toji and front difl'er from those at the bottom or back, the dis-
tinction is indicated by the use of brackets, or by some other simple sign.
INTRODUCTION TO MINEKAL TABLES.
101
I
SCAI.B OK MiiHS.
I..
..Talo.
()
..Hock Salt.
,s..
. Calcite.
4..
. . Fluor Spar.
5..
. . Apatite.
() .
. . ( )rth()cla8e.
7..
. . Kock Crystal (quartz).
S..
. . Topaz.
!>.
. Corundum.
10..
. , Dianioud.
Crystallized or cleavable ex-
amples of these minerals must
be used. As the diamond is
the only substance that correa-
])onds to No. 10, it may in prac-
tice be omitted from the scale.
Chapman'h Convenient Scaf-k, to correspond
WITH THAT OK MdHS.
1 . .Yields to the finger-nail.
2 . . Does not yield to the nail, but is scratched
by a copper coin.
.3 .. Scratches a copper coin (i. c, a copper
coin proper, not a modern bronze coin),
but is also scratched by one.
4. .Not scratched by a copper coin, but easily
scratched by a ])enknife. Uoes not
scratch ordinary window-gla^s.
5 . . Scratches glass very feebly, leaving its
powder on it.
6.. Scratches glass strongly. Not scratched
by a penknife, but yields to a hard Hie.
Headily scratched by a piece of (juartz.
7 . . Scarcely touched by a file.
8 - 9 - 10. .Harder than quartz.
Convenient objects fcr the comparison of
minerals possessing a higher degree of hard-
ness than No. 7, cannot readily be found ; ))ut
these minerals are few in number, and, as a
rule, they are easily distinguished by other
characters.
Any mineral that can be scratched by the
knife is under 5, or does not exceed 5, in hard-
ness. Any mineral that distinctly scratches
winilow-glass is ovar 5.
The sign G incUcate.s specific gravity. This character is ascertained
very ex{)editiously by tlie spring-bahince contrived by Professor Jolly
of Munich ; bub where an instrument of this kind is not at hand, a
small pair of ordinary scales may be conveniently u-sed. Tlie centre
of one pan is perforated for the passage of a horse-hair with running
noose (to hold the mineral), or is provided on its under-side with a
small hook to which lae hair is attached, and the strings of this pan
should be somewhat shortened. The mineral — a small crystal or
fiagnient of about a gramme or couple of grammes in weight — is
weighed first in the ordinary way, and the weight is then taken
whilst the mineral is suspended in distilled water. If a ecjual
tlie weight in air, and w the weight in water, G = . Bodies
a - w
which are soluble in water may be weighed in alcohol or other suit-
ble liquid of known sp. gr. CaUing this latter, G', and the weight
•VO'
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«::•
,t ii' •
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j;;.
102
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
Ill
t ■
« :,
of the mineral in the liquid, W, the true sp. gi-. becomes ;G',
In other words, the sp. gr. of the substances as found by the liquid,
must be multiplied by the sp. gr. of the hitter.
In testing the solubility, &o,, of minerals in acids, a small fray
ment of the substance should be reduced to powder ; and some of the
latter (inserted into a test-tube by a narrow stri[) of glazed papui
folded gutter-wise) may be covered to the dej)th of about half an-incli,
or less, with the acid to he employed. The tube may then be held in
an inclined jjosition over the flame of a small spirit lamp or Bunseii
burner, so as to bring the acid gently to the boiling point. Or, in
place of the test-tube, a small porcelain capsule, {)rovided with u
siiort hahdle, may be used.
In the examination of minerals for the presence of earths and
alkalies, a small direct-vision spectroscope will be found very service-
able. The small pocket spectroscopes, 3^ inches long with attachetl
scale, made by Browning of London, cannot be too highly recom-
mended. Many minerals (Calcite, Gypsum, Polyhallite, Strontianit(!,
Celestine, Barite, Lepidolite, ikc, ifec.) give characteristic spectra l>y
sufficiently prolonged ignition in the outer border of a Bunsen flame,
but the reaction becomes in most cases greatly intensified by moisten-
ing the ignited substance with hydrochloric acid, as described in
Part I, and in many of the following Tables. In the Tables proper,
all, or practically all, well knowu species are inserted ; but each
Table is followed by an Explanatory Note, in which the commonly
occurring or important species of the Table are alone referred to.
In these notes, crystal lographic and other distinctive characters are
given in somewhat greater detail.
1 .^;
INDEX TO THE TABLES.
A. -THE MINERAL PRESENTS A METALLIC LUSTRE.
A'. — A .iiiiall fragment iijnUed, BB, on charcoal vohitilacn irholhj or parti i/.
( 1) It gived As fumes, but no sulpliur-reaction with sodium
carh Table I.
i('2) It gives As fumes ami sulphur-reaction Table II.
(.3) It gives reaction of Sulpliur or Selenium, but no fumes of
Sb or Te Table III.
(4) It gives sulphur-reaction, and fumes of Sb or Te Table IV.
\iiy) It gives fumes of Sb or Te, but no sulphur-reaction. . . . Table V.
!{(») It gives no reaction of S, Se, Te, Sb, or As Table VI.
A-. — A liinall fragment 'ujnited on charcoal dofis not perceptihly volati/hc.
(i 1) It fuses, BB, on charcoal into a malleable glouble Table VII.
(■2) It is infusible, or fuses only on the thin edges Table VIII.
3. -THE MINERAL PRESENTS A SUB-METALLIC ASPECT.
'(I) It is easily fusible or reducible pur ne Table IX.
(2) It is infusible, or fusible only on thin edges Table X.
C.-THE MINERAL PRESENTS A VITREOUS, PEARLY,
EARTHY OR OTHER NON-METALLIC ASPECT.
flj'. — A ><mall fragment takes Jire when held against a candle or Bunsen-Jiame.
(,1) It burns with blue tiame and sulphurous or alliaceous
odour Table XI.
(1 2) It burns with bituminous or aromatic odour Table XII.
C'^. — The mineral is not inflammable. It is readily dissolved or attacked
by fusion with phosphor-salt.
(• 1 ) It is attacked m ith eflfervescence by dilute hydrochloric
acid Table XIII.
«2) It emits As fumes by fusion with sodium carbonate on
charcoal Table XIV.
f .3) It emits Sb fumes by fusion with sotlium carbonate on
charcoal Table XV.
103
!-'.#4:^ife
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d|j') J"
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1 !
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.
.
P ■ :
f-i- : .
! i : •
'
104 INDKX TO THE TABLES.
(4) It gives sulphur-reaction with sodium carbonate Table XVI.
(5) Its solution in nitric iicid* gives a canary-yellow pre-
oipitate with ammonium molybdate Table X VI E
(6) Its powder, moistened witli sulphuric i.cid and alcohol
comnninicatcs a green colour to the tlame of the latter. Taiu.k X VI I F.
(7) It givcH chlorine (I or Hr) reaction (azurt! or green Hame)
by fusion with phosphor-salt and copper oxide Table XIX,
(8) It evolves orange-red fumes when warmed with a few
drops of sulphuric acid in a test-tube. Table XX.
(1() It corrodes the glass when warmed in powder with
sulphuric acid in a test-tube Table XXI.
(10) It forms by fusion with sodiuru carbonate and nitre an
alkaline mass partly soluble in water, the solution
assuming a blue, brown, or green colour when boiled
with addition of hydrochloric acid and a piece of tin
or zinc Table XXIL.
(11) It does not produce any of the alwve reactions Table XXIII.
C*. — The mineral In veri/ nlowli/ (li-ssDirid, or in only par tiallji attacked, BB, f^i/
jilios/ilior-nnlt.
i It is infusible, or fusible only on the thinnest edges :
(1) It is hard enough to scratch cirdinary glass
distinctly Table XXIV
(2) It is not hard enough to scratch glass distinctly. Table XXV..
++ It is more or less read'ly fusible :
(1) It yields no water (or merely traces) by ignition
in bulb-tube Table XXVI.
(2) It gives off a distinct amount of water by ignition
in bulb-tube and its fusion-product is magnetic. . Table XXVII.
(3) It yields water by ignition in the bulb-tube, but
its fusion-product is not magnetic Table XXVIII.
Note, — In order to appreciate the distinctive character of the respective-
sections C and C*, the student is recommended to add a small fragment of
calcitc, gypsum, fluorspar, b.irytine, or apfvtite, on the one hand, — and a smaDl
particle of orthoclase, pyroxene, amphibole, garnet, talc, quartz, or corundun^.
on the other — to a previously fused bead of phosplior-salt ; and to observe thf
rapidity with which the first-named minerals are dissolved under the action ot'
the blowpipe, whilst the minerals of the latter group remain practically un-
affected, or are very slowly or incompletely attacked,
* Crush a small fragment of the substauce to powiler. Place this, by a bent slip of paper.
in a test-tube. Drop a little nitric acid upon it, and warm or boil. Then add some distilWr'l
water and a grain or two of the molybdate, and warm again.
h !
TABLES
FOR THE DKTERMINATION OF MINERALS.
TABLET.
[Metallic aspect. Wholly or partly vol. with As fumes, but yielding no
S reaction].
A>— Entiv^ly vol. (or leaving merely a feeble residuum).
Nativk Arsenic : Hemi-Hex. ; H 35 ; G ()'0; tin-whito with dark
tiiniish. Mostly in '/otryoidal, concentinc-lamellar niasse.s. See Note
to this Tahlp.
Allf'inontite : differs merely by having parb of the As rejdaced
l.y Sb.
Naiivr Bismuth — Aksknic-holding vakieties. G 9-7, BB, a
yellow deposit on charcoal. See Table VI.
B— Partially vol.. leaving distinct residuum.
B'. -RESIDUUM MAGNETIC.
Sm/ ltine: ^CoNiFe) 28, As Iz. Reg.; H 5-5-6 ; G 6-5 ; greyish
tin-white. C'hloanthito (Chathamitf) is a highly nickeliferous smal-
tiiie. Skutterudite is probably a mixture of smaitine and arsenic
( =CoAs-'+As).
Lollingite : Fe 27-2, As 72-8 Orthorhonibic ; H 5-5-5 ; G 7-7-4 ;
greyish silver-white. Leucopyrite (Fe 32-2 As 66-8 (0 ) is closely
related. In both, a little S is often present. {See below).
B2.-RE3IDUUM NOT MAGNETIC, OR FEEBI.V MAGNETIC ONLY.
( Ni reaction).
Rammelsbergite : Ni (CoFe) 28, As 72. Orthorhonibic ; H 5 5 ;
G 7 1 ; greyi.sh silver-white.
NicKELiNE: Ni (Fe, <tc.) 43-G, As 56-4. Hex; H 5-5; G 7-5-7-7 ;
pale copper-red, reddish-yellow. See Note to this Table.
105
C I • r^
WV'i
106
BLOWPIFK PKAOTU.'K.
(C« reaction).
Domkykitk: Cu 717, Ah 2H-3; 113-;$;'); G 7-7 ^ ; silvor-whito
or tiu-wliit(3, tiiriiiNli(Hl. A.ujoi)onitk (('ii 8:3r), Ah 10-')) unil WiiiT-
NKYiTK (Gil 884, Ah 1 16) are cloHoly reliiteil, but witli hiylior Hp, gr.
M-H'3).
(Nil Jtux-colout'inij reaction).
SPEKUYLITK : Pt M-f). Ah 4l'r). Fii iiiiinite tin-wliito i^iuiiiH, H 0-
7 ; (f lO'O, (JryHtallizatioii Regular; no cleavage.
(Atj reaction).
RnTlNOKKiTK: Normally, AgAn (}) with 57'7 Ag, hut coimnoiily
coiitairiH sulpliur. Iron-black, roil by trauHinitttJil liglit ; Htroak
orangc-yollow, luHtn), inoHtly, sub-niotallic. iJlino-Kli. ; H 2"r)-3;
O f)C3. {See Tablk IX).
NOTE Ox\ TABLR I.
Tlio only minorals of general oocurreiiee belonging to tliis Table are Native
Arsenic, Snialtine, and Nickeline. N. Ar.senic is commonly in botryoitlal
maH.sea with <lark grey or brown Burface-tarnish, anil is readily distinguished
BB by volatilizing rapidly witliout fusion. Sinaltine occurs most freijuently iii
small tin-white octahedrons of sulHcient hardnt-ss to scratch glass, but is also
found in reticulated groups of minute indistinct crystals, and massive. After
roasting, the smallest particle imparts HB a ricii blue colour to borax. Nickel-
ine is rarely found otherwise than massive. Its light copper-red colour <nnd
high sp. gr. are its more salient characters. BB, it melts easily into a hard,
brittle, non-magnetic globule with crystalline surface. This as a rule, remains
non-magnetic after long exposure to the flame ; but in ortain exceptional
varieties in which the nickel is largely replaced by iron the globule becomes
magnetic after prolonged ignition.
TAIUJUI.
[Mutnllic nHpect. Ah ami S ruactioim. ]
A. —Residuum magnetic.
{Co rtartiun),
Coiuuink: Co (Fe, kc.) Sr)-:), Ah 45-2, S 193. R«!g. H nf) ; (J
G;} ; silvor-whito, gniyirtli. Sue Noto at mul of this Table.
(}r,AU(oi)OT : (CoKo) 35, As AUIS, S lUn. Ortlioihoniluc H f).'),
(i C) '1 ; Milvcr-white, greyiKh. Strictly, ii colmltic MiHpickol.
(Ni react ion).
flKUsooKKKiTE : Ni 3r>, As 45-5, 8 iy5. Hog. ; H 55 ; G G-63 ;
''(•evisli tin-wliifte.
Ullmannitk : oHsentiiilly iintimoniiil ; See Table TV. Corynite,
with more As than Sb, is closely related. Also WoU'achite, but the
latter is Rhombic in crystallization.
(Ff renrtiun).
MispicKEL or Arsenical Pyrites : Fe 34"4, As 46, H '9-6 Orthor-
hombic ; H 5'3-G ; G 6'0 6"3; silver-white, greyish. G1..AU1ODOT and
Danaite are colmltiferoiis varieties. Alloclase is a related steel-
grey species, containing Co, Ni, I3i, «kc. Geierite is also a related
compound, but witii higher percentage of arsenic (= Pe 33'6, As GO,
S G4). Plinian is apparently a clino-rhombic niispickel.
LoLLiNGiTE : — Leucopyrite : Normally, iron arsenides free from
sulphur, but frequently mixed with a little FeS- See Table I.
{Cii reaction).
Tevnantite (Arsenical Tetrahedrite) : Cu, Fe, As, S, with Cu
averaging 50 p. c. Reg. ; H 3'r)-4'0 ; G 4'4-4"5 ; dark lead-grey, iron-
black. Some examples of Tetrahedrite proper, contain traces of As.
See Table [V.
B.— Residuum non-magnetic.
(Cn reaction).
EsAHGiTE : Cu 48-5, As 1!), S 32-5. Orthorhombic; H 3; G 444 ;
dark-grey, iron black. Epigenite is closely related, but contains some
iron. Luzonite (including Clarite) is also very nearly related, but is
said to be clino-rhombic in crystallization, colour reddish steel-grey ;
H 35 ; G 442. Composition as in Enargite, but a little Sb.,S., some-
times present.
Copper Binnite ( = Dufrenoysite of Damour, Kengott, tfec.) Cu
107
m
1^'X^\fW<
108
Bf.OWPIPE PRACTICE.
39, As 31, S 30. Reg. ; H 2-5 : G 4-6 ; dark steel-grey, brownish-
black ; streak, j-ed-brown.
{Aff reacl'.on).
PoLYBASiTE (arsenical variety, see Table IV.) gives large silver-
globule by cupellation. Iron-black ; I'ed in thin pieces by transmitted
light.
Ki'itingerite : normally, Ag As, but sulphur commonly present.
Iron-black, red by transmitted light ; streak orange-yellow. See
Tables I., IX., XIV.
(Ph reaction).
Dufkenoysite (v. Rath): Pb 57, As 21, S 22. Rh. ; H 3 ; G
5-5-5'6 ; dark lesid-giey, streak red-brown. Jordanite is nearly
related. Pb 51, As 25, S 24.
Lead-Binnite ( = Bninite of Heusser, Scleroclase of V. Walters-
hausen, Sartorite of Dana) : Pb 42-7, As 31, S 26-3. H 3 ; G 5-4 :
dark lead-grey, streak red-brown.
Geocuonite (occasional varieties, but the species is essentially aiiti-
monial. See Table IV.)
NO tp: on table ii.
Cobaltine, Mispickel, and Tennantite, are the only minerals of ordinary
occurrence belonging to this Tal)le. Cobaltine is commonly in small crystals
of a silver-white colour with slightly reddish tinge. These crystals are most
commonly combinations of the cube and pentagonal dodecahedron '55.?, the latter
predominating ; or combinations of this pentag. dodecahedron witli the oc-
tahedron. The crystals scratch glass easily. More rarely, cobaltine occurs
mas.sive. The smallest particle, after roasting, imparts BB a deep-blue colour
to borax.
Mispickel or Arsenical Pyrites occurs commonly both in masses and in small
prismatic crystals of the Orthorhombic System. Its colour is silver-white,
but the surface soon assumes a greyish or other t.arnish. The crystals, which,
as a rule, scratch ^lass distinctly, are mostly rhombic prisms (with V : V-—
111" 12') terminated by two nearly Hat and transversely striated planes (the
brachydome or side-polar |P. with summit angle=146° 28'). The form 1'
( = 011) with summit angle =79°22' is also often present. It fuses easily,
with emission of copious arsenical fumes, and the fused globule (after sufficient
exposure to the Hame) attracts the magnet strongly. Many varieties contain
cobalt, and in some, nickel is pi-esent. Nearly all varieties, moreover, hold a
certain amount of gold or silver, varying from a few dwts. to several ounces
per ton.
Tennantite is readily distinguished from the above by its dark colour and
low degree of hardness, as well as by its strong copper-reaction. It occurs
only in small crystals of the Regular System : mostly tetrahedral combinations,
or these associated with the rhombic dodecahedron or cube.
■4
!!■
l/'B't
TABLE III.
[S or Se reaction. No fumes of As, Sb, or Te].
A— Fusible : fusion-product magnetic.
(Co and Ni reactionn).
LiNN.-EiTE (Sikuenite): (Co, NiFe) 58, S 42. Reg.; 11 oT); G4'9;
light steel-grey with reddish tarnish.
{Ni reaction).
MiLLiRiTE : Ni 35r), S 64'5. Hemi-Hex., in niimite ucicular
needles; H 3; G 53 (I'G Kengott). Brass or bronze-yellow.
Polydymite; Ni 59-5, S 40-5. Reg.; H 4-5 ; G 4-81 ; lead-grey.
Saynite is this species mixed ^" th copper pyrites, galena, itc. Beyri-
CHITE is closely related.
{Fe reaction).
Ikos Pyrites (Mundic) : Fe 467, 8 533. Reg. mostly in cubes
or pentag. dodecahedrons, or massive; H 6-65; G 4'8-5 2; pale
Ijrass-yellow. See Note, at end of this Table.
Marcasite : Rhombic in crystallization ; otherwise like ordinary
Pyrites, but sp. gr. somewhat lower, viz. 4'7-4-9. See note to this
Table.
Pyrkhotixe (Magnetic Pyrites) : Fe 60-5, S 39-5. Hex : H
3o-4'5 ; G 4-4-4*7 ; bronze-yellow ; magnetic. Horbachite is a
nickeliferous var. ; Troilite, a meteoric pyrrhotine. See note at end
of Table.
(Cii reaction).
Copper Pyrites (Chalcopyrite) : Cu 34-6, Fe 30-5, S 34-9. Tetr. ;
H 3'5-4 ; G 4l-4'3 ; rich brass-yellow, often with variegated tarnish ;
streak greenish-black, or dark-green. HoMicHLiNE is apparently a
mixture of this sp. and the next. Barnhakdtite is also closely
ii'lated. See note at end of this Table.
Bornite (Purple Cop. Pyrites, Buntkupfererz) : consists of On,
Fe, S in so':3what variable proportions. The Cu averages 50-60
|i. c. Many analyses shew : Cu 55-6, Fe 16-4, S 28. Reg. ; H 3 ;
G 4-5-5-2 ; brownish copi)er-red, rapidly tarnishing blue, green, tkc. ;
streak black. See Note.
Cubanite : Cu 20, Fe 41, S 39 (!). Reg. ; H 4 ; G 41 ; brash-
yellow, streak black.
109
■■{■■'.:
'.I'
V,
■:m.
Mi
.fir
II,;
110
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
■: 1 J As : 1
i !;.J.
V, .1,
' 1 ■ ■! ■
ill
■:-'::|
■I .-'J
l> '
H,;
[ir
Stannine (Tin Pyrites),
magnetic. See B'-.
Fusion-giobnle only in some ca.ses
B- —Fusible or Volatilizable : fusion-product non-magnetic.
B>.— EVOLVING, BB, STRONG ODOUH OF SELENIUM.
(Cu reaction)
Berzeline : Cu 61-6, Se 38-4. In thin coatings; very soft; silver-
white, tarnishing black.
Crookesite: Cu 45-76, Th 17-25, Ag 3-71, Se 33-28. Compact ;
H 2-5-3 ; G 6-9 ; lead-grey. Colours flame intensely green and shews
vivid thallium-line in spectroscope. See Part I.
EuKAiRiTE : Ag 43-1, Cu 25-3, Se 31 6. Soft lead-grey.
ZoRGiTE : Cu, Pb, Se, in variable proportions. Lead-grey ; soft.
Comprises, prob-ably, several distinct species.
(Pb or Bi reaction).
Clausthallite : Pb 72-4, Se 276. Reg. ; H 2-5-3 ; G 8-8-8 ;
lead-grey.
Naumannite : Ag (Pb) 73, Se 27. Reg. 1 ; H 2-5 ; G 8-0 ; iron-
black. BB, yields large bead of silver.
Lehrbachite : contains Pb and Hg, with Se. H 2-5 ; G 7'9 ;
lead-grey.
Guanajuatite : Bi 69-7 Se (S) 30-3. Apparently Rhombic, but
very imperfectly known. Silaonite is a related compound. Tetba-
DYMITE : Essentially a bismuth tellnride, but sometimes contains Se
and ">. Refer to Tables IV., V.
{Hg reaction).
"^lEMANNiTE : Hg 75, Se 25. H 2-5 ; G 7-7-4; dark lead-grey-
BB, rapidly volatilized. Onofrite is an allied compound of Hg, Se,
and S. Guadalcazarite, a sulphide of Hg and Zn, has part of it« S
replaced by Se, and should therefore be referred to here. It is iron-
black in colour, with H 2, and G about 7-15.
B'— NO SELENIUM ODOUR EVOLVED ON IGNITION.
{Cu reaction).
Chalkosine (Copper Glance): Cu 79-8, S 20*2. Orthorhombic ;
H 2-5-3-0 ; G 5-5-5-8. Dark metallic-grey, usually with green or
blue-green tarnish. See Note at end of Table.
II';
MINEHAL TABLES: — III.
Ill
Stannine (Tin Pyrites) : Cii, Sn, Fe, &c., S. Reg. ; H 3-5-4 :
G 4"4 ; yellowish steel-grey. Decomposed by nitric acid, leaving
residuum of SnO-.
STRO.MEYEniNE: Ag 53, Cu 31-3, S 157. Oithorhombic; H 2-5-30;
G 6'25. Blackish lead-grey. BB, by cupellaticn, gives large silver-
button.
Zalpaite : Ag 7 18, Cu 14, S 142. Reg. ; H 2.2-5 ; G 6-9
Blackish lead-grey ; ductile.
(Cm and Pb or Bi reaction).
AiKiNiTE (Needle Ore; : Cu 1! , Pb 3G, Bi 36, S 1 7. Ortborhombic ;
H 2-5; G 6-7. Dark-lead or steel-grey, with yellowish or other
tarnish. Mostly acicular in quartz.
VViTTicHENiTE : Cu j8-5, Bi 42, S 195 (?). Orthorhombic, H 2-5 ;
G 4-3-4-6. Dark metallic-grey.
E.MPLECTITE : Cu 19, Bi 62, S 19. Orthorhombic ; H 2-2-5 ; G 52 ;
tin-white, yellowish. Acicular in quartz.
Cupro-Plumbite : Cu 20, Pb 65, S 15 ( = Cu-iS+2 PbS). Massive,
with cubical cleavage ; dark lead grey. H 2-5 ; G 6-4. Alisonite
is a related compound, but witli more copper ( = 3 Cu-S-f-PbS).
(Pb or BI reaction).
Galena (Lead Glance) : Pb 86-6, S 1 3-4. Reg. with strongly marked
cubical cleavage -. H 2-5 : G 7-3-7-6. Lead-grey. See Note.
BiSMUTHiNE (Bismuth Glance) : Bi 81-25, S 18-75. Orthorhombic ;
H 2-2-5 ; G 6'4-6-7. Light metallic-grey, often iridescent. See Note.
CosALiTE : Pb (Ag) 41-7, Bi 42-2, S 161 ; Lead-grey ; H abt; 2-0.
Retzbanyite, a related compound.
(A(j reaction).
ARrr.NTiTE (Silver Glance) : Ag 87, S 13. Reg. ; H 2 ; G 7-2-7-4.
Blacki.sh lead-grey, iron-black : malleable. Acanthite has the same
couiposition, but is Rhombic in crystallization. See Note to this Table.
See, also, the Cu-Ag sulphides, Sti-omeyerine and Zalpaite,
above.
(H<j reaction).
Metacinnabarite : Hg 86-2, S 13-8. Black, streak black. Reg. <
G 7-7. H 1-5-2. Guadalcazarite is identical or closely related.
■,1/V
■ s.
f ■; •
112
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
0.— -nfusible, or Fusible on edges only.
{Mo reaction. Flame tinged pale-iireen).
Molybdenite : Mo 59, S 41. Hex. ? ; H l-l-') : G 4--t-4-S. Light
lead-grey. Mostly in flexible |>lutes and scaly masses, which mark on
paper and otherwise nuicli resemble graphite, but are easily distin-
guished by comuiunicating a distinct yellowish-green colour to the
outer flame, as well as Ijy their sulj)hur reaction, and higher sp. gr.
(Zn reaction).
Sphalekitk or Zinc Blende : Some varieties, only, are metallic or
sub-metallic in lustre. Streak pale-brown. See Tables Zv. and XVI.
(Mn reaction),
Alabandine : Mn 63-2, S 36-8. Black, brownish, dark steel-grey.
Streak greenish. Lustre sub-metallic. See Table X.
Hauerite : Mn 46-2, S 53-8. Dark red-brown, blackish-brown.
Sti-eak brownish. Lustre sub-metallic, only. See Table X.
■H
h f
1
' : !:'
1 (V:
*'"■,■
1 •! !",
i'>i .
>y.," •
f IF ' " 1
w':
.■f» ( ;
1': ,
4' : '
't
n
\i.
\
:i
NOTE ON TABLE III.
The minerals of comparatively general occurrence belonging to this Table,
although more numerous than those of Table II., do not exceed ten or elevon
in number. They may be arranged, as regards determination, under two
leading groups, according to colour. In the first group, the colour is some
shade of metallic yellow or red ; and in the second, metallic grey or black.
The first group includes Iron Pyrites, Marcasite, Pyrrhotine, Copper Pyrites,
and Bornite. The second group includes Argentite, Molybdenite, (ialena,
Bismuthine, and Chalkosine, with, exceptionally, certain dark varieties of
Zinc Blende, in which the lustre inclines to metallic.
(Colour, hrass-yelloio : Hard).
Iron pyrites and Marcasite belong to this section : they are sufficiently hard
to scratch glass distinctly. Iron Pyrites occurs both massive and in crystals.
The latter are commonly cubes (with faces marked by alternate stria'), or
cond)inations of cube and octahedron, or combinations of the cube and the
pentagonal dodecahedron i^, or this pentag. dodecahedron alone. Marcasite
presents the same composition (FeS*), but differs by its Khombic crystallization,
and its greater tendency to fall into decomposition. The crystals are com-
monly flat prismatic combinations, with largely developed basal plane, and they
are fre([uently in twinned forms, or grouped in crested rows ; whence the name
" spear pyrites, " " cockscomb pyrites, " etc., applied to the species.
Von V=106°5'.
MINERAL TABLKS : — II r.
113
{Co/our, rich hrasn-yellow, /iroiizc-yelloto, or reddish : comparatively soft.
I'yrrhotine or Magnetic Pyrites, Copper Pyrites, inul Bornite, belong to this
section ; none scratch glass. Pyrrhotine is bronze-yellow, almost always
niiiasive, and more or less magnetic, sometimes showing polarity. It emits
odour of snlphnretted hydrogen when trcatt.i in powder with hydrochloric acid.
Copper Pyrites is rich brass-yellow, often with variegated tarnish ( = " Peacock
Ore, " etc. ), and its streak i.s blackish-green. It is commonly massive ; but occurs
also in 'I'etrpgonal cry.stals, mostly small tetrahedrons or sphenoids, nuicli
resembling regular tetrahedrons. These are often combined into octahedrons
or pyramids, and are freiiuently in twins of spincloid type. The angles closely
approach those of the regular octaiiedron. Bornite or Purple Copper Pyrites
has pro[)('rly a peculiar reddish colour (whence " horse-Hesh ore "), but this
becomes rapidly obscured by a blue or green tarnish. It is nearly always
massive, and its streak is black without any shade of green in the colour. Both
forms of copper pyrites dissolve, in powder, in nitric acid. The solution if
rendered colourless by dilution, becomes deep blue on addition of ammonia, as
ill the case of copper compounds generally.
{Colour, metaUic ijrei/ or hlark : jti'.rih/e in thin jhcci's, or malleable).
This Section includes Argentite and Molyl)denite. Argentite is at once dis-
tinguished by its dark colour and its malleability ; as well as by its high sp.
gr. (over 7'0), and by yielding, BB, a large silver-globule. When crystallized,
it is mostly in combinations of cube, octahedron, and rhombic dodecahedron,
but the crystals are commonly distorted. It occurs also frequently in leafy
and liliform examples. Molybdenite is light lead-grey, mostly in scaly or
leafy masses, very soft and Hexible, but not malleable. It is readily dis-
tinguislied by its infusibility. It forms, BB, on charcoal a white deposit of
MoO". When fused with nitre in a platinum spoon, it deflagrates like graphite,
but is easily distinguished from the latter mineral by the livid-green colour
which it communicates to the Bunseu Hame or that of the blowpipe.
{Colour, metallic ijrey or hlack : BB, on charcoal a yellow deposit).
This section includes (ialena and Bisniuthine, — the first of very common
occurrence, the latter comparatively rare. Galena is distinguished by its
rectangular or cubical cleavage, and its high sp. gr. (=7"3-7"7). When
crystallized, it is commonly in cubes or in combinations of cube and octahedron.
The fusion-globule is malleable, and it generally yields a little silver on cupel-
lation. Bismuihine is mostly in fibrous masses or acicular crystals. It melts,
if held (in the form of a thin splinter) against the outer edge of the Hame,
without the application of the blowpipe. Its nitric-acid solution yields a white
precipitate on the addition of water. See also the striking reaction of Bismuth
by fusion with S and KI, as described in Part I.
{Colour, blackish metallic-grey. Sia\face usually encrusted here and there tvith a
greenish, earthy efflorescence).
This section (as regards minerals of common occurrence) contains ('halkosine,
Cu'8, only. Easily distinguished by its marked copper-reactions. Forms
9
''iiHI
.j.m
.1
. jW^^lhp Lb
f I
¥■
f
V
i, .
•
■ h
: ' 4
i
I :
114
BLOWPIPE PKACTICK.
BB no c<)atinj{ on charcoal, bnt boils, 8i)irt8, and yields a copper-glolndf.
Commonly massive. When crystallized, mostly in small, Rhombic com-
binations of pseudo-hexagonal iispect, composed of the forms V, V, V, \', and
B. The front angle of Von V= 1 l!t°3r)'.
{Colour, hliii'k or hroinnlsli-htdck. Lustri' jiropcrlji siih-nietalUr. Strntk pnli-
liroini. Iiifnuihle, or practirall ij so).
Certain dark varieties of Zinc Blende (Black .lack) may be referred to hert .
as these are sometimes mistaken for galena.* Their infiisibility, brownish
streak, and comparatively low sp. gr. (-about 4'0), constitute their more
distinctive characters, Mixed, iu powder, with 80<lium carb. mmX a little borax.
Blende yields FiB, on charcoal a ZnO si;blimate. Emits also strong odour of
sulphuretted hydrogen when treated iu powder with hydrochloric acid.
• A iiractical illustration of this came iin(l«r the aiitlior's notice in Colorado n few years ago.
He was asked to look at a soiiiewliat rougliiy <u)n.stnieted rcverl)eratory that had lieen re(!entlj
put lip for the smelting of lead ore, Imt wliieh li.ad turned out a failure. The ore, It iippeareil.
got into a imsty mass holding! a little reduced lead, and would not Work. After exainining tlh
furnaee, and seeiiii; nothing jiarticularly amiss in it, the writer asked to look at the ore. TIr.s
was regarded at the furnaee as a tolerali!y clean galena, but w.is found to consist of nearly twn
thirds ' Black Jack' mixed with galena in a calcareous gangue. The " pasty stutf" which had
given the furnace a had name was thus easily accounted for. The olil name Ulende (and the
newer Sphalerite) is based on this deceptive aspect. In general, however, the lustre is non-
metallic, or at most, sub-metallin.
I
i -I '■:
i \
: ' ■
)_
\'-i
"i
'i\-: .
I
A' ■
'
i:^
■ -'
TABLE IV.
fS reaction. SI) or Te fumes],
A- -On charcoal, BB, a white deposit.
A'.— KNTIRELY AND RAPIDLY VOI,.
Stirnitk (Antimony Gliiuco, Grey Antimony Oro) : S •28'24, Sb TI-
TO. Octhorliombic H '2; (i 4"5-t"T. Lead-grey, often witii iridescent
or dark tarnish. Mostly lihrous, granular, or in groups of narrow
prisms. Melts ppj' se in outer edge of the tlame without the aid of
the blowpipe. See also the note at end of this Table.
AS.-PAUTIALLY VOL., A LAKGK SILVER-GLOflULK REMAINING.
(The minerals of this section present as a rule a sub-metallic .aspect. The
three first are slightly translucent in thin pieces, and have a red streak. All
are attacked by caustic potash, the solution yielding orange Hocks on addition
of liydrochloric acid.
MiARGYiuTE: S 21-8, Sb -H-f), Ag 36T, Clino-Rh. ; H 2-2-5;
G 5-18-r)-2G. Iron-black, streak dull-red.
Pyrargyrite (Dark Red Silver Ore): S IT-T, Sb 22-5, Ag 59-8.
Hemi-Hex. ; H 2-2 5 ; G 5 -75-5 -85. Iron-black, reddish, streak red.
See Note to this Table.
PoLYUASiTE ; S, Sb (As), Ag 04-74 p. c. ; Cu sometimes present.
Rh. ; H 2-5; G 00-6 2. Iron-black; streak, black, red. Polyargy-
rite is closely related, but is regular in crystallization.
Stephanite (Melanglanz, Psaturose, Brittle Silver Ore); S 16,
Sbl6, Ag 68. Orthorhombic ; H 2-5; G 6-3. Iron-black, dark
lead-grey, often iridescent. Streak, black. Crystals, mostly tabular
or short prismatic, with large basal plane. V ; V = 11 5°40 .
A'.— PARTIALLY VOL. THE RESIDUUM AFTER PROLONGED IGNillON, MAGNETIC.
Berthierite: Average comp. S 30, Sb 57, Fe 13. H 25-3;
G 4-4-3. Dark steel-grey, often with brown or variegated tarnish.
Ullmannite (Antimonial jSickel Glance) : S 15, Sb 575, Ni 27-5.
Reg. ; H 50-5-25 ; G 6-2-6-5 ; lead-grey, or steel-grey, with dark or
variegated tarnish. Some examples are arsenical. Easily fusible
into a dark globule, magnetic only on continued ignition.
116
1,^1
l&
§')
I' 3 I'l ^ 7 I
\0:
liii
1 ; '. : :
i . ■;
i ■;:■•
1 ■
if"-
j:; . i
116
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
Al-PARTIALLV VOL. THE RESIDUUM GIVING .STRONG COIM'KR REACTION.
Tktrahedrite (Grey Coi)i)er Ore; Fahlerz) : S, Sb (As), Cii 33-44
p. c, A«, Fe, «fec. Reg. (tetrahedral) ; H 3-4; G 4-8-5 -4. Steel-
grey, iron-black. See Note at end of Table.
CiiALKosTiniTB (Wolfsbergite) : S 257, Sb 25-4, Cu 489. Ortho-
rhoinbic H 3-*) ; G 4-7-5 ; dark lead-grey, iron-black, often with
variegated tarnish.
B— On charcoal, BB, a yellow (or white and yellow) deposit
B«.— PARTIALLY VOL, A GOLD OR SILVER GLOBULE FINALLY REMAINING.
(If the blowing be stopped too soon, a rich gold-lead or silver-lead globule
will of course result. This may be freed from lead on the cupel)
Freieslebenite (Donacargyrite). S lH-8, Sb 269, Ag 23*8,
Pb 30-5. Clino-Rh. H 2-2-5 ; G 6-2-G-5 ; metallic grey. Diapho-
rite (v. Zepharovich) from Przibram is clo.sely related, but is Ortlio-
rliombic in crystallization. G 59
Brononiardite : S 19-5, Sb 29-5, Ag 26, Pb 25. Reg. ; H 2-5 ;
G 5-9-6-0 ; dark metallic-grey,
Nagyagite (Leafy Tellurium Ore, Blattererz) ; S, Te, Pb, Au,
Ag, &C. Au, commonly, 6-9 p. c. Tetragonal, but mostly in thin
flexible laminae. H 1-1-5 ; G 6-8-7-2. Blackish lead-grey. Melts
per se in edge of a candle-flame.
B«. -partially vol. the residuum GIVING STRONG COPPER-REACTION.
Bournonite: S 1966, Sb 24-98, Pb 42-38, Cu 12-98. Orth-j-
rhombic ; H 2-5-3 ; G 5-7-5-9. Dark s*-eel-grey, iron-black. See
Note at end of table.
See a'iso Tetrahedrite, some examples of which contain Pb or Bi ;
and Zi.ikenito and Jamesonite, which sometimes contain a .small
l)ercentage of copi)er.
B». -partially vol., but giving no marked reaction op Ag, Au, or Cu.
{Sp. gr. under 6-0).
Zinkenite : S 22, Sb 42, Pb 36. Orthorhombic, acicular ;
H 2-5-3-5 ; G 5'3-5-4 Steel-grey, lead-grey, often with variegated
tarnish. See Note.
Plagionite : S 21, Sb 37, Pb 42. Clino-Rh. ; H 2-5 ; G 54.
Dark lead-grey.
Jamesonite : S 19-6 ; Sb 29-8, Pb 50-6. Orthorohmbic. H 2-5 ;
' ,-■■)■•
';■
MINKRAL TABLES : — IV.
117
!>:
'.'<
G r)5-5G2. Metallic-grey. Cleavage basal, strongly marked. See
Note.
BouLANOEBiTE : S 18, Sb 23, Pb 59. H 2r)-3 ; G 5-7-5-95.
Dark lead-grey.
Sp. gr. orer 6 0).
MBvroHiKiTE : S 173, Sb 18-8, Pb 63-9. Clino-Rli., aoicular
H 2r)-3 ; G 0-34-6 •4. Lead-grey. Some examples appear to be
Orthorliombic in crystallization.
Geokkonite : S, Sb, Pb Gft p. c. Some examples contain also a
little Cii. Orthorliombic ; H 2-3 ; G 6-44-G'5 1 ; lead-grey, tarnishing
darker. Kilbrickenite is identical or clo.sely related.
KoBKLLiTE : S IG 8, Sb 107, Pb .')4-3, Bi 18-2. H 2o ;
G G-ir)-G-30. Dark lead-grey. Fiused with Kl on charcoal, gives a
scarlet ring-deposit.
Tktkadv.mite : Normally, a com[)Oiind of Bi and Te, bnt frecpiently
containing small amounts of S or Se. Light steel-grey. H l-2'.'> ;
G 7 "4-7 '9 ; Hoxible in thin i)ieces. Weiirlite is a vm: containing S.
Some vars. also contain a small percentage of Ag. See Table V.
NOTE ON TABLE IV.
The only minerals of common or general occurrence belonj^ing to tins Table,
comprise : Stibuite, Tetrahedrite, Pyrargyrite, Bournonite, Zinkenite, and
.lamesonite.
Stibnite or Antimony Glance (also known .is grey Antimony Ore) is dis-
tinguished (if pure : id eat, if unmixed with lead sulphide, &c. ) by its rapid
volatilization before the blowpipe ; and by its powder becoming orange-yellow
in a hot solution of caustic potash. It is generally in masses of a more or less
fibrous structure and light lead-grey colour, or in thin Rhombic prisms (with
V : V=l)0''i)4') terminated by the planes of a rhombic octahedron. The prism-
planes are longitudinally striated, but the crystals are usually acicular or more
or less indistinct. Varieties of granular structure are also common. The only
species which somewhat resemble it are the sulphantimonites Zinkenite,
Jainesonite, Bournonite, &c. , but these have a much higher sp. gr. , and they
give a lead sublimate on charcoal. Bournonite gives also a strong coppei-
reaction. All are attacked but not rendered yellow by caustic potash, but an
orange precipitate is thrown down if the potash solution be neutralized by hydro-
chloric acid. Jainesonite is chiefly distinguished by its ready cleavage in one
direction ; and Bournonite by its copper-reaction. The latter mineral is often
found in small, flat, Rhombic crystals with largely developed basal plane, and
. ' ■'''■ '
\
I. I
^\i
118
BLOWPIPK PRACTICK.
■P<-:ft:
with V: V=93"40'. These cryatalB are frt'(iuently iu cruciform or other
twins.
Tetrahedrite is dark-grey or iron-black in colour, and when cryHtallized is
in small tetrahedrons or tetrahedral combinations. It gives strong copper-
reactions, and some examples iRionite) contain zinc ; others, silver, mercury, &c.
I'yrargyrite or Dark Red Silver ore is iron-black or reddish luad-grey in
colour, except in thin pieces by trannmittcd light, when the coli>ur appears
blood-red. The streak is red ; and the crystals are mostly combinations of the
hexagonal j)rism with the planes of one or two rhombohedrons (|{ : II - 108''42' ;
-J 11: -J K= l.'UT)8'); but the mineral is most commo.dy massive or in indis-
tinct crystal-aggregations. It melts per xe in the outer etlge of tiie Maine with-
out the aid of the blowpipe. On charcoal, HB, a silver globule is civsily
obtained, liike other sulphantimonites, it is attacked '.)y hot caustic potash,
and hydrochloric acid precipitates orange-red 8b' 8* from the solution.
Stephanite, which yields a still larger silver globule on the cupel, is distinguished
by its black streak, higher sp. gr,, ami orthorhombic crystallization (See the
Table).
f
TABLE V.
[Metallic Aspect. Si) or Te fuinct), l)iit no S i'uivutii>n].
A. Entirely volatilizable, or leaving merely a minute globule of
metal.
A' ON CHAKCOAI,, ItlJ, A WHITT. DKPOSIT.
Nativk Antimony: lltsmi-lli'x., clcaviililt' ; l[ :5 .■?") ; O ()-7 ; tin-
wliite. (Joiivcrtcil Uy iiiliii' iicid into yollowisli-wliit*! powder (Sl)-O ' +
Nativk Tklmtiiiiim : Ifeini-Hex., cleuviiUlt! ; II li^^ ; (i Cc l-fi'.'J ;
tiii-whitt'. Soliiblt; in nitrio acid. Wai'iiicd witli stroii;,' sulpliuric
jicid (tlio acid Itt-iiii,' nscd in (;xc<'ss) forms a pin plisli-fed solution,
which becomes colourless on addition of water — metallic Te falling
;us a dark-grey precipitate. Forms also a red solution when Imiled in
powder with caustic potash.
A«-ON CHAIICOAI-, un, A YEM.OW (OH WHITK AND YKM.OW) DIU'OSIT.
TKTKADY.Mrn; : Hi ni.', Te 4.S, hut Sand Se ofutn present in small
proportions. Hemi-ifex. ; H 1-5-2; U 7'4-7 9 ; pale metallic-grey;
flexible in thin pieces.
Altaitic: PI) Gl-8, Te 38-2. Keg.; II 2T)-3-5 ; G 8-J-8T) ; tin-
white, yellowish.
B. -Partially volatilizable.
B>-YIKLUIN(1, UB, ON t'HARt'OAL A I,AU(JK ()!,()Bn,K OK A^r di- Au.
Dys(!Rasitk : — Ag and 8b in several pro[)ortions : Ag G4-8t, Sb
ir)-36. Orthorhombic; H 3'r) ; G O'l-lO. Silver-white or tin-white,
with dark or yellowish tarnish.
Hkssitk: Ag 62-S, Te 372. Rh.; H 2-3-0; G 8-1-8-5. Malleable.
Dark metullic-grey. Petzite is a closely related mineral, but with a
large part of the Ag replaced by Au (G 8-7-9-4).
Sylvanitk (Graphic Telluiium) : Ag, Au, Te, in variable propor-
tions. Sb and Pb also piesent in some examples, Au 25-4"), Ag 1-15,
Te 45-56. Clino-Hh. (or Orthorhombic) ; H 1-5-2; G 8-84. Light
.steel-grey inclining to silver-white or pale yellowisli. Calaverite is a
119
■^^m
120
ni.owi'iPE piu<;tick.
yollnw VRi*., with Au 44'r), To .''),')•.''). MullniiH' \h iiLso an aiiritcrouH
vtir., cniitii' iii^ Pl> iiii'l Sl> in luldition to tlm iioi-iiial c()iii|iuit(tntH.
U» -YIEM)IN(i, HI), A MA(1NKTI<: (MCKKt.IKEHOUH) INKUMIIll.K MA^S.
Bkkitiiaui'TITK ( Antimonial Nick(fl Ore): Ni 3'J'2, Sli (i7'8. W^'x. ;
H T) ; (> "•.'>-7<) ; |)al»' f()|)|ier r(((l, mostly with l»hiish tanilHli. (Joiii-
luonly iiiiissisc!, or in Hniall talmlar ciyHtiilH witli stiiatcil \n\nv.
lHoin()i|ih(iiis with Nii'kclin^-, Taui.k I. Pait of tht; Ni wsuiiUy
rephiciMl 1)V F(*.
Melonitk: Ni 2 .'I 5, To 76r). Hex. / Pale rcdtliHli-wliito.
NOTK ON TAHI.K V.
All tin; iiiinerftlrt of tliis I'iililo ivru of ixrojitioiial or nierely locivl oucuireiKM'.
Thosi! which cdiitiiin gold or silvrr iiiv I'.'wily n'uognizt'd hy the inetallic
ghihidc wincli tlicy yield, Mil, mi ihiu'eoiil. The jneseiiee of antiiiuDiy is
revealed liy the copious fumes emitted, lili ; and hy the foi'iiiiitiou of a
yellowish-white powder {S])'H I' or Sli', !•'*, or a iiii.-tiire of the two) in nitric aciil.
'I'ht! j)reHeiice of tellurium, revealeil hy its lilowpipe reactions, ia reailily con-
firmed hy warming a amall portion of tiie substance in a test-tidie aliout half
filled with strong sulphuric aeiil, when a redilish solution will result. Vn
udditioii of water, a dark precipitate of metallic tellurium i» tiirown down.
TABLE VI.
[Asjiect inetftUic. No S renctifni. N<» fiiinuM of Ah, SI), or 'IV. ]
A. On charcoal, BB, no sublimate. (In closed tube, Hg Reaction).
A'. -KNTIUKLV VOI-,
Xativk Mkkcuuy. Tn hiiiiiII fiiiiil ^'luhuhiH of a lin-wliito colour.
(} i;}»).
A«. PAIITIALLY Vot.., A HIIA'EH-tJLOUULE UKMAININO.
Amai.(Jam : Properly an isoiiiorpliouH union of A},' iind \\'^ : licnco
tlicsc coiii|ioiiciitH aro present in variable proportions. Silver-wliito
with vellosviKli tarniHh ; Ke,-,'. ; If 2-:\'} ; (} 10 8-1410; brittle.
Artpierite i.s a variety (!on^ainin^' SC),', p. c. silver. Konysl»er<,'ite, a
viir. containing Oo p. c. silver. Some amalgams coiitairi j;ol«l : in
these the sp. •/v. is nsiially 1 •'> or inorcf.
B.— On charcoal, BB, a yellow-sublimate.
U'.— MAJit.EABl.K.
Native Lead : Hog. ; H if) ; (I 11 •.3- 11 -4 ; lead-groy ; ductile.
H«. CLEAVAUI.E (OH NOT MAI-NEAULE).
Native Bismuth : Henii-Hex. H 25 ; G 9(;-9-8. PuMMish
silver-wliite, mostly with yellowish or varici^ated tarnish. Fused on
ciiarcoal with mixture of S and KI, forms a ring-deposit of a vivid
scarlet colour.
NOTE ON TABLE VI.
Nivtive Hisnuitli and Native Amalgam are the only minerals of ordinary
oucnrrence helonging to this Table. N. liismutli is readily distinguished by
its (practically) complete volatilization before the blowpipe, with formation of
a yellow deposit of oxide on ciiareoal. It dissolves rapidly in nitric acid, the
solution yielding a white precipitate on the addition of water. Some varieties
contain traces of As, S, Te, &c. It occurs commonly in small cleavable
ni.issc*, but occasionally in dendritic and other examples. When crystallized,
it is mostly in small rhond)ohcdrons with liasal plane, the princijjal cleavage
being parallel with the latter. Amalgam is either in small granular masses,
or in small crystrds of the Regular System, commonly dodecahedrons, or
combinations of cube and octahedron. In ordinary varieties the sp. gr. exceeds
13 ".5. This latter character, together with the large bead of silver which it
yields, BB, and its mercurial reaction (see under Mercury, in Part I) serve
sutKciently to distinguish it.
121
^N
TABL?] VII.
[Lustre iiiutalhe. Not perceptibly vol. Fusible on charcoal into a globule. |
Malleable.
Nativk Gold: Reg.: H '2-:\ ■ (J ir>r)-19-t. (loLl-yclloNV. Not
attiickcd by nitric siciil, nor by blowpijui tliixes. Always oaiitiiins a
siiuill auiDunt of Ag.
N.vnvK Silver: Reg.; H '2-^ \ (I lOf) (or 10-11). Silverwhitv.
often with black surfaoe-tarniMli. Kasily lUssolveil l)y dilutt' uitiic
iicid oil lieatiiig : a white ounly pie. (turning dark-giev on exposun-)
is foniieil by liyilrociiloric acid, or any soluble chloride, in the solution.
Nativk Coim'KK ; Reg. ; 11 '2\)-l\ ; G 8r)-Sl). ("opper-red, often
with ilull-brown tarnisli. Kasily sol. in nitric acid, forming a green
solution wiiieli becomes deep-l>lue on addition of ammonia. TIk'
fused bead blackens in the OK, its surface becoming encrusted with
CuO. This tinges the tlame green.
■J
NOTE ON TAHl.E VII.
These native metals are iv.idily distiiiguished by their colour as seen on a cut
or untarnished surface. Oold occurs mostly in small scales or little nugj^cts in
the sands of river beds or in old alluvia' deposits. Also in small lilifonu (ir
other particles in <|uart/ veins containing; auriferous mispickel or pyrites.
Crystals are chiefly cubes, but are small and mostly ill-formed. It is not
attacked by the blowpiiie-Huxes, and the fused j;h)bulc retains its blight surfai'c
in an o.\idating tiaine.
Native silver occurs chietly in leafy, liliform, or ilciulritic examples, mostly
in association with calcite, but sometimes also in ijuart/. On bake Superior il
is fonml coating native copper at some localities. Crystals are not coaiinon,
and are generally ill-formetl. They are mostly ciunbinations of cubi- ami
octahedron. Twinned pyramidal cubes are found in Peru. .Attackeil by fusion
with borax, but the fusetl silver glolnile retains its bright surface in an oxidating
Hame. See, further, under Silver in Part I.
Native copper occurs in tilirorm, dentritic, and other examples, and in places
in broatl sheets and large masses. The fused globule blackens on the surface,
from forinatiou of t^uO, iu im oxidating liame. See under Copper, in Part I.
123
!■'■
Mr
TABLE VIII.
[Lustio metallic. Not i>rL'ce|)til)ly \o\. liit'iisil)lt' ; or fusible iit t'lie oxtroiiie
point or I'llgfs, only].
A.. Not dissolved, BB, by borax or phosphor-salt
A". VKllY SOFT. BLACK. M.VKKING OK SOILING.
(liiAiMiiTK (Pluml)iigo). Normally, [>mv iMi'hon : usually .sli<;litly
t'fniii;iii()us, itf. He.\. ; II 1-1 s') ; ii 1 -O-'J 3. lilaok. liistious,
iiioasv-ttH'lini!;. Srt' Not*' at ciul ot" Tahlo.
.\». .MOKK OK I.KSS MAI.I.KAltl.K. Sp. (Jr. OVKK 11 (IN MOST CASKS.
17 OK lIKillKK).
Nativk Pi,ATiNi'.M : l\ey;. ; II t") ; (I 17 18. Silver-wliito. pale
stcfi ijivy. Sol. in hot iiitro-liydrocliloru' acid. Many cxamiilos con-
tain a small lUMrentaiff of Fc, and thus act sli<^litly or stroii'jjly on
till- maiiiu't. St>e undi'r 1?'.
Nativk [kiou'm or Platini-.m-Ikiimim : Ir. Pt, Rh. Ac. Hfj;.
H .")■."» -7 ; (! If^-'Jo. nsually aliout 22. (Si-cyish silvcr-wiiitc ; scircoly
iii.dlcalilt'. Insol. in nitro-hydi'ocliloric acid.
Ds.Mii'M Ikidium or Nkwmanskitk. IrO.s, mostly witii the Ir in
excess. H»'x. ; II 6 ."j^ ; t! lH.") ; tinwidtc. Kmits di iasirt'chlo
odour of osiinc aci<l wlicn fused with nitrt> in a closed tulie.
liii:>osMUM ov Sysskkskitk : IrOs. with Os iiredt)minatinLj.
(! ■_' 1 ■_' 1 •■_'. Kmits odoi"" of osmic acid l>y ignition /)t:r gc on cliar
coal, (hiierwise like ( )smium- Iridium.
Nativk Paki.adiu.m. I\ei;. II t -V,") ; (J llSl'JL'. Lii,'ht steel-
;,'rey or i,M-eyish ti.i-wliite. Malleable. Sol. ill hot nitric acid, form-
ing a reddish solution.
B. Dissolved or readily attacked by fusion with borax or
phosphor salt.
I!'.-SIAC.\KV1C UKKOKK OI! AI'TKK KiMTION.
Nativk Ikon (.Meteoric Iron): Ke coiuhined in nearly all cases
with a certain jHMcentage of Ni. Heg. : II -iri-.") ; CJ 7-7n: steel
grey, iron hlack. riio polished surface washed with dilute acid shews
V2•^
F.
'^i'i
ht
rl
124
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
I:-', :•
.'I
genemlly a crystalline structure. A variety of Native Iron fiom
New Zealand containing 67 per cent. Nickel, has been named
Awarnite.
Platisum-Iron : Pt with 10-20 p. c. Fe. Reg.; H 6; G l;3-i:..
Dark steel-j^rey. Properly, a ferruginous var. of Native Platinum.
Some examples (unless in tine filings) are not readily attacked \>y
borax. Some examples, also, are said to be non-magnetic.
{Brittle: i.e. not malleable).
Maoxetite (Magnetic Iron Ore): Fe 72-4, O 276 ( = FeO, Fe-'O ).
Reg ; H .^-S-e-f) ; G 4-9-r)-2 ; iron-black, streak black; often exiiibils
magnetic i)olarit3'. Miwgno ferrite (better-Uiimed Ferro magnesite) is
a volcanic variety in which the FeO is essentially replaced by MyO
G 4'G-4'7. Jacobsite is another variety, containing both MgO aiul
MnO. G 4"7.'i. Many examples of Magnetite are also titaiiiferous.
These might fairly i-ank as a distinct species, having the same relation
to Magnetite i)roper that Ilmenite bears to Hi«matite. See Note
Fuankmnite: ZnO, FeO, MnO, Fe-O'*, in variable proportions, but
yielding the general formula RO, R-0'. R'g. ; H (J-Gf) ; (4 0-5' I ;
iron-black, streak dark reddisii-l)ro\vii. Usually, more or less muir-
netic. BB, in powder with sodium carb. and borax, gives coating; of
ZnO on charcoal, and also a strong manganese reaction. See Note.
Oiiro.mitk; normally, FeO, 32, Ci-O' 68. Reg.; H 5 5 ; G 4-3-4(l.
Iron-black, streak dark-brownish. Lustre, in most examples, suli-
Tnctal'ic only.
H.e.\iatite (Specular Ii-on Ore) : Fe 70, O 30 ( =. Fe-O''). Heiui-
Hex. ; H 5-5-6-5;* G 50-5-1. Steel-grey, often with vari<>gat( d
tarnish ; streak cherry-red. Sometimes feebly magnetic. Martitu
is a var. in saiall octahtMlrons altered from Magnetite. See Note.
Ilmknite or Me.vacan.vite (Titaniferous Iron Ore). Fe-0 ', Ti-O* in
variable ))roportion.s. Hemi-Hex.; H5'5-6; G 4'o 5;>. Iron-black,
dark steel-grey; streak black to brownish-red. Dissoiv, 1 or attacked
in line po.vder by hot hydrochloric acid, the diluted sciu'.oii by boilin;;
with tin becoming first colourless, and them assuming an amethystine
tint. See Note to tiiis Table.
i.
\) I
* As reg(ird3 ordinary examiiles; but the .seiily variety, although shewing metiillio lustre, soils
the Iiands.
., I
MINERAL TABLES: — VIII.
125
Arkansite (variety of Biiookite). Black, sub-nietallic lustre.
Sfte Table X.
( Yield watf)- in hnlli-lithe).
TciuMTE. Red, blackish-red ; lustre sub-metallic. See Tables
X.. XXIII.
( }(i;tiiite. Red, brown ; in thin, prismatic or small tabular crystals;
lusirc sub-metallic in some examples. See Tables X., XXI IE.
LiMONiTE (Brown Iron Ore). Brown, streak yellowish. Mostly
in til»ro-botryoidal masses. Lustre sub-metallic in some varieties
only. See Table X., XXITI,
B».— NON-MAGNETIC AFTER IGNITION.
{SlroHij Mil reai'lioii. * AnJuidrons).
Pykolusite (Black Manganese Ore) : Mn G;V2, O 36-8 Ortho-
rhombic ; H 1-15 ; O 4"7-+'9 ; iron-black, dark steel-grey, stieak
lil.ick ; soils and marks. Ignited, and moistened with HC acid, shews
I'a-liiies in spectroscope. See Note at end of Talile.
PoLiANiTE : Identical with Pyrolusite as regards composition and
general crystallization, but with H - 0-7.
Bkai'N'ITE — Hausmannite. Aspect in general sub-metallic only.
See Table X.
Ckedneiute. Gives copper reactions. Aspect commonly sub-
metallic. See Table X.
(Stromj Mn reaction, and i/ii'ldincj aq in bidli-tule).
Manoanite: Mn-'O' 90-9, H-'O 910. Orthorhombic ; H 35-4 ;
<t 4-3-4 5; dark steel-grey; streak, brown, black. See Note, below.
P.SILOMKLANE : MiiO, BaO, etc., with about 4 or 5 j). c. H-0.
Ainorphons (reniform l)otryoidal ikc.) ; H 5-6 ; G 3-7-4'7. Iron-black,
dark steel-grey ; streak, lirownish-black. Some examjjles show
distinct K line in spectroscope, f
Uu: lusti't', siuls
•DissdlveU also, BB, by borax witli strong ebullition, caused by liberation of oxygen.
♦ This is liestscen by tlie igniting test-substance, and then moistening it with hydrodiloric
aiicl. Gieen Ba-lines llrst appear for a moment, after which the red K-line comes out very
• listmctly and is tolerably permanent. If a piece of deep-blue glass be held between tlie
npj;ctrosi'o])u and the Bunsen-Hame, the yellow Naline, always pre.<ient with its accomiianying
Kiare, iH'comes entirely obliterated, and the red Kline alone remains visible. By ignition and
treatment with hydrochloric acid, nearly all manganese oxides of natural occurrence give a
momentary Ba-spectrum. Some also, according to V. Kobell, shew the presence of lithium.
126
BLOVVPM'K PRACTICE.
■m^
' ii
; » ■
.■ i '
Ii U'r-
f
1 I
(A'o marked Ma re.artion. No thidlition hi/ fiisioti with borax).
PiTCHBLKNDK — TanTALITK — COM'MBITK — YtTROTANTAI.IT:: —
Samarskitk — Ei'XKN'iTK. L\istre snlj-metallic, only. See Tab:.e X.
MuscoviTK — Phlogopitk — and ^ome otlier Micas. Lustre pearly-
nietiillic (psemlo metallic) ; foliiited or scaly ; streak white or greyisli.
See Tablks XXV., XXVI.
NOTE ON TABLE VIII.
Minerals of ordinary occurrence belonging to this Tal)le comprise — in addi-
tion to (iraphite — tlie iron ores, Magnetite, Hieniatite, and Ilnienite ; and the
manganese ores, Pyrolusite and Manganite. The otlier minerals, mentioned in
the Tiible, are either rarely met with, or otherwise present merely a sub-metallic
lustre, and thereiore come properly under examination in a succeeding Table.
Graphite occurs chieHy in foliated or sub-granular masses ; more rarely in
columnar or fibrous examples or in hexagonal tables. Its dark colour, flexibility,
greasy feel, and i)roperty of marking and soiling, are among its more salient
characters. The only mineral which might be mistaken for it, is the sulphide
Molybdenite. The latter is nuich lighter in colour, and is at once distinguished
by the pale green or yellowish-green coloration which it imparts to the outer
edge of a Bunsen or other Hame. Both deflagrate strongly when fused with
nitre.
Magnetite is sufficiently distinguished by its magnetism, and by its black
colour and streak. When -crystallized, it is commonly in octahedrons, more
rarely in rhombic dodecahedrons. Frauklinite and Chromite are closely
related to it, but possess, as a rule, merely a sub-metallic lustre, and their
streak is more or less brown in colour. Chromite, moreover, gives BB with
borax a chrome-green glass ; Frankliuite, with sodium carb., a strong man-
ganese-reaction. The latter occurs in small, black, granuhv masses, or in octa-
hedrons with truncated edges, imbedded in Bed Zinc Ore and also in Troostite.
Hiematite presents many varieties, but that whic'.i properly belongs to this
Table is the variety known as Specular Iron Ore. This is commoidy in dark
steel-grej', laminar, crystalline, or scaly masses, cherry-reil in the streak.
The crystals are rhombohedral combinations, mostly with largly developed
basal plane, the latter often curved. R = 86°10';B: H= 122°30'. A more
obtuse rhombohedron ^ R, and also -^ R, and a scalenohedron ,U12, .arc
likewise frequently present. The scaly variety crumbles under the fingers :
the massive and crystalline varieties scratch glass.
Ilmenite is closely related to Hsematite, and closely resembles the latter in
crystallization jvnd general characters, but is usually darker in colour, with
blackish, or indistinctly red, streak. It is best distinguished by the amethystine
colour produced in its hydrochloric-acid solution by boiling with tin. The
student must remember, however, that many examples of magnetite and
hiematite are titaniferous to some extent, and with these the reaction would
also be obtained.
MINEKAL TABLES: — VIII.
127
Pyroluaite occurs commonly in iron-blacli or dark steel-grey fibrous masses,
sufHuiently soft to soil the hands. It produces chlorine fumes when warmed
M'ith hydrochloric-acid ; and the smallest fragment gives with sodium carb. ,
BH, a strong reaction of manganese in the form of a tuniuoise-enamel.
Manganite is also of a dark steel-grey or iron-black colour. Jt occurs com-
monly in groups of prismatic crystals or in coarsely-fibrous masses. The
crystals belong to the Orthorhombic System, and are fre<iuently twinned. V :
\' = 99°4()', the planes longitudinally striated. Its acid and blowpipe reactions,
generally, are the same as in Pyrolusite, but it differs from tiie latter species
by yielding water (9-10 per cent.) in the bulb-tube.
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TABLE IX.
[Lustre sub-metallic. Readily fusible or reilucible pir .te],
A.— Wholly or partially volatilizable by ignition on charcoal.
A'.— KXTIRELY VOL.
Some (lark or lead-j^rey exceptional varieties.
Inttaniniable. See Table XI.
Cinnabar (HgS).
Streak Retl. G 8-9.
(.SV> fumes and coating).
KKK.MKSITE (Red Antimony Ore) : Sb-'S'70, Sb-0 '30. Dark blueisli-
red, with clierry-red streak. Chiefly aoicular and fibrous; H I'f);
G 4-5. Melts in candle-flame. See, also, Tables XI., XV.
A'.— partially vol , A LARGE SILVER-GLOBULE REMAINING.
{Sb fumets and coatimj).
Miargyiute: Ag 36-7, Sb 41-o, S 21-8. Clino-Rh. H 2-2 5 ;
G 5 •! 8-5 -26. Iron-black with cherry-red streak.
Pyrargyrite (Dark Red Silver Ore): Ag 59-8, Sb 22-0, S 17-7.
Hemi-Hex. ; H 2-2-5 ; G 5-75-5-85. Dark lead-grey, reddish-black ;
streak cherry-red See Note below. Also Table IV.
(As Jumes).
Proustite (Light Red Silver Ore): Ag G5-46, As 15-15, S 1939.
Red, blueish-red ; streak bright-red. Lustre, properly, non-metallic.
See Table XIV.
RiTTiNGERiTE : Ag (577 p. c.) with As, or with Sb, S or Se (!)
Clino-Rh.; H 25-3-0; G 5-6-3; iron-black with variegated tarnish ;
reddish or yellow by transmitted light ; streak, orange-yellow.
Polybasite : Ag, Cu, As, Sb, S. Iron-black ; red in thin pieces
by transmitted light. Streak, red, black. See Tables III., IV.
A3. -PARTIALLY VOL., A CUPREOUS GLOBULE REMAINING.
Covelline (Indigo Copper Ore) : Cu 66-46, S 33-54, Hex. (but
commonly massive, nodular, Ac); H 1-5-2; G 4.4-6. Dark coppery-
blue, blackish-blue, with black streak. Inflammable.
128
MINKUAL TABI.KS : — IX.
129
Chalkosink (Copper (llance): Lusti^ suit-metallic in occasional
t'xamples, only. Dark iron-grey, usually with greenish coating in
piitchcs. G 5-6. See Tablk IIT.
A«.-I'AUTI.Y OK WHOLLY VOL., WITH PRODUCTION OF LEAD GLOBULE AND
LEAD COATING ON CHARCOAL.
Plattnerite : Pb 86-6, O 13-4. Iron-black; Hex. (pseudo-
mori)hous after Pyromorphite ?) : H 3-4 ? ; G 9-4
B.— Non-volatile on ignition.
B'.— REDUCIBLE, BB, TO METALLIC COPPER.
Cuprite (Red Copper Ore): Cu 88-8, O 11-2. Reg. mostly
octahedral ; H 3-5-4: ; O 5-7-6. Dark red, sometimes with blueish
oi' lead-grey tinge. Streak, red. Surface often altered to green
ciirboiiate. Tile-ore Is an impure var, mixed with Fe-'O'', &c.
Tenorite (Bl.iok Copper-oxide). Cu 79-85, O 20-15. Mostly
scaly or iiuujsive, but occasionally in small Tetragonal pyramids much
resembling crystals of Anata.se or Octahedrite. H 2-3 ; G 5 -9-6 5.
Blackish steel-grey, iron-black.
B8.- FUSIBLE into A MAGNETIC BEAD.
(Gl-l'o, Readily dissolved, BB, bij Phosphor-salt, With sodium-carbonate, a
strong Mn reaction).
Wolfram : FeO, MnO, WO'', in somewhat variable pi-oportions :
the WO-', 7G-76-5 p. c. Ciino-Rh. ; H 5-5-5 ; G 7-1-7-55. Dark
brown, brownish black, with brownish streak. See Note, below.
Samarskite — Scarcely fusible. Black. See Table X.
SiO^ reaction with Phosphor-salt. Gelatinizing in hot hydrochloric acid).
Allanite — Ilvaite or Lievrite — Fayalite : Black, brownish or
greenish-black. Lustre, properly, non-metallic See Table XXVI.
iy
NOTE ON TABLE IX.
Omitting the silicates, Allanite, Ilvaite, &c., the lustre of which is essentially
non-metallic, the commonly occuring minerals of this Table comprise : Cinna-
l>ar, Kerniesite, Pyrargyrite, and Proustite, all of which give a marked sulphur-
reaction with sodium carb. on charcoal ; the red, copper-suboxide Cuprite and
the tungstate, Wolfram. Most of these, however, present typicaliy a non-
metallic aspect, and are thus described also, in other Tables.
Cinnabar presents a sub-metallic lustre in exceptional examples only. Most
10
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130
HI,()\VI»'PK PKACTICK.
coiniiioiily it hiis a retl colour find iioii-iiietallic aspuct. Its reaiiy iiiHaiiiiii:iliilit\
and high pp. gr. (8-!l) 8<;rve at (Uicc to iliHtinguiHli it froiii thtM)tlier n-il iiiini'iaU
of tlie Tabic!. It forniH no (li'posit on charcoal, hut yiidths it-adily a grey nuhli-
mate of metallic mercury if strongly ignited in a closed tuhe witli dry sodium
carbonate, iron lilings, or other reducing agents. See also, the Note tu
Taui.k XI.
Kerniesite resembles Cinnabar as regards rapid volatilization, luit it forms
on charcoal a dense white coating of Sb'^O'' or Sb'-'i I*, and its sp. gr. does not
exceed 4'(i, It occurs commonly in tufted groups of acicular crystals, or in
radiated fibrous exam|)lt's. In a hot solution of caustic jiotash it is rapidly con-
verted into an orange-red jiowder.
I'yrargyrite and Froustite are closely akin by crystallization and ilii'mic:il
formula' ; but I'yrargyrite is very dark in colour, and it emits, l'>!'., tlense
antimonial fumes (commotdy accompanied by arsenical odour) ; wiiilst I'rous-
titc is distinctly red, with commonly an adamantine or non-metallic lustre and
certain degree of translucency, and it is essentially a sul])harseiiitf. Moth
occur commonly massive, or in small (usually imlistinct) crystals of the Hexa-
gonal System, the more fretjuent forms comi)rising a cond)ination of hexagon il
prism and rhombohedron, and scalenohedrai cond>inations. Twins and hi'ini-
morphous examples are connnon. Hoth species fuse per «■ when held against
the edge of a candle-tlame. The powder l)ecoi..es immediately black in a hot
solution of caustic pcjta.sh. Hydrochl<)ric acid precipitates orange-brown Sb-S'',
or yellow As'^.S'', from the solution. .SVr also, Notes to Taulks IV. and .\l\".
Cuprite is separated from the preceding minerals by yielding no .sulphur-
reaction before the blowpipe. It occurs fre(|iiently in octahedrons and rhondiic
dodecahedrons, often with green coating of malachite covering the entire sur-
face of the planes ; more rarely in acicular shapes arising from elongatcil cubes.
It is also fretjuently in massive examples. It dissrdves in nitric acid with stroiiL;
effervescence and production of orange-red nitrous fumes, the ( ■u'''() being con-
verted into CuU at the expense of some of the oxygen of the acid. The solu-
tion is, of cour.se, green or blue in colour, and becomes intensely blue on
dilution and subseiiuent addition of ammonia.
Wolfram is readily distinguished by its dark-brown or black colour, and high
sp. gr. (over 7). It occurs massive, and very fretpiently in somewhat largt^
crystals of the Clino-Ithomhic System: mostly, flattened six-planed prisuis
(composed of the forms V and V) terminated by a sharply-sloping base and
several polar planes V:V= 100° 37'; V:V=: 140 18'; H:V= 1 18 (i . Cleavage
very ))erfect parallel with side vertical jjlanes. It fuses into a magnetic
globule with crystaline surface. Melted, in powder, with sodium carbonate
and nitre in a platinum spoon, it forms an alkaline tungstate soluble in Imt
water, the bases remaining for the greater part undissolved. The solution
(which at first is green from some dissolved manganatc of so.la) when boiled ivitli
hydrochloric acid and a piece of tin or zinc, becomes rapidly colourless, and
then assumes a deep indigo-blue colour.
TABLE X.
[fiUBtre suli-int'tallic, Iiifu8il)lL' ; or fusible on tliimicst eilges only.]
A -Yielding Sulphur-reaction with sodium carbonate on charcoal.
{Zii rrnctloti).
Si'UAi.KUiTK OK ZiNf! Bliondk: Zm 67, S \V.\. U('f(.; II Wh-A ;
(! :V\)-\-i. iJiown, black, ml, ifcc; strfjik liglit-l>rowii ; liistro in
most cxiiinplt'H, non-iiu'tiillic, but sul»-mi'tiillic in niiiny ilmk vurieticK.
S(M! Note to this Table, iiiso Table XV J.
(Mn rt'(trlii)ii).
Alabandine: Mn G3-2, S 30-8. Hen;.; H 3-5-4; (} I; black,
browuisli, dark stenl-grey. Streak yreonisli, becomes greyish-green on
ignition. Scarcely fu.sible, but slag.s upon smface and edges in pro-
longed heat. No sublin)ate in closed tube.
Haui:hitk : Mn 46-2; S ."i.i-S. Keg., crystals either parallel-
plantnl hcniihedrons or very syniincitrical octalnidrons, much re.sem-
bliug ^lagnetite in aspect. H 4-5 ; G 3r)(). Dark red-brown,
l)ro\vnish -black ; streak brownish or brownish-nnl. In clo.sed tube
turns green and gives sublimate of sulphur.
B.— No Sulphur-reaction.- Magnetic before or after ignition.
h'. — ANUVDllOUS,
Maonktitk (Magnetic Iron Ore): Fe 72-41, () 27.r)-), =: Fe O 31,
bV-'O' 0!). Reg.; H .^-ii-G.') ; G 4-9-.'5-2. Iron black, with black
streak. Strongly magnetic, often showing polai'ity. Diainagnetit(!
(of Slu^pherd) in long rliomljic prisms is probal)ly pseudomorphous
after Lievrite (Dana). Pseudomorphs in rliombohedrons, after
Spatiiic iron are, also, occur. See note at end of Table.
Fkanklinit;-. : ZnO, IVInO, FeO ; Fe-0-', Mn-'O'', in variable pro-
j'ortions, but giving the con^mon formula RO, R'-O". Reg.; H 6-6-5;
(J r)-0-5-l. Black, with brownish streak. Often strongly magnetic.
See Note.
CiiROMiTK (Chromic Iron Ore): FeO, MgO, (UO ; Ai'-O-', Cr-Os
FeW=RO, R-'O''. Reg.; H 5-5; G 4-4-4-6. Rlack, brownish or
131
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132
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
greenisli hliick ; streak bluckish-browii to nearly bhiuk. Sometimes
magnetic. See Note.
H.*:matite (Itetl Iron Ore) : Fe 70, O 30 (=Fe-'0 7. Homi-Hox.,
H (ordinary examples) 5"5-6"0; G r)-5'3. Steoly-red, bluish-rod,
with cherry-red streak. Mostly in tibro-botryoidal masses, the cry-
stalline examples being distinctly metallic in lustre. See Table VIII.,
also Note to this Table.
Ilmknitk (Titaniferous Iron Ore) : Fe-'O'* Ti-'O'' in variable propor-
tions. Hemi-Hex. ; H 5"5-6 ; G. 4'5-5*3. Black, brownish-black ;
streak black to brownish-red. See Notes to Table VIII. and thi.s
Table.
B'.-yiELDhVa water on IONITION in nULB-TUHE.
TuRGiTE : Fe-iQ' 94-7, H-'O 5-3. H 5-55 ; G 3-554-7 ; black, red-
dish brown, streak dull red. Hydrohematite is identical or closely
related.
G(ETUiTE : Fe-'O'' 90, H-'O 10. Orthorhombic ; H 5-55 ; G 3-8-4l>.
Dark brown, streak brownish yellow. Lepidochrocite and Stilpno-
siderite are merely varieties, usually containing 3 or 4 p. c. more aq,
and thus passing into ordinary Brown Iron Ore.
LiMONiTE or Brown Ikon Ore : Fe-'O'' 85-6, H^O 14-4. Massive
fibro-botryoidal, jfec, often in pseudomorphs after cubical pyrites ami
other ferruginous species. H. commonly, 5-5 '5, but often lower ; G
3 ■5-4. Aspect sub-metallic in some varieties only. Brown, brownish
black ; streak brownish-yellow. See Table XXIII., also the Note
to this Table.
C— Not Magnetic after ignition-
C— READILY DISSOLVED (IN POWDER) BY HOT HYDROCHLORIC ACID,
WITH PRODUCTION OF CHLORINE FUMES.*
{B. B. .strong Mn reaction).
Braunite : Mn 69-2, O 30-8. A little BaO is often pre.sont as in
most manganese ores ; and many impure varieties are strongly sili-
ceous. Tetragonal; H. 55-6-5; G 4'7-4'9. Brownish-black, with
similar streak.
•
Hausmannite: Mn 72, O 28, but BaO, SiO-, die, commonly pre-
sent as impurities. Tetragonal; H 5-5-5 ; G. 4 •7-4-9. ' Black, brown-
*Recognized unmistakably by the odour. Tlie student should become familiar with tliis
by warming a little black oxide of manganese with hydroehloric acid.
MINKRAL TABLKS:— X.
133
isli Itlack, witli dark-hrown streak, nraunite ami irausmannitc arc
o()m|)iiratively nir«, clo.soly related, species. The oiystaLs an^ small
Tetraj^onal octahedrons, often twinned.
Pvuoi.usite: MnO-. lilaek ; soils; U •2-2'r). Aspect comnioidy
iii(!tiilIio. Fil)rous. See Tahmo VI II.
MA\(iANMTK : I\In-'0' + H-0. Steel-grey, iron-l>lack ; H 3-.')-4.
Aspecc commonly metallic. See Taulk VIET.
Psilomelank: Jron-lilack, dark steel-fj;rey ; H. 5-0. Gives a(| in
bulb-tube. Asp(!ct commonly metallic, bcMKMith dark surface tarnish.
Mostly botryoidal, amorphous. Seo Taulk VIII.
CilALOPHANiTE : MiiO, MnO", ZnO, II-O. Hemi-tle.x.; H. 25 ;
(I 3 9. Blue-black. BB. becomes reddish or copper-coloured. A
product of decomj)osition from Franklinite.
(SlroiKj Cn ri'(irtioii).
('kei)NEKITE : CuO 43, Mn-0'' r>7, but generally impure from
presence of BaO, SiO-, Sic. Iron-black, streak l)lack. The hydro-
chloric acid .solution is green or bluish, and l)ecomes deep blue on
addition of ammonia, Mn-'O'' gradually precipitating.
C-. -NO CHLORINE FUMES I'KUDL'CEl) BY TREATMENT WITH HYKRoC III.ORIC
ACID. Sp. (!i-, OVER 2(1.
[Decomposi^d or atlarki'd (in jiouu/ir) hi/ lad Hidphiirii' ncId].*
CoLUMBiTE : FeO. MnO. Nb-0\ Ta-()\ itc. Orthorhombic ; crys-
tals commonly flattened parallel with the brachy-pinakoid. TI G ; (i
.')37-fl-5. Iron-black, brownish-black. Streak reddish or greyish-
black. Commonly yields a little tin by blowpipe reduction.
Samarskite : YO, FeO, CeO, U-'O'', Nb-^O^ Ta'-'O'', &c. Ortho-
rhombic ; H 5-6 ; G5'6-5-8; black; streak red-brown. Diff. fusible
into steel-grey mass. Nohlite (with 46 aq.) is regarded as an altereil
variety.
Polycrase : YO, CeO, ErO, &c., with TiO-, HHW^O'', and small per-
centage of water. Orthorhombic ; H 5-6 ; G 5-5'15. Black ; streak
brownish.
yEscHYNiTE : CeO, LaO, YO, &c., with TiO'-^, Nb-'0\ ThO-, &c.,
and 1 or 2 p. c. aq. Orthorhombic ; H 5-55 ; G 5-525 ; black,
(lark -brown ; streak brownish.
'The solution diluted slightly and Imiled with additon of liydrochlorio acid and a piece of
zinr, or tin, assumes a blue, greenish, or violet colour (from presence of Ta, NI,, or Ti).
134
HM)WIMI'E I'KACTICK.
i,«
MKN(iiTi:: F(!-'()', ZrO-', TiO-, itc. Ortlinilioinl.io ; if .')--.:); C
r)-48. llliick ; Hlit'iik (lark-l»ri)wii.
PotA'MKJNiTK : VO, r,i(). KcO, XiO-. TiO-', .;-.•. ()itli()ih.)inl)if;
H 0-5. (! I 7"» lf<r). I'lliifk ; sticiik l.lackisli-hiowu.
Pvkociilouk: (J.iO. CVO, Na'^O, Fl, TliO-, NI,-()\ TiO-', ito. Ilc«.;
H n ; (} 1-I8-4'.'J7. Uliickisli or icddisli-lnowii, with lij^lit ln-owii
Htreiik, KnKil)!c on tulifcH into a yullowiHli slaj^, (tericrally yioltlH a
littlo a(|. ill l)ulli tulie.
Pi:u()\vsKiTK : CaO 40(), 'I'iO- 5114. U<'^'., willi cnl>i(,'al c'lcHvat,'^.
II nr) ; (J. 4-41. Iron-lilack, yollowisii, with inctaliic adaiiiaiitiiin
lustre.
VVahwickitk: Mj,'(), FcO, I5-()', TiO'. ("liiio-Hh. ; J[. ;;-4 ; (i
.'i'2-3'r). JJrowii, Mack, n'ddi.sh, with dark streak. Wiieii iiioisteuwl
witii sidpliiuic acid, or glyceriiuj, imparts <j(reeii colour to Hame.
PlTCKHr.K.NDK— Slightly attacked l>y sui|>huric acid. See helow.
(Not utiiifkrd, or vivji .tliijhtlii (iltiivkul, Inj .iiil/ilinrir iifld).
PiTC'Hiu.KNUK (Pitch Uran Ore, Nasturan) : ITO, IT-'O' (?) with
various iini)urities. lie:,'. (/) ; 11 (usually) ;")-() ; (1 •)•.') 8. lilack,
hrowuish-lilack, with Mack or dark hrown streak. (Joiuuiouly yields
a little aij on iijiiitioii. Decomposed in pow' >•, i>y nitric acid, form-
ing a yellow solution. See Table XXlll!
Oassitkkitk (Tinstone): Sn 78-6, O 21 •4. letragonal ; H 6-7 ; (4
G"5-7'I. Black, hrowii, greyish, ikc. Lustre, as a rule, non-metallic:
l>l>., with reducing ilu.\, yields metallic tin. See TAMiiH XXIV.
Also the Note to this Tal)h\
Tantalitk : FeO, MnO, Tu-'O'', Nlrtr, kc. Orthorhoml.ic ; H
6-<r5 ; (r (.V.'5-8 (usually ahout 7). Irou-l)lack, often with slight .Mir-
face iride.scence j streak dark-hrowiiish. Counuonly gives BD with
reducing flux a little tin. Taimolite is apparently a Tetragonal
Tantalite.
Yttkotantamtk : YO, ErO, FeO, CaO, Ta'-'O", WO'', kc, with 46-
p. c. aq, l)Ut the latter probably a product of alt^ii-ation. Orthorhom-
bic ; H r).r)-5 ; G (as legards the black sul)-nietallic varieties) r)-4-5-7 ;
black, brownish-yellow. Becomes yellow and yields af|. in bulb tube.
With reducing flux gives generally a little tin. Hjklmite is a
elated tantalatc, containing SnO'-', WO^, ifcc. G 5-82. Black.
it
MINKKAr, TAIII.KS : X.
i:J5
KkikM'somti; : V(), KiO, ('<•(>. K.-( ), itc, with Nl.'O' nii.l 'l'.i'-(V\
:iii(l 1-7 |i. <•. ni(. 'r»'trii!,'oiiiil ; II. 'cj (5 (! '»(!-,')•'.». Mlack, l)lackiHli-
liidwii, will) |)!ilt' liiDwii Hticiilc. Tyrilt' Hiiil ni'iit,'it(Mii'o varictirs.
Ml XKMTi: ; NO. ('«•<>, I'O. S:v., witli 'I'lo-, Nl.-O'. mid 2-3 )•. o. a(|.
Mil Ii(ii'li()iiilii(' ; 11. •)-.'); (J It'),"); liliick Itiitwnisli-Matrlc ; stroak, rcil-
liriiwii. Hiinis l)rowiiiHli-yt'll<)\v .iiid yifMs i(|. hy ignition in biill)-
IllllC.
|NoiK. 'riiu Niiitaiit iliitfs aiwl Xio-titiiiiiattis (if tliis ami thi; itroeediiiij
MiL'tiiHi HIT tor tliL' nri;;itor part vory iiiiperft'ctly kimsvii, and all aio of rare
noi'iinciici'. .Si'Vfial have prnlialily littlu claim to rank a.s di.Htiiicl Hjitcifs.]
HuTiij': : Ti (11, () .*}!•. 'IVtragotial ; crystaLs coiiiiiioidy i»iisiiiatie,
and ot'tcii ill 'jiiMiiiMdatcd twins ; Hoiiictiiiifs iicit'iilar. If (i-()-5 ; (I
l"J-l'.'5 ; rt'd, witli inctaliic-ailaniaiitiut' lustre ; moid rar-ly lilack
I Ni^niiio), or ytdlowisli ; sticuk jia'o blown. Suti Noto ; also TAiUiK
XXIV.
A.NATASK or 0{!T4m:DuiTK : Ti Gl, () 'M). Tt-tra^onal, orystals
riiniinoidy |iviMniidal. of small size. II .l-il-Ct ; (J ."i-S-l ; dark indiifo-
lilnc, grcyisli, brownisli, with, in ^(Micral, adamaiitini! lustri!. Si'n
NoU'; alsoTAHM'. XXIV.
HiiooKiTi;: Ti (il. O :{!). Orthorhoniliii; ; If o-oi; ; (J i \-2'k
llair-hrosvn, nvldish, yi'llDwish, black (Arkinsitci^. Si-o Taiu.I';
XXIV.
C'».-Nt)T ATT.\('Ki:i) l!V ACIHS. SlMX'll'IC (illAVITV rN'I)i;i! ■_'.
.Vntiiiiacitk: (.'arl)on, with small amoniits of H, <), and X ; liVijro-
s(,'<)|iii" inoistiirc, iuid inoii^Miiic matter or "ash" (1 to ov(n" 20 p. o.)
lifiiiLT also |>ri'S('iit in most cvamples. 1£ 3 (or "J'.^-IV'J")) ; (1 l''2-l-8 ;
lilack. ot'tt'ii iridt'scont in places ; streak gioyisli-black. 8(!e Taulk
XXV.
(iiiAi'iiiTK : Typically pure oarlion. Hlack, .soft, soiliii:; and niark-
ini,'. In .scaly-mannlar and tiltrons ma.sscs, Seo TahiJ'; Vlll., and
Note to that Table.
XOTK ON TAHId': X.
KxL'liiiliiig the iiiaiigauuse ores, I'yrolusite and Mangaiiitu, the lustre of
wliiuli is essentially metallic (see 'I'Alil.K N'lil.), the more commonly (leuinring
luineraU of this tahle eomjjrise the following species: ( 1 ) the iron ores, Mag-
netite, Fraiiklinitu, Chromite, Ha'iiiatite, Ilmeiiite, ami Limonite ; {'2) The
siilpliide Sphalerite or Zinc Blende ; (oj The tin ore, Cassiterite ; (4) 'I'he two
136
HLOWl'IPE PRACTICE.
■ ! i
Wr,
II Wi
forms (if Titaiiic anhydride, Hu^ile and Anatase ; antl (5) t.io ("arlxiuH, Anthra-
cite ant' (irajihite. Jn many examples of these, however, the lustre is essen-
tially non-metalliu. Hence, they will he found deacrihed also in otiier 'rahles.
As regards the iron ores, Magnetite a!id Kranklmite art' strongly niagiietii'
in their natural condition ; the others occasionally are feehly magnetii.-, hut all
attract the magnet strongly after ignition in the H. !•'. Magnetite is fri't(iiently
in large masses, and also in regular octahedrons and rhomiiic dodacahedroiis.
Both colour and streak are hlack. Thin splinters may he fused at the extreme
point. Kranklinite is connnonly in small roumled masses iinhedded in teph-
roite, oir in octahedrons with truncated edges associated witii retl zinc ore ; li^s
commonly in large masses. Its streak is reddish-hrown. \W, it ^lives Mn and
Zn reactions. Some examples are said to be slightly magnetic only, ("iiromite
is almost always in granular masses of a hlack colour. Its sp. gr. is much
lower than that of .Magnetite and Kranklinite ; and it forms with Borax a line
green glass, by which it is readily distinguished from the above species The
student inust remend)er, however, that uiixturcs of these iron ores often occur.
Ha-matite is essentially tlistinguished by its cherry-red streak or powder.
It is commoidy in granular, slaty, or libro-botryoidal masses. Its crystals
generally present a strongly mirked metallic lustre. Tliey are mostly rhom-
bohedral combinations with largely developjil basal i)lane (see u tc to Taiu.k
VIII.) Ilmenite is a titaniferous hienitttc, usually of dark colour and dark
streak. Its crystals resend)le those of luematite, Imt the intcrfai i il angles are
slightly different. It is best distinguished by the amethystine colour produced
in its hyilrochloric acid solution by boiling with tin or zinc.
I.imonite or Brown Iron Ore is distingcished by its ochre-yellow streak, and
by yieliling water in the bulb-tube. It is commoidy in dark brown masses of
granular or libro-botryoidal structure. The surface is often iritlescent. Kre-
(juently also it is found in coarse, brown cubes, and other jiseud<(morph<>us
crystals, after iron jiyrites. Light-brown examples also occur, but these i)re-
sent a silky or other non-metallic jisDcct. (See T.viilk X.XIII.)
/ine Blende is at once distinguisheil from other minerals of the Table — the
very rare manganese suljihides excepted — b\' the sulphur reaction which it
yields with sodium carbonate. Its powder warmed with hydroi'hloric acid als >
emits the odour of suli4iureted hydrogen. Commonly in cleavable masses oi' a
black-brown, dark-red or yellowish colour; or in groups of crystals (mostly
tetrahedrons, or coriibin.ations of rhond)ic dodecahedron ami tetrahedron) of the
IJ.egular System. A dark ferruginous variety (which becomes magnetic ai'ter
ignition) has been named Marmatite : and a cadmiferous var. (mostly in dark
sub-tibrous masses) is termed I'rzibramite. (.SVc also tlie note to Taki.k .\V!.)
Cassiterite or Tinstone scarcely belongs to the prtfsent table, as in most
exanniles the lustre is essentially non-metallic. Its great weight and hanlness.
tetragonal (often twinne<l^ crystallization, ami its property of yielding tin
globules by reduction with mixture of sodium carbonate and borax, are ivs more
distinctive characters.
ilutile and Anatase (two of the natural representatives of binoxid' of Ti-
nanium, the comparatively rare Brookite being a third representative of that
1
MISEIIAL TABLKS
137
loinpouiul), hiivo in most exaniploa a non-inotallio (ailainantiiie) lustre, with a
certain tlegree of translucenuy. Hut soniu examples are opaiiue. Kutile resem-
lilcs (/iissiterito (and also Zircon, Tablk XXIV.) in its crystallization. The
crystals are commonly com])oseil of two square prisms (forming a jiseuilo-
S-siileil prism) with pyramidal terminations. The prism-planes are striated
vertically in most cases, and the basal plane (as in most crystals of Zircon) is
t'linstiintly wanting. (Jeniculated twins are ommon. The colour is generally
dark l)rownis!i-rcd or i>lood-red. Itut light-hrown and other tints also occur.
.\natase occurs in small, acute pyramidal crystals, usually composed of two or
several square octahedrons, the nu)re common one having the angle over a jiolar
edge -Jty ")()', and over a middle edge - l,S(>';}t5'. Prism planes and hasal i)lane
are also occasionally present, and some rare crystals are ti.hular from predom-
inance of the hvtter. The colour is usually indigo-hlue, brown, or greyish-hlue.
lioth Hutile and .\natjise, when fused in tine powder with caustic potasli (or
with sodium carhonate and borax), are attacked or dissolved by hydrochloric
acid, the diluted solution becoming of a deep amethystine tint when boiled with
metallic tin.
Anthracite is at once distinguished from other minerals of the Table by its
low specific gravity (1 "i-l '8). The lustre, moreover, is properly non-metallic.
Sfe. Table X.XV. (iraphite, distinguished by its softness and j)roperty of
marking strongly, belongs essentially to Table VIII.
1)3* hi il.
i
im
I: . ,.
TABLP] XI.
[Aspect non-metallic. Readily intlaininahle : * burning witii aulpliunms or
alliaceous odour.]
A— Burning with sulphurous odour.
(Streak, yellow).
Nativk St'LiMlUR : Ortliorhoiuhic ; H \')-2-^) ; fl l-9-'2'l ; yellow,
brownish, reddish yellow. See Note below.
(sSlreiik, red or hruwii).
CiNNABAU : Hg 86-2, S 1:5 S. |[<^mi-Hex. ; H •-'-•J-.') ; G (normally)
8-9, but often lower in daik c:ii'bonaceous varieties. Red with red
.streak ; but sometimes bi-own tVom admi.xtuie with carbonaceous
matter. See Note to this Tal)le. Set; also Mt>tacinnabarite Table III.
luRlALlTK : A nii.\tnr(i of Cinnabar with earthy mattin- iind C''H'-
Brownish-black ; streak i)iown or reddish. H 1-15 ; (I l'4-'2.
Kehmksitk . (Sb, S, O). Inflammable in some varieties only ;
mostly fibrous or acicular. G ^o. See Taulks IX, XV. BB, copi-
ous an*^imonial fumes.
{S/ri<iL; lildelc).
Covellink: Cu GGIG, S :V.i'yi. Hex.; II l-.')-2; G 4G-4-7.
Dark coppery-blue, bhickish blue BB, copper reaction.
B.— Burning with alliaceous (arsenical) odour
(('ijli)nr, i/elloir).
Orpimkxt: As 61, S 30, Orthorhombic ; H 1 .")-!' ; G 3-4-;J 5.
Bright yellow, commonly with metallic-pearly lustrt?; streak yellow.
In thin pieces, flexible. See Note.
((aiIiiiu; red).
Realoau: As 70, S 30. Cliuo-Uh. H I 5-2; G3-5-3-G. Red,
streak orange-yellow. See Note.
■ To test t\\\<* |iro|icrty, a simiU piei'i! of tlii' iiiiiicnil iiiiiy lie litkeii uji by the xtcl fxrceps and
lit^ld ror ail iimtaut against tliu edge uf a liuiisi'ii-fliunc ox the Ihiiiie uf a cuiniauii oumlU'.
]»8
fori
I 3 *.
MINKIIAL TABLKS
-XI.
139
NOTK OX TAHr.E XI.
The principal minerals of this 'l'a])le are X. Sulphur, Orpirnent. liealgar, and
<;iiiiial)ar. The latter is (listiiiguisliL-il more e.speoially Ity its high sp. gr. aiitl
its red .streak.
Xative sulpluir, wiieu crystalizt; I, is c ):ii nouly in a(3iiti3 rhDuibic-ootaUedrons
(if small size. It occurs generally in indistinct druses, massive or efflorescent
on pyrite.", &c. It melts into red-hrow:i droi)s, which l)eeonie pale yellow on
cooling. From Orpiment, which is equally ii;tlammal>le, it is distinguished by
its low sp. gr. and by tlie absence of arsenical odour during combu ition.
Orpiment is occasionally in small i)rismatic crystals, but occurs generally in
foliated or other examples of brilliant yellow colour and metallic-pearly lusti'e.
It dissolves entirely in caustic potash, and is reprt;cii)itated from the solution
by hytiioehloric acid. It is the ses(iui-sulphide, AsfS''.
Realgar is distinguished from Cinnabar l)y its orange-yellow streak, as well
lis by its lower s]). gr. , and the arsenical odour evolved on combustion. Its
crystals are small Clino-lihondjic prisms with largely-developed basal plane,
but are generally in druses, or t)tlierwise indistinct. Most connnonly it occurs
iu granular or other masses. In caustic potash it leaves a browii rcsnluum of
sub-sulphide. Otherwise like Orpiment, but consists of AsS.
(.'iiinal)ar is the essential ore of mercury. Under normal conditions it i)re-
sents a scarlet red colour (whence its old name of Xative Vermilion) and an
unchanged streak ; but the surface is usually brownish, and many examples
are dark l)rown from intermixed earthy or bituminous matter (Liver Ore, i!tc. )
The crystals are combinations of rhonibohedrons and hexagonal prism, the
triangular basal plane being especially apparent. Tetartoliedral forms have been
recognized, but in general the crystals are small, and more or less indistinct.
< 'innabar occurs more connnonly in granular masses, and occasionally in thin
coatings or incrustations. Metallic mercury is easily sublimed from it by
ignition with sodium carbonate, iron tillings or other reducing aircnts, in a
small Hask or test-tube. Scarcely attacked by caustic potash, or by nitric or
hydrochloric acid. Soluble in aqua regia.
'*;
! >■ ;
mm
m
1
TABLE XII.
[Aspuct iiou-metallic. Iiiflaininable in oandle flame, burning with bituminous
or aromatic odour.]
A.— Coaly, ligneous, or pitch-like in aspect. Burning with bitu-
minous odour.
Bituminous Coal: C 74-96, H 0-5-5-5, O 3-20. Black, often
iridescent; streiik, black. H 2-2-5; G {•2-1-r).
LifiNiTK oil Brown Coal: C f)5-80 ; H 3-() ; O 17-27. Dark-
brown or black (jet) with brown streak. H 2-2 -.5 ; G 1-2-rb
Miis.sive, ligniforni, sometimes foliated (Paper Coal), and earthy.
Imparts a brown colour to caustic potash. "Torbarnite" is some-
times referred to this variety, but it is properly a mere bituminous
shale.
Bitumen or Asphalt : C, H, O. Black, greenish-black. H OT)-
2*0; G 1 0-1 '2. Semi-fluid or |)asty in ordinary examples, also in
stalactitic and other more or less brittle masses with conchoidal
fracture. Passes into Petioleum.
Albkutitk : C, H, N, G. Black, highly lustrous, brittle. H
2-2.') ; G 1-1"1. Scarcely attacked by alcohol, but partially dis.solved
by oil of tuipentine. Stellarite and Grahamite are related
substances.
Klaterite (Ela.stic Bitumen): C, H, O. Dark-brown or black.
Soft and flexiltle, resembling caoutchouc. Odour distinctly bitu-
minous. Passes into ordinary bitumen. G 08-1 2. Dopplerite is
a closely-related substance.
B.~Resinous (or when dark coloured somewhat coaly) in aspect, but
burning with aromatic (non-bituminous) odour.
PiAUZiTE : dark-brown, with yellowish-brown streak. H 15-2;
G 1 •18-1-22. Soluble in ether and in caustic i)Otash. Pyroretine is
apj)arently related.
Amber (Succinite, Bernstein) : C, H, O (=C 79, H 10-5, O 10 5 0-
Yellow, brownish, reddish, greyish-white. Mostly in nodular masses.
H 2-2-6; G 1.0-1 1. Electric by friction.
140
i-fc---i
MINKKAL TABLES
-XII.
141
Retinite, Krantzite, Ixolite, Sieobukgite, Pyropissite, and
other obscurely-known, amber-like substances, belong also to this
group.
0.— Wax-like in aspect-
Ozokerite (Neftgil) : Essentially C 85-7, H 143 (2-3 per cent. O
present in some examples). Gieen, brownish (by transmitted light,
yellowish or red). Very soft, pasty ; G 0-95. Emits per se an aro-
lualic odour. Easily sol. in oil of tur[)entine. Scarcely or slowly sol.
in ether and alcohol.
Paraffine — Urpethite — Hatchettine — Geocerite — Geomv-
CERiTE — EuosMiTE : Greyish-white to brownish-yellow, soft wax-like
substances, more or less readily soluble in ether,
Hartite. — A. white brownish, crystalline, wax-like substance,
scluble in ether. See under D, below.
D.— Crystalline in aspect.
FiCHTELlTE : C 87-13, H 12-87. In white, pearly, crystalline
laminiK, soluble in ether. After fusion, becomes again cry.stalline
on cooling. Tekoretine (Clino-Rhombic) in identical.
ScHEERERiTE (Kiinleinite) : C and H. In white acicular or lamel-
lar crystals (Clino-Rhombic). G 1-1-2. Dissolves readily in ether,
but rapidly separates again.
Hartite : C. and H. In soft parattine-like, white or brownish
cry.stalline lamelhe, or small (anorthic) crystals. H 1-0-1-5; G
slightly over 1-0. Largely soluble in ether. Bombiccite is a related
crystalline (anorthic) compound, but is said to contain nearly 15 per
cent, of oxygen. Easily soluble in ether and in alcohol.
NOTE ON TABLP] XII.
The substances' included in this Table are essentially hydro-carbon coiii-
])ounds, probably in great part (or wholly according to the couinion view),
of organic origin. The absolutely organic nature of asphalt and other bitu-
minous substances, remains, however, yet to be proved. Many other com-
pounds enumerated by chemists might have been referred to in the Table ; Ijut
the composition of these hydro-carbons appears to be more or less variable,
and their physical characters, in most instances, cannot be very rigorously
. \
h:f .:'■■■
142
BLOWPIPK PKACT'CE.
I i^i?!is^
(lefined. The more common representatives of the Tahle comprise-- Ritumiii-
ouH (Joal, Brown Coal, and Amber. The latter occurs mostly in nodular or
irregular masses of alight or deep yellow colour, hut is sometimes greyish-whiti'
or brownish, ami fre(|uently clouded. Some exam[)les are (|uite transparent,
others only transluceni, and many are (juite opiU[ue. Leaves and insects are
fre(|Uently enclosed in these nodules, and thus amber is usu.dly regariled as a
coniferous gum or resin of Cainozoic age. Fraudulent imitations of insect-
holding amber are often imposed, however, on the unwary. Tiike other resin-
ous bodies, andier is rendered strongly electrical by friction.
Bituminous coals generally leave, by ignition in closed vessels, a semi-fused
agglutinated ,cokc. These are commonly known as "caking coals." In
l)rowu coals, proper, the coke remains unfused. In all kinds of coal, sulphur
(from pyrites, and occasionally from gyjisum), is present more or less ; and all
coals cf>ntain a certain amount of intermixed earthy matter or "a.sh." This
latter may vary from *J or .'? to 10 or 15 per cent., but many coals pass into
coal shales, when the amount of eartliy matter (essentially a silicate of alu-
mina) may excee<l oO per cent. All coals, nutreover, contain hygroscopic mois-
ture, varying (according to conditions of exposure, &c. ) from .about .S or 4, to
over 10 or 12 per cent., or higher in many brown coals. See in .A)>pendix to
Part 1. a condensed note on the Kxamination of Coals by the lilowi)ipe.
..''"
TABLE XIII.
[Noii-'iietallie aspect. l!eii(Hly sol., BFi, with strong effervescence in phosphor-
salt. Etforves(!ing also in tlilute liydrocliloric acid. (N. 15.- The acid in
some cases must be gently iieated.)]
A.— Yielding metallic globules, per se, or with sodium-carbonate on
charcoal.
A' -ANlIYDUorS SPKCIES. NO WATKU, OK FAINT TRACKS (»XI,Y, IN I'.ri.l! TIHK.
(Xo ri'dvt'wn of S or CI).
CKKU.ssiTK : P1)0, 83-5-_', CO- ir)-48 = Pb 770. Oitliorhoinhic ;
11 ;5-3"") ; tJ (uonniilly) G^-G'O, but lower in impinci eartliy varieties.
Colouiless, or grey, nearly black, yellowish, itc. : streak white.
Idi.KASiTK is a zinc lioldint; variety. 8ee Note at end of this Table.
Plumho-Calc'ITK : = Plimilaferoiis var. of Calcite or Cale Spar.
Taknowitzite = Plunil)if(!rou8 var. of Arragonite. (J alK)ut 2':'
l?oth give a leatl sublimate on charcoal, but metallic gloltules are not
readily obtained, the calcic carbonate being in.soliible in tlu; sodium
salt.
{S riiiclimi).
Leadhillitk : Pl)0, C(/- 72-56, PbO, SO-' 27-U=Pb 7.5. Ortho-
rhombic ; H 2-5-3 : G 6'2-0-G. Yellowish-white, grey, biovvnish, itc,
str(!ak white. 8usannitk isasui)i)Osed rhombohedial variety (G G-55).
Maxite is i>robably an altered var., containing a small percentage
of water.
Cai.edonite : PbO, CuO, 80-' (with .some CO'- from alteration or
admixture). Light-green. See Table XVI.
(CI ri'dction).
Pii().s(}ENMTE (Kerasine) : PbO, CO- 49, PbCl' 51,=Pb 73-8
Tetragonal : H 2-5-3 ; G 6-G-3. Yellowish-white, grey, yellow, green ;
streak white.
A--YIELI)IN(i WATER ON IGNITION.
(Cit Inaction).
Malachite: CuO 71-95, CO- 19-90, H'O 8-15 j=Cn 72 p. c.
Clino-Rli., but rarely ciystallized ; mostly tibro-botryoidal. H 1-4 •
G 3-7-4. Green, ot'tei« zoned in diti'erent shades ; streak light-green.
143
1
1
T
h +
. , , i
i"." ,
\ \v
144
BLOWPIPE PRACTICK.
8onie varieties are calcareouH. Atlasite is a variety contaiiiiii<jf
copper chloride. See Note.
AzuuiTK (Chessylite) : CuO OD-J, CO- 25G, H'-'O 5-2 ;==Cu 09-22.
Olino-Rli. ; mostly in crystal groups. H 1-4 ; G 3-7-3S. Blue, paler
in the streak. See Note.
iSee ai.so Tikomte, Tablk XIV, many examples of whicli contain
intimately intermixed carV»onate of lime. In green or hhu; radiated
masses, or earthy. BB, strong arsenical odour.
(Cii anil Zn reartioiw).
AURICHALCITK : CuO 28, ZnO 46, CO-16, H^O 10 (]). Acicular
or fibrous. H 2 ; G about 3*3. Green or bluish ; streak paler.
BuRATiTE is a calcareous variety.
(Bi reaction)
BIS.MUTITE : BiO, 00-, H'O. H 4-4 5 (?) G 6-8-G-9 (?). Yellow,
grey, green ; streak paler. A doubtful species, more or less variable
in characters and composition.
B.— No metallic globules obtained by fusion with sodium carbonate
on charcoal.
B'— ANHVDROrS SPECIES. NO WATER, OR TRACES ONLY, IN BULB TUBE,
(Note : — The presence of Ca, Ba, Sr, singly or together, in carbonates of
this group, is very readily ascertained by a small, direct vision spectroscope.
See Part I.
t Magnetic after iynition.
SiDERiTE (Spathic Iron Ore) : FeO 62, CO-38=Fe 4822 ; part of
the FeO, however, often replaced by MgO, MnO, CaO. Hemi-Hex. ;
H 3'5-4-5 ; G 3-7-4"l ; yellowish-grey, yellow, brown, olive-green,
«fec., streak paler. Spherosiderite is a fibrous-spherical variety
from trap rocks ; Clay-Ironstone, Black Band, tfec, are impure
argillaceous or bituminous varieties from coal strata. Sideroplesite,
Mesitine and Pistomesite (G 3 •3-3-6) are cry.stalline magne-
sian vais. ; and Oligon Spar, a variety containing 25-5 p. c. of MnO
CO'-. In the typical rhombohedron, R : R=107°, whilst in the Mg
and Mn examples it varies from 107°3' to about 107° 18'. Crystals,
however, commonly present curved i)lanes. See Note to this Table.
Ankerite : (CaO, MgO, MnO, FeO) CO'. Hemi-Hex., with RR
about 106''12'. White yellowish, brownish; streak, in unweathered
ill
1 i
l^
MINERAIi tables: — XIII.
145
oxiimples, white. H 3-4 ; G 2-9-3 3. Merges into Siderite, Calcite,
iviul Dolomite.
See also (iark-coloured varieties of Magnesite and Dolomite.
1 1 ^ot magnetic on ignition, and no marked alkaline reaction,
{Strong reaction of Mn),
RlIODOCHROSITE (DlALLOGITE, MANGANESE Si'AK) : MuO 6174,
CO- 38-20, but MnO often in part replaced by CaO and MgO.
Hemi-Hex, with R : R (normally) 100° 5'. H 3-5-4-5 ; C'r 3-3-3-6.
Kose-red, brownish when weathered ; streak vei-y pale red, reddish-
white. Blackens on ignition. R(EPPEKITE is a calcareo-magnesian
variety. See Note.
(Co reaction).
SPH.^^R0C0BALTITE (Cobalt spar) : CoO 63, CO'^ 37. H 4 ; G 40-
41. In spherical concretions, black externally, red within. A
doubtful species.
{Zn reaction).
Smithsonite (Calamine, Zinc Spar): ZnO 64-8, CO^ 35*2. Herai-
Hox, with R:R=107= 40'. H 5 ; G 4-4 5. Colourless, pale-greyish,
greenish, brownish ; streak, white. Many varieties contain FeO and
MnO. Herkerite is a cupreous variety. See Note.
{Fluorine re-action).
Parisite : LaO, DiO, CeO, CaO, CO-, F. Hexag.; brownish, or
yellowish-red; streak nearly colourless; H 4-5 ; G 4*35. Infusible.
Very rare.
Hermatite : LaO, CeO, CO'^, F. Hexag. ; wax yellow ; H 4 ;
G 4-9. Infusible.
t + 1 Alkaline reaction, after strong ignition.
{Ba reaction : Jlame coloured pale-green),
Witherite: BaO 7707, CO'^ 2233. Orthorhombic, with pseudo-
hexagonal aspect. H 3-3'5 ; G 4-2-4"4. Colourless, pale-grev,
yellowish ; streak whit BB, entirely soluble in sodium carbonate.
See N -te.
Alstonite (Bromlite): BaO, CO- 66-33 -f- CaO, CO^ 33-67. Or-
11
', ., )
146
HLOWIMI'E PKACrit'K.
jP
n
M
' ;<
' i
1 '■
' %
i'
■■*,
' :it
! > ■ ;
' 5 ; • ■ ; ■
.h''-
thoi-liomliic ; H 4-4-5; (i .'lG-38. ColoiirlRHs, gn-yisli ; Kticak whitf.
BB, only in |>iirt huI. in Hudiuni ciirhunute.
Baiiyto-Calcitk : Connjositioii and general cliaiacterH u.s in
Alstonitk; but crystallizjition Clino-Hlkonibic, with V:V {S4° 52'.
{Sr reuetion : crimxon jlamt-coloratiou).
SmoNTiANiTE: SrO 7()'27, CO- 29-73. Bh. (V:V=-117° 19',.
H 3-G; G 3-6-3-):*. Colom-lefis, gi-eenisli, yellowish, ic; Htreak white.
Some varieties are more or less calcareous; others (Stroniiiite) con-
tain baryta. See Note.
(Ca reaction : flame, after prolonged ii/nition of teHt-mthstance, coloured red).
Calc Spar or Calcitk: CaO 50, CO- 44. (Iceland Spar, Nail'
headed Spar, Dogtooth Spar, etc.) Hemi-Hex, with rlionibohedra!
cleavage (R : R 105° 5' ; or varying from about U)5° to 105" 18.
part of the CaO being commonly replaced by MgO, FeO, Ac.) II
(normally) 3, but often lower; G 2'6-2-8. Colourless or variously
tinted ; streak white. See Note, below.
Dolomite v^Bitter Spar) : CaO, CO'^ 54-35, MgO, CO'^ 45-65. but
often more or less ferruginous, «fec. Hemi-Hex R : R 1 06° 15'- 106'
20'); H 3-5-5; G 2-8-30. Colourless, yellowish, brownish, ike. Tiie
varieties containing FeO are commonly called Brown Spar. Througii
these there is a complete transition into Ankerite and Siderite.
GuRiiOFiAN and Konite are impure silicious varieties, with H =
4-5-5-5. See Note.
Araggnite: CaO 56; COM4. Orthorhorabic (V : V 116°10):
H 3-5 4; G 27-30, normally 2-94. Colourless, light-yellow, brown-
violet, reddish, greenish ; streak white. Commonly falls into powiler
on ignition. Some examples contain a small percentage of strontia.
Flos Ferri is a coralloidal var., accompanying iron ore at certain
localities. Tarnovitzite is a highly plumbiferous variety. See Note.
(M(j reaction: No flame coloration, if pure ; reddened by i'jnition with cohalt-
solution).
Magnesite : MgO 47-62, CO- 52-38, but part of MgO commonly
replaced by FeO, CaO, &c. Hemi-Hex. (R : R 107°16'-107°29').
H 3-4-5, or lower; G 2-8-3-1. Coloarless, snow-white, yellow,
greyish, (fee. ; streak white. Giobertite is merely crystallized
Magnesite. See Note.
MINKIIAL TABLBH
-XIII.
147
IP HYDIUirs SPKCIKH. YIKI-I)IN(J WATKK »Y KJNITION IN C'l.OSKI) TIBK.
t Soluble or partly aol. in water.
Natkon : Na-O 22, CO'^ IT), [[-'O 03. Clino-llli. (V : V = 79''4l'),
but oliif'Hy Oiuthy and efHi)iv.scont. H 1-15; (} 1-4-1 -5. Normally
colourless.
TiiKiiMO.vATKiTK : Na'O 50, CO- 355, H'O 145. Rhoiuluc,
mostly in recta 11. tallies; H 1-5 ; G 1 5-r{). Normally colourless.
Tiio.NA : Na-0 3H, CO'^ 40, H'O 22. Clino-Rh.; H 2-3 ; G 21-2-2.
Normally colourless. Commonly mi.\e(l with NaCM.
Gayujssitk : NaH),CO- M5-50 ; CaO, CO-' 34-08, H'^0 3042. Clino-
Rh (V : V ()8-51'). H 2-5 ; G 1-9-2 ; colourless. Slowly, and only
in jiart, soluble in water.
tt luKofuble ill water. Giving BH with borax on uncnloured or very
liyhtly-tinted glass.
Gavlussitk : Partly sol. See above.
Hydkomaonesitb : MgO 44, CO- 30-2, H^'O 19-8. Clino-Rh., or
oithorliombic. (V : V 87°-88^), but commonly ma-ssive or earthy ;
white; H 1-3-5; G 2-14-2-18. Some of the earthy varieties j,'ive only 4
or 5 |). c. water on ignition. BAUDissKurrK is an impure silicious var.
liAXCA.STERiTE, according to Smith and Brush, is a mixture of Hydro-
inagnesite and Brucite. Hydrodolomite, in wiiite or yellowish
spherical masses fiom Vesuvius, is a compound of Hydromagnesite
with Calcite or Dolomite.
Hydkozinkitk (Zinc Bloom) : ZnO 75-24, CO- 13-62, H-'O 1M4.
In white or yellowish earthy or oolitic masses, or etllorescent on zinc
orfs. G 3-25.
Dawsonite : A compound, according to Harrington, of Al-'O^, CaO,
Na'-'O, CO- and H'-'O. In colourless, tliKi-bladed aggregations or
coatings on compact trachyte, Montreal. H 3 ; G 24. HovilE, in
white earthy ci-usts, is apparently related in composition.
Tenoeki IE : Y(^, CO'', H'-'O. In white or yellowish earthy crusts
on certain examples of Gadolinite.
Lanthanite: LaO 52-6, CO- 213, H'^O 26-1. Rh. (V : V 92^50'
-94°), generally tabular. H 2-5-3-0; G 267; greyish or yellowish-
14H
IILOWPIPK PBACTK-'K.
mm
I 1 J-*M .
ii:
.V.
wliito, pulo red. BI5, with horax, a pink or |»aU» viohtt hoad, appa
rt'iitly from tlut pirmMioo oi' Didyiiiiiiiii.
f^f luHohible in water. (Hoing, with borax, a Htrongh/ coloureil ylann.
WiHKKiTK : MiiC), CO'', ll-'O. Ill yj^Ilowish or pahi-nxl iihroiis
coatings on certain oxaniplos of HauHniannito and otliur niangantmc
own.
Zauatiti'; (T('xaHit»i) : NiO. CO'-, H-O. \\\ tliin onuM-ald-giwdi
coatings on nioklo ortw. Also on «!xan>itl()M of Cli'-oinic Iron Orn from
Toxas, PtMin.
HkmiN(»tonitk : CoO, CO'-', ll'-'O. In pinkisii, or groyish-bluc
coatings on cobalt ores,
liiNDAKKKlTK (Calc-Hran Carbonate). In coatings and cnists on
Pitchblende. Ycllowisli-grcen. Contains (according to Lindaktu)
UO .'5703, CaO Ift-Hf), CO'- 24-18, H-'O 2324. Voomtk is a ouprn-
t»na variety. Liehigitk is also a clos(dy related compound, but witli
45 p. c. a(j. All occur in connection with pitchblende.
NOTK ON TABLE XIII.
The more iruijortant minerals of this Table comprise : ( I ) ( 'alcite, Dolomite,
Magnesite, Sideritc, Rhodoohrosite, and Sraitlisonite, of tlie group of Rhomho-
hi'dral Cnrbonnttx ; (2) Arajjoiiite, Witherite, Strontianite, and C'eruaaite, of
the group of PrimiKitir Carhonatea ; and (3), the CiiprrouH Carhonatrn, Mala-
cliite and ^zurito.
Calcito, in its crystalization, chiefly affects three series of forms : (i) Uhoni-
holiedrons, acute and obtuse ; (ii) Sualenohedrous ; and (iii) Hexagonal i'risms,
the latter comov ily terminated by the three planes of a rhombohedron, pen-
tagonal in shape in some cases, rhombohcdral in others. The basal plane, when
present, is usually rough or dull. Some of the more common rhond>ohedrons
comprise : -J H (polar angle 1.35°) ; -2 R (polar angle 79°) ; and 4 R (p. a. W).
The most comnum scalenohedron has the following interfacial angles : over
long polar edge 144 24'; over shorter polar edge 104°38' ; over middle edge
132^58'. All crystals and lamellar examples cleave readily into a rhombohedron
of about 105°5' and 74°55', but these angles vary to within about 30' in conse-
quence of isomorphous replacements, a small portion of the calcic carbonate
being almost constantly replaced by carbonate of MgO, FeO, or MnO. Trans-
parent examples show strong double refraction in the direction of the longer
diagonal of a rhomboliedral face. Pseudomorphs, after Orthoclase, Fluor Spar,
Barytiue, Celestine, Gypsum, Gaylussite, &c., are not uucommon. Calcito
MINKHA!, TAIIt.KS ;— XIII.
110
iii'i'iirft likuwini' in rnok-irinHHCH, forming cryMtnlliiio liiiit!i«ttiri(! (iiiiirlilc), unliiiary
liiiK'Htoiic, iMilitio liiiioHtonc, chalk, fii\, niid in vnriniiH Htaliictiti(!, tiit'iict'oiiM,
and i>tli(!r (M)iiilitioiii«, ('itluito, after HJiriple igiiitioii (without t\w aid of liydm-
cidoriu acid, althiiuKJi it in alvvayH adviHahlu to add u drop of thiit), HhcwH the
rt'd and jjrct^n calL'iuiii liiicH in the NpuutroHcopti visry distinctly.
I>ii|initt> much rcijcinhloH Calcitt! in its general charact(U'H and rhonihohcdral
(^ryMtalli/.ation, hut it dinMcdvcH, at* a rule, in cold acidw with (^inipin'alivtdy
tVclilc cH'isrvosccncc. Hoth hardncHs and Mp. gr. aro alno Hlightly higher. The
iiiiixt certain method of diHtinction in the determination of magnesia in the
liydnichloric acid H(dntion. I<'ur thiH pnrpo!<«! the diluted Holution ix lirMt
hoiled with a drop or two of nitric acid, and ammonia Ih then added in slight
e\cens. This will canKe a slight tloucnient precipitate if iron he ]ires('nt.
(Ixuiati* of ammonia in thim atlded to priicipitat*; the lime ; tluM is liltercd oti' ;
the filtrate tested with anothiM drop of oxalate of ammonia to make Huru that
all the limi! has hccMi thrown down, and the magnt;>ia is precipitated liy some
dissolved phosphor-salt. It can he collecited, if necessary, and ignited with
nitrate of cobalt for the production of the characterintic tlush-rud tinge.
Many so-called limestones wIkmi examined in this manner are found to he
"dolomitic. " Kerruginons varieties of Dolomiti! pass into Ankerite.
Magnesitu is comparatividy rare in cry:4tals. hut occurs (tommonly in more or
less (compact or granular masses, he Is, or layers of a white, pale-grey or yel-
lowish colour. The small rhomhohedrons show over a polar edi;e tin; angle
l()"°l(i' to l(l7°-!>'. The poM'der hy ignition with a drop of eid)alt solution, is
distinctly reddened. The ahsunce of lime can ho proved hy the spectroscope,
and the presence of magnesia hy the cohalt test or hy precipitation, as
explained under Dolomite ; hut very few examples are ahsoliitely pure.
Siderite or Spathic Iron Ore occurs under various conditions : crystallizeil
in metallic veins, &c. ; fihro-hotryoidal ; in spherical concretions in basaltic
rocks ; pisolitic in Jurassic and other strata ; massive ; and lithoidal. 'I'he
crystals are usually small rhomhohedrons of a yellow ccdour (with II : 1( l(»7°,
hut fretpie'itly with curved faces), also acute rhombohedmns and scalenohe-
drons. The spheroidal basaltic variety is usually dark-green or yellowi.fh.
hrown, with radio-tihrous structure. The pisolitic variety, dark-brown or grey,
an I opa<|ue ; and the lithoidal and nuissive examples, dark-grey, brown or
liluck, and also opacjue. These latter kinds commonly occur in oval or nodulnr
niasses in coal strata, or in layers mixed with coaly matter. Under the name
of Clay Irop-st(me, Hlack Hand, &c., they furnish a large part of the iron of
commerce, but are always very imjiure fron> admixture with clay, silica, &c.
They are also more or less altered, as a rule, into brown iron ore. The nodules,
when split open, are usually found to contain the impression of a fern-frond or
(itlier organic body.
Hhodochrosite or Manganese carbonate is of less fretjuent occurrence than
the preceding carbonates. Its crystals are mostly small rhomhohedrons (with
usually curved faces) sometimes shewing a triangular basal plane (R : H 10G°
')!' 107°) ; but it occurs commonly in botryoidal, granular or lamellar masses.
*•»•
ISO
BLOWPIPE PKAfTU'K
ii
WW -1
\\
'i"^ '
m
1 .\.
of a pink or ioso-hmI olour, witli >litrk-hro\vii alterod [wtelma. As in Miiniu-sito
J. nil Siileritf, it eU'ervosoes tVehly unloss tlie acid la* lioAted. i rod nilour «iid
iiitt'i.-'c iiiiiiit{aiU'Mc iviiotioii, \W. with ai)diuin I'arlxtiiatr, ijciu>rally sorvi- to diw-
titi^uisli it at oiii'c from other oarlxmaios ; Ixit many oxamplos of Ma^ncsiti',
Sidi-ritc, Ai'., (,'ivi> a more or less Htrongly-uiarked tnan>;anese reaction. No
very ih'linite lines of deniareation, in fact, can lie .Irawn between tlie rlioinl)o-
hedral carltonatex generally.
Sinithaoniti', or zinc earlMinato8, oeonra mostly in aggregatinn.s of niinut«>
rhoniholiedrons, or in botryoitlal or incrusting examples of a white, hruM'nish,
grey, yellowish, or green colour. It is usually iiiore or less vitreous and
transparent ; liut is sonietlnit^s in opaque, grey or lirown, earthy "r porous
masses. The stri'ak is whit*', and the hardness just sullieient to seri'tch
j,lass ; or sullieient, at least, to scratch llucr spar very strongly. In powder,
with a mixture of siuliiiin earhonate and borax, it yields on ch.irco.d a sul)liniate
of Zn<», — bright-yellow .iiid phosphorescent, hot ; white, cold ; and light-green
after ignition with cobalt solution.
.Vr.agonitc— the typic;vl representative of the group of Trismatic carbuuates
IS identical 'n conipo<itioii with the rhoinbohedral caleite. It occurs frei|iiently
crystallized, and in tibnuis, corulloidal, and otlier masses. The crystals
U'loiig to the Orthorhombic SyKtem, and are generally six sided prisms, composed
of four \' planes with tiiu two side planes of a braeky-prism \", terminated by
a bracliN-dome 1', aud by the planes of a rhombic octahedron I' ; but the latt( r
form is often absent. V: V llli 10' ; V , '7 I'JI .m ; V : P 1 •.;.") '47'.
Twins and comp<uind crystals are very common Some of the latter, com-
posed of tlin-e or more individual crystals, are strikingly pseudo-hex.agiuial in
character, presenting the appearance of a "iniple six-siiled prism with large
base, 'i'he colour is white, yellow, brownish-violet, &c. All examples dis-
.■folve wit.'i strong e'lervescence in colil acids, and show, after moderate ignition,
the chirai'teristic red and green cAleiuin lines in the spectroscope.
Witherite, carbonate of baryta, also presents in its crystalli/atiiui a pseiido-
hexagonji'. aspect. The crystals are, very generally, six-siiled |iyraiiiids, but
are reganled as uompound crystals, iiia<le up of interpenetrating rhombic-
ootahedj'ims Columnar, botryoidal, and mas.MM- examples are however its
priiicip*' foriiiH of occurrence. Its high sp gr. (ovi'r 4 0), and the green colour
which it imparts to the iiaine border, sutticiently distinguish it from other
earbonat>'s.
StrontianiU', like Witherite, is entirely dissolved by fusion with sodium carb-
onate anil its op. gr. is comparatively high (H'ti-.S'S). It is readily distinguished,
however, by the intense crimson eoloratiiui which it communicates to the
lla'iie-bordt-r, and. by the characteristic blue, orange, and red lines, of its
>»;-; •*ruiii. Its crystalli/ntion is iilentieal with that of .Arragonite. and is
charactei i,.,.,l by pseitdo-hoxagonal combinations and twins forms (V ; V-
llT^I'.t' ; V: ^•---12r'J0;«)'; V; •2I~= 14iV'jL' ). Strontianite occurs more
commonly however, in columnar, tibrous, granular and other examples.
CeruBsitti, or luail uarbouate, is also identical in crystallization with Ara-
MINKBAl- TAIM.KS
■XIII.
If)!
i;oiiit«'. villi is luirtieiilaily iluiraotorizoil l>v its stoUiito and oiin'iforiu jjiotips
(V : V^I17"I4', V: 'jT* -. U.V'iO ). The lustro is stiikmjiiy mJamaiitiiio.
Tliis tliaracter, with tlio higli sp. ^r. ((» .">) nt tho spcou'!*, its romurkiilile
t'nn.''lity, ami its hlowpipo roaotioiis, siitlicioiitly <Hstiiii;uisli it.
'I"lu' I'opper oarlMiiiatos, Mahu'liito ami .\zurito, yield wator on ignition, and
aiv otherwise distinguishod by tlicir dei-p given and Idiie colours, and their
oopper reaetions. Malachite (althoii^iii often, .as a product of alteratii>n, entirely
coating octahedrons anil dodecaheilrons of reil copper ore, Cu-'O) is very rarely
crystallized, hut occurs coinmonly in hotryoidal, lilirous and niiissive examples,
and as an earthy coating on copper ores gener.ally. .Vzurite, the blue carhonate,
is frciiiiently in group.s of small clino-rhi.mhic crystals, more or ler^s indistinct
Ml form. It occurs also in oduninar and otiu'r masses, and in earthy coatir.gs
i>ii copper ores. Tiie formula of .Malachite may he written CuO, CO' + Cut).
}\-0 ; and that of .W.urite, 'J (CuO, CO') ♦ I'uO, H-U
I t . f
i
* , . t ' -1 -
i .
iMPI
HTOy
11
Plflk
if
m^^'
)
U .: ■
TABLE XIV.
[Aspect non-metitllic. BB, on charcoal, arsenical fumes or odour.]
A.— Entirely volatilizable, or leaving only a minute residuum.
{Streak whiie).
Arsenolite (Arseiiious acid) : As 74-8, () 2i'2. Reg.; H 1-2 :
G 3-7 ; in white, crystiiUine oi* Mccicnlar groups and coatings, and in
earthy crusts. Claudetite (Dana) is a rhombic species,' in small
sub-pearly laminse. G 3-8").
»
(Streak Mack).
Native Arsenic, weathonnl examples. Tn dull, hlack, earthy
masses, often coating the metallic-grey or tin-white unaltered metal.
See Table I.
B.— Yielding, BB, metallic globules on charcoal. (A mixture of
sodium carbonate and borax assists the reaction).
{/Hi, a xilrer ijluhiile).
Pkoustite (Light-red Silver Ore). Ag ()5-lG, As lA-lT), 8 19 39.
Hemi-Hex.; H 2-2*5 ; G 04-5() ; red, more or less translucent, with
adamantine lustre ; stieak i"ed. See Note at end of Tahle.
Xanthoco.ne : Ag 64 08, As 14' 83, S 21-09. Hemi-Hex.. mostly
tabular. H 2-2"5 ; G 5'0-r)-2. Orange or l)ro\vnish-yellow, trans-
lucent or t!"ansparent, with adamantine lustre. Streak oi-ange-yellow.
RiTTiNGERiTE : Normally AgAs (with 577 Ag), but S commonly
present. Clino-Rh. ; H 2-5-3 ; G 5-()-3. Iron black, red by trans-
mitted lisjht ; streak orange- vellow. Lustre in general strong v sub-
metallic. See Taule IX.
PoLYiJASiTK, arsenical varieties. Ag (04-74), SI), As. S : ortho-
rhombic ; H 2-5 ; G 0-0-6-2. Iron-black, red in thin pieces by trans-
mitted light ; streak, commonly dark-red. Lustre, u.sually metallic.
See Table IV.
All tlie above arsenical silver ores fuse per s>- in the Hame of a camlie, with-
out the aid of the blowpipe. Uittingerite and I'olybasite are still imperfectly
known.
152
I. ■
'*'-■■:
1,1
mm
, ■, ■(
MINERAL TABLES ; — XIV.
153
[Cu rmclion).*
Ouvemte: CnO 5(;ir), As'O' 40(;6, H'O 319. Rh. (V : V
O^'-'H)') ; H 3 ; G -i'S-i'G ; diirk-gieen, l>ro\viiish ; streak, paler.
KticiiKOiTE : CuO 47 15, As-'O' 34 15, H-O l8-7(». Ortliorliombic
(V : V 117"20'); H3-4: G 3-3-3-5 ; emenihl green, leek-greeu ;
streak, paler. Ciilokotile is closely related.
Ekixite: CiiO 60, As'O'^ 346, H-'O 5-4. Mo.stly in conceiitric-
lainellar e.xaniples ; H 4"5 ; G 4() ; emerald-green ; streak, paler.
TiHOMTK (Kni)fer.scliaum) : CiiO 50-32, As'O-' 29-1'), H'-'O -M)-53.
Mostly in radio-Hhrous niaininillary examples. H 1-2; G 31. Green
or greenisli-l>liie ; streak paler. Most examples are intimately mixed
with Ca( ), CO-'. The pr<;.senoe of Ca is readily shewn by the spectro-
.seope.
Clinoclask (Ahichite. Aphanese, Strahlerz) : C'nO 62'05, As'-'O''
M)'l'\ H-0 710. Clino-Rh.; H 2-5-3; G 4-2-4-4; dark-green,
liliiish-green, hiaokisli externally ; streak, paler. See Note.
Li KOKON rn: (Linscnerz) : CuO, As'-O'', Al'-'O'', H'-'O (25 per cent.).
("lino-Kii.; H 2-2'5 ; G 2-8-2-U5 ; light-hlue, sometimes green ; streak,
paler. See Note.
GiiALiOPHYLLiTE (Copper Mica): CuO, As'-'()\ H'-'O (23-32 per
cent.). Hemi-Hex., tabular, micaceous. H 2 ; G 2*5 ; bright eme-
rald-gi (H'u ; streak paler. See Note.
Zki MCKiTE : (hiO 7-71, H'-O' 55-95, H'-'O 14. Tetragonal, iso-
nioipliDUs with Chalcolite or Torbernitt!. 11 3-5 ; G 5-76 ; orange or
\v;ix yellow, witli adamantine lustre; streak, paler.
.\i)A.MiTi: CupifHMis varieties. Green. G 4 35; zinc s\il>limate
with sodium carb. on charcoal. See below.
(Pl< reaction).
MiMiM ITE : PbO. As'-O-' UO-7; PbCi'-' 93. Hex. (crystals often
.siili-.spliciic;d). H 3-.')-4 ; (t 7-7-3 ; yellow. gretMi, greyish, colouile.ss,
with resinoadamantinc lustre. Ka .Mi'YLiTi; ami II kdvi'iiam; (G 5-5)
ail' more ur l(^ss calcareous and also phosphatic varieties. Some of
tin orange-yellow examples contain lead chromale or vanadate. All
'Tlie i-.i)p|ier-iin*eiiintu!i <Io not readily yield metallic cojiixT before the blowpijie, lint give
uiiilir rapid fu.sion a Innl, w liili', lirittli- Imtriri nf inpjicr arsriiidc. .Most, if imt all, dr(la(;r«to
by ignition uu cliareoal. See Note to tliiii Table.
154
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
* t * .
)
1
give CI reaction with phosphor-salt uud CuO. See Note at end of
Tal.le.
Ak.*:oxkne: Pl.O, ZnO, V-0'", AsW. Radio-fihrous ; TI 3; (I
5'8 ; brownisli-i-ed ; stre.ik, yt-llow.
(Jaumimtk (Kanninspatli) : Pl)() 23r)2, Fe'O'' 2914, AsW 47-24.
Acicular, inaniinilhitod. H 'lii ; Gr 4-1 ; red ; streak, reddisli-yellow.
Beuuantite : PbO, F«rO', P-()\ As-'O''. SO', H^O. Ilenii-Hex. {'.)
H 3'5 ; G 4 0. Olive-green ; streak, yellowish. A doubtful specie.s.
{Hi rcactiitu).
RwACiiTE : Bi-'O-' 79-5, As'-O^ ir)-6, H'O 49. Mostly botryoidal or
in small spherical examples. H 4-5-.5 ; 6'82 ; li«j;ht-;j;reen ; streak,
veij- pale green or white. In bulb-tube crumbles into yellow powder.
Accompanies uran ores at Schneeberg.
Walpuroinite : Bi-0', IJ-'O', AsW', II-'O (4-5). Clino-Rh. \ ;
orange or wax yellow, with lesiuo-adamantine lustre ; streak, paler ;
H 3*5 ; G r)-7G. Accompanies uran ores at Schneeberg. Atelesitk
is apj)arently related.
0.— No metallic globules, BB, on charcoal.
(Zii iC'ictioH. Chnrorleristii' xulilhnatc whli sotlinm cttrhomitv on charcoal).
Ada-MITe: ZnO AGG, As-'O'' 402, H'-'O :}-2, but some green e.xamples
contain CuO, and rt^l exam))les CoO. Orthorhombic ; H 3f ",
G 4"3-4'35. Normally, yellow; but often violet, reil, or green;
streak, paler.
KoTTiGiTE : Zinc-holding vai-. of Ekythrine. See l)elow.
(Co rf action).
Ekythrine: (Cobalt Bloom): CoO 37-50, As'O-' 3840, H-'O 2404.
Clino-Hli. ; H 2-5; G 2-9-3 •(). Red, pui-pli.sli-red, ])Harl--;rey ; streak,
l)aler. Some earthy varieties coiiLain interndxed arsenolite. KoT
TioiTE is a zinc-holding var.
Roselite: CaO, MgO, CoO, As-0\ H'-'O (820). Rh. or Cl.-Rh.
H 3-3-r> ; G 3-46 ; deep rose-red ; pale-reddish or white streak. Tin'
presence of Ca easily shewn by the spectroscope.
Cabrerite : A cobaltiferous var. of Annaberoite. See below.
(iVi reaction).
Annabkroitk : (Nickel Green): NiO 37-25, As'^O-' 38-59, H'^0
MINKKAL TABLKS: — XIV.
155
•21 10. Acicular, efflorescent ; H 1-2r) ; G 3-3-2 ; apple-green,
;,'ii'enisli-wliite. Caisrkuitk is a variety cont'uning C'oO and MgO.
(rreou and yollowi.sh ari!iyu>'t)us nicktsl arstMiiates have also Weeu
recognized. In these, the sp. gr (jxcceds 4.
{Fv rmctimi, 13 li, vuujnHio hIhij or head),
PiiAKMACOSiDERlTE (Cube Ore). tVO' 40, Ah'^0^ 4313, H-0
ItVST. Keg. (See note at end of Taiile). H 2-5; (J 2-i)-3 ; (hirk-
ifiot'ii, yellow, hrownish ; streak, paler. .Mostly in niinute ciihes
tctralieilrally modified.
ScoKoDiTE : Fe-'O'' 3463, As-(»'' 4'J-7S, H-'O l")..-)'.*. ()rtliorlioml.iu ;
11 .'5-.')-4 ; G 3*l-3-3 ; dark-gieen, brownish, indigo-blue ; streak,
|i:iler.
Akseniosiderite: Fe-'CV 394, (JaO 13-S, As-'O"' 37-9, H'O 89.
Fil)rous-botryoidal. H 1-2 ; G 3-9 ; brownish-yellow, with silky
lustre.
Svmi'LESITE: FeO, Fe'O-', As'-0\ H'O (25-28 percent.). Clino-
Rli., acicular; H 2'ii; G 29-3'0 ; ])ale blue, green, with j)early lustre.
PiTTiziTE : Fe-O-', As-0\ S0^ H'O ( I -'-29 per cent.). Amorphous,
stalactitic. H 2'5-3 ; G 2 3-2'5 ; bi-ownish-yellow, dark-brown ;
streak, paler.
Cauminite; Beudantite : Contain .Pi)0, See al)ove.
{AfnO rcartion),
CiioNUKO-AusENiTE : MiiO, MgO, CaO As'-0\ H'-'O (78 per cent.).
In snuill granular concretions of a wax-vellow colour 11 30.
Beuzemte: Gives Mn reaction in most examples; C'a-lines in
spectroscope ; no water. See below.
DuKANOiTE: Strong Na and F leactions. Oi-ange-red. See below.
{(J''0-> reaction).
Tii^o.EiUTK U-0'' G.'-v9r), As-'O'- 17-55, H'-'O 10-50. Clino-Hh.,
tabular ; H 2-2-5 ; G 3-23-3-27 ; lemon yellow ; sti-eak, vellowish-
wliite. Ea,sily fusible.
Ukanosimnnite: U-'O' 59-lS, (JaO 5-47, As-'O'- 19-37, H'O 1619.
Scaly or thin tabular; H 2-2-5 ; G 3-45 ; yellowish-green.
(MfjO and CaO rcortionn. Ca-Hm-H will slii'Wii in sjirctroftroiii).
r.KKZEHNE (Kuhnite): CaO, .MgO, MnO, As-'O'-. Massive; H 5
I V
111 ill
rir
156
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
'a ^•*'--^'
irm->^
( , ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■; ■
1 1
( • ■ ■ ■
.'i. ',. ,
;
!p:'
'■;'■■
(or 4-5) ; G 2 •5-2 "55 ; yellow, yellowish-white. Nearly infusilili
No water evolved in bulb-tube.
PiiAKMACOLiTE ; CaO 24-90, As-O'- 5110, WO 24. dino-Kli..
but mostly aciciilar, fibrous, earthy, ikc. ; H l'5-2-5 ; G 2-7.'i.
Noi lually colourle.ss or white. Easily fusible.
HAiDiNGEitrrE: CaO 28-81, As'O- 56-87, H'-'O 14-32. Rh. ; G 2 9 :
otherwise like Pharinacolite, but of i-are occurrence.
Wapplerite : CaO, MgO, As-'O'', H'O (18-20 per cent.). Clino-
Kh. ; H 1-5-25; G 2-5; colourless or white. Very easily fusible.
HoEKNEciiTE is a related, but purely magnesian, arseniate (witli
H'^O 21) j)er cent.), recognized by Kengott in the kaiserlichen uiiii.
Cabinet of Vienna, accompanying Pharmacolite.
(Nil rettftiuii).
DuKANCiiTE (J. G. Brush): Na-'O, Li-'O, AFO'', Fe-O-', MnO
As-'O-', F. Clino-Rh. ; H 5 ; ii :3 -94-4 -07 ; orange-red. Easily
fusible. With sulphuric acid, gives fluorine reaction. Hitherto, only
recognized as accompanying tin ore and colourless topaz in the Pro-
vince of Durango, Mexico.
NOTK ON TABLE XIV.
'I'his Table is composed essentially of arseiiiates. The exceptions comprise
a few !*iiver sulpharsenites in wliioli tlie lustre is mostly non-metallic, and the
naturally occurring arseuious acid or anhydride As'^D*. The only minerals of
the Table likely to come under ordinary observation, include : (1) The " Liglit-
Red Silver Ore," I'roustite ; ('2) The Cupreous Arseniates — Oliveiiite, Clinoclasi'.
Liroconite, Chalcophyllite and Tirolite ; (8) The Cobaltic Arseniate, Krythrine ;
(4) The FeiTUginous Species, Pharnuicosiderite and Scorodite ; (ij) The Linu-
Arseniate, Pharmacolite ; anil (t>) the Lead Chloro- Arseniate, Minietesite.
Proustite or liglit-re<l silver ore, the arsenical silver blende of some nomen-
clatures, is readily recognized by its deep or bright red colour, red streak and
adamantine lustre ; as well as by the large silver-globule obtained from it b\
the blowpi[)e. It frefjuently accompanies Native Arsenic. It occurs both
crystallized and massive. 'J"he crystals are generally small, and are not always
re.adily m.atle out in ccmseriuence of distortion by irregularity in the size of
corresponding planes. Connnonly, they consist of hexagonal prisms terminated
by a rhombohedron (with II : Jl --= l()7°i>(l'), or of scalenrthedrons. Small
fragments melt in tho cauiUe daiue, witiiout the aid of the blowpipe. Boileil
IP
MINEUAL TAHI.ES : — XIV.
157
with caustic potash, the powder becomes immediately black, and As'S' is
iliitaolved. This is thrown down, as a yellow tiocculent precipitate, by a drop
(pf two of hydrochloric acid.
'{"lie copi)er arseniates are green, or more rarely blue, in colour, and, as a
rule, tliey detonaio or deflagrate somewliat strongly when ignited on charcoal.
Oliviniteand Clinoclase are usually dark-green or blackish-green (though some
times brown or brjwn-yellow), and both occur frequently in small crystals,
:ia(l in radiated-tiltrous, reniform, and other uncrystallized examples. The
olivenite crystals are orthorhombic, and the Clinoclase crystals clino-rhombic
(;()nil)inations. Clinoclase is almost constantly in radiated groupings, whence
'\tA old (Serman name of Strahlcrz. Olivenite yields only 3 20 per cent. aq.
Chnoclase 7 per cent. Liroconite is very usually of a liglit-blue colour, though
HoMietimes green. It occurs mostly in very small cliuorhombic crystals which
|)iusent in general an orthorhombic aspect, and sometimes reseinble slightly
distorted octahedrons. In the bulb-tube it yields (without decrepitation) a
large (juantity of water (25-26 per cent.). Chalcophyllite is rarely in distinct
<;rystals, but generally in micaceous or thin tabular examples of a bright
<iiurald-green colour, with metallic-pearly lustre on the broad surface of the
1 iiniiiiL>. In the bulb-tube it decrepitates strongly and yields a large amount
(pf water (23-.32 per cent.). Tirolite or Tyrolite is unknown in crystals. Most
<:()mtnonly it occurs in bright green or blue radiated examples, or in reniform
ipf line scaly masses. Thin folia* are flexible. The specimens hitherto examined
contain 13-14 per cent, carbonate of lime, either in combination ov as an
intermixture. The presence of Ca is readily shewn by the spectroscope,
especially if the copper be first reduced by fusion with sodium carb. charcoal,
and the resulting slag be moistened with a drop or two of hydrochloric acid.
I'he amount of water equals 20-21 per cent.
Hrythrine, the cobaltic arseniate, is especially distinguished by its peach-
blossom red colour, and by the deep-blue glass which it forms by fusion with
borax. It occurs in small clinorhombic crystals, but more commonly in
lil.ided, acicular and efflorescent examples. The thin folia) are flexible.
Hasily fusible. Water, 24 per cent.
The ferruginous arseniates, Pharmacosiderite and Scorodite, distinguished
from the cupreous and other arseniates by the magnetic slag which they yield,
HH, on charcoal, are distinguished individually by their crystallization.
I'lia^macosiderite is almost always in very minute cubes, truncated on alternate
angle, by the triangular planes of the tetrahedron Its colour is <lark-green,
jtassing into brownish-yellow and brown, and the little crystals are usually in
ilru.'iy aggregations. Scorodite when crystallized is commonly in small pri.snis
turniinated by a minute rhombic pyramid, but it occurs also frecjuently in
lil>rou8 and other examples. The colour is [dark-green or indigo-blue, inclining
tip reddish-brown in some specimens. The hardness exceeds that of calcite,
wliilst Pharmacosiderite is slightly untler calcite in hanlness.
Pharmacolite, the ordinary liine arseniate, is comparatively unimportant.
It occurs mostly as a white efflorescence, or in acicular crystals, on arsenicivl
cobalt and iron ores.
)'i
I
168
BLOWPIPE PRACTICB.
Minuitesite, chloro-arHeniate of lead, is readily distinguished from other
minerals of the Table by its high sp. gr. (7'U-7'3), as well as by the leu<l
globules which it yields, BB, on charcoal. It belongs by its crystallizatioij
and chemical formula to the Apatite group, and often passes into Fyromorphiti .
the corresponding lead phosphate. The crystals, hexagonal prisms, or com-
binations of prism and pyramid, arc very commonly curved into almost
globular shapes. The colour is generally yellow, more rarely grey, brown, oi
green, with resino-adamantine lustre. Fuse<l in the platinum forceps, thi-
bead crystallizes on cooling, but on charcoal it becomes reduced.
R'
TABLE XV.
[Faistrc non-metallic. BB, on charcoal, antiinonial fumes and deposit,]
A —On charcoal, reducible to metallic ant.'mony and rapidly
volatilized-
{S reaction with sodium carbonate),
Kkumksitk (Pyrostibite, Red Antimony Ore, Antimony Blende) :
SIZES' 70, Sb'^O'' 30. Red, bluish or brownish-red, with red streiik
and adamimtine lustre. Ortho-Rii. (or Clino-Rh.?), but uiostly acicu-
lar or fibrous; H 1-1-5; G 4-5-4-6. Fusible in candle-flame. See
Note.
• (No S reaction).
Valentinitk : Sb 8356, O 16-44. Orthorhombic, but mostly
tabular or aciculur. H 2-3; G 5-3-5-6 ; normally white, but some-
tinios pale-reddish or brownish from admixtures. Rocomes yellow on
ignition, and melts very easily. In the bulb-tube, sublimes entirely,
if pure.
Sknarmontite : Sb-0''. Identical in composition and general
cliaracters with Valcntinito, Vjut occurring in regulai octahedrons and
small granular ma.s8' i, of more or less adamantine lustre on fractured
surfaces. Readily fusible and volatilizable.
Ckkvantite : SbH)' 47-40, Sb-'O'' 5'2-60. Acicular, encrusting;
II 3-0-4-0 (or 5h; G 4-08. Yellow, yellowish-white. Infusible,
but reducible on charcoal. Not volatile in the bulb tube.
{No S reaction ; aq in bulb-tube).
Antimony Ochrk : Sb'-0'\ mixed more or less with Sb^'O'', and
yielding H'-'O on ignition. Earthy, encrusting; G 3-8; yellow,
yellowish-white. Reduceil and volatilized on charcoal.
Stiblite: Sb'^O^ Sb*0^ H'-'O (5-6 per cent.). Compact, pseudo-
niorphous after antimony glance. Yellow, yellowish-white. Reduced
and volatilized on charcoal ; the reduction (as in all compounds of
fc5b-0^-4-Sb'''0^) is astdsted by addition of sodium carbonate.
159
v\
n
,■>;»•.
h\\'i\
I' ! . •
V
I'll'
>ti
1 .1i;:'.
'•
' ^' "•
i 'l^'
1 • >• -•■"';.
1 '1- ,
' *l'. \
' i[:
'■i\
' 'i<
H'-
-1
ii/^:
, !it
^iM
:tl
! ' .**
' '''ya
fi
\ix''
:1
il
ir.o
nriOWPIPE PRACTICK.
B. —On charcoal partially vol., a metallic globule remaining.
{Ay reaction).
Pykostilp.vitk (Fin> nhsiuln in pint): At,' (G2 per cont.) Sh, S.
(Jliiio-Uli. ( trtlmliir. toliiitod. II "J ; G 4-2.43; orttii<^(!-y<'ll"w.
hrowniHli-ied; Hticiak, rod or yellow; lustre pearly-iuluniiintim!. Bl>,
untiiiionial fuiiuis and Itirj^c silvcfr-^lolml*;.
PvKAROYiUTK ; Poi.YHAsiTK : A<|, Sb, S. Iroii-blaclc, or deop-rol
ill thill j)i(«M'K liy traiiHinittcil li;^lit. Streak, rod. LiLstro essentially
tnotallic or sub-metallic, ^'ee Tablks W. and IX.
{Ou rearlion).
RivoTlTE : CuO, Sb'O'', inixod with carl), lime, ikc. A doubttii!
.species. Compact ; yellowish-green ; H 3'r>-4"0 ; (J 3r)5-3G2
(l)ueloux).
(Ph reaction).
HiNimKiMiTK (nieiniere): Pl)<), Sb-'0\ H''( ) ((J per cent.). .\
doubtful com])Ound. MH.s.sive, earthy, ito. , H 1-4; G 3'9-l'7.
Greyish-white, ytdlowish, browni.sh, green, ikc. Often veined or
clouded in dilierent tints.
Nadoritk: P"), Sb'^ 0''+PbCF. Oi-thorhombic, tabular. H30;
G 7"02 ; 'ellow li or greyish brown. Hitherto found only in cala-
mine deposits in Algeria.
0.— On charcoal partially vol., au earthy mass remaining.
RoMElTE : CaO 19-5, Sb 638, O 16-7. In groups of small
Tetragonal octMhedions of a yellow or reddish colour. H 5 '5 (?),
G 4G7-4'71. The presence of Ca in the residuum, left on chare jal
after roasting, is easily recognized by the s|)ectroscope. Part of the
GaO is commonly replaced by MnO and KeO.
NO IE ON TABLE XV.
The miuerala which belong properly to this Table consist chieHy of rare or
ohsciirely-kuown examples of iuitimoiiial oxides, occurring alone, or combined
with lead oxide, &c. None of these eoinpounds :iit' of mineralogical importance.
The only species of ordinary occurrence, referred to in the Table, is the mineral
Kermesite or I'yrostibite, a compound of '2Sb-.S' with Sb'O'. This occurs
conunouly in association with Antimony Glance. It is usually in ra(hating-
iibrous or tufted plumose masses of a deep bluish-red or brownish-red c(»lour,
with red streak and adamantine (more or less sui> iMutallic) lustre. In caustic
potash the powder assumes a yellow colour, and on boiling is rapidly dissolved.
Fusible and volatilizable in the candle-flame without the aid of the blowpipe.
TAIil.E \VI.
I I.iirttre non-nietallio. BH, with soiliiun carhoiintc ntnmg sulplmr-roftctiitii, liut
111) ftiiiics ot iirHunic or autiiniiny J
A. Anhydrous species. No water (or traces only) in bulb tube.
Ai-KKimnBLK TO .MKTAI, I'lUt SH i)K WITH SODII'M CAHIIONATK.
UiH, It lead ijhhiili).
.VN(iLK.slTK : Pl.O 73G, SO' •J6-4. Ortliorhonibk- (V : V \(Y^"\ V) ;
If .} (or aonietiiiios .slij,'litly lower) ; G Gl-0 i (coinmi)iily 0"3) ; colour-
less, ijroy, yellowish, »!i:c. ; Htivak, wliito. Sol. in caust • potawh.
.Sakdianitk is H sii|»po.H(*il cliiio ilionihic spcrios of similai (jomposi-
tioii. St'C Not'o at end of the Tiiljlc.
LANAJtKiTK : Pl.O, SO' r)76 + Pl)0 \l\. Clino-Hh.; H -J-O-'J .") ;
(} (io-G'J ; pule grefs.iisli-whito, yellowish, grey. Flexible in thin
"ieces. By alteration, partially converted into carbonate, and then
cfleivescing in acids.
Lkaohillitk : PbO, 00'^ -f Pi,0, SO-' ; effervesces in acids. See
TablkXIII.
(/''i anil Cii ri'iictiniiH. FIniitc roloiiriil Ktroii//lij (jri-rn. With sodium rurhomite
lend siihUiiuitc. Witli lioriu'if arid, fojtpiv ijlohuU. )
Calkdonitk : PbO, Cn( ), SO'' (CO' and H'-'O by alteration \) i )rtho-
rhoinbic (or Clino-Kh. I) Y : Y 9."). Light l)lui.sli-green ; Htreak,
greenish-white ; H 2"5-3 , G <i4. (Jenerall}' effervesces in acids.
A«.-NOT RKDICIHLK TO MKTAL, HII, ATT.\CKK|) oil DISSOLN Kl) IN POWDKK HY
HOT HYDR(K!HI.<)RIC ACID, WITH E.MIHSIO.N OF H»S oooril.
( With mdium carhonnte, a zinc, xiildimalt' on charoMil).
Sphaleritk .)r ZiNf Blkndk : Zn 67, S33. Reg. (mostly inclined
lieinihedral) ; H 3-0-4 ; (i 3U-4-2. Ibown, black (often red by
fransinitted light), green, yellow, rarely colourless ; strejik, mostly
pale brown. Many yellow examples are phosphorescent by surface-
abrasion. Practically infusil)le. The liisti-e varies from adamantine
to sub-metallic and metallic proper. See Tablks III. and X. Mar-
MAT1TE and Christophite are dark, ferruginous varieties. See Note
to present Table.
12 IGl
f
'
^
J
11
tt
1 '
(•■I,
t'
£«
ml
16a
lU.nWI'II'E PHArTICK.
VoLTZi.NK : ZnS K'J7, ZiiO 1 73. II :»-r».4(» ; <i 3 ft-;»8. HiowniKi,
red, yellow, j^iooiiisli ; sticuk, |talf-lno\vii. Pnu'timlly iiil'iiHilili'.
( With siiiliiiiii I'lirliiiitiitr, rrihhfown raihiiiitm-mfiUniiitf.)
(lUKKNocKiTK : (^'ii 77'>', S '2'2'i. liox., Ii<>iiiiiii(>i-|iliii' ; nvMtiil,-
nioHtly Hiiiiill m:\\U^ |)yriiiui<lH, with lower liiilf entirely i'«>|>ltu'<<(l liy
luiNiil plain". It .■J;!'.'') ; (1 1819. Yellow, tinmj^e, In-owiiisli, willi
yellow streak ami ailaiiiaiitine lustre, liitiisil>le. Oil ignition
hedoiiieH (lee))-i(^<l whilst liot, lait ;,'eiieially (lecn;|iitatos.
( Wit/i Hddiiim fiirhiiiKiti , ntritmj iiiaiiijnninf reartloii).
Alauandink : Mil (»;V2, H 'M'fS. lUack, lirowiiisli-lilaek, witli
gie»!iiisli streak, and, in j^eiieial, siili-iiictallie a.spect. No siihliinntr
in closed tulie. See Tahi.K X.
IIaukkitk: Mn 4t;L'2, S ri3-78 ( . MnS-). Kci,'., often parallel-
lieniiliedral, and tlius nweiiililing Iron Pyrites in oryHtallization, Imt
oociiiTint' also in verv svinmetrioil ootaliedrons much like Ma''netiti'
in HHpect. Dark red-l»rown, hrowniKhlilack, with lirownish-red stienk.
and, in f^eiieral, Hiili-inotallio lustre. II 4r)-r) ; (J. ;j-r»-,3t). In lioseii
tube, tiuiiH green, and gives suhliinate of sulphur. See Tablk X.
A».-N0T KKIUCIliUK TO MKTAI.. NO orxtl'H OK M'S KVOt.VKO UY THKATMKNT
WITH IIYDUOCIII.OKIC AriD. VA.sTKI.K.SS, INSOI.I'IU.K. '
t Kntirelif dinnulved, Bli, by nodinm carbonate.
{F/<iiiie roloiinil it/iiilt'-iincii).
liAHITK or Bahytink (Hkavy Si'AR): BaO *)ir7, SO' ."Ji:}, apor
tion of the BaO soiiietiiiios n^placiid l»y SrO or CaO. Orthorhoiiiliii
(V : V 101^40). H 3-5; (} 4-3-4-7 ; colourless, white, yellow,
fiesh-red, brown, ifec, with whit«( streak. BB, generally decrepitates.
Fusible slowly into a white caustic enamel, the flame coIouhmI pale
green. Baryto-Cklkstink (G 424) is a mixture or isomorphoiis
union of BaO, SO-' and SrO, SO'. Baiiyto-Calcitk (G 40-4-3) =
BaO, S03 -f CaO, SO''. Sec; Note* to this Table for additional ciys-
tallograpliic characters, itc.
(Flame co/oured rrimson).
Cklestine : SrO 5652, SO^ 4348. Kh. (V : V 103°40' - 104^'10' ;)
H 3-3*5 ; G 3*9-4'0 ; colourless, pale-blue, indigo-blue, yellowish,
•The jtrei-ence of ba, 8r, ami Cii, in iniucraU of tliia section, is rvadily di-teriniiiuil by the
spectroscope. See Part 1. of tliis book.
MINKHAL TAHI.KH: — XVI.
163
red, A'f.. with wliito Htrcuk. liH, Kemimlly <lecrt>|iitHt«>s. Fiimoh into
a wliitt! ciiuHtic tMiuiiKtl, iiiul iiii|iiii-tH a criiiiaon uoluration to tho
tliiino. S.'c N<)U\
tt //I part, mill/, iUmudIv.U lili, hif siniiinn carhonnfe.
Aniivdiutk: CaO 4I1H, SO' 58-S2. Rli. (V : V lOO^MO'); H
;i_3') ; (r 2 8 .'J. MoMtly in coIourlesH, wliitf, IiIimmIi, or rt'ddiHh
liimrlliir maHSfH, witli |M'aily luHtrt; on clt^avaj,'"' |>Iaiics ; streak, wliito.
iU>, t'lisiliic iiitu a wliitf caiiHtic (Miaiiu'l. CoIoiuh the name -hunler
r(!<l, att<'r proloiiifnil lixpoHiiro. Stso Notw.
Bakvto-Cai,citk : Prt)|)<'rly, a calcarcoiiH var. of Uc^avy Spar, but
roft'rrcd to lu^ro as hcdii;^ only partially soluld*', \i\\, in sodium car-
hoiiato, th«i limn roiiiainiuj.' unattai-kcd. (r 4()-4;{. Imparts a palo-
;,'r<'cii tint to th<; Ihinio-liordcr ; Init tiic oranyc-n-d Cadinc conios out
proniint'utiy in th»! spoutroscopo.
A«.- SOMIILK. SAI.INK oil lllTTKIt To TIIK TASTK.
{Aviiuuuia riaclion. lili, tnlinhi ntl.)
Mahcaosink: Am 39-4, SO' (50G. Kh. (V : V l^riS'), hut chiefly
in whit(i or y(dh)wisli crusts or mammilhitiHl masses on certain lavas.
II 'J-2-r) ; (} 1-7-lH. 'ra.st«s siiarp and hitter.
{Flame coloured violet. Jieil K-line well dejined in MperlroMrofte),
Glaskiute (Akcanitk) : K'O 54, SO"" 4(1. Hh. (V : V 1 10°24').
hilt mostly in white earthy crusts. II 2-5; (} 2-7. 'I'asto, hitter,
i}|'), <^«Mi(irally decrepitates, mehs easily, and crystallizes ov(>r tho
surface on cooling. Apthalosr is u rhomhohedrul potash suipliate
fronj Vesuvitis.
(Flame coloured intenwlii yellow. Nn-line, onlji, in MpectroHcope).
Thknakdite: Na'-O 43'66, SO'* 46-34. Rh., hut mo.stly in drusy
or earthy crusts and coatings of a white or greyish colour ; H 2'5 ;
('• 267. Tiuste, saltish, alkaline. Etwily fusihlc, and on charcoal
reduced to sulphide and ah.sorl)ed.
(In HpectroMcope, ijreen ami oramje-red Ca-linex, tuid ijillow Na-line).
Olauhkuitk : Na-0, 80=* 51, CaO, SO' 4!). Clino Rh.; II 2-5.30 ;
Cf 2-7-2-8. Taste, saltish and hitter. White, grey, yellowish, red,
<tc. Somewhat deliijue.scent. BB, decrepitates, fuses easily, and
l)econies reduced to sulphide. In sodium carbonate, the lime remains
undissolved. In water, only partially soluble.
w '.'1
■i^'i^f
1G4
BLOWPIPE PRACTICB.
B.— Hydrous compoiinds. Yielding water by ignition 'a bulb-tube.
B>. -KdKMINfl, ItH, WITH liOHAX A I'llACTiCAI-LV rNCOI.orRKD IlKAh.
t lieuililii soluble in water, awl possessinij a hitter or other ttmt':.
{On rhnrron/, lili, entiri'hj ahiiorheil. Flnnn roloiireil iiitnmeli) yellow).
MiuAiuuTK 'Glaubkk's Salt) : Na-'O 1!».3, SO" 24-8, H-'O 50 '.).
Cliiio-Rli., I)ut mostly (;Hlore.sceiit, ikc. ; H 1-2; G 1-4-1'r). Taste,
cooling and Ititter,
{T/i>' rini'liiiiin, h-ft Hii 'ti charcoal, nuimiiicn Inj iijnition xrilh ci.'Kilt Hii/itlioii n
Jim- hlne colour).
Alum (Potash AImn, Kalinite) : K-'O 995, Al-'O' 10-82, SO' 33-7:.,
H'''0 4rJ48. lifg., octahedral, but commonly iu white or greyish
crusts, ifec. H (crystals) 2-2"f) ; G I'T-l-y. Rod K-Hno in spectroscopi-.
Soi)A-Ah;m : Na-'O, Al'-O", SO'', H'-'O. In white or greyish crusts,
kc. Hii, strong yellow flame, and yellow Na-line in spectroscope.
AM.MONIA Am-m (Tschermigite) : Am, A 1-0'', SO'', H'-'O. i'Wtliy
crusts, iili, partially vol. with strong auinioniacal odour. If pure,
no lines in spectroscope.
Macjsks.'a Alum (Pickcn-ingite) : MgO, Al'-'O'', S0\ H'-'O. In
wliite or greyish crusts, itc. If jnn-e, no lines in spectroscope.
Alunooenk {/fair-mlt iu part): APO'' 15-4, SO' 30, H'-'O 48G.
In etflore.scences of minute acicular crystals on vario.is coals, shales.
tVc. Noiinally colourless, but often greenish or brownish from
admixture with iron-vitriol or iron-alum.
( Tlif rcHtduuri, hft lili nu rharccal, nxxinin ,•< hi/ iynition inth ■•olinlt xofiUion
a jlexh-r<'d colour).
Reuss n : A compound of soda sulphate (Mirabiiite) with 30— U
per cent, of magnesia sulphate. In white feathery crusts, itc.
Colours flame intensely yellow.
Ei'SOMiTK ; MgO 16-20, SO'" 32-52, H'^0 51-22. OrthoRh. (V : V
90*38') l>ut commonl}'^ etflorescent, ikc. ; colourless; H {crystals)
2-2-5 ; G l-7-l'8. After strong ignition, gives alkaline reaction. It'
pui-e no lines in spectroscope.
Rl(KDITK (Astrakanito) : Na'^0 18-05, MgO 11-85, SO-' 47 90,
H'O 21-50. Clino-Rh., but mostly in lamellar ma.sses, crusts, Ac.
H (crystals) 2'5-3-5 ; G 2-2-2-3. White, grey, pale-reddish, greenish,
MINEKAL TABLES
-XVI.
165
Ac. Colours flame intensely yellow. L(E\vite is a related soda-
iiiaj^nesia suipliate, but apparently distinct in crystallization, and
with only l-l'GO |)er cent, water.
Kainite : MgO, S0=' 48-3, KCl 30, H-O 217. Clino-Rli. (tahular),
l)ut connnonly in granular nuusses, iic. H 25 ; (} 2' 13. Yellowi.sli-
wliite, greyish. IJB, with phos|)hor-salt and CuO, strong chlorine
reaction (azure flame). Part of the IvCl sometimes replaced l>y
NaCl.
{Tli'rfxliliium, (eft liB on charcoal , aMniiiucs hi/ iijnUion lu'dh cobalt xoliUiim a
liijIU-ijrMn colour).
(J<).si..\RiTK : Zn 28-22, SO^ 27-88, H-() 43-90. Kh. (V : V
\>l°b'). H (crystals) 2-2-5; G 2-0-2-1; colourless, greyish-white.
BI}, with carl). s'KUum, gives zinc sublimate on charcoal.
{The ri'niduum, on charcoal, with cohatt nolnlioii hccomcH on iijnition (lark-ijrei/^
In K/n'CtroHCope, Ca {or Ca and K) lines).
Por.YiiALLiTE ; Sy-VQEsite ; Ernu.vcirrE ; Kikserite : Soluble in
[lart only, or very slowly sol. Taste, very feeble. See below.
tt f)isol. or very slowly sol. in water. Taste, 0, or very /ei'Ur.
[lili tinpartx a ijcfcn colour to the jlmne-jmint, anil ijircH I'Mt^ reaction {i/illuir
precipitate) with anim, niolijlidotv in tiu' nitric acid Holution.
Svanuehgite: Na'O, CaO, Al'-'Q--, SO', P■0^ H'O fi per cent.
lli-nii-IIex. (Hk about 88° or 90"); H 4-5; ii 2-57. Yellow,
orang(!-red. Very rare, and imperfectly known.
(liJi, with Co-Kolution, a liri</hl hine colour).
Ai.uMi.NrrK (VVebsterite): Al-0'' 29-77, SO' 23-23, H'-O 47. In
white or yellowish-white earthy or porous ma.sses which adhere to
the tongue, H 1-0; G 1-7-1-8. BIJ, infusible ; evolves SO-'. Felso-
iiANvrrE, in small groups of rhomliic (pseudo-hexagonal) tal)ular
« lystals, is nilated in composition, but yields 38-*t7 percent, water.
.See Note at end of Table.
Amjnite (Alumstone) : K'O 11-33, Al-O' 3710, SO' 385G, H'O
13 01. Ifemi-ilex (K : R 89° 10'), but commonly in granular masses.
A 4-5; G 2-r)-2-8. White, pale-reddish, yellowish, (fee. Infusible;
f,'enerally decrepitates. Evolves, on strong ig.iition, SO". FiiKWhiirE
is identical or closely related, but yields 18-18-5 per cent, water.
See Note.
,X0
It I i ■ t' '" ■
li > i ' J' < J .
\ mt
! rr
1*
.1
.Vi
IGG
HI.OWl'M'K I'HACTICR.
{/Ui, with (.'o-sohilion, it jlfuh-nil niloiir).
Kikskrite: Mi,'<) JD, SO' r>S, H'(^ 13. I>ut ,'()iimi()nly yicMs inoiv
wilier, from !iyi;r(>sco|iir ulisdri*!!!)!!. ('lino IJIi.. liiit commonly in
finij-grunuliir uiuhhun. W'iiitc, y(?llo\visli, with slii^ht o|»iil«'sooii(('.
H ••; G 'Ji'iT. Very Hlowiy .soliil)l»' in water. I'lU, inl'usilijc ; ^'wrs
off S< V-'.
/iH, with ( '»-soliitiiiii, II (/iirk-ijri // rulniir. In .t/Hcfrotiroiw, Cii (or Cii ivui K) liins. •
(Iypsi m (S.-l(Miit«) ; CiiO .Vjr. 1. SO' 1(1^1, ir-O -JO-Dn. riino l!li,
(Se«> Not.- at Host' of Tal.l.«). II ir) ; (i •Jl'-'JI. <"olonrl«H«, white,
piihvrcdilisli. lihiisli. yoliowisli, ito. ; streak, wliito ; aspeot vilrin
pearly in crystalli/ed and lamellar examples, silky in most, tiltroiis
varieties. souK'timcs eai thy. In tiiin pieces, somewhat llexii)le. lUl,
liecomos immediately opaip' , and f\ises into an opaipie white ImmiI
On prolontfed ignition, reacts alkaline, and tinges the llami^-lioidi'r
distinctly red. S(H' Not-.
Poi.YiiAi.UTK : K-'O, SO-' 28-93, OaO, S(V' I;")-!?, MgO, SO' ID'.lj,
ll'-'O r).;i8. Kh., l»nt commoidy tihrons, lamellar, A'c. I[ .'J-.'Vr) ; {',
'2 7 -'2 77. Red, Hesh-red, greyish, colourless. Partly sol. in water.
T ste, feebly bitter. HH, very easily fusible into an alkaline (hollow)
bead. Seme e.xjunples give Cl-reaction with phosphor-salt and CiiO.
Synoknitk: K-'O, SO', I'aO, S0^ with ^r^^ percent, water, ('lino
Rh. (tabular); II •_»•;'); (J -J-C ; colourless. Hl{, easily fusible, but.
generally decrepitates. Partly s()lul)le in water. Distinguished chuiiii
cally tVom Polyhallite by absence of MgO.
Kttkinuite : CuO. AI'O', SO', ll'-O (VrSi percent.), in delicate,
silky, hexagonal prisms on the lava of tiie Laaoher See. (» 1 !■)
BH, swells up, but remains unfused. Partly solul)le in watcM".
H'.-KOKMINC, nu, WITH ItORA.X A STHON(!l-Y C()l-Ol'HKI> ItKAl).
t i'vluble or iiartlji sol. in water, ami pOiiseii8ln(/ a metallic or other lasti'.
{Cii rrartioti).
Chalcanthite or Blue Vituiol. CuO 31 So, SO' 3207, ll-'U
36 08, Anorthic, but commonly in drusy or earthy crusts of a blue
or greenish-blue colour ; streak bluish-whiter ; H (crystals) 2-r) ;
(i 2-2-23, Taste, strongly cupreous a!id unplejusant. Moistened
'Thost' spei'truiiiliiuiH I'niiie out most distinctly wli«n tlu> ignitod teat-KubHtiiDce \» iuoIsIimum
with hydrochloric aiid. See Part I.
i:-'l^
t
>•
I'.:-
l(
^s-;'
Y.
MINKHAr, TAIIt.KS :— XVI.
107
and mill"''! '>m h knife. Idndi-, ii»'|i()sits iin'tallic coiUMir. PisANITK Ih
I ciiinrDiis Iron Vitriol or M«!laiilt'rit<'. Lkitsomitk and Wooit-
WAKDiTK arc liydraicil Hiilpliad's of ( 'n( ) an<l Al'-O'. 'Vhv. lirsi, occurs
in 'IriiscH of (Ici'p Idiic Iwiir-lilvi- cryslals ; tlic Kcconil in iMaMimillatt'd
I'xaiiipii's ot'Hiiiiilar colour.
(AV mirliini*, /111, II intiijiiilir xliuj.)
.Mi;i,\NrKKiTK or (Jkkkn Vithkh, : lA-O iT)'.!!), SO' "JS 7S, II'O
tr)'.'VJ. ('liiio-IUi., l)Ut commonly in crusts an<l ooatiiii,'.s on iron
ores, itc. Pah^-j^rccn, l)lin' :.'rccn, olit-n oiilircous on surface II
(orvstals) •_' ; (J i v' 1 •!,'. Tasttf, inky, mclallii-. 1*isanitk is a
ciipit'ous variety. TAi'iusriTK a rliomliic variety isoiuorplious witJi
l']|isoniile.
CoyuiMitiTi; : VH) :>S.|7, So' lL> 70, HO I'S-.S 1. II. -x., i.ut com
nionly in small jj[rannlar masses. FI 2-2"5; (J '2 -I ; very pale i,'reen,
Itluisli, greenisli-wliito. Taste metallic, inky. Tlie at|ueous solution
deposits K'-'O' on boiling'.
I'.oTKVOOKNK : M;,'0, KeO, Ke'O-'. SO-', II-() (2S 3('» per .-ent.).
( 'lino-l{li., lil)ro inamillated, A'c. Hed, oraULje or Itrownisli yellow ;
streak yellow; II (ciystals) -J-'J-f) ; <J 21. Taste, Icehly metallic.
Partly solul)le in water. IJdo.Mi'.iiiTK is closctly allied or identical, init
part of tlm FeO is replaced liy ZnO.
Ihon-Amim (Feather Alum; llalotricliite, in part): ("omposilioii
very variaiile, liut essentially an alum, with. Ke( > and Ke'O' lar;,'ely
replacin;;; the other hases. (ireenish oi" l)rownish, in coatint^s and
minute hair-like crystals. See under AminookM'; in l>' f, aliove.
Voi.taitk: FeO, Fe'O'. Al'O'', SO', JI-'O (IT)-;} per cent.). An
altered lioii-Alum >. Itei,'. ; dark-;;'ri'en, black ; streak, ^reenish-^^iey.
|[2r).;V0; (}2.S. Slowly solul.le in water. Taste, feel.ly metallic.
Oilier ferriiirinous sulpliates, (Jlockcrite, Pissopliane, Apatelito,
(Jopiapite, Jarosite, ^v., are insoluhh; or very slightly soluhle in
water. Seu helow.
(C(i niti'tiiiii).
IMkiihkitk (Cobalt Vitriol): CoO, SO', H-'O, but part of ( W) often
replacH'd by PVJ or Mf.(0. Isomorplious with .Melanterite, Imt occurs
only in etHoresceiit coatiii;,'s of a pale roso-red colour. Easily dis-
tinguished by its blue borax-glasj.
*Tlie sciliitiuu yields witli Kenlryunidu of iiotiiHsinin. or wiUi tlu; fiTrocyaiiidcr, ii 'li'i-|il)lm!
rrwipitale. /
m ]
I
i
W
m
I);
■:{
Am,
:!«a
Si!
168
lU.OWPII'E I'lUCTICE.
(^» reaction).
MoHKNOsiTE (Nickel Vitriol). NiO (MgO), «()•', H-'O (40-45 jur-
cent.). Isoinorphoiis with Kp.soiuito, hut occiiniii<( only in etih .
rescences of hair-like cry.stal.s or in aniorphou.s coatings. Gre<Mi,
greoni.sh-whito.
{Uranium reaction)
Johannitk: UO, SO', H-(l ("lino-Kh. ; II 2-2 O; G :V2. UraKs-
green; streak paler. Slowly soluiile in water. Various other uranium
sulphiites (in .sonu; of which U"'U' is present) have heen recojjnized
(IMedjidite, Zippoite, VojLfliauite, itc), hut the composition of tlie.sf
is more or less inconstant, ami their characters are very imperfectly
known.
(Mil reaction).
AlMoilNlTK (Man<,'ane.se .Mum) : Ks.'^vntially an alum with MnO
replacing j»art of the other bases. In hair-like elHorescences of a
pale redilish or hrownish colour.
Fauskkitk (Manganese Vitriol): MnO, MgO, SO', If-O (4200
per cent.). Kh. (V : V 1)1° If^'); il 2-25; (} l-'J. Pale re.hlish,
yellowisli white. .Mallanlite, prohalily Clino-Rh., i.i closely related.
t t Insohible {or imicticul/ij iu.'ioL) iit tvaler. Tante, 0, ur cer// s/ii/hl.
{Pit anil Cii riactloiti. lili, on charcoal a yello'>o coatimj).
Linauite: Pl.O ')')7, CuO 1!IS, SO' 20, H-'O A-ry. Clino-Kh.;
H 25-3; G 5-3-4-45. Azure-hlue ; streak pale-hlue.
(Cii nacllon).
Brochantitk: CuO 70 34, SO-' 17-71, H'^0 1 1 -i'5. !lh. (V: V
104° 32'); H 3-5-4; G 3-8-3-9. Enierahl-green, dark green : streak
pale-green. Kuisiivigite is identical. LANdiTE and WAUUiNfiTONiTK
are closely related, hut vieM 1533 per cciiit. water. All form u
ileep-hlue solution with ammonia.
Letts().mite (Velvet Copper Ore). CuO, Al-'O', Fe-'O- SO-', H'O
(23-34 per cent.). In <lelicaie hair like crystals of a deep blue colour.
WooDWARDITE, in hluo mamillated masses, is identical.
(Fc reaction: lili, a iiuujnctic sla;/ or crnxt).
CoPlAPiTE : Fe'-'O^ SO", H'^0 245 per cent. In six-sid»(d pearly
tables, and granular nuLSses. H 1-5; G 21 4. Yellow.
^l?i
MINERAL TABLES : — XVI.
1G9
Stypticitk: Fe-'(V', SO', II-'O 3G per cent. In groenkii or yellowish-
white fil)rou8 crusts. FiUKO-FEHitlTK i.s ajjparently ithjntieal, hut some
so-called F'hro-ft^nites are solnhh; in water. Owing to tlitnr incon-
stancy of composition, due U) aiteration and intermixture, no very
strict detinitions are possihle hk regards ferruginous sulphates generally.
Glockekitk : Fe-'O'', 80'', WO (-JOl per cent.). Stalactitic, l)otry-
oidal. Black, dark-hrown, yellowish, dark-green ; streak l)rownish-
yellow. Pissoi'iiA.NK, in dark-gretsn and hrown hotryoidal and earthy
iiiasses, is a))parently a variety, or a closely related suhstance, luit
yiehls 10-41 per cent, water. Vitkiol-Ochhe is an earthy, ochre-
yellow variety (H'-'O '2\ j)er cent.).
Ai'atklitk: FeW, SO'', H'-'O (4 ))er cent.). In small nodular
earthy mas.ses of a yellow colour and streak, fronj Auteuil, near Paris.
Cliicfiy distinguished by its low amount of water.
.Iakositk : K'-O 9:5S. Fe-'O' 47111. SO^' ;iM)3, ll-O 10-7H. Hemi-
l^(^\. (II : li ahout H!) ), mostly tal)ik\ir from prcMloniinance of tho
hasal plane, also in scaly and tint! gr.i.ndar examples ; H 3-4 ; G
.■{U-3(i. Dark-brown, brownish yellow, it-d by transmitted light :
streak ochre-yellow. .Shews the rcsd K luw. in spectroscope.
l):\l)OcniTi;: Fe-'O'', SO-*, P-O'', H-'O 3(r3 [x-r cmU. 11 2-5-3;
(J l-'Jli-f). Brown, brownish-yellow; streak somewhat lighter.
Mostly in mammillated, conccMitrie lamellar e.Naniple.s. PIS, on char-
coal, a n::'giietic bead. In the; forceps, tinges the tlame-point green.
PiTTU'iTK (Iron Sint UM resembles Diadochite in general characters,
'lut contains As-O''. The composition, however, varies greatly in
dillerent (sxamples.
iW*'
4
I.?
NOTK TO TABLE XVI.
Thi.s 'I'ahlo is cimiposctl, apart from a few fiidpliiclea of iion-iiiitaliii; aspect,
i-iitiri'ly of sulpluites.
Sphalerite or Zinc liKjiule is the only commonly-occurring sulphich! referred
to in the Table. Tliis mineral presents in many of its varieties a more or less
metallic lustre ; but in others, the light-coloured varieties especially, the lustre
is noM-metallie and usually adamantine, .S);halerite is commonly in lamellar
masses (of easy cleavage parallel to the planes of the rhombic dodecahedron),
or otherwise in crystals of the Regular System, 'i'hese consist chiefly of
tetrahedrons, twinned octahedrons, rhond)ic-dodeeahedrons, and a com-
^i'
^
i
■ir.
iv^^H
f
It
k(
-, ' ; ■ ' ; i
1^
170
IJLOWI'Il'E PKACriOK.
filiation of rlioiii))ic-<loilt'c;ahu(1i'(>ii " ith a hnlf-trapoziilicdroii or iiyrAiniilal
ti-tralii'tli'oii -^— . >SuI)-til)rou8 and uiiilnr (•xainplua aru aIno known, and
Honii! of tlioxc, more eniit'ciitlly, are iMdiiiifcroiiH. (Jertain Hiendcs, likewise,
contain tlialliiini in minute (|nantity ; and in almost all the dark Itlendes small
liroportions of Ke and Mn are present. Many varieties aUo eontaiu traces,
and even workable anioiintH, of j{old and silvtM-. 'I'lu! more common colours
are ilark-lirown and hlaek, with lij,dit-l)rowM streak, and these dark exani[tl('s
are often hlood-red in thin pieces by transmittt^l lij^ht. i^ess common colours
are dark-^reen and yellow : colourless examples are still more rare, and
hitherto have heeii lountl only in New .Jersey. Yellow varieties (especially)
often shew stronj{ J»ho8i>hore8cence when .scratched or abraded in the dark.
All vaiii'ticM ^'ive a /,inc-sid)limate on cliircoal if fused in jxiwder witli sodium
carbonate and borax ; and all emit the oilonr of .-.ulphuretted hydrogen when
warmed in jiowder with hydrochloric acid.
Natural sulphates fall into live moi'e or less well delined groups, 'I'heat!
comprise: ( 1 ) Aidiydrous Trismjitic Sulphates; ("2) (iypsnms ; {'A) Hitter-Salts
anil X'itriols ; (4) Alums ; and (."•) .Ahimstnne;'..
The anhydrous prismatic sulphates are principally rejiresented by .\nglesite,
Marite or Harytine, (\.lestine, .'lud .Vnhydrite. These have the common form-
ula 1!0, ,Si>-*, and a common Khombii: ciystallization, with X : V (the j)! ism-
angle in front) = 100';U)' - 1(»4^S()'), according to the species.
Anglesite (liCad Sulphate) occurs in small crystals, mostly colourless or
greyish, with strong adamantine lustre ; and also in small mamillated and
lamellar exumiiles, ;>' i in earthy masses, white, yellowish, iN:c., arising from
decomposition of gr.lena. The i;rvstals are generally in drusy .aggregations, and
arc very brittle. They are eitlier tabular, from ])redominance of li or \' ;
prismatic, vertically, from predominance of \' ; prismatic, transversely, from
extension of .J, 1' or .} I' ; or pyramidal from preponderance of 1'. It much
resemliles the lead i:irl>ouate cerussito. but is distinguished (when the two are
not intermixed) by blowpipe and acid reactions.
Harytine or Heavy Spar, Harium Sulphate, also kn^wn as Harite, is very
widely distributed, and is es|)ecially abundant as a gaugue or veinstcuu! in lead,
zinc, silver, and other metallic veins. It occurs most commonly in lamell.ir or
fibrous masses, but is also very common in cryitals. Tiie latter are some-
times of comparatively large size, and are almost always sharply-detined and
distinct. They belong to the ( hthorlxunbic System, and present ehietly four
leading type- • (I) tabular, with \' and H, or rectangidar-tabular with i I', 1',
and H, as pmicipal forms, H predominating; ("2) transversely ])rismatic in a
macro-»liagoual direction, with V and \ 1' as chief forms, the latter elongited ;
(3) transversely prismatic in a brachy-diagonal direction, with \ 1' and V as
chief forms, the latter elongate<l ; and (4) pyramidal, fiom about i'((ual pre-
dominance of the common front and side jiolars h P and I'. More common
angles are as follows : V : V lor 40' ; i P : i P over summit 1()'2° 17' ; H : i
P 141° 8' ; P : P over summit 74° 30' ; H : P 1'27' 18'. The cleavage is very
MINKIur. TAHLKS : — XVI.
171
ilistiiii't, p.'irallnl with V ami H.* iWytinu \h ooniiimnly coliMirlesH, wliit<f, <>r
yellow, l)ut aUii fre(jii('iitly grtiy, reddi.sh, hiiiiHli, Hlv,., and in Home staluctitic
and radio-Hphi'rical exanipliM, diicp-lirown or grcyinli-lilack. IU5, it nudtn (l>ut
nH a rule not easily) into a liead which rt-ai^ls alkaliiii' after prolonged ignition,
and it ('i)ninuini<:ate8 to the tlauii'-hordrr the appli'-^'reen tint I'liaracterintii: of
liariiiin uoniponnds. In Hodiiini (^'lrl*ollat(^ ISI>, it is ra|)idly ami entirtdy dis-
solved. In acidn, insoliihle. In the IhniHen llanie, after sutlicient ignilion, it
shi'WM the green hands of tlni hariuin si)ectruin very distiiietly ,
CeleHtine. the strontium Hiilfdiate, ditl'er.s reiiiarkahly from l>aryt!"j in its
geological relatif)n8, occurring vei-y rarely in metallic veins, hut chiefly in
cavities and lissureH in stratilied ealeareotis rocks. TIk; finest crystals occur in
t'onne<;tion with native sulphur in Sicily, 'i'hese are colourless, hut wlien
in lihrous or laincdlar niaHsct cciley.tinc very commonly presents a pah^-hlue
colour, whence its name. It is also wliite, pale-yellowish, Ac, and some red
exaniph^s have lately been found. The (crystals are Kliomhic cond>inations,
and are generally elongateil in the direction of the hrachy-diagonal. .More
common forms comprises II, \', I', and i 1', with angles as follows :* V : \'-ahout
104', hut varying from !():{ :{(!' to 1(14' ;{0' ; I' : 1' over summit 7")° ',•!' ; li : P
IJ7 '"•»' ; .i r : i 1' '»^ -to' ; I' : i I' P-M' '20'. HU fuses, cohmrs the llanie-
liorder crimson, and reacts alkaline. Kntirely dissolverl, Uli, hy sodium car-
'oonate. Fnsoluhlc in acids. In I'unsen (lame, after short ignition, shews very
di.stmctly tile hlue, orange-red, ami group of crimson lines, of th(^ strontium
spcctruHi. 'i'hese lines c<»me out still moi'(! prominently hy crushing the ignited
O! fused ))ead (as obtained in a reducing tlame on charcoal), and moistening the
[lowder with hydrochloric acid.
Anhyiiride, calcium sul]ihatc, is generally in lamellar, granular or columnar
masses of a white colour, though occasionally greyish or bluish, anrl sometimes
lirick-rcd. (!rystals are comparatively rare. 'J'hey consist chiefly of com-
binations of y and V with several brachydonurs or side polars, V predominating
and imparting to the (crystals a rectangular, tabular aspect. Also of com-
binations of V anil I', with brachy diagonal elongation. BB, fuses easily into an
alcaliiie-reacting bead, which imjiarts a comparatively feeble but distini;t red
colour to the (lame border. In sodium carbon.ate, \W, not dissolved. .Slowly
solublt! in hydrochloric acid. In the Bunsen flame (especially if first ignited
and then nu)istened with hydrochl. acidl, it shews the green and red lines of
the calcium spectrum very distinctly.
The (lypsum <iroup consists of hydrated suljihates, with lime, or lime-
magnesia, and alkalies, for base. It is chielly re])resented by (Jypsum and
P.ilyhallite.
liypsum, in analytical fr)rmula, CaO, SO'' -(-'2 HH), is a widely distributed
mineral. It occurs chietiy ia (Jlino-llhombic crystals and in lamellar, laminar,
' li. sliodid tpdolmervfil tliat, uiifi)rtiiii.ilt»ly, crystillo-raplii'is aru not all unreeil in adniitiiig
tlie same iKiaition for Barite erystals. IJy some, the vcrlieal axi.s, at'cordiiin to the )Misitiou
adopted ill the text, is made the marro-dianoiml oi' ri;;ht aiid-left axis, and the foini V lhu»
beeotiies the imcrodonie or front-polar P, and so on .is regards other forms.
f
r ^
il-:''-
\y"
1
:.?:
ri ,
u
■' ,
''Hi
. ; *
■ 1^-
** .
■1
t
. :>-ii'
I'.l .»
» ;';■
I
i^;.
i
!:■
. s
172
BLOWPIPK I'RAC-'TICE.
HhrouR, columnar, and {granular maHses, either colourlcRa, or of '< white, reddiHh,
yeliowiHli or other tint, and tiucasionally lod, brown, black, &c., from ochreoiiH
or oarbonaceouH atlmixtures. Small transparent pieces become immediately
opai|no if ludd at tiiu edge of a candle tiame, and all varieties may be scratched
by the nuil. The crystals are often of considerable si/e. The most common,
perhaps, are ccindiinations of the Vertical prism \' with the Sidc-vertica! or
Clino-pinakoid V, and the llemi-pyramid I*. The latter form occurs nece!>)«ikrily
as a single |)iiir of inclined planes (often curved) at each extremity of the ciyutal.
The V or side planes usually predominate, and thus give a somewhat tluttened
aspect to most crystals. The more common angles comprise: V : \' lll°30',
V:V \'24°\-t', V.V \4:i°:\U', (l'):(l') 1:<S°;VJ', r:V l.SOT>r. Two of these crystals
are freiiuently united in reversed positions, producing arrow-headeil or lance-
headed twins. Transparent examples of Ciy)isum are commonly known as
Selenite. The lustre is partly pearly and partly vitreous, and in most fibrous
examples, satindike. The ignitiundoss (water) is nearly 21 per cent. In the
Hunsen tIame, the red and green lines of the calcium spectruin come out very
prominently, especially if the ignited test-matter be inoiHteiicd with a drop of
hydrochloric acid, (iypsum, although tasteless, and thus for practical puri)oses
regarded as insolubh;, is dissolved in tine powder by about ■liiO parts of watef.
I'olyhallite (see composition in Table) is comparatively unimportant. It
occurs commoidy in sub-librous or columnar masses of a pale reddish (ir
greyish colour. In water it is |>artially dissidved, a residuum of lime sulphate
remaining. \'ery easily fusible. Ignition-loss under ti per cent., but examples
are often ini.ved with clay, gypsum, &c.
The grou|» of Mitter-SalU and N'itriols falls into three sections : a rliondjic
section, with the analytical fonnula I'O, S()'+7 H'ii, represented by |]psomite,
tioslarite, Morenosito ; a dino-rhondiic section, represented by Meianterite,
Hieberite, &c., also with the formula KO, S()^-j-7 H^*' ! "'"I '* triclinic or
anorthic section, with the formula lU), SO'-f-a H'U, represented by Chalcanthite
orUopjMir Vitriol. These couiiiounds in their actual occurrence as minerals,
however, are of comparativi ly little interest, as they occur chielly in solution
or in the condition of itllorescent coatings, &c., rarely in distinct crystalli/.a-
tions. .All (lossess an intensely bitter or metallic taste, and give off sulphurous
acid on strong or prolongt'd ignition. The water, evolved in the bulb tube,
has thus an acid reaction.
The group of Alums, characterized by octahedral crystallization and the
general formula lid, S'. i' f- l!-'(t', SSO' + --lH'U, is represented primarily by
ordinary or potassic alum, and snbordinateiy by soda alum, magnesia alum,
iron alum, Ovc. These compounds in their natural occurrence, present them-
selves merely in elll'irt'sceiit crusts and coatings, and, as minerals, are of no
special interest. All an^ soluble and sapid, and evolve HO- on strong ignition.
The alum of connnerce is essentially a manufactured product, derived chieHy
from decomposing pyritous shales.
The Alumstoncfl are insoluble aluminous sulphates, represented chietly by
Alunite and Aluminite or Websterite. Alunite is a rhombohedral potassic
>;<■
■I-,
MINKKAL TABLES: — VIII.
173
species, occurring eaaontially in coi.iiection with volennic or tracliytio rocks.
IttiilFors from most Rulpliates by its hanlni-ss, wiiiuli, in granular variotius
especially, often exceeds that of tluor spar. It is infusihle, hut iieconiea
ileciiinposeil on strong ignition, and evolves SO'. In the Munsen tianie
(especially if the ignited test-matter he moistened with hydrochloric acid), it
shews the red lino of the K -spectrum very distinctly. See Fakt I.
Alinninite or U'ehsterite is of little importance. It is a simple sulphate of
alumina with 47 per cent, water, mostly in white or yellowish-white eartliy or
nodular masses, whii.h adhere strongly to the tongue and are scratched hy the
tini,'tM-nail. BB, infusilde, hut evolves S*t',
i
IP
i;
J^f f^lM
TAIJI.E XVII.
ll.tiHtii' iKHi-nu-tiillii-. Ivi-tily noIiiIiIi-, IMl, in Imrax nr |<liiiH|ili()r-»iilt. Nitrx
lioiil Hiiliitioii (on warinin^l yu'ldin^ yulluw |irt:i:i|iitiit(' with ikiiiiii. iiKilylxlatc. ]
A. Fluo-Phosphates Chloro-Phosphates. Oiving. in powder, with
sulphuric acid in glass tube, strong fluorine-recaction ; or with
phosphor-salt and copper oxide, BB, an azure flame-coloration.
A'.-YIEI,I»IN(» MKTAIJ.IC 1-KAI>, llll, WITH SOlHI M CAUIMtNATK ON CHARCOAI.
Pvhomoki'HITK: .•'•Pl)(>. F'O'' 89-7, PliC'l' lOii, l-iit part of tin* PM>
HoiiK-tiiiii's leplaof'tl Ity (JiiO, part <»t' the P'-U''. hy Ah-()'' iiiul purt of
tli(« Pl'Cr- l)y CiiKl-. H.'x. ; II :iii4 ; <} ilO-lii; jjmMi of various
slimU's, lii,'lit or dark l)rowii, asli-i,'rt'y, rarely yellow or colourless.
1>13, melts into a l»eail wliieli eiystallizes witli hroail surface-facets on
cooling. See Note at close of present Talile.
X'. INKrsi»l-K, OK Kl slltl.K oN KXTUK.MK KIMiKS ONM.Y.
Apatitk: var. 1. Fluoi-A/xifite : 'CaO, P'-'C)' T2-27. CaFl- 7-7:{
var. -2, '•/ilor-A/xilih-: '(!a(), P'-'O'' 8!J-.'U, CaCA- 10(W1. liul in var
I. a s'inall auioiiiib (iiHually O'JO-OCtO per cent.) of ('aCl- is comniunly
present ; whilst in var. -, the l!a(Jr-'is alnidst always lari,'ely replaceil
1)V CaFI", the latter usually avtMaginj^ \ or nciarly f) per cent, of the
tuitiro components of the apatite. Crystal SysttMu He.x. ; IC ."id
G 2'\)-'-i''^ ; ;j;reen of various shade.s, greenisli-white, light-red reddish
or ciiocolate brown, sometimes colourle.ss. I>l>, practically infusible,
or round«Ml only on the thinntwt edyes. Phosphorite, Francolite.
Osteolite, 'l'alc-ii]tatit(% Kupychroite, are miM'cly varieties (in some
cases more or less decomposed) of apatite proper. In the;-e, as weli
as in many unHlt(;red crystaLs, Ac, intermi.Ked carbonate of lime is
often jtresent. See Note at end of present 'I'able.
Waonkiutk : 3 MgO, P-(K' 81, MgFl- 19. Clino-Rh. ; H 5-5-5 :
G 3 0-.'}15; yellow, yellowish-white. BH, fusible on thin edges only.
Very rare. The Norwegian Kjerultin is closely related, if not an
altered variety.
A».-VKKY KASILV FUSIIM.K.
{Stromj Mn reaction with xoiliiim carbonate),
Tkiplite : (FeC, MnO) P'^0^ RFl-. Clino-Rh. ?; H 5-5.5 ; G
y-6-3'9 ; dark-brown ; streak yellowish-grey. Occurs only in cleavable
174
:'W;i
MINKKAI, TAULKS ; -XVII.
175
• I
miiHsoH of vitioo-reHiiioiiH lustn-. K.isily t'liHildr' into a dark yloliiilf.
With Hodiiiiii cai'lttniiite stioni; nmii^'ancsc-roactioii. Zwicn^'lirt' jh
iloHfly relalfd, l)iit \h a|»|iairiitly ll'soinl ii- in orystallizatiiMi. Sen*
Noll- to prt'scnt Talilt'.
{/Inl j(iiiiifi'i)litrii/i(iii, (till/ ili/sliiiii l.'i-liitr ill Hftei'lrnxi'ii}!'-].
AM»hY(iONiTK ; A 1 •'()', P'''()', ([,iNa) Kl. Aiiortliic, hut cliicfly in
t»'|(|H|Mir-likH niuHHOH, l£ (1 ; (} 3 0-."ll2 ; wliit»>, gn'«'ni«li-wliit»', ^^rcyiHli,
or liluisii-<{i'(>i>n. Kasily tnHil)l*> into a Nvliiti; o|)U(|ii«! Ixmil, with I'(m1
(■oloi-iitiun of tlut tluuK'. With i-olialt-sohition, ut'ttM' i'^nition, assnincs
^i line' l)hi<'-f()h)ur. ICkhkonitk (Montclniisilc) is olosfly allicii, Init
yields watur on if,'nition. Prrhaps .in aitnicd aiubly;;onit<' (
*,• Tlio inipirftctly known KKUiiKiiiiE or Ai.i ooumtk (|{li., with imemlo-
liiXii>,'oii(d aHiH>ct ; yellowiHli-whitu ; Ho; (1 '-'-K-.'i), and hoiiio viirietiiH of
WAvKi.tJiK (iiio.stly in ^TfciiiHli-white or j;riifi» riiili.'itL-il lilinuM cxaiiipli'M, Sen
iiiiilcr ( ', liclow), ivrt' hIho thioriiio-coiit .'lining i>hospliatt'H. 'I'lifHo ii.H.sunie a linu
lihio colour after ignition, in prjwdt-r, witli nitric of cohalt. Kakoxrnr, in
yi'llow silky tutts {xv undtT (M, liulow), shews also, in most exanipliH, a sliglit
tliiorini'-riaction. MH, a magnetic sla^'.
E No Fluorine or chlorine reaction. No water evolved by ignition
in bulb-tube.
H'. IHSTINCTLV KISIIII.K.
Fiixiull-ij'iiliiilv, MiKini lir,
Tkiphyunk: Li-0, Na'O, K'^o, MiiO. Fei\ P-()\ Oitiiorhonilnc,
hut, occin'ring only in cleavabh; ujasscs of a ;,'r('yish-L,M'<'('n, li;,dit groy,
or gi'oy-hlne colour. H 4-0 ; O 3'r)-.'{'6. Ctdours tin- liaini! distinctly
r»'d, if moistonod with hydrochlorio acid, or fused with chlorido of
luiriuni, and slanvs the rod lii iiiu* in s|K'ctr()sc()|u'.* Soo Note.
Fusion ■<j/iiltuli- Hill iiiniiwlic,
Dkryllonitk : Na-'O, I'x'O, P'-'O'. Orthorlioinhic, with porftn^t
cleavage in one direction, less iierfect in others. Colourless; 11 =
5'5-6 ; ii = 2 85. Fusihh', with ytdluw coloration of the flame.
rj«.- INKIISIULK, OK KISIIILK ON KXTHKMK VAHiKH ONLY.
Xenotime: YO 62-13, P-0^ 3787, l)nt with part of the YO
always replaced l>y CeO. Tetr. ; H 4') ; (} 4-4r).4 6 ; yellowish-
"Somi! exnni|>Ics of Tripliyline shew thU erimHoii lino very ilintiiuitly %,er »e, but in general
it isimly olitaiiied by imiiMtiaiing tlie iiiini'r.il with hydrcKililorii: in'iil, nr mixing it in jpowder
witli ililoride of barium. Tlio hitter reiigent answens perfectly, and lias tlie advantage of being
conveniently carried in the blowpipe case.
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET {MT-3)
1.0
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Photographic
Sciences
Corporation
23 Vv£ST MAIN STREET
WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580
(716) 873-4503
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176
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
■rf-B ^
-:S'm^
-mi
brown, red-brown, ]»ale-red. Scarcely attacked by boiling acid ; hut
on dilution with water, sufficient is dissolved to give a yellow
coloration to a fragment of am. n. molybdate dropped into the solution
and gently warmed.
Crvptolite : CeO, LnO, DiO, P-0\ Pale-yellow or reildish ; fl
4*6 ; in minute acicular crystals in certain Apatites. Phospiiockiutk.
in very jninute, appai'ently Tetragonal, crystals in certain Swedisii
examples of cobaltine, is identical in composition. G 4'78 ; pale
yreenish-vellow.
MoNAZiTK : CeO, LnO, TliO, P-'Ol Clino-Rli. ; H 5-5-5 ; G
4*9-5 '3 ; leddish-brown, yellowish-red, pale-red. Many examples
give traces of tin by the reducing proce.ss. Ericmije (Monazitoid)
and TuuNKSiTE are varieties. Jn some of these a small percentage of
Tantalic acid is present.
C— Hydrous Phosphates. Water evolved on ignition in bulb-tube.
t- -.1' ■ ■'■, .4' 1
I- \''<'m-
; .i'-;r-.;';i ■
li! .M'
ijf
^ ill
i.
C— MAGNETIC AFTER Fl'SION OR IGNITION, OR GIVING STRONG REACTION OF
.MANOANE.se WITH SOUIU'I CARBONATE.
(This section includes a series of iron or man^'anese-phospha^ss, in most of
which the composition is very uncertain, owing to changes in die oxidation of
the hase, or loss or gain of water. Many of these phosphates can scarcely
rank .as definite species. In the present Tahle they are arranged after the
average percentage of water which they contain. Where the iron is in the
condition of protoxide, the ignition-loss will necessarily be slightly lower
(about 1 per cent.) than the actual percentage of water present in the mineral.
In some cases the fusion-bead is very feebly magnetic unless the fusion be
prolonged).
Kakoxene : F-'O'' 47, P-O' 21, H-0 22. In delicate tufts and
tiV)ro-mammiliated exam[)les of a yellow colour with silky lustre. G
3 "3. BB, a dark metallic slag.
Vivian ITE : FeO (rapidly changing into F(rO-), P'-'O", H'-O 28 i)er
cent. Clino-Rh., but commonly in bladed and fibrous examples of a
greenisli-blue or deep indigo-blue colour ; rarely coloui'le.ss, and then
containing FeO only ; H 2 ; G 2'6-2-7. Flexible in thin piece,s.
BB becomes i*ed, and fuses into a magnetic globule. Ludlamite,
from Cornwall, is closely related, but has less water (17 per cent.).
See Note at end of Table.
Strengite: FW, P'-O'', H-'O 19-20 per cent.; Ortliorhombic, in
small, mostly tabular crystals, and in radio-fibrous, mammillated
MINERAL TADI.ES
-XVII,
177
examples of a hluisli-red or pink colour, rarely colourless ; H 3-4 ;
(t 2-9. BB, easily fusible into a dark, shining glol)ule, which
hecenies magnetic iu the iunei- tlanie.
Childrenite: MnO 10, Fe-'(T 29, Al-V' U. P-'O' 29, H'O 18.
Rh., crystals mostly in drnsy aggregations; H 4o o ; Q 3-2. .'{•3.
Yellowish-white, yellow, blackish-brown. BB. intumesces, and forms
a dark magnetic slag or semi-fused mas;. Phosphorite is a related
manganese phosphat.*.
Berausitk : Fe-0', P-O'', H-'O 16o ])er cent. In radiated and
leafy examples of a red or red-brown colour and yellow streak ;
H 2 ; G 2-9-3 ; BB, fusible, magnetic.
Huueaulite: MnO 41, FeO 8, P'O' 39, H'O 12. Clino-Rh.,
mostly tabular ; also coarse-tibrous, SiC. H 3-r) ; G 3'2 ; yellowish-
rrtd, red-brown, more rarely violet or reddish-whita. BB, easily
fusiljle into a dark, feeblv-magnetic globule.
DuFRENiTE (Grunelsenstein. Kraurite) : Fe'-O"', P-O'', H-'O lOo ])er
cent. ]\rostly in dark-green or brown radio-botryoidal exami)les on
red or brown iron-ore. H 3-5, G j'3. Delvauxite is closely related.
Hetekosite ; FeO (changing into Fe-'O-'}, MnO (changing into
:\InO-'), P-'0\ H-'O 4-t per cent. Massive ; H 4o-r) ; G 3-4-3-5 ;
greenish or bhiish-grey, violet, brown. BB, fusible, magnetii).
mc, IP
illated
C^.-WITH BORAX, IW, A GLASS COLOURED BY COPPER OR URANIUM OXIDE,
STREAK LIGHT-GREEN OR YELLOW.
t Watftr-pf.rcentat/e 14-19.
Li.me-Uranite (AuTUNiTE): CaO G-10, U-'O^ 6275, P-0^ irr47,
H-0 lo'GS, but sometimes, and normally, nearly 19 per cent, of
water present. Tet., or Rii., with marked tetragonal aspect, mostly
tabular from predominance of basal plane, ami thus passing into
foliated examples. Yellow, greenish-yellow ; H 1-2 ; G 3-3'2 ;
BB intumesces slightly, and fuses into a dark bead with crystalline
surface. In nitric acid forms a yellow solution. Uranosphcerite
is a related uranium phosphate, but with baryta in place of lime.
Yellowish-green ; G 3 5. See Note at end of Table.
Copper-Uranite (Chalkolite. Torbernite) : CuO 843, U'-'O^
f)M9, P'-'O^ 10-08, H-'O 16-30. Tet., mostly tabular, passing into
foliated micaceous examples. Emerald-green, paler in the streak,
18
' ■';'■! \ ((
( liH'',i ' :'■■
78
BLOWIMPK IMIACTICK.
with iiietiillic peiirly liistiv ; H '2-2') ; G ."J-o-S'O. BB, fusiljle ami
reiliiciWli' to luotallic copper. Forms in nitric acid a yellowisii-greeu
soiiition. See Notn.
(.'HALKOSiDKiUTK ; CuO 815), Fe-'0\ Al-()\ P-'O'', H-0 in p;.,-
cent. In tsniall, light-green, anorthic cryst;'.ls. G 31.
t t Water-] mrcentage 8-11.
Taoiute: CuO CAS'y. P-'O" 27-64, H'-'O 10-51. Clino-llh. I but
mostly fibrous, iiiMuimiUated, itc. ; emerahl-green ; H 3; G 4-4-1.
BB, fusible and red icible*
Eh LITE : CuO 07, P-O'^ 24, H-0 9. Rh. ? but mostly in foliated
and bhided examples, with pearly lustre on cleavage surface : H 15-2;
G 3-9-4-3. Decrepitates in bulb-tube. On charcoal Veduced.
PiiosPHOHCHALciTK ( = Lunuite, V. -Kobell) : CuO 7'^>-88, P'^'O''
21-10, H'-'O 802. Clino-Rh., but mostly fibrous, mammlHated, Ac. -^
green, bhickish-yreen ; H 4-5-5; G 4-1-4-3; decrepitates and blackens
on igniton ; fuses to a dark bead with crystallized surface ; on char-
coal, leduced.* DiuYDiiiTE is closely related, but consists of CuO
69. P-O- 24-7, 11-0 6-3. See Note at end of Table.
t t t Water-percentage under 4.
Libethknite: CuO 66-5, P'-'O'' 29-7, H'O 3-8. Rh., crystals very
small ; dark-gi-een, blackish-green ; H 4 ; G 3-6-3"9, Decre})itates
ana blackens in bulb-tube. In f( rceps, melts to a dark bead with
crystallized surface. On charcoal, forms a black globule surrounding
reduced coi)per. See Note.
,j*. Some examples of Wavellite, Peganite, Fischerite, and Turquoise (see
under C, below), contain a small amount of CuO, and thus give a copper-
reaction with boiax.
C3.— IN POWDER, COLOl'RKD BRIOHT-BLUE BY IGNITION WITH
COBAI.T-SULLTION.
t Water-percentage 20-40.
Wavellite : Al-'O^ 38-10, P-'O;^ 35-16, H-'O 26-47, but traces of
Fluorine often present. Rh. (crystals mostly small and indistinct),
commonly in botryoidal radiated-fibrous examples of a pale green,
*Thc reduced copper-globule is surrounded by a black coating of unreduced pliosphato.
With sodium carbonate, perfect reduction ensues.
MINERAL TABLES
-XVII.
179
greenish-wliito, or yeilowish-wliite colour ; H .'J5-4; G 2"3-2-5. BB,
swells up, sepanites into fibres and becomes o|)a(iue-wliite, but does
not fuse. See Note at end of Table.
FiscHKRiTE — Peganite — Variscite : Hydrated aluminous phos-
I)hates clo.sely related to Wavellite. Rhombic in crystallization, but
commonly in railiated fibrous examples of a green or white colour.
H S-i) ; G about 2-5. BB, like Wavellite. Planerite, Striegisan,
Richmondite, Evansite and Zej)harovichite are i)robably altered
exani[)les. These minerals can only be distinguished by accurate
chemical analysis Many give a slight copper-reaction. The per-
centage of water is as follows : Variscite 2.*^, Peganite 24, Wavellite
26*5, Zepharovichite 27, Fischerite 29, Richmondite, 35, Evansite
40-42.
Calaite or Turquoise : AlW 47, P-'O^^ 325, H'O 20-5. In light-
blue and bluish-green amorphous masses ; H 6 ; G 2'6-2'8. BB,
decrepitates, and often blackens, but remains unfused. Many
examples shew traces of coppei*. See note at end of Table.
t t Water-percentage under 13.
Lazulite: MgO, FeO, AIW, P'^O'', WO (5-7 per cent.). Clino-
Rh. (but scarcely differing from Orthorhond)ic in aspect and measure-
ments). Blue, bluish-white ; H 5-6 ; G 3-3-2. BB, exfoliates and
crumbles, but does not fuse.
Berlinite — Trolleite — AuGELiTE : Hydrated aluminous phos-
phates of a blue or greenish-blue colour. Water percentage : 4, 6,
and 12 5 respectively. Obscurely known or doubtful species.
C<.— IN POWDER, COLOURED PALE-RED, GREEN, OR DARKGREV BY IGNITION,
WITH COHALT-SOLUTION.
t With Co-aolution, pale-red.
Lunebergite: MgO, P-0\ B'-'O^ IPO (30-23 per cent). In
white, fibrous and earthy masses. H 1-1-5; G 2-05. Easily fusible
with green coloration of the flame-border. With sulphuric acid and
alcohol, gives the green flame characteristic of B-0\
Struvite : a hydrous phosphate of ammonia and magnesia. Rh.,
(hemimorphic). Colourless, yellowish, pale-brown; H 1-5-2; G
1-6-1-8. In peat-bogs, guano-deposits, «fec. Evolves ammoniacal.
fumes on ignition.
180
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
■ * ■ s . ■■ ■ '
'. ■ ♦;■,■-
; • v'A] '-
if P^
t t With C osdution lightyreen.
(BB, on churf.oal loith sodium carhomiti', a -Anc suhlinmtt).
Hopeite: ZnO, P-'O^ H-0 ? Rh. ; greyish-white; H 2-r)-3 ; (i
2-7-2-8. BB, fusible into u white beutl, Some examples shew
presence of caclniiuni.
t t t With Co-sohdion, (Inrk-f/rei/.
Bkushite : CrtO 32-6, P-'O^ 41 -3, H-0 26-1. Clino-Rli. ; colourless,
yellowish; H 1'5; G 2-2. Metiibrushite and Isoclase ai-e rdateil
products. In all, the presence of CaO is readily determined by the
spectroscope.
Chukciute : CaO, CeO, DiO, P-'O^ H-'O (15 per cent.). Clino-
Rb. (!) radiated. Greyish-white, pale-red; H 25-3; G 31. luiper-
fectlv known.
NUTE TO TABLE XVII.
This Table is represented by Phosphates, or by Phosphates combined with
Fluorides or Chlorides. Its more important species may be referred broadly
to the following groups : (1) Apatites ; (2) Trij^lites ; (8) Alumina Phosphates ;
(+) Iron and Copper Phosphates ; (5) Uranium Phosphates.
The Apatite group is characterized by its Hexagonal crystallization, and by
the common formula 3 (3 RO, P''0'*)+U (Fl, Cl)2. It is represented l)y
Apatite and Pyromorphite, and also by the related arseniate and vanadiate,
Mimetesite and V^anadinite, described, in a technical work of this kind,
under other Tables. Apatite, often known commercially as " Pliosphate,''
is largely employed in tlie manufacture of Suijerphosphate of lime, so exten-
sively used as a fertilizer. It commonly presents itself in cleavable masses or
hexagonal prisms of a light or deep green colour, but is frequently chocolate-
brown, red, or almost colourless. Green and reddish tints are often inter-
mingled. The edges of the crystals are frequently rounded. The more
common crystals are simple six-sided prisms with large basal plane, or these
with a slight pyranndal replacement on the basal edges ; but Canadian crystals
(when unbroken) shew complete pyranndal terminations, with occasionally a
basal plane. As regards composition, Apatite includes two leading varieties :
fluoride of calcium being present iiL one, and chloride and fluoride in the other.
Both are readily dissolved, in powder, by nitric acid, and the diluted solution
yields a yellow precipitate with amm. molybdate, especially on being warmed.
Very carefully neutralized by ammonia, it gives also a yellow precipitate with
nitrate of silver. Heated with a few drops of suljihuric acid, both varieties,
as a rule, give a marked fluorine-reaction, the evolved fumes exerting a strongly
Ml
MINKRAL TAHLES : — XVH.
IHl
corrosive action on glass. Before the blowpipe, Apatite is infusihle, or is
rouiulr,;! only on the thinnest edges. The powder moistened with sulphuric
acid tinges the tiame border pale green, thus shewing the presence of phosphoric
acid ; and in the spectroscope the green and red Ca-lines are readily produced,
but this latter reaction is best obtained by moistening the powder with hydro-
chloric acid,
Pyromorphite is essentially a chloro-phosphate of lead. It is commonly iu
yroupa of small crystals of a dark or light green, brown, or grey colour. The
so-called yellow varieties are mostly Mimetesite, or mixtures, at least, of
phosphate and arseniate. The crystals are cbietiy simple si.x-sided prinnis,
frequently barrel-shaped by curvature. The name Pyromorphite refers to the
peculiar blowpipe reaction presented by the mineral. Per .se (if free from
arseniate), it is not reduced, but melts easily into a light-yellowish or greyish
bead which crystallizes over the surface on cooling. Pyromorphite is easily
soluble in nitric acid.
The group of Triplites is principally represented by Triplite, Triphyline,
and Amblygouite, practically anhydrous phosphates or Huo-phosphivtes of easy
fusibility. Triplite is mostly in dark-brown cleavaole masses, giving marked
reactions of m.anganese and fluorine. Triphyline is also iu cleavable masses,
but of a light colour, essentially pearl-grey, greyish-blue, or greyish-green.
It gives no marked fluorine reaction, but if moistened with hydrochloric acid,
or mixed in powder with chloride of barium, it shews in the spectroscope the
crimson Li-line very prominently. Amblygonite gives both Fl and Li reactions.
It occurs chiefly in white or greenish masses of feldspathic aspect and hardness.
The group of hydrated alumina-phosphates is chiefly represented by Wavellite
and Kalaite, the latter more generally known as the Turquoise. Wavellite
occurs rarely in distinct crystals, but is generally in botryoidal and radiated-
iibrous examples of a green or greenish-white colour, and is found more
especially in argillaceous slates. It is soluble in acids, and also in a strong
solution of caustic potash. Before the blowpipe, it exfoliates, becomes opaque
white, and tinges the Hame pa'c-green, but does not fuse. Most specimens
give with sulphuric acid a slight fluorine-reaction. When pure, the water-
percentage = 2Ci. Kalaite or Turquoise occurs chiefly in small nodular or
flattened masses of a bright blue, bluish-white, or bluish-green colour.
These scratch glass slightly ; but many so-called turquoises are merely pieces
of fossil bone coloured by copper oxide. In these, the hardness rarely exceeds
3 ; and they give off in most cases a marked ammoniacal odour on ignition.
In the true turquoise the water percentage = 20^.
Vivianite, Phosphorchalcite, and Libethenite are the chief representatives
of the group of Iron and Copper Phosphates, characterized by their peculiar
blue and green colours. Many of these are isomorphous with arseniates of
corresponding formulie. Vivianite, normally, is colourless, but the Fe(t, pre-
sent in it, Ijecomes rapidly converted into I'e'-U^, and the mineral assumes a
blue or bluish-green colour, with pale blue or greenish streak. It is commonly
in flat-iibrous or bladed masses. It reddens on ignition, and melts into a dark-
grey magnetic bead. Easily soluble in acids. Blackened in a hot solution of
M -r
:.
ll
r-; jrli
if!
182
BLOWPIPE' PKACTICK.
m
1 *^ ;'■■■*
;.ir;',
caustic potash. Water percentage = 28. I'hosphorchaleite occurs commonly
in groupH of small clino-rhoinbiu crystals and in tihrous examples of a Mackish-
green or emerald-green colour, paler in the streak. It blackens in the bulh-
tube, and evolves about 8 per cent, water. Bef{,re the blowpipe it commonly
decrepitates, and tlien melts into a black globule containing in its centre
reduced copper. If the dark globule be fused with a small cutting of metallic
lead it crystalli/es on cooling. Libethenite closely resembles it in general
characters and in its blowpipe reactions, but is rhombic in crystallization, and
yields only 377 per c^nt. water. Its colour also, as a rule, is much less bright.
It is isomorphous with the arseniate Olivenite.
The group of Uranium Phosphates includes only the Autunite or Lime-
Uranite, and the Chalkolite (Torbernite) or Copper- Urauite. The lime-uranite
is distiuguisiied by its pale yellow or yellowish-green tint, and the copper-
uranite by its splendid emerald-green colour. Both occur commonly in small
lamellar or micaceous examples, and in groups of small tal)ular crystals.
These latter are rhombic in the lime-uranite (but with strongly tetragonal
aspect), and tetragonal in copper-uranite. Both species fuse more or less
easily, and the latter gives reduced copper. Both species dissolve readily in
nitric acid, and are decomposed by caustic potash with abstraction of their
phosphoric acid. Water percentage 15-16.
TABLE XVIII.
[Lustre non-inutallic. Ka^iily diasolvetl BH by honix or pliosphor-siilt. (ireen
coloration of Hanie by treatment with sulphuric acid and alcohol.]
A.- Anhydrous Species. No water evolved (or merely traces) by
ignition in bulb-tube.
Boracite: MgO 27, B-'O' G2-5, MgCI- 10-5. R»-g. (See Note at eml
of Table) ; H 7 ; G 2'9-3 ; colourle.sH, palo greenish, reiLli.sli, ikc. ;
streak white. Mostly in small ciystals iniheilded in aiihydrit(! or
gypsum. BB fusible with intumescence, tinging the tlanie green.
With Cu<) and phosphor-salt, gives clilorine-reaction. i^Iowly dis-
solved by hydrochloric acid. Rhodizitk (in sin.ill crystals on some
Siberian tourmalines) is regarded as a lime boracite. H 8 : G ."V."}.
LuDWiGiTE : jNlgO, FeO, Fe-'O', B'-'O'. In fibrous or prismatic
masses of a dark-green or greenish-indigo colour ; H 5 ; G 4 ; BB,
fusible slowly into a dark magnetic bead. Tiic only e.xamples
hitherto recognized occur with maifuetic iron ore in the Bannat.
B.— Hydrous Species, yielding water on ignition.
H' -DISTINCTLY SOIXHLE AND SAPID.
Hassoline (Boracic Acid) : B-'O' ^)C)^^~}, H-'O 43-55. Clino-Uh. or
Anorthic (i), bu*^ essentially in small pearly-white scales and tabular
examples sometimes stained by ferruginous matter. H 1 ; G I '4-1 '5 ;
bitter-acid in taste ; soapy to the touch. BB tinges the tlame green,
and melts with intumescence into a haid clear glass.
Larderellite ^Hydrated Borate of Ammonia) : In small rhombic
or rectangular plates and scales of a white colour. Scarcely soluble,
except in hot water, and thus almost tasteless. Se<? below, under B'-'.
Borax or Tinkal : Na-0 IG'2, B'-O" 367, H-0 47-1. CMino-Rh.;
H l-5-2r); G 1-7-18; colourless, or stained brown, yellowish, itc,
by impurities. Taste, slightly alcaline. BB, intumesces and melts
easily, but (as regards natural or crude varieties) the glass is dark or
more or less coloured. Moistened with sulphuric acid, or with
glycerine, it tinges the flame green. See Note to this Table.
183
.'■'It
..I
/I'
' in '
■ ;••■■;)
■ f
|i [I
1H4 HLOWI'II'K I'KACTICK.
B>. -PRACTICALLY IN.SOM'III.E ANI» WITIlolT TASTE, oH f»KC(»Ml'()SKI) liY
HOIMMJ WATKH ONLY.
t -iVo marked Mn or Fe reaction,
Stassfurtite (Massive and slightly altortnl Bokacite?): Iu fine-
gritnuliir or tiVjrous masses of a white or yeliowisli-white colour,
Yields O'O-l i)er cent, watci on i<,'iiition ; composition otherwisf as
in Horacite. H 4-5-5 ; G 2-9-;J0. Jleadily fiisil.le.
Hzailbelvite: MgO, B'-'O", H'-'O (7-12-5 per cent.). In Hniall
globular nuLSses of radiated Hlu'ous structure and white colour ; H
3-5; G 2-7. Easily fusible.
HYDKonoKACiTE : CaO, MgO, B'-'O', H-'O (2G per cent.). In
crystalline, radiated-Hl)rous or leafy masses of a whito or pale reddish
tint. H 2; G rO-2. Very easily fusiljle. Sliew.s red and green
Ca-line in spectro.scope if moistened with hydrochloric aci<l.
BoKOCALCiTE : CaO, B-'(3'', H-'O (35-r) per cent.). ClinoRli. (
Mostly in snow-whit«! acioular crystals and incrustations. Very
easily fusible. Bechilite is closely related, but yields less water
(25*75 per cent.). Both shew C'a-lines in spectroscopy when
moistened with hydrochloric acid. Priceite, a milk-white borate df
lime, 20'3 per cent, water, and Colmanite, in white cle;ivable masse.s,
are probably identical, the amount of water in these earthy borates
being very inconstant.
Ulexite (Boronatkocalcite) : Na'O 6-8n, OaQ 1221, BW 45-6<>
H'^0 3r)-33. In white, mumniillated and fibrous masse.s. G i "t^.
Fusible with yellow coloration of the flame. Decomposeil, in powdei-,
by boiling water. Tinkalzite and CryptomorI'HITe are closely
related substances.
Larderellite: Ammonia 12-7, B'W 680, H'-'O 187. In white
shining scale.s or small ci-ystalline plates resemiiling Sas.soiine. Solu-
ble in hot water. Yielding ammoniacal fumes on ignition. Fusible
with strong intumescence.
t t BB, marked reaction of Iron or Manganese.
Sussexite : MnO, MgO, B^O-', H-0 (9 per cent.). In white, or
pale-reddish, silky-fibrous ma,sses. H 2r)-3 ; G 3-42. Very easily
fusible, with green flame-coloration.
t I'!li-.
MINKRAL TAHLKS ; — XVIII.
IPf)
Laconitk : F-( )', B'-'O'', H'-'O (1273 per cent.). In yt-llow, odircous
iniisHes from the horacic-iicitl liiyoons of Tuscany.
NOTK TO TAMLK Will.
This 'I'lilile, npfvrt from I'Draoic Aciil, is (!()ini)().st'(l rxcliiaivclj of I'.oratoH,
(liRtin^'uiHlieil reailily from other c()iii|)oiiii(l.s liy the jit'imliar yellowish -^'rt'eii
coloration which thuy impart (when molHtenctl with sulphuric acid) to the
Hame of alcohol. Mjiiiy of these minerals are still imperfectly known, and are
apparently of somewhat inconstant composition, more especially as regards the
hyilrous .species. Horacite and Tinkal (crude Borax) are the principal repre-
sentatives of the Table.
Horacite [2 MgO, B^O'') -f- '^'g •"'M occurs essentially in small hemihedrally-
moditied crystals of the Regular System, remarkahlu for their high degree of
hardness, which e(pials that of ordinary ((uartz. Hence they scratch glass
very distinctly, 'i'liey are generally colourless, but sometimes present a pale
grey, greenish or yellowish tint, and are always associated with anhydrite,
gypsum, or rock salt. The most simple consist of the cube truncated on the
alternate angles, and thus presenting a combination of cube and tetrahedron.
Very commonly the cube-edges are also truncateil l)y the planes of the rhombic
dodecahedron ; and the latter form predominates in some crystals. As in most
other hemihedrally-moditied minerals, Horacite is ])yro-elcctric. When fused
with just sufficient soilium carbonate to dissolve it, the resulting clear glass, as
first shewn by Berzelius, crystallises with broad facets on cooling. The sub-
stance known (from its locality) as Stasst'urtite apj)ears to possess essentially
the same composition, except that it yields a small amount of water on ignition.
This substance is thus commonly regarded as massive Horacite, but its hardness
is comparatively low, usually under 5. It occurs mostly in granular or sub-
iibrous masses of a chalky-white colour. Tinkal or crude Borax (Xa'^'O, 2 B'l)''
-|- 10 H'';)) is a product of certain salt lakes, <anil is mostly in the form of small
granular masses or clinorhombic crystals of a greyish or brownish-white colour.
Moistened with sulphuric acid, or simply with glycerine, it imparts a distinct
green coloration ';o the flame. Per w, it colours the Hame intensely yellow, and
melts with grea intumescence into a more or less clear bead. In the bulb-tube
it evolves 47'2 per cent, water. The ordinary Borax crystals have a remark-
able resemblance, even in their angle values, to tlu>se of Augite.
(■■■:,•]
. • ir,- j ■ ■
,;;!-' ■
ill''
I' '« i 'i'"^ '
Vms
>,
, ! ■ ;■ ■:■'■;; • '
' Jill'',-''! ,,
: rmm-
TABLE XIX.
(LuHtro iKmiiietallic. Kii'^ily (lissulvod, lili, hy Ijoimx or plioHphor-milt. (liviii;,'
with the latter ruaneiit ami CiiO an iiiluimely a/ure-hlue or gn-en tlainu
(CI., Hr., or I reautioii)].
A. -Soluble Id Water. Sapid.
Ai._N(l WATKH (OH MkUKLY TRACKS) IN HUI-HTl'IIE.
t EiUirehf dissolveil lili by sodium carbonate.
Rock Salt (Halite) : Sodium 39 :U, Cliloriu« 00-t39. H.'j,'., wiili
ciibiciil clcavaj^e ; H 2; G 2*l-'2""2 ; colourh'.ss, white, ;^rey, greenish,
red, violet, itc. ; streak white ; taste, strongly saline, sometimes
Ijitterisli from presence of chloride of magnesium and otlier im-
purities. BB, generally decrepitates, colours the flame strongly
yellow, melts, and in prolonged heat sublimes. See Note at end of
Table.
Sylvink : K 52-35, CI 47"6r), but gcmerally contains NaCl. lleg. ;
H 2; G l'9-2: colourless, greyish, reddish, ifcc. ; taste, like that of
rock salt. BB, easily fusible, colouring the flame violet if pure. In
the spectroscope, even if impute from NaCI, itc, it shews the red K-
line very distinctly.
Sal Ammomac (Chloride of Ammoniiun); Reg., but commonly in
crusts and earthy coatings; H l'0-2; G I'S-TG ; white, brownish,
yellowish. Taste, pungent, saline. Entirely volatilizable without
fusion. Ignited with caustic potash, gives off ammoniacal fumes.
+ t J^^ with sodium carbonate onlij partially attacked, an undissolved
mass remaining.
CiiLOiiocALCiTE (Chloride of Calcium). In white crusts on some
Vesuvian lavas, often associated with thin scales and crystals of Iron
Glance. Shews red and green Ca-liues in spectroscope vcy distinctly.
A'.— HYDROUS SPECIES.
TACHHYDRnE: CaCP 21, MgCF 37, H'^O 42. In rounded cleav-
able masses of x yellow colour associated with Carnallite, Anhydrite,
«kc. Very deliquescent. Easily fusible. Ca-lines in spectroscope.
186
•Iff'
MINKKAt- TAHLKH; — XIX.
\*i'i
<iiv ins-
til llaiiiu
Caunalmtk KCl 20 8, Mg CI- 34 2, HH) 39. Ortliorhoinbic, with
])H(Mi(l()li('Xii<^oiial tiHpuct, hut coiiiiiioiily in tiiiu gi-aiinhir cxaiiiples ot' u
white c()h)iu', or Hoiiietiiims itid from iiitcriMixed F»;-'()' or scaleH of Iron
<}hinn'. ])('li<jiu.'Hi;fi t. Kasily fiisihlc. Shtnvs n-d Klino in Hpcctro-
scope, togetiier witii Na-liiKs, part of the KCl heiiig geneially rei»hiced
by NaCI. Found ensoutially in salt deposits. Some examplu.s ure
said to contain traces of Thallium, also Ciesium and Kul)idium.
Kkkmkhsitk : Am, K, Fe, CI, II-'O. In small octahedrons, of a
red colour, on some Vesuvian lavas. Kasily solul)l(;. Deliipiesoent.
B.— Yielding reduced metal, BB, with sodium carbonate on charcoal.
t /UJ a silver tjlobu/e.
IvKKAiUiYKiTio (Horn Silver Ore) : Ag 7.")-3, CI 247. Keg., but
commonly in granular mas-ses and coatings of a grey, greenish, or
violet-brown colour, and waxy aspect. II 1-1 -f); G S-G ; very sectile.
I3B melts with bubbling, and on charcoal is easilv reduced.
Brcmauoykitk : Ag 07-4, Br 426. Yellow, yellowish-green. Sec-
tile, and otherwise like Kerargyrite, but giving green and bine flame
by fusion with phosphor-salt and CuO. Fused with bisulpliate of
potass, in a small test-tube, it foiins a blood-red globule which becomes
yellow when cold, and turns green on exposure to sunlight. Chloride
of silver (Kerargyrite; under this treatment, gives an or.tngo-red bead
which becomes yellowish- white on cooling, and dark-grey on exposurs.
Iodide of silver forms an amethyst-red glol)ule which turns lin:(y-
yellow on cooling, and does not luidcrgo further change on ex|i )sure.
See Ap|)endix to Part I. Microbroinite, Kuil)olite, and Megabromite,
are Lsomorphous chloro-bromide.s, containing, respectively, G9-8, G6 U,
and 64'2 per cent, silver. The.se (and intermediate varieties) resemlde
Kerargyrite in general characters.
loDAUGYiiiTE : Ag 4G, I 54, yellow, sectile, like Kerargyrite in
general characters, but giving emerald-green flame with phosphor-salt
and CuO. Fused with bisulphate of potass, in closed tube, it forms
a d.ark amethystine globule, which turns greyish yellow on cooling.
Slight fumes of Iodine ai-e olso evolved. Tarconalite is a rare com-
pound of Ag I and Hg I. It yields a sublimate of mercury by fusion
with reducirc agents in closed tube.
188
BLOWl'Il'E PRACTICE.
t t /^/^ copper globule (tn<l reactions.
Nantokitk : Cu 04, CI 36. Wl-.ite or colourless, nonimlly, luii
often greenish externally from ]>iirtiiil convei"sion into the oxyclilorido
Atiiciuuite In snmll griinuliir and clissentinated nia.ssos with culiical
cleavaye. H 2 ; (J 3 1). Fiisilile, ami in chief jmrt volatilizalile, Blx
colonring the tlaine int«'n.sely hlue. Soluble in ammonia and in acids.
Atacamitk: CiiCI- CuO, H-'O (TJ;,— 22i i)er cent.) Orthorhombic
b.'.t mostly in small j^iains of ii deep-green colour. li 3-3';) , (J
37-3-77. Fusible and reducible, colouring the Hame blue. Solubl(>
in ammonia and acids, Atelitt^ (from Vesuvius) and Tallingite (from
Cornwall) are closely related compounds, the latter blue in colour.
Atlasite ^froiu Chili) is apparently Atacamite converged in chief part
into green carl)Oiiate.
Pkiu-vlite : ChiCl-', Pb CI-', CuO, P1)0, H-0. Reg (crystals very
small) ; sky-blue. Fusible and retlucible, with strong coloration of
ttanu^ and depo.sition of lead sublimate on charcoal. Hitherto only
found with alluvial gold in Mexico.
m^
1 1 t J'l) or HI (/lobule, and i/clloiv coatiu;/, />'/>, inth sodiutn carbomift
on cliiircoal.
Cotunnite: Ph 74-5, CI •JD-,^. Uh. (crystals acicular) ; H 1 •.")-•_' •
(t r)-24 ; \vhit(!, with adamantine lustre. Fusible and volatili/able.
Mati.ockite : PI)Cr-' oD-f), P1»0 44 i"). Tet. Yellowish or greenish ;
H •_'■') ; C 7'i. HH, decrepitates and fuses. With fluxes, easily
i-educible. Very rare. Hitherto only found in Derbyshire with lead
carbonate and tluor spar.
Mendiimtk: PbCl- 384 PbO (51'(», but commoidy in part altered
to caibonate. In small sub-columnar or t'-brous masses ; Kli- \ '.
H 'lb-'.\ ; C! 7(l-7"l. JU> decrepitates, fuses, and on charcoal is
reduccul. A raro mineral.
PnosuENMTK(Keiasine, Corneous lead ore): PbClT)!, PbO, CO-' 41*.
Tetragenal ; yellowish-white, yellow, girenish, grey ; H 2r)-3 ; G
()■(> G'3. Easily iusilile into a y»>llowish bead with somewhat crystal-
line surface. With tluxes, lead globules and yellow sultlimate. In
acids, soluble with ert'orvescence. Very rare. Sohwartzend)ergite
(from the Atacama Desert) is a related compound, containing Iodide of
lead. Colour, yellow.
MFNKRAL TAULKS : — XIX. ISO
l)Arm?EiTK: Bid'' 22-r), Bi-'O'', 72G, H-'O 38, witli small lunount
of bV-()'. ite. From Boliviu.
C. No reduced metal BB on charcoal, but mercurial sublimate
with sodium carbonate in closed tube.
('ai.omki, : Hlj S;"). V\ 1."). 'IVtr. ; yollowiah-whitc, j;ivv ; H 1-2;
vt'i'v s(>otiU' ; (! 04-7; BB oiitiiely vol. Blackens in canst ii' potash ;
.si)lul)i(' in nitio-liytU'ochloric acid, l»nt not in nitric acid alone.
(.'occi.NiTK (I) : Hi.' I'. Scarlet reil ; Tetragonal. |)oiil)tfiil as a
naturallyoccui'rinu; sjiecies.
NOTK ON TAHLK XIX.
This Tiihle consists entirely of lltiloid Uoilies, essentially chlorides iuiil cxy-
ohlorides. Otlier chlorine eonipouuds coinhined with pliosphates, iSic, will he
t'ound ill preceding 'I'ahles. The only important species, or those of tolerably
tre((iient ocenrreiiee, hclonging to the present Table, consist of Uock Salt, Ker-
argyritc or Coriieons Silver Ore, and Atacaniite.
Ivoek Salt or Chloride r.f Sodium is widely distrilmted in the form of beds
in strata of various geological periods ; and, in solution, in sea-water ainl
luuuerous mineral springs. It occurs also as a product of sublimation in many
volcanic regions. Normally, it is coh)urless and transparent ; but is very
generally of a red, greenish, grey, violet or other colour, from intermixed
impurities. Its crystals belong to the Regular System, and consist chiefly of
simple cid)es, or of aggregations of small cubes presenting a hopper-shaped
aspect. Other forms (the octahedron, itc. ), are comparatively rare. 'i'he
cleavage is cid)ical and strongly marked. Lamellar, granular, and Bub-librous
examples are also abundant. These are very frenuently associateil, witli
gypsuin and gy,'siferoiis clay. Although normally anhydrous, rock salt (more
especially in its less pure varieties) absorl>s moisture from the atmosphere, and
runs grailually into delinuescence. It dissolves in somewhat less than ',i parts
of water, and it possesses the peculiarity of being about equally soluble in hot
and cold water. Most examples decrepitate very strongly on ignition. l'"rom
other chlorides it is readily distingui^ihed by its saline taste and cubical
crystallization and cleavage, combined with its intensely yellow llainecoh)r-
ation.
Kerargyrile, often known as " Morn Silver" or "Corneous Silver Ore," is
readily distinguished by the largi; gloi)ule of silver obtained from it by the
blowpipe, and by its waxy aspect, sectilitj', and shining streak. It gives also
reduced silver if moistened ami placed in contact with a piece of zinc. It
occurs mostly in compact masses or thin layers of a pearl-grey, greenish or
190
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
blueish colour, turning browu on exi)08are. Unattacked by nitric acid, it
dissolves more or loss readily in ammonia.
Atacamite is a hydrated compound of chloride and oxide of coppe". but of
somewhat unstable composition. In some examples the water equals 12-13 per
cent., and in others it is as high as 224 per cent. The miner. 1 by its green colour
and general aspect resemV)les certain cupreous arseniates and phosphates, V>ut
from these it is distinguished by the azuie-blue coloration which it communi-
cates to the blowpipe tiaine, as well .as by the precipitate formed in its nitric
acid solution by nitiate of silver. As seen in mineral collections, it is generally
in the form of a blackish-green or deep emerald-green sand. Its crystals are
small, vertically-striated prisms and rectangular octahedrons of the Uhombic
System. V : V=I12° 18'. Cleavage brachydiagonal.
mil']: '■•
mj...:
TABLE XX.
[ Lustre non-metallic. Keailiiy soluble BB in borax or phosphor-salt. Wanned,
iu powder, with sulphuric acid, evolve glasa-corroding fumes.]
A.— Fusible.
t Anhydrous, or yielding v^erely traces of moisture on ignition in
bulb-tube.
Fluor Spar (Fhiorite) : Ca ol-3, F 48'7. Keg., essentially cubi-
cal (see Note at end of Table), cleavage octahedral ; H 4 ; G 3-1-3-2 ;
coloniless, violet, yellow, pale-green, deep bluish-green, rose-red, &c.,
with white streak. In most cases phosphorescent when heated. BB,
generally decrepitates, fuses into a white enamel, which tinges the
tiame-border distinctly red and reacts alkaline after prolonged igni-
tion. Ratofkite is a mixture of fluor spar and marl, of a dull greyish-
blue colour.
Cryolite: Na ;}2'8, Al 13, F 54-2. Anorthic, but mostly in
lamellar masses with nearly rectangular cleavage; H 2-5-3; G 2-9-3'0;
white, or sometimes slightly yellowish or reddish ; streak white ;
brittle. Melts in candle-flame into a white enamel. BB on charcoal,
leaves a white crust which becomes blue, on cooling, after ignition
with cobalt solution. Soluble in boiling solution of caustic potash.
Shews strong Na-line in spectroscope. Cliiolite (Tetragonal), Nip-
holite, Arksutite, and Fluellite, are related compounds of similar
aspect. In Arksutite part of the Na is replaced by Ca.
Sellaite: Mg 38-7, F 61-3. Tetr. ; colourless. H 5; G 297.
Easily fusible into a white enamel. Becomes pale-red by ignition
with cobalt solution. "Very rare. Accompanies anhydrite at the
Gerbulaz glacier in Savoy.
Lkucophane : CaO, BeO, SiO'-', NaK. Orthorhombic, but com-
monly in lamellar, cleavable masses. H 3 5-4, G 2-9-3. Greenish-
grey, yellow. Phosphorescent when heated or broken. BB, very
easily fusible. Melinophane (Meliphanite) is a closely related
species of a yellow colour, but Tetragonal {]) in crystallization.
191
192
BLOWPIPK PRACTICE.
m
"'^ips
1K' ^
*«; :
If
t t Yieldhig water by ignition in bulb-tube.
Paciinolite: N.i lO-So, Ch 17-99, Al 1228, F 51-28, H-0 810.
Cliiio-Kli. (?). In miiuite twiii-crystiils in cavities of Cryolite.
Colourless, strongly siiining. BLJ, crinnljles and tnses into a white
eniiinel. In bulh-mlje falls into jtowder and yields 8 per cent. watc^-.
In spectroscope shews Na-line, and groen and red Ca lines. TIkimi-
senolite is closely related or identical.
Prosopite : Ca, Al, Si, F, H'-'O. Anorthic ; colourless; H 4-1");
G 2 "9. Often earthy from decomposition. Sometimes alterec' into
fluor spar. An imperfectly known species accompanying I'-^n Glame
at Altenl)erg, Saxony. When transparent and civ-calline, yields
[4-84 pej- cent, water.
B. -Infusible.
Fluocehitk : Ce, F. ; Hex. (crystals, small, taljular), l)iit mostly in
granular exam]>'es of a j)ale-red or yellowish colour. H 4-5 ; G 4 7-
Whitens or becomes yellow on ignition. BB, infusible. Hydro.
fluocerite is clo.sely related (if not an altered Huocerite) but yields on
ignition about 5 per cent, water.
Yttrocerite : Ca, Ce, Y, La, Di, Er, F, H'-'O. In crystalline-
granular masses of a light greyish-violet or blue-grey colour, with
imjierfect (tetragonal) cleavage. BB, infusible.
Pauisite; Harmatite: Fluorides combined with carbonates; hence
effervescinjj in acids: See Table XIII.
NOTE OS TABLE XX.
This Table consists essentially of Fluorides. Other Fluor-conipounds com-
bined with phosphates (Apatite, 'J'riplite, &c. ) will be foumlin Table XVII.
Fluo-silicates (apart from Ijeuoophane, placed lieru on account of its ready
solution, HB, in phosphor-salt and l)ora.\) belong to one of the succeeding
Tables : XXIV-XXVII.
Fluor Spar is the only eonnnonly-ocuurring or generally distributed inincal
belonging to thfi present Table. It occurs very connnonly with ores of lead,
zinc, and silver, more especially in mineral veins ; but is also found in cavities
and fissures in limestone and other stratified rocks. It usually forms groups
of distinct crystals, but sometimes presents itself in columnar, sul)-tibrou3,
lamellar, and compact (hornstone-like) examples. The crystals as a rule consist
of simp-e cubes, or of cubes slightly bevelled on the edges by the planes of a
li'
:<
MINEUAL TABLES : XIX.
193
t«traki8.hexahedron (mostly oo 3). In many examples the cube-faces present
a rour-fold series of stri.e, meeting in a point at or near the centre of each face
These strue, lines of growth in the formation of the crystal, indicate the edges
ot a suppressed tetrakis-hexahedron. The cleavage is octahedral and very per-
fect : hence the cube-angles break off very easily. Octahedrons as simple crystals
also occur, but are not common. Fluor spar is often colourless, but more fre-
•luently it presents an amethystine, pale-green, yellow, or deep blue-green
colour and occasionally a rose-red or pearl-grey tint. The cube edges by trans-
mitted light often show a shade of colour more or less distinct from that of the
faces ; and columnar or fibrous examples are frequently zoned in diflFerent tints
In all varieties the streak is white. Hardness between that of calcite and
apatite, or equal to 4 of the ordinary scale. Sp. gr. 315-3-2,
Most examples when moderately heated exhibit a green or bluish phosphor-
escence ; but, if a fragment be heate.l rapidly, decrepitation almost invariabiy
ensues. By fusion, BB, a wiiite enamel is produced. This tinges the flame
red, and reacts alkaline after sufficient ignition. The red and green Ca-lines
show prominently in the spectroscope if a small splinter be held for a few
minutes in the outei- edge of a Bunsen Hame.
i
!:•:•".
14
TABLE XXI.
[Lustre iiou-nietallic. Readily dissolvetl BB by borax or phosphor -salt
Warmed iu a test-tube with sulphuric acid, evolve orange-red or brownish
nitrous fumes.]
A.— Anhydrous Species. Entirely soluble BB in sodium carbonate.
Nitre (Saltpetre) : K=0 40-5.3, N'^O'"' 53-47. Rh. (V : V 118° 41)'):
11 2; G 19-2-1; normally colourlos.s. Easily soluble iu water:
taste saltish, cooling. BB fusihlc with intumescence, colouring tlx-
riame-boriler clear-violet. On charcoal, deflagrates and is absoihed.
NiTKATiNE (Chile Saltpetre, Soda Nitre) : Na'^'O 36-47, Na-0'' 63-53.
Hemi-Hex. (R : R about 10l)°) R 1-5- 2 ; G 2-1-2-2 ; nc.nially colour-
less, but often brownish or reddish from impurities. Easily soluble ;
taste saltish, cooling, Dclifjucscent. Colours flame intensely yel-
low ; otherwise like potash-nitre.
B.— Hydrated Species. In sodium carbonate, BB, only partially
soluble.
NiTROCALCiTio : CaO 30-7(), N-'O'' 58-80, H-'O 10-44. In white or
greyish earthy efflorescences on the walls of limestone caverns, cellars..
Sic. Soluble ; deflagrating by ignition on charcoal, leaving a white
earthy, alkaline-reacting crust.
Nitromagnesite: Mg O 24-10, N-'O'' 6510, H'O 10-80. Occurs
with, and closely resembles, Nitrocalcite ; but the white crust, left BB
on chaicoal, exhibits a )>ink tinge after ignition with cobalt-solution.
I 'Mime '■
NOTE TO TABLE XXL
This short Table comprisea the three or four representatives of the group of
Nitrates hitherto recognized as minerals. All are soluble and sapid. By
ignition with organic bodies, they detonate more or less violently ; and when
warmed with sulphuric acid, or fused with bisulphate of poiaas., they evolve
reddish or brownish nitrous fumes. The bases (niaguesia excepted) are readily
recognized by the spectroscope. Soda nitre (often erroneously called " cubical
nitre ") is distinguished also from ordinary or potash nitre by its crystallization
in small rhombohedrons, its deliquescence, and its property of communicating
a deep yellow coloration to the Bunsen or blowpipe flame. In the spectroscope,
many examples shew the red K-line as well as the Na-line, and the presence
of lime is also sometimes revealed (See Part I).
194
TABLE XXII.
[Lustre non-metallic. Easily dissolved BB by borax or phosphor-salt. Forming
by fusion with sodium carbonate and nitre an alkaline salt partly soluble
in water, the soluticm assuming a blue, brown, or green colour by boiling
with hydrochloric acid and a piece of tin or zinc.
A.— Anhydrous Species. Yielding no water (or merely traces of
moisture) by ignition in bulb-tube.
A'.— GIVING I.KAD GLOBULES OK OTHER FUSIBLE METAL, BB, WITH SODIUM
CARBONATE OR ALONE.
t With Borax, BB, a bright-green glass.
(Streak, Htronghj-colouml. )
Croooisite (Crocoite) : PbO 69, CrO» 31. Clino-Rh. (see Note at
close of Table). H 2'5-3 ; G 5 9-6 ; red; sti'eak orange-yellow. BB,
generally decnjpitatcs ; fusiV^le and reducible, under slight detonation,
on charcoal. Produces chlorine fumes with hydrochloric acid.
Forms a brown or yellow solution with caustic potash.
Ph(ENIcite : PbO 77, CrO' 23. PJi. (crystals tabular, indistinct),
mostly bladed or fibrous, accompanying Crocoisite. Red ; streak,
red ; H 3-3-5 ; G 5-75. Fusible and reducible.
Vauquelinite : PbO 61-48, CuO 10-95, CrO^ 27-57. Clino-Rh.
(crystals very small, indistinct), commonly in coatings and botryoidal ;
H 2-5-3 ; G 5'5-5*8. Durk-green, gieonir-th-black ; streak green. BB.
intumesces slightly ; fusible and reduci\)le. With borax in R. F,
(especially on addition of tin) forms a brick-red opaque bead from
presence of copper. Laxmannite is a variety in which both CrO^ and
P^O^ are present ; but this is probably the case in most varieties of
Vauquelinite.
Dechenite : PbO 54-95, V'^O*^ 45-05. Orthorhombic ; mostly in
small botryoidal masses or groups of minute drusy crystals ; H 3-5 ;
G 5-82 ; reddish-yellow, brown ; streak, yellow or orange. Fusible
and reducible.
EusYNCHiTE : essentially a lead and zinc vanadate, resembling
Dechenite in colour and general aspect.
195
196
BLOWPM'E PBACTICE.
Mm i
Descloizite : essentially a lead and zinc vanadate of a bright-red,
dark -green or greenish-black colour, with bands of yellow or brown, or
entirely brown,
PucHERiTE : Bi'^O^' 71-74, VW 2»-26, but often showing traceH of
P'^O'" and As'-'O'". Rh. (crystals very small) ; red, brown : H 4 ;
G 6 "25. BB, decrepitates, and yields reduced metal, with yellow
ring on charcoal. Soluble in hydrocloric acid, with development of
chlorine fuses, the red or yellow solution yielding a preciiiitate on
dilution.
{Streak tvhite or very lightly coloured. )
Vanadinite: PbO 70-83, V-'OM9-35. PbCl-' 9-82. Hex. (iso-
morphous with species of the Apatite group); H 3; G 6-8-27.
Yellow, deep-red, brownish. BB, decrepitates, throws off sparks, and
gives reduced lead. With phos. salt and CuO, gives azure flame.
See Note at end of Table.
ft With Borax, BB, no green coloration ; biU green or hhie glass with
phosphor-salt in KF.
WuLPENiTE: PbO 61-4, MoO^ 38-6. Tetragonal, mostly in small
tabular crystals. H 3 ; G 6-7; yellow, yellowish-grey, red (the latter
colour due apparently to presence of lead chromate or vanadate),
rarely colourless. BB, decrepitates, melts and gives reuuced lead.
See Note to this table.
Stolzite: PbO 49, W0» 51. Tetragonal. (See Note at end of
Table) ; H 3 ; G 7-9-8-1 ; grey, also green, reddish, and brown. BB,
melts easily into a bead which crystallizes on cooling. On charcoal
in RF, reduced.
A=.— NO REDUCED LEAD BB ON CHARCOAL.
t BB, no magnetic globule.
ScHEELiTE : CaO 19-45, WO^ 80-55. Tetragonal, mostly in simple,
acute octahedrons. (See Note at end of Table); H 4-5-5 ; G 5-9-6-2 ;
colourless, greyish, pale-yellow, sometimes red, brown, or gi-eenish ;
screak white. BB, fusible on the edges, or in thin splinters only.
TuNGSTic Ochre : W 79-3, O 20-7. In earthy coatings of a yellow
or greenish colour. BC, infusible, blackens. Insoluble in acids ;
soluble in ammonia.
MirERAL TABLES t — XXII.
197
MoLYBDic Oc'HRB : Mo 65-7, 34 '3. In earthy, yellow crusts and
coatings. BB eaaily fusible. On charcoal, absorbed (if p«ire). Easily
soluble in hydrochloric acid.
t t BB, a magnetic globule.
Wolfram : MnO, FeO, VVO^. Dark-brown, reddish-brown, with
dark streak. In Clino- Rhombic crystals and lamellar masses, which
present in most cases a sub-metallic lustre. H 5-5*5 ; G 7'0-7"5.o.
BB, fusible into a magnetic globule with crystalline surface. With
sodium carbonate, strong manganese-reaction. See Table IX., also
the Note to the present Table.
B.— Hydrous Species. Yielding water by ibuition in bulb tube.
(Cm reaction.)
VoLBORTHiTE: CaO, CuO, V^O*, H^O (5 per cent.). Hex.; green,
greenish -yellow ; streak yellow ; H 3 ; G 3"5. BB, blackens, and
fuses on charcoal into a dark slag containing reduced copper.
(Cu and Pb reactions. )
Mottramite: CuO, PbO, V-0\ H^O (3-7 per cent.). In dark
crystalline coatings with yellow streak ; H 3 ; G 5 9. On sandstone
from Cheshire. Psittacinite (from Montana) is a related compound
in green sub-crystalline and botryoidal coatings, with 8^ per cent. H^O.
NOTE TO TABLE XXII.
This Table is composed essentially of Chroinates, Vanadates, Tungstates,
and Molybdates. The two first may generally be distinguished from other
compounds by the clear emerald-green glass which they form BB with })orax
in a reducing flame. The colour comes out in its full purity as the glass cools.
If fused in a platinum spoon with sodium carbonate and nitre, a partially-
soluble salt results. This, in the case of Vanadates, becomes blue when
warmed with a few drops of hydrochloric acid. Chromates, thus treated, give
a green solution. See also the reactions of the latter described in Part I. of
this work. Tungstates (in the absence of colouring oxides) form BB with
phosphor-salt in the RF a fine blue glass, whilst with borax the glass is of a
yellowish or brownish colour. Molybdates give with phosphor-salt in the RF
a fine green glass. See also the distinctive reactions of these bodies Math
hydrochloric acid and zinc, as given in Part 1.
With the exception of Wolfram (a species which commonly presents a sub-
metallic aspect, and thus belongs more especially to Table IX.) no mineral of
I;,
m
198
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
mm
" -"IP
'I'Mi-' '
this Table can bu regarded as of common occurrence. Attention, liowever,
may be directed to the foUowinK '• Crocoisite, Vanadinite, Wulfenite, and the
tungHtatuB Wolfram, Stol/.ite, and Scheelite.
Crocoisite in readily diHtinguiahed by its line red colour and or.inge-yelluw
streak, and by the emerald-green gloss which it forms BB with borax*. It
occurs commoidy in groups of Huiall or aoicular ory8tal.><, and in granular
inasscM and coatings. The crystals are Clino-Iihonibic combinations : most
commonly, vertically-striated prisms terminated by the two planes of an acute
hemi- pyramid ; or the same prism terminated by a very acute front-polar or
hemidome, thus closely resembling an acute rhombohe<lron. V:V = !)3° 42'.
Vanadinite occurs chieHy in small, sharply formed Hex.igonal prisms, which
are either hollow, or indented more or less deeply on tlie basal plane, except in
the case of very minute crystals, in which this peculiarity is not ol)servable.
The colour varies from pale orange-red to deep coral-red, but the streak is
almost colourless.
Wulfenite (molybdate of lead) occurs in small Tetragonal crystals, mostly
of a yellow or yellowish-grey colour, but orange-red in some chromium or
vanadium-containing varieties. The crystals are either tabular or more or leas
flattened parallel with the base, or are otherwise small pyramidal combinations.
As pointed out by Von Kobeil, a beautiful azure-blue coloration originates if
the finely-powdered mineral be warmed with concentrated sulphuric aciil in a
•porcelain capsule, and some alcohol be then atlded.
Stolxite (tungstate of lead) and Scheelite (tungstate of lime) crystallize also
in the Tetragonal System, but the latter often occurs in crystals of half an inch
or more in length, usually a simple scjuare-based pyramid, measuring 130" 3.3'
over t!)e base or middle edge. Stolzite has a very liigh sp. gr., 7'!)-8l, and is
usually grey or brownish in colour, more rarely green or red. Scheelite has a
sp. gr. of 5'0-(>"2, and is commonly grey or greyish-yellow, tliougli occasionally
also brown, red, or green. Both, when warmed with nitric acid, leave a yellow
residuum of WO', soluble in caustic alkalies.
Wolfram is readily disti.-guiahed from the other minerals of the Table by
its dark-brown or red-brown colour and streak ; and by the magnetic globule
which it yields before the blowpipe. With sodium carbonate, also, it gives a
strong reaction of manganese. Its crystals are often of comparatively large
size. As regards their general character, see Nott. to Table IX.
* Descriptive ain'ciiueiis are ocoiisioiially luudo l(}' placiug a piece of quartz in a crystal-
liziug solution of bicliroinate of potassium.
jtfj.
mmmi
TABLE XXIII.
I (<ustrc non-raetallic. Kosily disHolvoil KB by borax or phoHiilkur-salt, but uot
yieliliiij{ any reaction of the preceding Tables.]
A. -Streak or Powder distinctly coloured.
A'.-MAUNKTIC. OK UKCOMINfl SO AKTKR STKONd IGNITION.
f Anhi/ilrou8 species.
Maonetitk (Magnetic Iioi' Ore) ; FoO ,'U, Ffl-C)=' G9. Black, with
lilack Htfeak. In octaliedi-oiis and other crystals of the Re^iihir
System, and in iamelhtr and granidar inasses, rarely (lartiiy. H 5-5.G-5 ;
<T 4"9-5'2. Lustre, connnonly sub-metallic. See Table IX.
Magnoperritk : MgO, Fe'-'O'. In small black octahedrons, as a
product of sublimation of Vesiivian fumeroles. Streak, dark-brown ;
strongly magnetic ; G 4"65. Accompanies thin, tabular crystals of
Iron Girt nee.
Jacopsite : MgO, MnO, Mn^O^ Fo-Ol Rog. ; granular ; black ;
streak, reddish-black ; H 5-5-()-(); G 4-74-t-77 ; strongly magnetic;
practically infusible. Strong Mn leaction BB with sodium carbonate.
In crystalline limestone i oiu Sweden.
Fkanklinite : ZnO, MnO, Fe'-O'. Reg., in octahedrons with trun-
cated edges, or in smill roundeil masses. Black ; streak, bi-own or
brownish-black. More or less magnetic in most examples. H 6-G'5 ;
G 5'0-.")-l. Lustre mostly sub-metallic: see Table IX. BB, in
powder with sodium carljonate and borax on cliarcoal gives a subli-
mate of ZnO, ami also a strong Mn reaction. See Note to present
Table.
Chromite : FeO, MgO, Al'-'O^ Fe'^0\ Cr'-'O^ Reg., but commonly
in granular masses. Brownish-black ; streak, d;.rk-brown. Some-
times magnetic. Infusible. With borax, BB, fine green glass.
Lustre, commonly sub-metallic. See Table IX., also Note to pre.sent
Table.
Ilmenite (Titaniferous Iron Ore): FeW, Ti-O^, but FeO also
jiresent in some varieties. Hemi-Hex. ; iron-black, mostly with sub-
199
I;
^.
200
BLOWPIPR PHAOTICK.
mettilltc lu8tro. H r)-(» ; O 4-3-r)2, commonly iibout 4'y. The
hydrochioric Hcitl Holution, (liluted, und boiled with ii pieco of tia or
zinc, l>ecoinoH at Brat colourleHH uiid tliun violet. See Table IX , iiIho
the Note to thiH Ttiblt.
Rkd Iron Ore (HaMimtite, Red Ochre, ifec). FVO', with 70 per
cent. Fe. Hem i- Hexagonal ; but when of non-nietuHic oHpect, niOHtly
in tibro-l)Otryoidal, lamellar, or earthy cxampleH. lied, brownish or
bluiuh-red, with cherry-red Htreak. H 5-<», or lower in (Mirthy and
8ub-eartliy varietieM ; G 4*8-5 3. BB, blackennand becon^eH maj^'netic.
FuHible only in fine Hplintera. See Table IX, also the Note to the
presont Table.
t t Hydrous species. Yield water by ignition in, bulb-tube.
Brown Iron Ork (=G(L'thite, Limonite, Stilpnosiderite, Lepi-
dokrokite. Yellow Ochi-e, «fec. These although commonly ranked an
distinct B[»ecie8. cannot properly be regarded otherwise than iw
varieties of Brown Iron Ore, only difft>ring from one another by their
percetitage of water, a character by no means absolutely constant) :
FeW+m H^O, with Fe GO-63, and H '^O 10-15 jjer cent. Ortho-
rhombic (Gcethite;, but mostly in tibro-botryoidal, massive and
ochreous examples. Dark-brown, light-brown, brownish-yellow, with
yellowish-brown or dull yellow streak; H 3-5-55 (but lower in ochreous
and earthy varieties) ; G 3*2-4'2, commonly about 3-8-4'0. BB, yields
water, blackens, and becomes magnetic. Fusible in thinnest splinters
only. TuuoiTE is a closely related compound, biit has a red streak,
and yields only 5-5-5 per cent, water. G 3'5-4*5. See Note.
OxALiTE (Humboldtine) : FeO 4210, Oxalic Acid 4210, H-'O 15-80.
In hair-like crystals, fibrous and earthy examples, of a yellow colour ;
H 2 ; G 2*l-2-25. BB, blackens, becomes magnetic and then becomes
converted into red iron-oxide. If a particle be fused into a bead
of borax, coloured blue by copper oxide, the latter becomes rapidly
I'educed to Cu'-O, and the glass becomes opaque red, or shews red
streaks, on cooling. By this character, Oxalite is readily distinguished
from yellow ochre, which does not contain FeO, ii pure.
A».— YIELDING, BB, WITH SODIUM CARBONATE ON CHARCOAL, A DISTINCT SUB-
LIMATE AND METALLIC (GLOBULES.
Minium (Mennige, Red Lead) : Pb 90-7, O 9-3. Earthy; or pseudo-
Doorpho.'.s after galena or cerussite ; red ; streak, orange-yellow ; H 2
li !■'
MINKKAL TABLKx: — XXIII.
201
(or l«ms) ; (I 4()-4'<S. BH, tliirkmiH, iitid fiiH«8 euHily ; on charcoal
r«'clucetl. In IICl uoul V)ecottiHH tranMfurtneil into white PhCl'^, with
evohition of ohlorino finneH. Partly hoIuMh in dilute nitric acitli
leaving r«!Hi(lmnn of piicecolonred PbO". InHoliiltlo in catiHtic potunh.
Mahhicot (Litharge; Bleigliltte) ; Nonnally, Pb Uli-H, O 7 2, but
alwayn inipun! from prosence of F<r()', tfec. Finn noaly, earthy ;
sulphur-yellow, orange-yellow ; paler in the streak ; (} 7'H-HO. BB,
easily fusible and reducible. Soluble in hot solution of caustic
potash, and reprecipitating partly in crystalline scales.
Bl8.MUTfi OoiiRE : Bi HI)-?, O 10-3. In yellow, grey or greenish
crusts on Native Bismuth, &c. ; G about 4'.'). Fusible into a yellew
crystalline bead ; on charcoal reducible.
ZiNciTE (Spartalite) : Gives zinc sultlinmtc with sodium carbonate
but no metallic globules. See Below.
A».-WITII SODIU.M CARBONATE ON I'LATINl'M WIRE, DISTINCT MANCMNE8E
REACTION.
t Anhydroua Species.
(BB, zinc mil tlim ate on charcoal. Streak, orantje-yellow.)
ZiN(;iTK (Spartalite) : Normally, Zii 80-3, O 19-7, but always con-
tains a certain percentage of MnO'^. Hex., but commonly in lamellar
or granular examples, often partly coated by white zinc-carbonate ;
red ; streak yellow ; H 4 ; G .'i-S-oS. Infu.sible. Soluble in acids.
See Note.
(BB, no atihlimnte ; no copper reaction. Colour and utreak, black or dark-brown.
Braunite ; Hausmannite : In small crystals (mostly Tetragonal
octahedrons) oi" in granular examples of dark-brown or iron-black
colour and sub-metallic lustre. G •t"7-4-9. See Table X.
Pyrolusite : MnO'-. Iron-black, very soft, mostly in fibrous
masses of essentially sub-metallic lustre. ; infusible. See Table X.
(BB, ivith borax in HF, an opaque-red cupreous bead).
Crkdnerite : CuO 43, Mn'-W 57. In iron-black, cleavablo nuisses
of essentially sub-metallic lustre. See table' X.
t + Ifydrous Species.
Maxganite ; Mn'-'O'', H'-'O. in dark steel-grey or iron-black
crystals and other eximples of es.senlially sub-metallic (or metallic)
^m:
•iff'*
202
HLOWPIPK PRAOTICK.
lustiit. H 3r>-} ; (J 4 4. Soo Table X, also tlit» iioto to the pivsmit
Table.
PaiLOMKLANK : MnO, MnO'-, T[(V-. in s'xnewliat variable itCDpor
tions. with part of MnO leplaocd by WaO, K'-'O, il-e. In black
botiyoi«lal, i;ranul;ii or snb-librons masses, with bnnvnisli-bl ek strt-ak
aiul more or h\ss dnll, earthy aspect ; H T) G ; (} t-0-4'4. Inlusibh',
or t'usible on the ed^^s in some exainpU>s. Occasionally of sub-
niotallio lustiv. See Table X. also Note to present Table.
Wad : MnO, i\ln'-'0'\ H'-'O, in variable proportions, part of tln^
MnO always replaced by liaO, CaO, or K'-'O. Properly a mere
mixtnre or decomposition product. In brown or black, earthy, scaly,
stalactitic, or botryoidul examples, occiusionally iik'lininjjj to siib-
melallic in lustre, H 1 O-lM) ; O '2'2'2 7. Practically infusible.
Cirogroilite is a mixture of similar character. See Note.
Pyhochhoitk : (weathered examples): MnO, ll-'t>, mixed with
carl), lime, itc. Brown or black, in small druses in magnetic iiou
ore. An imperfectly known sul)stauce. Normally, white and pearly :
see under § B, below.
(/)'/), iritli I'ttrtt.r, ttroiiij copfU'r rinctioii.)
liAMPAPlTK ( Kupferm.inganerz) : (\it), MnO, BaO, CaO, Fe'-'O'',
MnO", H'O. Properly a mixture or protluct of decomposition.
Amorphous; black or brown; 11 "iO-irr) ; O 3'()-3'3. Infusible;
solul)le in \\V\ acid, with ilevelopment of chlorine fumes. Knpftir-
schwiirze and Pelokonite are related mixtures.
AsHoi.AN : OuO. OoO. K'-O, B »0. Fe-0=', MnO', H'O. Bcsembles
Lampadite or Wad in ijcneral charicters, but contains cobalt oxide.
IJabdionite is a similar cobaltiicldinij; mixture.
A«, (HVINl) t'Ol'l'KK UK.UTION, lUT NO MAUKKD UK.U'TION OK MANO ANKSK.
('t-nuTK (Keil Copper Ore, Huby (\>pper) : Cn H8S, O I I -2 { = the
suboxide (^u-'O). HejiJ.. connuonly in suuill octahedrons or rhombic
dodecahedrons often coateil with milachite; also in small cubes,
inassiv*', ifec. lied, bluish-red, with lustre frequently inclinini; to
8ul> metallic ; .streak, red; H 3T)-4 ; G oTOO. BB, tinu;es the
Haine <»reen, blackens, melts, and on charcoal is reduced. Solul)lo in
hydrochloric and in nitric acid, also in ammonia. Tile Ore is a more
MINKRAI. TAIU.KS : — XXIII.
203
or loss t>tirthy viirioty niixotl witli Kc'-O', ifeo. 800 Tiiblo IX. ; jilao
tliii Note jit tlin close of tlH> jJit'St'iit Tiibh".
Hydiiocui'kitk : Cu-'O -f- aq. A tloubtful speoios, in oran,u;«vyello\v
oo»i*iiiu[s oil miigiiHtio iron oro from l\M»nsylvaniti. Ivicogiiizml by
Gfiith.
Mklacomtk (Rlack Topiu'i- Oiv); On TO-H."), O '20\b ( = l'uO).
Ill hlai'k cartliy ooatiui^fs on ot'itain ooppor oros, also inassivo ami in
pst'uilomoiplions culto ootaluHlroiis. H 10 ,'10 ; (J GlMIIV \\l\,
t"usil)K> ami rinluoibliv Sih' Tknokitk (tlio samo oompoiuul, but with
tnetallio or im>tallic liistiv, from Vesuvius), in Tablo IX.
A>.-OOl,orKKl).STKKAK OR J'DWDKIl. lU'T NO RKACTIONS .n KK, I'll, .MN, OR OU,
A8 IX TlIK I'KKCKDINIJ aKCT.JNS.
(lifi, with hofttx, Mronij Cn-iKirlion.)
HKTKRmiKNiTK : (\)(), (V(V. UH) {'21 piM- wnt. I) mixed with
•piartz, brown iron ore, tto. Black or dark-brown : massive, botry-
oidal. oartliy. A product of decomposition resemblinsj Asbolan (see
above) but j:jivin>j no cojipor reaction.
{fill, with honu', Mromj Xi irartitm.)
r.UNSKNiTK : Ni TSC), (,) 21 •{. Key;, (niiiiut** octahedrons) ; H nf) ;
G Gl ; Idownishj^reen, yellowish-u;reen. Infusible. With sodium
carbonate on charcoal reducible to niaijnetic u;rains.
[I'nniiinii nttrlioii. So/iililr i» iiitrir itciil, the ililulitl xoliition <jii'iiiij iritli
(iininoiiio. a i/illow /irfcipitnti'.)
t In bidh-tube no mttrr, or into':* otifi/.
I'lTcmiLKNnK : TO, V'{y\ more or less impure from presence of
Kc, I'll, As, \-c. In black or greenisli-blark ,i;raiiular masses or
disseminated grains; H, commonly, about. 5, but varyiiiij from l to
»; ; (". r» 80. Infusible.
t t in 1)1(11) tii/ie iiiDi't' or /rmt water.
(\>RA('lTi'; : Inipuir variety of Pitclibh'iide from iijike Siiperioi-.
Black; streak, grey or jjreenish-givy ; II If); (J'JlTiO. Ciunmonly
mixe.l with VaO CO', SiO", i^-c.
Gir.MMiTK: IPO', K-0, mixed with OaO. MgO. Fe'-O^ P'^O'', SiO".
A'c. In small granular ni'isses, strings and seatterod grains ; 2'5-3r) ;
I'Kr:'^^
If
204
BLOWPIPE PRACTICK.
G3'9-4-3; yellow or yellowish-red ; streak, yellow. Infusible. Eli-
asite (red-brown, with yellow streak) is identical or closely related.
Uran Ochre : U'^0^ H'^O, but always more or less impure, and
commonly mixed with uranium sulphate. In earthy or fine-fibious
crusts of a yellow colour, on examples of Pitchblende.
B.— Streak-powder uncoloured.
B'. -REMAINING WHITE ON IGNITION IN BULB-TUBE.
, t AiihydrouH Sjyecies.
Periclase : Mg 60, O 40. Reg. (in minute octahedrons, cubo-
octns., or cubes) ; cleavage, cubical ; H 6"0 ; G 3'65-3'7''> ; dark-green ;
vitreous ; infusible. Hitherto only found at Monte Somma in ejected
limestone masses.
t t Hydrous Species.
Brucite : MgO 69, H"0 31, but often partially converted into
carbonate. Herai-Hex. (R : R 82° 22', but crystals mostly tabular
from predominance of basal plane). Commonly, however, in scaly,
foliated, and sub-fibrous niasses. H 2 ; G 2'3-2'4 ; white, greenish-
white ; lustre pearly on B plane. Infusible. Nemalite is an asbesti-
form, fibrous variety, white or pale-bluish in colour.
ViiLKNERiTE (Hydrotalcite) : MgO, Al'O'', FeW, CO^, H-0. A
mixture of Brucite with I'umina-hydrate, tfcc, or a product of decom-
position. White ; foliattnl, or in tabular hexagonal crystals ; H 2 ;
G 20-2"l. BB, exfoliates, but remains unfused.
B=.— BLACKENING ON IGNITION IN BULB-TUBE
(After utronij ujnitioii, atisnmeti a pink colour bi/ treatment BB icith cobalt
Holution.)
Brucite: MgO, H'-'O. Occasional exainj)les : see above. Alkaline
reaction after ignition.
( With carh. sodium, BB, strong manganese-reaction. )
Pyrochroite: MnO 79-8, H'^0 202. In white foliated masses,
forming strings in certain examples of magnetic iron ore, but
weathering brownish- black from conversion of the MnO into higher
degree of oxidation. BB, blackens ; infusible.
MINERAL TABLES
-XXIII.
205
(Ca-lines in spertroncope, and alkaline reaction, after iijnition),
Whewellite: CaO 38 36. CW 49-31, H-'O 12-33. Clino-Rh. ;
in small (commonly twinned) crystals on certain examples of Calcitf..
Colourless; lustre vitreo-adaniantine : H2"5-2'0; G 1-83; infusible;
by gentle ignition converted into CaO, CO'^
■^;x
NOTE OX TABLK XXIII.
This Table is composed essentially of Oxides. The more commonly occnrring
species, belonging to it, may be grouped in four series, as follows: — (I), Iron
Ores and related compounds ; (2), Manganese Oxides ; (3), lied Zinc and
Copper Oxides ; and (4), the magnesia hydrate, Brucite.
The Iron Ore group comprises, chieHy, (/) the anhydrous species of Regular
crystallization. Magnetite, Franklinite and Ohromite (with common formula
RO, U^O*) ; (ii) the anhydrous Hemi- Hexagonal species, Hifmatite and llmenite
(with common formula R^O') ; and (Hi) the hydrous species, conveniently ranked
together under the common name of Brown Iron Ore) with common formula =
R'0'+ ni Hh)). All the species of this group become magnetic after ignition
or semi-fusion, and several are mjignetic in their normal condition. In most
cases the finely powdered ore dissolves without much difficulty in hot hydro-
chloric acid, but Ohromite, llmenite, and titaniferous-holding Magnetite are
exceptions. The two latter in the form of very fine powder generally yield to
slow digestion (in a small, covered beaker on a sand bath, the acid being kept
just at the boiling point), but Ohromite (unless mixed with magnetite) is very
slightly attacked. It may be decomposed however (sufficiently for determina-
tive purposes) by gentle fusion, in fine powder, with a mixture of sodium car-
bonate, borax, and nitre. By this treatment an alkaline chromate, soluble iu
water, is formed. The solution, decanted from the insoluble residuum, may
then be evaporated to dryness, and the resulting deposit fused with borax for
the production of a chrome-green glass. The presence of ohromium may also
be shewn by the deep green coloration produced by addition of sulphuric acid
and alcohol.
Comparatively few examj ,es of Magnetite are referrible to the present
Table, as in most specimens of that mineral the lustre is unmistakably metalliu
or sub-metallic (see Tables VIII. and X.). Some examples, however, are
obscurely metallic in aspect. These are black in colour, with black streak,
and strongly magnetic. Commonly in granular or lamellar masses, with G
averaging 5*0. When crystallized, in octahedrons and rhombic dodecahedrons.
Franklinite and Ohromite much resemble examples of Magnetite with
obscurely metallic lustre. They are mostly in black, granular masses, or, as
regards BYanklinite, in small, modified octahedrons, with normally dark brown
or red brown streak, but the latter is often black from presence of magnetite,
or greenish from intermixed chloritic or pyroxenic rock-matter. Franklinite is
often strongly magnetic (probably from presence of Fe*0*). Ohromite is only
]&
■■4:-
Hi
,'«!■
>!
1:
v:-m
I y,
^'i
206
ni.OWPIPK PKACTICE.
occasionally magnetic, and its specific gravity falls below 4 G, averaging usually
■lA or 4 4. Franklinite with sodiutn carbonate, BB, forms a turquoise enamel
(Mn reaction), and gives on cliarcoal (if treated in powder with sodium carbo-
nate and borax) a sublimate of ZnO. Ohromite with borax gives (on cooling)
a Kno green glass. See also its reactions described above.
Ilmenite resembles the above minerals by its black colour and brownish or
black streak, as well as by its fre([uent occurrence in granular or scaly granular
masses ; but its crystals are rhombohcdral combinations closely reseml)ling
those of Hiematite (U : II So".-!!'). It is most readily distinguished by the
deep amethystine colour which residts whtn its hydrochloric acid solution
(somewhat diluted) is boiled for a few minutes with a piece of tin.
Hieinatite occurs under several more or less distinct conditions : but in yiost
cases it presents a metallic or well-marked sub-metallic aspect, and is thus
referred to in preceding Tables (see Xotes to Tables VIII. and X.). The
examples belonging more especially to the present Table^ commonly come
iiniler the designatioTi of Red Iron Ore, of which Iteddle or Red Ochre is an
earthy variety. In these, the streak is always distinctly red, and the colour
either biiek-red, brownish-red, or bluish-red, the lustre in the latter ease
merging into sub-metallic. The harder examples are very freciuently in tibro-
botryoidal masses. BB, in the RF, all blacken and become magnetic.
Brown Iron Ore includes several so-called s[)ecies or sub-species, compounds
of Fe'O' with variable amounts of water. All yield a yellow, or yellowish-
brown streak ; and all become red by ignition with free access of air (especially
in powder), the water being driven off. Ordinary varieties assume a bright
red colour on ignition, but varieties which contain much manganese give a
dull-red or chocolate-red powder. i.'efore the blowpipe in a reducing flame,
all become black and magnetic, and fine splinters exhibit fusion. Practically,
these compounds may be referred to thrf.e series : — (i) a series, typified by
Gcethite, in which the water averages 10 per cent., the formula being FeW,
H'''0 ; (ii) a second series, typified by Limonite, the formula of which may be
written Fe'O", 3 H^O, with 14 to 15 per cent, water ; and {in), a series of
Bog ores and Ochres containing 20 per cent, or more water, and having part
of the iron i ; the cor.ditiou of FeO combined with liumic or other organic
acid. So very strict lines of demarcation can be drawn, however, between
these varieties, (joethite, although frequently in fibrous and other examples,
occurs occasionally in thin-scaly acicular crystals of the Rhombic System.
The other Brown Ores are unknown in true crystals, although cubes and other
pseudomorphs derived from Iron Pyrites are not uncommon. They occur
chiefly in tibro-botryoidal, granular and earthy masses. Many of the fibrous
examples present a silky lustre, and some are comparatively light in colour.
Many brown ores, also, she.v a variegated surface-tarnish.
'•'he group of Manganese Oxides — referrible as regards some examples to
the present Table — includes (1) the comparatively rare species Braunite and
Hausmannite, characterized chiefly by occurring in small Tetragonal crystals
of a brownish-black colour and more or less sub-metallic aspect (see Table X. ) ;
(2) certain examples of Pyrolusitc and Maiiganite, occurring mostly in dark
;*■'■
MINERAL TABLES : — XXIII.
207
fibrous masses or crystal groups, usually of metallic or well-markeil sub-
metallic lustre (see Tables VIII. and X.) ; and (3) the amorphous PHilomelane.
with the earthy, oohreous mixtures known as Wad. The tv. latter alone
belong properly to thirt Table ; and Psilomelane in many of its eXcainples
presents a more or less metallic aspect (see Table VIII.). These manganese
oxidos, if warmed in powder with hydrochloric acid, cause the evolution of
chlorine fumes, a character by which they are readily distinguished from
bodies of similar aspect. The green-blue enamel which they form, HB, with
sodium carbonn.te, is also highly distinctive. Ignited by a Bunsen-Hame and
examined by the spectroscope, nearly all examples shew green Ba-lines ; and
Psilomelane and many Wads shew in addition the red K-line, and occasionally
the crimson Li-linc.
Pyrolusite and Wad are of low hardness, and thus soil more or less dis-
tinctly. Wad yields water on ignition ; Pyrolusite is anhydrous. The other
manganese oxides of natural occurrence range in hardness from about 4
(Mangaoite) to 5'5 or G'O. Psilomelane and Manganite yield water on
ignition. Braunite and Hausmaunite are anhydrous ; but, as already remarked,
these latter species scarcely require iiotice in the present Table, as their lustre
in ordinary examples is at least sub-metallic*
The group of red zinc and copper oxides includes merely Zincite and Cuprite.
Zincite or Red Zinc Ore, ZnO (coloured by Zinc Manganute), is chiedy dis-
tinguished by its red colour, orange streak, and infusibility. With sodium
carbonate and borax, BB, on charcoal, it gives a characteristic zinc sublimate,
and also a strong reaction of manganese. It occurs chiefly in cleavable and
scaly granular masses, usually associated with Franklinite. The crystallization
is Hexagonal, with basal cleavage, but crystals are rarely met with.
Cuprite (Red Copper Ore or Ruby Copper) occurs commonly in oct.ahcdroMS
(often with sunk faces) and in rhombic dodecahedrons and other forms and
combinations of the Regular System, frequently converted into green carbonate
on the surface. It is also found in acicular groups and in lamellar and other
masses; and in a dull, sub-earthy condition (mixed with Fe^O', Ac. ) forming
the so-called "Tile Ore." Its more distinctive characters are its red colour
and streak, and its easy reduction, BB on charcoal, to metallic copper. It
dissolves with effervescence and production of coloured nitrous fumes in nitric
acid, forming (as m the case of co^^per compounds generally) a green solution
which becomes intensely blue on addition of ammonia.
lirueite, MgO, H^O, is easily distinguished from the other commonly
occurring minerals of this Table by its white streak, softness, pearly aspect,
and its magnesia-reaction, BB, witli nitrate of cobalt. On ignition it evolves
30 to 31 per cent, water, and reacts alkaliiie.
*\A poiiiteil out l)y Bcrzeliiis, the more wiitcr an eiiitliy cr other manganese ore contains, the
less i*8 commercial value ; as the more water, the less MnO" on which the value depends.
(Vs
TABLE XXIV.
)"
i
\V
V
[Lustre non-metaliic, RB, slowly attacked or only in part dissolved by phosphor-
salt. Infusible, or fusible on thinnest edge only. Hardness sufficient
to scratch ordinary window-glass.*]
A.— Insoluble (in powder) in hydrochloric acid.
A'.— SPECIFIC GRAVITY OVER 50.
f Wifh soifium carboiuite and a little borax, lili, yielding metallic tin.
Cassiterite (Tin.stone) : — Su 78-62, O 21-38, but'iuost examples
contain traces of Fe'-'O'', Mn'-'O', &c. Tetrajjonal (crystals often
twinned), see Note at end of Table ; also ma.ssive and in rolled
pebbles ( = stream-tin, wood-tin) often with sub-fibroiis structure.
Brown, black, gvey, recldisli, &c., rarely colourless ; H G0-7() ; G
67-7"0. Infnsible, but reducible on charcoal (especially if fused
with sodium carbonate, cyanide of potassium, or neutral oxalate of
potass.).
t t With sodium carbonate, Bli, forming a slagy mass or remain-
ing undissolved. Streak more or less distinctly coloured.
[This subsection includes only some comparatively rare species (essentially
Tantalates, Niobates, Nio-titanates) in which the lustre on the fractured sur-
face is distinctly sub-metallic, at least in typical examples. These species
belong properly, therefore, to Table X. When they occur in a fragmentary
form, or are indistinctly crystallized, their correct determination is not easily
effected. In most examples, traces of tin are obtained by the reduction process
with sodium carbonate and borax ; and by fusion in fine powder with potassium
bisulphate, all are more or less decomposed, the fused mass becoming blue when
warmed with a few drops of hydrocblorio acid and a piece of tin or zinc]
* Minerals in wliicli the norma) dergte of iiardness scarcely exoeedn 5'0 do not scratch glass
very distinctly ; and if sliglitly weathered or altered they may uot scratch glass at all. To
avoid risk of error, theiofore, infusible silicates of this character are placed both iu the presant
Table and in Table XXV. In trying the hardness of a mineral by a piece of glass, the glass
should be laid flat on a table, and the mineral drawn with rather strong pressure sharply across
it— care, of course, being taken that no i)articles of quartz are attached to the substance.
Several species placed in this Table, are not absolutely infusible when tested in the form ot a
very fine splinter, although melting even then at the extreme point only, and requiring practice
on the part of the operator to effect this ; but, to avoid uncertainty in cases of this kind, the
species in question are referred to, again, in either Table XXVI. or Table XXVII.— the first
containing fusible anhydrous silicates, and the latter, hydrated species.
208
1;
MINERAL tables: — XXIV.
209
(BB, unchanged).
Tantalite: FeO, Ta-'O'', &c. ; Rhombic; black; H 6'0-6-5 ; G
<5-3-8-0, usually 7-0-7-5.
CuLUMBiTE (Dianite): FeO, MnO, Nb20^ TaSQ', «kc. ; Rhombic;
black, geuerally somewhat iridescent; H G-0 ; G 5-37-6-5. In fine
powder partially attacked by hot sulphuric acid.
Mkngite: YO, CeO, ZrO-', TiO^, etc.; Rh. ; black; H 5-5 ;'G
r)'48. Decomposed by hot sulphuric acid.
{BB, becoming yellow or palc-grei/ish and yielding a little water in the buUt-tube).
Yttkotantalite : YO, ErO, FeO, Ta^O^ WO'', ic. ; black, brown-
ish, yellow, often spotted; H 5-0-5-5 ; G 5-4-r)8.
Fekgusonite ; Polyckase ; Euxenite ; yEscHYNiTE :— See Table
X., pages 133 to 135.
{BB, partially fused or attached on the mrface or edges).
Samarskite : YO, FeO, CeO, U-^0-', Nb20\ Ta-'O^ Ac. ; Rhombic ;
black; streak red -brown ; H 50-60; G 5'6 5'8. Decomposed in
powder by hot sulphuric acid
AS— specific gravity 3-3-50.
t With sodium carbonate, BB, forming a skiff only, or remaining
undissolved.
{H = 10. In fine poivder slowly combustible).
Diamond (Crystallized Carbon) :— Reg., crystal-faces often curved
(See Note at end of Table). Colourless, pale yellowish or variously
tinted, sometimes black ; lustre strongly adamantine ; H 10 ; G
3-5-3-55, but in the black " carbonado " variety sometimes slightly
lower. BB, in fragments, unaltered per se and not attacked by the
iluxes, but in fine powder slowly combustible.
(BB, with Co-solution, APO* reaction).
Corundum (Sapphirr . Ruby, Admantine Spar, Emery) ; Al 53-2,
O 468 ( = AFO^). Hexagonal (see Note at end of Tablei. H 90 ;
G 3-8-4-2, usually 3-9-4-0. Pink, blue, red, brownish, colourless,
dark-grey— the latter in the opaque variety Emery ; many crystals
are colourless at one extremity, and blue or reddish at the other. BB,
quite infusible ; the tine powder fused with potassium bisulphate forms
a salt soluble in water. Ammonia throws down gelatinous A1203
15
I ."'■ ■•'■ •.
•*■■.'.
^Il
■■t'i
1 1
■A
:*■ !»■■
fM\
■1
Si'
fi
ru
». i
210
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
(generally somewhat brownisli from accompanying Fe'^0^) from the
solution.
DiASPORE Al^Os 8.''>, H-0 Uk Rhombic, but often in foliiite.l
or scaly masses; H 6-6'5 ; G 3"3-3'5. Colourless, white, brown,
violet, greenish, «fec. In bulb-tube generally decrepitates, gives oH
water, and falls into scaly particles. BB, liko Corundum,
Topaz : APO^ iiiO\ Fl. Orthorhombic (see Note at end of Table) :
H 8"0 ; G 3 "4-3 6 ; yellow of various shades, pale bluish-green,
reddish-white, colourless ; cleavage very perfect, parallel with basal
plane. Infusible, but becoujes colourless and loses polish on strong
ignition. BB, with fused phosphor-salt in open tube, gives fluorine
reaction. Pycnite and Physalite are columnar, opaque or semi-
opaque reddish-white or straw-yellow varieties.
Chrvsoberyl (Cyniophane) : BeO 19-8, APO^ 80-2; Rhombic
(see Note at end of Table) ; H 8-0-8-.5 ; G 3-65-3-85 ; green of various
shades, greenish-white (often shewing a floating opalescence), and in
many examples pale-red by transmitted light. BB, like Corundum.
Spinel : Normally, MgO 28, APO^ 72, but part of the MgO com-
monly rejjlaced by FeO, and part of the Al'^O' by Fe"^Ol Reg.
(crystals mostly small octahedrons, often twinned : see Note at end
of Table). HS'O; G 3-5-4-1, usually about 3-55-3-6. Red, blue,
green, of various shades; reddish-white, black, i-arely colourless.
BB, infusible, but many red varieties appear green whilst hot.
Decomposed in fine powder by fusion with potassium bisulphate.
Sapphirine : Essentially composed of MgO, FeO, APO^ SiO'.
Occurs in small granular masses in mica-slate from Greenland ; light-
blue, bluish or greenish-grey ; H 7"5 ; G 3'42-3-47. Infusible.
Cvanite (Distbene): APO* 62-10, SiO'^ 36-90. Anorthic, but
chiefly in bladed or flat-fibrous masses ; H 7-0 on edges of crystals or
laminae, 5-5*5 on flat surfaces ; G 3-48-3-68. Bluish-white, light- blue,
grey, pale-green, reddish-white, tile-red. Infusible. See Note.
(Zn reaction by fusion in poioder with mixttire of sodium carbonate and borax
on charcoal),
Gahnite (Automolite) : ZnO 38-7, APO'' 61-3, but small amounts
of MgO, MnO, FeO and Fe-O^ also frequently present. Reg. (crystals
mostly small octahedrons, commonly twinned as in Spinel); H 7-5.8-0 ;
G 4 -0-4 -6 ; dark green, greenish-back. Dysluite is a manganese-
&IINERAL TABLES : — XXIV.
211
Reg.
holding variety ; Kreittonite a ferruginous variety. BB, infusible ;
the powder fused with equal parts of sodium carbonate and borax
gives a zinc sublimate. See Note at end of Table.
(Fe reaction*).
Plkokaste (Ceylanite) : Black or dark-green variety of Spinel,
see above, containing as a rule too much iron to give a distinct
Al-'O^ reaction with Co-solution. Hercinite (mostly in small dull-
black granular masses) is still more ferruginous, practically all the
MgO being replaced by FeO. In these dark varieties the sp. gr. is
usually about 3 -9 or 4*0.
Staurolite (Staurotide) : Composed essentially of FeO, MgO,
APO", SiO^ Rhombic : (crystals often cruciform twins, essentially
rhombic prisms, with V : V near 129°, truncated on acute edges);
H 7 0-7-5; G 3-4-3-8 ; brownish-red, dark-brown, BB (a.s regards
true Staurolite) infusible. In powder, attacked by sulphuric acid.
See Note at end of Table.
{Chrome reaction : BB, with horax, emerald-green glass),
UwAROWiTE (Ouvarovite, Chrome Garnet) : CaO, APO^, Cr^O^,
SiO'"*. Reg. (crystals, small rhombic-dodecahedrons, occasionally
microscopic); H7"5; G3"4-3"53; bright green. Infusible.
{Sp. gr. 4-0-4-7).
Zircon (Hyacinth): ZrO- 67, SiO^ 33. Tetrag. (crystals, com-
monly, four-sided or eight-sided prisms with pyramidal terminations) ;
H 7 5 ; G, usually about 4 '4 ; yellowish-brown, red-brown, grey,
light-brown, red, rarely greenish or colourless. Infusible. Slowly
attacked by sulphuric acid. See Note at end of Table. Auerbachite,
Ostranite, and Malakon (Tachyaphalite), are probably slightly altered
varieties, the latter yielding 3 per cent, water. H about 6*5; G
3-9-41.
( Yielding water in bulb-tube).
Okrstedite : MgO, ZrO^, TiO^, Si02, H'-^O (56 per cent.). Tetrag.;,
H 5'5-6'0 ; G 3-63 ; red-brown, brownish-yellow, with adamantine-
lustre. A rare, imperfectly-known species, allied to and resembling
Zircon.
Malakon : An altered Zircon : see above.
* A small particle, or some of the powder, added to a bead of borax coloured by copper-oxide,
quickly reduces part of the CuO to red Cu«0.
.•(if:..
■if ' ■
fi:..~^
i^mfi ':'
B. ■■
iU
ni,
212
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
+ t W'i<A sodium carbonate, BB, dissolving more or less readily or
formimj a fused glass.
[Titanium reaction).
RuTiLE : TiO''. Tetragonal (crystals essentially prismatic, often
geniciilated twins, sometimes acicular) ; H G-O-G-f) ; G 4'2-4'3 ; red
(with strong adamantine, often sub-metallic, lustre^, black (Nigrint,
mostly in rolled i)ebbles), yellowish-brown ; streak, pale-brown.
liB, unchanged. Fused in fine powder with caustic soda or potash,
forms a .salt soluble in hydrochloric acid, the solution, slightly diluted
and boiled witli a piece of tin or zinc, assuming a violet colour. See
Note to this Table.
Anatase or OcTAiiEDRiTE : TiO". Tetrag. (crystals, small square-
based, mostly acute octahedrons or pyramids), H 5'5-GO; G i>'8-40;
indigo-blue, brownisl'., yellowish-grey, with adauuvntine often sub-
metallic lustre. BB, like Rutile. See Note.
Brookite: TiO-. Rhombic. (V : V 99° 50': V : V 139° 55' ;
P : P in front 115° 43', at side 101° 35' crystals often tabular, or in
Arkansite short pyramidal) ; H 5-5-6-0 ; G 4'0-4-25 ; light-brown,
yellowish, reddish, black in Arkansite variety ; lustre adamantine to
sub-metallic. BB, like Rutile.
A\— SPECIFIC GRAVITY UNDER 3-3.
t ]rith sodium carbonate, BB, forming a slag or semi fused mass.
Tourmaline (Light-coloured, red, green, and other infusible
varieties*) : Essentially com[)Osed of MgO, Al'-'O^ B'-O'', SiO", with
small amoutits of Na'^0, Li'O, Fl, »fec. Hemi-Hexag. (crystals mostly
nine-sided prisms, longitudinally striated, with differently modified
summits; R : R about 133° 10', - ^ R 152°, - 2 R 103° 3') ; green,
brown, red, (Rubellite), blue (Indicolite), colourless;* H 7 "0-7 -5 ;
G 2-9-3'2 ; pyro-electric. Infusible, or slightly attacked BB on thin
edges, as regards the varieties belonging to this Table. The fine
powder ignited in a platinum spoon and slowly digested at the boiling
point with a few drops of sulphuric acid, coraraunioates a green tinge
to the flame of alcohol or to the point of the blowpipe-flame. In
* The black opaquo varieties known as Schorl, and many brown varieties, are easily fusible.
See Table XXVI. Most of the light-coloured, translucent tounnalines, become opaque-white
after strong ignition, and many frit or slightly vitrify on thin edges, but all are practically
infusible.
MINERAL tables: — XXIV.
213
many varieties, also, the ignited powder moistened witli hydrochlori<
acid shows the red Li-line in the spectroscojm. See Note.
Awr ALUSITK (Chiastolite) : Al^O^* G3, SiO- 37. Orthorhoiubic (V :
V 90° 50'- 91° 4') ; H, nonnally, 70-7 f), hut often lower from par-
tial alteration ; G 3*10-3"20 ; greyish-whito. pearl-grey ; pale violet,
red, reddish-white, greenish. BB, infusible ; with Co-solution, after
ignition, assumes a tine blue colour. Chiastolite, in narrow straw-
like crystals or occasionally in thick prisms inibcdded in clay slate,
mica slate, &c., and presenting on the transverse section a dark cross
or black lozenge-shaped figure arising from a symmetrical arrangement
of the rock-substance in the centre and at the angles of the four
connected prisms, is commonly regarded as a variety. See Note.
Sillimanitk : Al'W 36-9, SiO- 63-1. Orthorhombic in crystn., but
commonly in fibrous or bladed examples ; H, normally, G-7 ; C
3'2-3'3 ; [)ale-brown, yellowish-grey, greenish. BB, like Andalusite
and Cyanite — these three minerals being identical in composition and
closely related in other respects. Fibrolite, Bucholzite, Xenolite,
Monrolite, and Wcerthite, are varieties.
Iolite (Dichroite, Cordierite) : MgO, FeO, Al'O' SiO-, with
usually traces of MnO, and fretpiently (from alteration) a small
amount of H'-'O. Othorhombic (mostly in short stout crystals of
pseudo-hexagonal asjject, with V:V 119® 10'), but commonly in
granular examples ; H, normally, 7 '0-7 •J) ; G 2"5-2-7 ; blue, smoky-
grey ; brownish or yellowish in certain directions by transmitted
light. BB, fusible with difficulty on thin edges, or practically ii. fu-
sible. With Co-solution becomes bluish-grey or pale-blue.
1 1 With sodiuvi carbonate BB, forming a fused glass or bead*
(Cleavage-planeH more or leas distinct).
EuoLASE : Essential comjwsition : BeO, Al'^O'', SiO- (41-43 per
cent.), with a small percentage of water, only driven off by intense
and prolonged heat, and therefore not detected in ordinary blovv))ipe
operations. Clino-Rhombic ; (crystals much resembling the common
augite crystals,! small and brilliant) ; H 7"5 : G 3"0-3"l ; colourless,
pale-green, bluish-white. BB, in tine splinters, becomes opaque,
* The flux should be added little hy little. With too much, or too small a quantity, iiniierfect
results are obtained.
t By atomic constitution, and also by crystallization, Euclase is regarded as related to
Datolite ; but the actual composition and geological relalions of these minerals are very
difTerent.
(
I
214
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
blistei-s Hlightly, ami becomes rounded ut the extfenie |)oint. With
Hodiuiii ciirbonute in proper proportion, tonus an oputpio pearl. A
rare H|)ecie8.
Beryl (Emerald) : BoO 14-14, AFO'^ 1905, SiO^ aO-84, with traces
of Fe-'U', and in the bright green varieties (emerald) a small amount
Cr'-'Ol Hexagonal (crystals mostly six-sided prisms witii large
basal jilane) ; H 7'5-8'Oj O 2'66.276 ; pale-green, greeni:ih-white,
emerahl-green, occasionally i)ale yellow, bluish, or (juite colouiless.
BB, in fine splinteins, becomes opacpie-white, and melts with ditticulty
at the extreme point.
Piienakite: BeO 45-78, SiO- 54-22. Hex. or Hemi-Hex. ; H
T'S-B-O; G 2-9-30; colourless, pale-yellowish. BB, infusible. With
small iimount of sodium carbonate melts to a while bea-,! : with
larger (juantity forms a slag. A rare species.
Enstatite : MgO 40, SiO- 60, but with part of the MgO rei,:..ced
by small amount of FeO. Rhombic (V: ¥91° 44-93"); mostly
in greenish-white, grey, or green cleavable masses ; H 5-5 to nearly
0-0; G 310-3-29. BB, fusible on thintiest edges only. Bronzite,
commonly regarded as identical, is here kept distinct on account of
its inferior hardness. See Table XXV.
Orthoclase (Potash Feldspar) : K'-^O 16-9, Al-0=* 184, SiO- 04-7.
Clino-Rh. (crystals often twinned: See Note to Table XXVI.);
commonly in cleavable masses (the adjacent cleavage-planes meeting
at 90°) of a white, red, grey or light-gretJii colour ; H 6-0 ; G
2-5-2-6. BB, fusible with difficulty or on the edges only, but a tine
splinter is readily vitrified at the point. Red K-line clearly visiljle
in spectro.scope if the powder be ignited and then moistened with
Ijydrochloric acid, or fused with sodium carbonate.
Albite (Soda Feldspar): Essentially, Na-0 11-8, AW 196,
SiO- 68-6. Anorthic (crystals often twinned : See Note to Table
XXVI.) ; commonly in white, r • ', or othei'- coloured cleavable masses,
with adjacent cleavage-planes n^eeting at 93° 36' and 86" 24', one
of these planes being delicately striated. H 60 : G 2 -58-2 64. BB,
(in fine splinters) difficultly fusible, tinging the flame-border strongly
yellow.*
* These feldsparM are referred to in the jireaent Table, because they are coniinonly regarded
as infusible by students who have had but little practice with the blowpipe, or who presist in
testing fragments of too large a bulk. They are describeil again in their proper place, with
Anorthite and other distinctly fusible feldspars, in Tablb XXVI ; and in ihe Note to that Table
tlieir types of crystallization and crystallographic characters, generally, are fully aescribed.
MlNKUAIi TAUI.KS:— XXIV.
215
Tkidymite : Normally, puro 8i()-, Imt difTerin^^ from quartz hy its
Anortliio (I) cryHtullizutioii, tlit) iiuliciitiotm of chiiivayo which it Hliews
ill one direction, its Nomewhiit lo\v««r h\>. ;^r., iiikI its Hohihility in u
Kuturutt'il, bo inj; Holution of Hodiiim cjirhoniit*!. H 70 ; (} 2'28-2'33 ;
coloiirleHH, o])a(iiie wliito. Th(3 crystals an* mostly taltular or in fan-
shaped or other twins. Asimmite, discovered by Maskelyne in small
cleavable grains in the Siderolite of IJreitenbach in Bohemia, is
probably identical.
(S'li nl"ii'rralili' cli-avmji' plantn),
Quartz (Rock crystal. Amethyst, ( 'alcedony, Agate, Ac): Normally,
jnire silica ; Si 4G'G7, O r)3"33, but often coloured by traces of Fe-'O'',
Mn-'O', »kc. Hexagonal or Hemi- Hexagonal (See Note at end of
Table): commonly in six sided prisms striated transversely and
terminated by a six-sided pyramid ; but often massive, botryoidal,
granular; H 7'0 ; G 2"r)-28 (clear examples and crystals commonly
about 'J"6o) ; colourless, white, violet, smoky-brown, pink, reii, green,
grey, black, itc, the colours of massive examples often in stripes or
spots : See Note. Bli, unchanged. With .sodium carbonate, fusible
with effervescence (due to expulsion of CO'-') into a clear glass.
Opal (Hyalite, ko.) : SiO-, with from 2 to 20 per cent. H-O, but
the latter usually 3-10 per cent. Opa(jue and strongly coloured
varieties also contain intermixed Fe-'O'' and other im|)urities.
Uncrystalline, and thus normally without action on pohiMzed light.
In nodular, botryoidal, and other amorphous examples ; mostly
imbedded in trachyte or other eruptive rocks ; H (normally 5'5-65 ;
O 1-5-2'f), commonly 1 •9-2-2; colourless, bluish-white, yellowish-red,
with internal play of colours or iridescence (Noble Opal, Girasol, Fire-
Opal) ; also colourless, forming vitreous coatings or botryoidal masses
on lava (Hyalite) ; or white, yellow, brown, red, bluish-grey, &c.,
often in stripes or patches in the same specimen, and with more or less
waxy or sub-resinous lustre (Common Opal, Semi-Opal, Wood Opal,
*i:c.) BB usually decrepitates : in the bulb-tube yields a little water;
otherwise like quartz. In powder, soluble in hot solution of caustic
potash. Jasper-Opal is an opaque red, dull-yellow or brown variety,
mixed with a considerable amount of Fe-'O'' or Fe-0'', H-O. Menilite
is a light-brown or bluish-grey variety in flat nodulir pieces. Pearl-
sinter, Siliceous Sinter, Geyserite, ikc, are stalactitic, encrusting or
porous varieties, deposited by many hot springs. Tripoli, Polishing
i
'■''
I p
m'
216
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
Eai'tli, Randanite, are forms of amorphous silica, made up of minute
tests or coverings of diatoms. See Note to this Table.
B.— Readily decomposed or dissolved (in powder) by hot hydro-
chloric acid.*
B'.— YIKLDING NO WATER (OR TRACES OXLY) BY IGNITION IN BULB-Tl'BE.
t Decomposed, without gelntinizutiou, by hydrochloric acid.
Leucite: K=0 21-53, Al'W 23-50, SiO- 54-97; with part of the
K'-'O commonly replaced by Na*0. Tetrag., but crystals closely
resemble a trapezohedron of the Regular System. H 5-5-6-0 ; (t
2-45 2-50; white, light-grey, yellowish or reddish-white. Only foiuid
in crystals or SMiall rounded masses in certain lavas. Infusible ; with
Co-solution, BB, assumes a bright blue colour. In fine pcwder,
decomposed by hydrochloric acid, with separation of granular silica.
Shews red K-line distinctly in spectroscope when ignited and fused
with sodium carbonate or moistened with hydrochloric acid.
Pollux: Cs'-'O, Na-0, AFO^ SiO", with about 2h per cent. H^O,
the latter easily escaping detection in the e.x.amination of sih.iii
fragments. Reg. (crystals very minute combinations of cube and
trapezohedron 2-2). Couunonly in small camphor-like colourless
masses. H 5-5-0-5 ; G 2-8-2-9. Fusible only on thin edges. The
powder heated with fluoride of ammonium and then moistened with
hydrochloric acid shews in the spectroscope the two charactcM istio
C, 'sium lines. These are bright blue and close together, one being
almosc in the position of the bl.ie Sr-line. A rare species, hitherto
only found in the Island of Elba.
t t Decomposed, loith separation of gelatinous si/ica, by
hydrochloric acdi.
(Zn reaction : characteristic riiuj-deposit on charcoal by fusion of test-suhMancc
with sodium carbonate).
WiLLEMiTE : ZnO 73, SiO'-' 27. Hemi-Hex. (crystals commonly
six-sided i)risn>s terminated by an obtuse rhombohedron of 128° 30',
* Ueiliu u a snuill fingiiient (ri or grniiis, or k'ss) of the tcst-siibstaiict' to powder ; plai'e tliis
(by menus of a folilerl slip of glazed paper) at tlie bottom of a clean test-tube ; twist ;i rolled-
up piece of Foft paper round the top of the tube to serve as a handle, the ends of the paper
being twisted together ; coTer the powder to the daptli of about half-an-inch with stronK
hydrochloric acid, and boil gently (lettin;; the flame touch the side of the tube near the to]) of
the acid) for two or three minutes. In most cases to produce gelatinization, the aciil must be
partially evaporated.
i^%
MINKKAL TABLES : — XXIV.
217
but very small, and often with roumled e<lges) ; H 5'5 ; G 3"9-t'2 ;
white, brownish, red, green, ifec Infusible, or attacked, BB, on
thinnest edges only.
(Zn and Mn reactions).
Tkoostite : Like Willeinite in composition but with part of the
ZnO re[)laced by MnO and FeO. Hemi-Hex. (crystals comparatively
lar<^e, mostly six-sided prisms with rhombohedral terminations).
Commonly opaque or semi-opaque, yellowish-grey, greenish or brown.
BB with sodium carbonate forms a turquoise-enamel. Otherwise
like Willemite. Properly, a manganese variety of the latter si)ecies.
(Fl reaction with sulphuric acid).
Chondhoditk : MgO, FeO, SiO'^ (33-37 per o(mt.), MgFl-. Clino-
Rh., but commonly in small granular masses of a y<^llow, yellowLsh-
white, reddish, brown, or green colour, imbedded in cryst. limestone ;
H G0-(i'5 ; G 30-32r). BB infusible, or rounded only on thinnest
edges. Clino-Hujiite is closely related. See Note.
HuMiTE : a Choudrodite of orthorhombic crystallization (?) In
small crystals with numerous pyramidal planes, and generally a well-
developed basal piano, chiefly from Monte Soinma.
(No Zn or Fl reaction. O ^-y) to ^-a).
CiiKYsoLiTE or Olivine (Peridot) : Average com|)osiLion, MgO 49,
Fe(3 10, SiO- -41 ; but in some varieties the FeO is higher, and MnO
and TiO- are occasionally jtresent. Rhombic, but mostly in small
granular ma.sses in basalt, i.tc. (for crystallization characters, see the
Nolo to this Table). H 05 70 ; G 3L'-3'r). Green of various shades,
yellow, brownish, rarely yellowish- red. BB, infusible, except as
reitards some very ferruginous variedes (Hyalosiderito, itc. ) which
yii'ld a magnetic slag or globule : see Table XXVI. Forsterite
(Boltonite) is identical in composition, crystallization and othtM' char-
acters. Hoitonolite and Glingite are ferruginous varieties.
]MoNTicELLiTE (Batracliite) : Average couiposition, CaO 3;"), MgO
22, FeO of), SiO- 37-r). JIh. ; H r)-.5 ; G 3-12 ; colourless, greyish,
pale greenish or yellowish-grey. BB, rounded on thinnest edges
only. Ignited and then moistened with HCl acid shews in spectro-
scope momentary red and green Ca-lines.
Geiilenite : Es.sential composition, CaO, Al-O'', SiO- with small
amounts of MgO, FeO, Y-0\ and H-0 ; Tetiag. (crystals chiefly
I'
218
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
:::W!''
simple square prisms) ; H 5-5.6'0; G 2-9S-3-10; pale greenish-grey,
green, brownish. BB, rounded on thin edges. In spectroscope (after
ignition and moistening with HCl) shows Ca-Iiues very distinctly.
(G 4 or higher ; colour, black).
Gadolinite : YO, CeO, BeO, FeO, SiO'-, with traces of H'O, and
occasionally small amounts of ErO, CaO, ic. Orthorhomliic or
Clino-Rh., but chiefly in small granular masses without distinct
cleavage. Black, greenish-black; streak greenish-grey; H 6-.5-70 ;
G 4'0-4*3. BB, many varieties emit a peculiar glow, and most
examples swell up slightly and become greeulsh-grey, but none
exhibit fusion, properly so-called.
B«.— yielding water oy IGXITIOX.* -
{BB, stroiKi Cu-reaction with borax, or when vtoidened with hydrochloric acid)'
Dioptase: CuO 50-41, 8iO- 38-12, H-0 11-44. Hemi-Hexagonal
(crystals chiefly combinations of hexag. prism and rhombohedron,
with angle of 9.5" 28' over ])olar edges of the latter) ; cleavage rhon)
Vjohedral, with R : R 125° 54'; bright emerald-green, with paler
streak; transpai-ent or translucent; H 5 -0-5 5 ; G 3-27-3-35. BB,
generally decrejutates, blackens, but remains unfused. With fluxes,
on charcoal, gives metallic copper. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid.
A rare species. The amorphous and opaque copper silicate, Chryso-
colla, yields over 20 per cent. H-'O on ignition. See Table XXV.
(BB, with sodium carbonate on charcoal, zinc reaction).
Calamine: ZnO 67-5, SiO- 25, H-0 7-5. Orthorhombic (crystals
hemi-morphic, i.e., with ditferent terminations, but generally small,
and somewhat indistinct) ; H 5-0 ; G 3-3-3-5 ; colourless, or variously
tinted. The crystals pyro-electric. Frequ mtly in botryoidal and
other massive examples. BB, infusible; commonly decrepitates.
Decom))osed with gelatinization by hydrochloiic acid.
(iVo reaction.'^ of Cit or Zii. G 4-9 to 5*0).
Cerite: CoO, SiO-, H-0 (6^12 per cent.), but with part of the
CeO contstantly replaced by LaO, DiO, CaO, itc. Hexag. (?) ; mostly
in mass: v. examples of a red, reddish-grey, or brownish colour ; H
5-5 ; G 4-9-5-0. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid. The solution (if
* The mincrala of this section belong proimrly to Tiible XXV., as they scratch glass more
or less imUstlnutly, but to avoid risk of error iu their deternimation they are referred to, also,
here.
m>
MINERAL TABLES : — XXIV.
219
not too acid) jijives witli oxalic acid a white precipitate which becomes
converted into tile-red Ce-'O'' by ignition in the |)latinum sjjoon (Von
Kobell).
[O under SO).
Pollux : Yields on ignition a very small amount of water. Mostly
in small colourle.ss camphor-like masses. See under B^ above.
KOTE ON TABLE XXIV.
This Table includes a series of hard, infusible or very difficultly fusible
minerals of vitreous or other non-metallic lustre ; with, in addition, a few
species in which the lustre is occasionally sub-metallic. These latter are
comparatively rare, and they belong normally to Table X.
The following are the only species of importance, or of ordin.ary occurrence,
which possess sufficient hardness to scratch glass distinctly: — (1) The Dia-
mond ; (2) a group of Tetragonal closely allied species, comprising : Cassiterite,
Kutile, Anatase, Zircon ; (3) the purely or essentially aluminous species,
Corundum, Chrysoberyl, Spinel, Gahnite ; (4) the purely siliceous species,
Quartz and Opal ; and, (5) the silicates, Topaz, Beryl, Oyanite, Andalusite,
Staurolite, Chrysohte, Chondrodite, Tourmaline, lolite, Leucite, Orthoclase,
Albite.
The Diamond is distinguished essentially by its extreme hardness, its peculiar
adamantine lustre, and, in ordinary examples, by its crystallization. The
latter is Regular, but the crystals have very frequently curved planes.
The principal forms comprise the tetrahedron and octahedron, and the
adamantoid S'l'if, the last often distorted both by curvature of faces .and by
elongation. The cleavage is octahedral. In the Bunsen Hame on platinum
foil, diamond dust burns slowly away, hut small splinters remain unchanged.
The Teti-agonal species, Cassiterite, Rutile and Anatase, have the common
formula IvO'' ; and with these, from its close correspondence in crystallization
with Eutile, the Zircon may be placed. Cassiterite, SnO''', is readily distin-
guished by its high sp. gr. (G"7-7'0), and by yielding reduced tin, BB, with
sodium carbonate or other reducing llux on charcoal. The crystals are
commonly short four- or eight-sided prisms, terminated by the planes of the two
"corresponding S(|uare pyramids ; and they are very frequently in geniculfited
twins. B : P over polar edge ^ 121° 40' ; T* ; T'= 133° 30'. Over middle edge,
»' = 87°8', and P = C7°52'. The basal plane is of rare occurrence. In
mineral viens, Cassiterite is very generally associated with Wolfram and
i^uartz, the latter forming the gangue or veinstone. The variety knoAii as
"stream tin" occurs in small rolled pebbles and grains in alluvial deposits.
" Wood tin " and "Toads eye tin" are also crystallized varieties of light or
dark brown colour and concentric-r.adiated structure. Kutile, TiO'^, distin-
guished in ordinary examples by its red or brown colour and adamantine lustre,
closely resembles Cassiterite in crystallization, and espeoinlly in its geniculated
twin-forms : P : P=12.3°8' ; vertical planes, in general, longitudinally striated.
]i.>:
2-20
BLOWPIPE PHACTICE.
Basal plane unknown (?). Rutile occurs also occasionally in acicular radiating
crystals, traversing (juartz ; and in small dark pebbles (Nigrine). Anatase or
Octahedrite, another form of TiU^, is mostly in small pyramidal crystals of a
gre^'ish-brown or peculiar blue colour, with adamantine, more or less sub-
met.allic lustre. The crystals commonly shew a consecutive s-^-ies of several
pyramids, but are sometimes tabular from extension of the basal plane. The
auyle over middle edge in P=135''36' (over polar edge 97°5r) ; in J P, 79°o4' ;
iu I P, 53°22' ; in j P, 39"30'. Both Anatase and Rutile, and the Rhombic
species Brookite, after fusion in fine powder with sodium carbonate, are dissolved
by hydrochloric acid. The solution assumes a deep violet colour if slightly
diluted and boiled with metallic tin.
Zircon, ZrO'^, SiO'', occurs occasionally in small granular masses, but most
commonly in simple crystals of the Tetragonal System. These are frecjueutly
small s(iuare prisms terminated by a square pyramid measuring 123°20' over
polar edges, and 84'20' over middle e<lges. A second pyramid, 2P, measures
103°3r over polar, and 122°I2' over middle edge ; and a third, 3P, measures
96°5r and 139°35' over these edges, respectively. The basal plane is only
known in some recently discovered, small, red-brown crystals from the
Cheyenne canyon. Other common crystals are eight-sided, from combination of
the two s(juare prisms. Some crystals, again, shew the planes of one or more
octagonal [)yramids, 3 P 3, 4 P 4, 5 P 5, but these planes are usually quite
narrow or of small size. Zircon is mostly red or red-brown in colour, l)ut
sometimes pale yellowish-grey, orange-yellow, greeni "i, or colourless. Its
hardness d'H), .and its high sp. gr. which averages 4 '4 or 4' 5 and always exceed
4*0 are salient characters. BB loses colour, but is (piite infusible. The powder
is slowly taken up by borax, the saturated glass becoming opaque when llamed.
Corundum, Ar^(J*, is distinguished by its great hardness (9 0), its high sp.
gr. (3 "8-4 '2), hexagonal or hemi-hexagonal crystallization, and complete infusi
bility ; as well aa by the fine blue colour imparted to it by treatment, BH, with
cobalt solution. It occurs under three more or less distinct conditions : (1)
in small transparent or sub- transparent ciystals of a blue, pink, red, or other
colour, or sometimes colourless, forming the sa])phire, ruby, &c., of jewellers,
according to the colour ; (2) in coarser, translucent or opaque crystals and
cleavable masses of a greyish-green, red, brown or other tint, forming the
variety known as Adamantine Spar ; and (3) in line granular masses of a grey^
or dark bluish-grey or black colour, commercially known as Emery. The latter
variety is sometimes mixed with grains of magnetic iron ore. The Corundum
crystals are mostly small, pyramidal combinations, or six-sided prisms with
narrow pyramidal planes and large basal face, and are fre(iuently ill-formed.
Thi cleavage is basal, and rhomhohedral, with R : R 86°4'. Many crystals
are parti-coloured, blue and white, &c., and nearly all show a milky opalescence
parallel witli tlie position of the I)asal plane ; whilst iu some, (asteria sapphire),
a six-rayed oi)alescent star is visible. The cleavage faces commonly shew a
delicate striation.
Chrysoberyl, BeO, Al-0' (or perhaps Be'C'', AlK)'), is a comparatively rare
species of a green or greenish-white colour, sometimes red by transmitted
MINERAL TABLES :— XXIV.
221
light, and often shewing a pale-bluish opalescence — whence the name Cymo-
phane, by which this species is also known. Tlie crystals are Orthorhombic coin-
l>inations, and are frequently in pseudo-hexagonal stellate groups* — both simple
and compound crystals being generally more or less tabular from extension of
the front vertical form or macro-pinakoid V. The hardness of chrysoberyl
(8"5) nearly equals that of corundum ; and its comparatively high sp. gr.
(4*7-3"8) is also distinctive.
Spinel, normally MgO, APO', is readily distinguished, in most examples, by
its occurrence in small octahedrons, connnonly twinned, as well as by its great
hardness (S'O), and its high specific gravity (3-5-4-1). The colour is usually
some shade of red, but colourless and other-coloured varieties are also known.
After fusion in line powder with potassium bisulphate it is partially soluble in
water. Ammonia throws down ilocculeut APO' from the solution.
Gahuite is properly a zinciferous spinel, commonly in small octahedrons,
both simjile and twinned, of black or dark-green colour, with greenish-grey
streak. Combinations of the cube with the rhombic dodecahedron and several
trapezohedrons, are also known. The simjilo octahedral crystals resemble
generally those of mag.ietic iron ore, but from *'iis species Gahuite is distin-
guished by its want of magnetism, its pale streak, lower sp. gr. and greater
hardness, as well as by tlie zinc sublimate which it yields when fust^d, in
powder, with a mixture of about equal parts of sodium carbonate and borax,
on charcoal
Quartz, SiO'', is distinguished readily from the preceding minerals by its
much lower sp. gr., as this never exceeds 2- 7 or 2 '8. Also by fusing ra])idly
with sodium carbonate, and forming with thr> reagent a clear glass. It- vant
of distinct cleavage is also characteristic. When crystallized, it is almost in-
variably in six-sided prisms, streaked across and terminated by the planes of
a regular hexagonal pyramid, the basal i)lane being always absent. The
pyramid-planes are often very irregular in size and shape. The jirincipal
angles are as follow.s : over polar edge, 133°44' ; over point of crystal, 7(5°2G' ;
on adjacent prism-plane, liVH'. If the pyramid be regarded as consisting of
two complementary rhombohedrons, H on R equals 94°15' ; and in many
crystals only three terminal planes of this kind are present ; or the six planes
differ alternately in size, so as to form two sets of three. Many crystals also
shew small tetartohedral or plagiliedral planes, usually rhombic or rhomboidal
in shape and often striated, on some of tiie angles of the prism-pyramidal.
Although normally colourless. Quartz very commonly presents various
shades of violet, pink, red, yellow, green, brown, &c., and some varieties
are dark-grey or black. The cryst.allized examples comprise Rock-crystal,
' Compound stellate and hexagonal grouiiinga are coiiunon among crystals of the Orthorhombic
System (Chrysoberji, Marcasile, Discrasite, Aragonite, Cerusite, Bcryllonite &c.), and are occa-
sionally seen in Clino-Rhombic and Regular crystals (tiie latter In camphor, &i'.), but are apj..^-
rently unknown among minerals and chemical products of recognized Hexagonal crystallization.
The beautiful snow-crystals so common in Canadian winters are thus most probably not truly
hexagonal, but compound Rhombic forms. See a brief communication by the writer in the
Canadian Journal, 1860.
k
r*
m I
■•.•»fV,.> f
W
009
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
Amethyst, Cairngorm, Smoky Quartz, &c. Massive, crystalline, or sub-
crystalline varieties include Common Quartz, Hose Quartz, Prase, some
kin<ls of Jasper, Ac, (many of these containing intermixed iron-ore, chlorite,
actynolite, or other foreign matters) ; whilst the nodular, stalactitic, aud
amygdaloidel examples, composed largely of amorphous silica, comprise 'Cal-
cedony, Carnelian, Cat's-Eye, Chrysoprase (coloured apple-green by NiO),
Agate, Flint, Blood-stone, and other varieties.
Opal consists of amorphous silica, and most, if not all, examples yield a
certain amount of water on ignition. It occurs only in nodular, amygdaloidal
or botryoidal masses, or in small veins, essentially in trappean, trachytic or
other volcanic rocks. Its sp. gr. rarely exceeds 2'0 or 2*2, and its degree of
hardness is always below that of ordinary quartz. In powder, it is dissolved
more or less readily by a hot solution of caustic potash or soda. The noble opal
is beautifully iridescent ; but ordinary varieties, comprising Jhe so-called semi-
opals, milk-opals, wood-opals, &c., much resemble calcedonic varieties of quartz,
and are usually opaque-white, brown, red, yellow, or grey in colour. Hy^hte
is a transparent glassy variety in small botryoidal masses on lava. As regards
these and other varieties of Opal (see the Table), the more distinctive characters
are as follows: low sp. gr. (l"5-2'5) ; amorphous structure; infusibility ;
presence of water ; solubility (or partial solubility if mixed with quartz) in
caustic potash.
Topaz is apparently an aluminous silicate combined with a fluoride. It con-
tains I7i per cent, of fluorine, but gives a very feeble indication of that substance
with sulphuric acid, owing to its general insolubility. If fused, however, with
some previously fused phosphor-salt in a piece of open tub 3 — the flame being
directed into the tube upon the assay — the glass becomes corroded. Topaz
occurs commonly in crystals, more rarely in small rolled pebbles (distinguished
from ([uartz pebbles by their ready cleavage and higher sp. gr. ), and occasionally
in opaque, granular or columnar masi^es (Pycnite, Physalite) of a white, reddish-
white or yellowish colour. In all, the hardness exceeds that ol quartz, and
the sp. gr. is comparatively high (.3"5-3'6). The crystals belong to the Ortho-
rhombic System, and are invariably prismatic in aspect, with V : V 124 17',
and V2 : V2 86° 49'. They are of four general types : (1), the Brazilian type,
essentially of a wine-yellow colour, presenting several vertical prisms (some
of which, however, are merely denoted by vertical strise), terminated by
four planes of a rhombic pyramid measuring 141° over front polar edge, and
101° 40' over side edge, the basal plane wanting ; (2) the Siberian and Japanese
type, essentially of a pale blueish-green colour, resembling that of ordinary
beryls, or otherwise colourless, and consisting of vertical forms with two more
or less largely developed side-polars or brachydomes, 2 P, measuring 92° 42
over the summit — the basal plane being either absent or of comparatively small
size, and other planes, if present, being also but slightly developed ; (3) the
Saxon type, of very pale-yellow colour, or nearly colourless, characterized
essentially by its largely-developed basal plane, with polar planes (of several
forms) subordinately present ; and (4) the Mexican type, mostly of a light
MINERAL TABLES : — XXIV.
223
brownish-yellow colour, and characterized especially by its acute polar planes,
consisting chiefly of the side polar or brachydome 4 P with summit-angle = 55°
20' ; and the pyramid 2 P, measuring 130° 22' over front, and 74° 54' over
side edges. These definitions hold good in the main, but crystals of interme-
diate type occasionally occur.
Beryl, a silicate of alumina and glucina, occurs chiefly or almost wholly in
crystals or crystalline columnar aggregations ; but a coarse, granular, quartz-
like variety is also known. The species consists of two leading sub-species,
comprising the Beryl proper, and the Emerald. In both the crystals as a rule
are simple hexagonal prisms with largely-developed basal plane ; but in some,
the basal edges or angles (or both) are replaced by a border of narrow pyramidal
planes ; and occasionally the vertical edges are replaced by the prism V 2. In
Beryl the vertical planes are generally longitudinally striated by an oscillation
between the two prisms, and crystals are thus often rounded or rendered more
or less cylindrical. The colour is usually greenish-white or some pale shade
of green, greenish-blue or yellow, and crystals often occur of large size. In
the Emerald the prism-planes are generally smooth, and the colour is emerald-
green, derived from the presence of a very small amount of sesquioxide of
chromium. In both varieties the hfirdness equals or exceeds that of quartz,
and the average sp. gr. equals 2"7. In the blowpipe-flame, fine splinters lose
their colour, become opacjue, and vitrify at the extreme point ; but, practically,
the mineral may be regarded as infusible. After long ignition in a furnace, it
assumes a porcelain-like aspect.
Oyanite or Kyanite, also known as Disthene, occurs commonly in long,
bladed or broadly- fibrous aggregations of a mixed blue and white colour, but
occasionally of a red, grey or other tint, and also in examples of narrow-fibrous
structure. The flat surfaces are readily scratched by a knife, whilst the edges
scratch glass strongly. The Crystal-System is Anorthic, but crystals as a
rule are imperfectly formed. They consist of long narrow prisms, with indis-
tinct terminal planes in most examples. The blue-white colour, bladed
structure, perfect infusibility, and assumption of a blue colour by ignition
with nitrate of cobalt, are the leading distinctive characters. In examples
from St. Gothard, frequently seen in collections, Cyanite crystals in mica elate
are closely conjoined with long narrow prisms of dark-red Staurolite.
Andalusite is identical with Cyanite in composition (Al^'O', Si*0), but presents
a very different aspect, and crystallizes in the Orthorhombic System. It is
generally in granular masses, or in nearly r^ jtangular prisms, of a peach-blossom
red or greyish colour. The crystals are often large, coarsely formed, and
coated with mica. In blowpipe characters, it resembles Cyanite.
Staurolite may in general be recognized easily by its dark-brown, brownish-
black, or dark-red colour, its very common cruciform crystallization, and its
infusibility. Simple crystals however are also of frequent occurrence. These
consist invariably of an obtuse rhombic prism, with V : V 129° 20', truncated
(sometimes deeply, sorootimes very slightly) on the side or acute vertical
edges, so as to form a six-sided prism, and carrying generally, in addition, a.
front-polar form, F, mostly of small size. The basal plane has usually a rough
1 ■II ■
1 -^M
I ■'
i':
oo
24
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
:t ■>'■
surface, and many crystals are roii^'' and dull throughout. These crystals
occur very commonly in cruciform twins, in some of which the crystals cross
each other at right angles, and in others obliquely. The prism-angle V : V
appears to vary from aliout 128' 40' to 129° 3(t'. B : V averages 124" 30' to 125"
30'. Some of the deep-red examples are more or less translucent, but ordinary
dark brown crystals are (juite opatjue.
Clirysolite pro])er is commonly of a pale-yellow or yellowish -green colour ;
but in the variety known as Olivine, the colour is dark-green, or brownish-
j'ellow, or occasionally red, and this variety occurs chieHy in small gr.-viuilar,
more or less transparent masses, iml»edded in basalt and lava. Chrysolite,
proper, occurs in small crystals and crystalline grains, and is normally a pure
silicate of magnesia ; wliilst in Olivine, much of tht MgO is replaced by FeO.
The crystals are Orthorhonibic, and are mo.stly cond)inatious of the vertical
forms V, \', V2, and V ; the polar forms 1', V, and 2P ; and the base B, the
latter sometimes failing. V : V = 130° 2' ; V2 : V2^ 94° 2''; P : P over front
edge, 139" 54' ; over side edge, 85° IG' ; P : B, 128° 17' ; 2P : 2P, over B or
summit 80° 53'. Both varieties are decomposed, in powder, by hydro- Moric
acid, and also by sulphuric acid, the silica separating in (usually) a gelatinous
condition. Normal examples are infusible, but very ferruginous varieties (hya-
losiderite, &c. ) of ten vitrify on thin edges. The leading characters of Olivine
arc its peculiar greenisl.'-yellow or green colour, its occurrence in traps and
lavas, its general infusibility, and its gelatinization in acids.
Chondrodite, essentially a magnesian Huo-silicate, occurs commonly in the
form of small granular masses, chiefly of a yellow colour, imbedded in
crystalline limestone ; but green, yellowish-red, and other coloured varieties
are also known. It occurs also, though less commonly, in small crystals with
very numerous planes, belonging to the Clino-Kliombic System. Huniite and
t'lino-Humite (chiefly from Vesuvius) are closely similar in composition and
general physical characters, but the first is probably Orthorhonibic in crystalli-
zation, and the latter presents different angular values. All give a marked
fluorine reaction by treatment in powder with hot sulphuric acid. For other
chaiacters, see the Table.
Tourmaline may in general be recognized witliout difficulty bj' the essentially
triangular character of its crystals and crystalline needles, as seen more
especially on the transverse fracture. The crystals ai'e generally nine-sided
prisms, consisting of three planes of a hemi-hexagonal prism - , combined with
the second hexagonal prism V2, the latter occurring as a bevelment on the
vertical edges of the half-form. These prisms, when perfect, are terminated
by rhombohedron-planes, with or without a basal plane, or frequently by
rhombohedron-planes at one extremity, and by a single large basal plane or
dissimilar forms at the other. The rhombohedron-planes belo.ig chiefly to the
forms R, -^R, -2R, in which the angle over polar edges equals, respectively,
133° 10' or thereabout, 155°, and 103°. Black varieties (known as Schorl) and
most dark-brown varieties are easily fusible (see Table XXVI. ), but the red,
green, blue, clear-brown, and colourless examples are either infusible, or
MINEHAL tables; — XXIV.
225
crystals
als cross
lo V : V
)' to l'2r)^
;>rtliuary
colour ;
rowiiish-
^ranular,
ivysolitu,
ly a pure
by FeO.
i vertical
,se B, the
iver front
over B or
Iro' Moric
;elatiiious
tics (bya-
)f Olivine
traps and
ly in the
leclilcd in
varieties
itals with
iniite anil
ition and
crystalli-
|a marked
?'or other
kseutially
len more
line-sided
lied with
It ou the
rminated
eutly by
Iplaiie or
\y to the
lectively,
liorl) and
the red,
Lible, or
fusible only on the thinnest edges. Some crystals are red internally and green
externally, or present different colours at tlie extremities ; and nearly all tlie
clear examples are transi)arent when viewed across the prism, and oi)a(|ue
longiti^linally. All, moreover, exiiibit electrical polarity when heated.*
lolite, known a'so as Dichroite and Cordierite, is commonly in tlie form of
small, granular, v treous or resino-vitreous masses, imbedded in granitic and
crystalline metannrphic rocks ; but is found at some localities ia distinct
crystals, and occasionally in the form of small rolled pebbles in alluvial deposits.
The coll lur is mostly dark-blue or pale-ldue by reflected light, and brownish
or yellowish by transmitted light, whence the name Dichroite. Some varieties,
however, are colourless, grey, or bluish-browu. The crystals belong to the
Orthorhombic System, but have in general a pseudo-hexagonal aspect : a com-
mon combination consisting of the forms V, V, P, P, and U ; with V : V 119°
10'; B:P 150° 49'. Fine splinters melt at the extreme point in a prolonged
l)la8t, but practically the species may be placed among the infusible silicates.
From blue Corundum (Sapphire) and from Sapphirine and blue Spinel, it is
readily distinguished by its low sp. gr. (20). From blue Tourmaline (Indico-
lite), <ilso by lower sp. gr., ivnd by not becoming electric when heated ; and
from Quartz, by forming, BB with sodium carbonate, a slaggy semi-fused mass
in phice of a clear glass. Many examples of lolite are partially altered or
decomposed, and these give traces of water in the bulb-tube.
Leucite is readily distinguished, as a rule, by its occurrence in small rounded
grains or crystals of a white, grey, or pale-yellowish tint, in lava. The crystals
closely resemble the trapezohedron 2 2 of the Regular System, but have been
sliewn by Von Hath to be really Tetragonal, at least as regards most
examples, if not all. Many crystals contain minute needles and scales of
augite, magnetite, &c,, scattered through their substance. In powder, leucite
is slowly decomposed by hot hydrochloric acid. The solution, rendered pasty
by partial evaporation, shews the red K-line in the spectroscope if held ou a
clean platinum wire for a few seconds in the outer edge of a Bunsen-Hame.
The K-line is rendered visible also by igniti'ig some of the powder on a loop
of platinum wire, and then dipping it int" some sodium carbonate or powdered
Huor-spar, and again exposing to the flame. The glare from the sodium
spectrum may be entirely cut off by t}ie intervention of a piece of deep-blue
glass.
Orthoclase : Albite. These species belong properly to T.-vble XXVI, and
their crystallographic and other characters are there describe 1. In general,
they form cleavable masses of a white, Hesh-red, bright-red, grey, pale-yellowish
or apple-green colour ; or occur in crystals of a more or leas ttatteiied aspect,
'This may lie shewn by suspendiiiR a crystal from the ring of the blowjiiiie lamp, or other
I'onveuient support, by means of a piei^e of thin silk tuieaJ, tied round the centre of the crystal.
Tlie latter is lieated carefully in a small platinum or porcelain capsule, care being talcen not to
burn the thread, over a spirit-flame or Bunsen-burncr. On the capsule being removed, one
end of the prism will be attracted, and tlie other end repelled, by a glass stirring-rod, or stick
ol sealing wax, rubbed previously for a few seconds on the coat-sleeve.
16
f
i."
226
BLOWPIPK PRACTICE.
often twinned (see Note to Tai«i,k XXVI.). In Ortlioclase, the principal dun-
vftge phincH meet (it right angles ; in Alhite, at angles of d'.V 3(5' and 8(5 -'4',
and one of the cleavage planes in the latter speeiea generally shews a delicati-
striation, hest seen under tlie magnifying glass. Orthoclase, treated in uowder
(as described under ijcucite, above) shews very distinctly the red K-line in the
spectroscope.*
* This ti'Ht f)r tlie preMeiu^u of |iotAHli 111 Orthoi'laHc, ho lar at luast oh reKunU tliu line of Hodiuiii
car)ii>nnt(>, wan llrHt (leHcrilxid liy Uuiihcii. If tlie ininifral, In i>owilcr, lie fiiHi'd with lluoriiimr,
the red K-lin« coiiil's out, 1 lliid, still iiioro dUtlnctly ; and many uxainiilfH, when thim troated^
Hliew tliu Ll-lliii' an wull. By the iiitervtmtiou of a iiieci' of blue kIbhs the Cadini's (from the
fluor-ajiar) and the Lt-hne beroine olillterated, and only the K-line runiains vlslbk'.
TABLE XXV.
[LuHtro, non-metallic, bnt in Home ewes pseudo-metallic. Slowly attacked BB,
by phoaplior-aalt, with formation of a silica akeluton or opaline ^iasH.
Infusible or fusible on the edges only.* Kusily scratched by the knife].
A.— Occurring in micaceous or foliated masses, or in crystals with
pronounced basal cleavage.
Ai.-NO WATER, ON TRACES ONLY, EORMED BY KlNITIoN IN THE BULR-TUBE.
Muscovite (Potiush Mica): Esaeutially K-'O 12, M'^b^ 39, SiO- 46,
with small amounts of Fe^O-', H-0, Fluorine, »fec. Rliomhic or Clino-
Rhomltic (?), but crystals hexagonal in aspect. Optically biaxial,
with large angle of divergence. Structure thin-foliated or .scaly, the
folije easily separable. White, brown, black, green, tkc, with metallic-
pearly lustre on cleavage-j)lano ; flexible and elastic in thin j)iece8 ;
H 20-3-0; G 2-7-3-1. BB, exfoliates, and melts rejidily on the
edges (if in the form of a thin scale) into a greyish-white enamel.
Tn acids, insoluble. Fuchsite is a more or less deep-green chronii-
ferous variety, in fine-scaly aggregations. Damourite, Margarodite,
and Sericite are hydrated micaceous minerals, apparently derived from
Muscovite, Roscoelite is a Vanadium-mica (in small greenish-brown
or greon, radiately arranged foliie of metallic-pearly lustre) from
Eldorado Co., California.
Phlogopite (Potassic-Magnesian Mica): K-'O 12-75, MgO 3255,
Al-^O^' 13-95, SiO-' 40-75, with small amounts of H^O, F, &c. Clino-
rhombic (ojjtically biaxial), but essentially hexagonal in aspect ; thin-
foliated, or scaly ; yellowish-brown, with golden, metallic-pearly lusti"e
on cleavage-face J H 2"5-3-0; G 2-75-2-90 ; BB, whitens, and melts
on thin edges into a greyish- white enamel. In j)owder decom{)03ed
by sulphui'ic acid, the silica separating in colourless scales. Common
in crystalline limestones.
BioTiTE (Potassic-Ferromagnesian Mica) : Closely resembles Phlo-
gopite in composition and general characters, but usually of dark
colour — green, black, or brown ; optically uniaxial, and of assumed
* Most of tlie micaceous and ohloritic minerals of tins Table, thougli commonly licscribeil
as infusible, melt more or less readily on their edges, but cannot be fused into a globule.
227
228
DLOWriPE PRACTICK.
M
:#;■ ...
:.V.j,'«v ^r,
M^ I
m ■ f
Hoxngonnl cryfiliilHzatioii. FnHiblfi on edgos into a Idack or (lurk
enHniol. Deconiposod l>y sulphuric acid. Commonly found in vol-
canic and trappcan rocks, hut many volcanic micas aro optically
biaxial. Ruhellano and Helvotano, in copper-red, or yellowiHli-red
liexagonal tahlos imhodded in trachyte or lava, are probably altered
varieties.
Talc : Essential composition, MgO 31-7, SiO- Oaf), H^O 48, but
the H-0 is not driven off by moderate ignition, and is thus regarded
as basic. Occurs commonly in six-sided tabular crystals and foliated
ujasses of a pearly-white, greenish-white, clear-gi-een, or greenish-
grey colour. H ro ; G 2'67-2-80. lilJ, exfoliates, becomes opa<pie-
■white, and melta on thin edges, but less easily thart mica. With
Co-Holution, becomes pale-red. Insoluble in acids.
Bronzite (Foliated Enstatite) : Contains MgO, FeO, SiO-. Com-
monly in schistose or foliated masses of a dark-brown or dark-green
colour, with pseudo-metallic bronze-like lustre, and very pei-fect
cleavage in one direction. H 4-0-5*0 ; G 2'9-3'5. Fusible on
thinnest edges only. Not attacked by acids.
ANTnoPHYLLiTE : MgO 27-8, FeO, lG-7, SiO^ 555. Rhomb'
but essentially in thin-lamellar and fibrous masses, with tolen
easy cleavage in three directions; yellowish-brown, greenish-gic^,
bronze-green, with somewhat metallic-pearly lustre, H 5*0 ; G 3"2.
BB, vitrifies only on thinnest edges into a black magnetic enamel :
practically, infusible. Very slightly attacked by acids.*
Clintonite : Composed essentially of CaO, MgO, Al^O'*, SiO-, witli
traces of H-'O. Chiefly in hexagonal tables of a brown or yellow
colour, with metallic-pearly lustre; H 50; G 3'0-3-2. Practically
infusible. Decomposed by hydrochloric acid. Xantliophyllite (in
yellow radiating lamellse on certain talcose schists), and Brandisite
(in dark-green tabular crystals, weathering brownisli), are apparently
related compounds, but are only partially attacked by hydrochloric
acid. In Clintonite and in these related silicates the silica is under
20 or 21 per cent, but a large amount of alumina is present. Ignited
* In ordinary exainples, Bronzite, and Anthopiiyllite can r.irely be separately distinguished.
Tlie first IS regarded as a Rliombic representative of the Pyroxene series, and tlie latter as a
Rhombic Araphibolc; but the characteristic pyroxene and ainphibole angles (87 C and 124° 30')
or angles approaching these, are rarely determinable. Hyperstliene is a very ferruginous and
ooniparatively hard Bronzite, distinctly fusible, See Table XXVF.
MINERAL TAI1LE8 : — XXV.
2'2'J
imd inoiHtonotl witli IH'\ ncul, all hIkiw in the HpectroHcopo roil and
grc't'ii Cti-IineH in ntonicntiiry IIiisIiuh.
A«.-YIKI.1)IN0 WATKK HV IGNITION IN THE lU'LnTrnK.
CiiLOUiTK (Ponnino) : M«0 13 to 27, VvO 15 to 30, Al-0' 10 to
•23, SiO- LT) to 28, H-'O 9 to 12. Hoxag. or Honii-Hex. (ciyHtala
mostly tubular), but coiniuonly in foliaU.'d and scaly ()xam|)lt'H of a
dark or rich green colour; flexible in thin pieces; H TO-l .') ; G
2'65-2'9r). Fusible on thin edges into a yellowish-grey or dark and
often magnetic glass. Decomposed by sulphuric acid. Metachloi-ite,
Prochlorite, Aphrosiderite and Taboi-gite, are closely related chloritic
substances. The latter occurs in coaine, bluish-green, foliated masses.
K.*:mmkrekite : A chromiferous chlorite of u retl or violet-red
colour, or green by reflected, and red by transmitted light. Mostly
in hexagonal pyramids and prisms of foliated structure.
Ril'iDOLiTE (Clinochlore) : Clino-Rhombic in cryHtallization, but
identical in general characters and composition with Chlorite proper.
Epichlorite, Korundophyllite, Helminthite, ae varieties, or closely
related. Pyrosclerite is a chromiferous variety from Elba. Dolessite
is an essentially ferruginous chlorite, allied to this or the preceding
species, of frequent occurrence in amygdaloidal traps.
Pakagonite (Hydrous Soda-Mica): Na-'O, K-0, AI-'O*, SiO-, H-'O
(2'5 to 4'5 per cent.). In scaly or schistose masses of a yellowish-
white, pale-grey, or light-green colour, and pearly lustre. H 20-
3-0 ; G 2"79. Fusible on the edges into a white enamel ; decom-
posed by sulphuric acid. Pregrattite, distinguished by marked ex-
foliation BB, is closely related.
Oellacherite (Hydrous Barium-Mica) : K'-'O, Na^O, SrO, BaO,
CaO, MgO, Al-'O", Si02, H-'O (about 4 or 4-5 per cent.). In white or
pale-green scaly masses of pearly lustre. H l*5-30 (?) ; G 2'S-2'9.
Fusible on the edges into a white enamel.
Damourite: K-0 11-20, Al'O^' 3785, SiO- 4522, H-'O 525. In
yellowish-white pearly scales and foliated masses, associated (as
regards known localities) with Staurolite and Cyanite, or with
Corundum. Hl'5-2"5; G 2-8. BB, exfoliates, and melts on edges.
Decomposed, with separation of silica scales, by sulphuric acid.
Margarodite and Sericite are closely allied micaceous substances, ap-
230
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
-m:;,W'5^ 'ijii
Mi' ,i:
l»t
j)!irently altered Muscovite, witli variahle iinionnts of water. All
shew the red K-liiie in the .spectroscope very ilistinctly.
PvHOPirvLMTK (Foliated Kaolin): A-PO', SiO'-', H'-(), with traces
of .M i(( ), ttc. Essentially iu radio-foliated txani pies of a clear green
or greenish- white colour, and somewhat i)early histre ; flexible in
thin pieces; H 1-0; G 2-7r)-2'95. BH, exfoliates and curls up, but
renuiins unfused, or vitrities slightly on thinnest edges only. With
Co-solution jussunies a fine blue colour. Talcosite, from Victoria, is
a closely related substance, pas.sing into Kaolin proper. Nacrite or
Pholorite is also practically identical.
Makgahite (Pearl Mica) : CaO, Al'O'', SiO-', H'-'O, with small
amounts of K'-'O, Na'-'O, Li'-'O, MgO, F, «fec. Rhombic'(!) ; mostly in
six-sided tables and lamellar niiisses of pearly-white, ])ale-green,
reddish or greyish colour ; the lamelhe more or less brittle. H
.•i-5-tO ; G 2-95-3-I0. BB, melts on the edges, often with slight
ii'. tumescence. Scarcely attacked by acids. In s[)ectro8cope, after
ignition and moistening with HCl acid, shews momentary red and
green Ca-lines ; and, in most examples, red K and Li lines, also,
En.eryllite, Euphyllite, Diphanite and Gilbertite, are identical or
closely related. Euphyllite, however, is decomposed by sulphuric acid.
Antigouite (Slaty Seri)entine) : MgO 36 to 37, FeO G to 7,
SiO- 41 to 43, H-O 11-5 to 125, with traces of Al'O'', etc. In
schistose ma.sses of a dark green or greenish-brown colour ; H 2'5 ;
G 2 62. Translucent iu thin pieces. Fusible on the edges. Slowly
<lecom posed by sulphuric acid.
Schiller Spau (Bastite). Probably an altered Bronzite : Con-
tains MgO, FeO, SiO-', with about 12 per cent. H-'O, and small
amounts of K'-'O, CaO, Cr'-'O'', Al'-'O^, itc. In schistose or foliated
niiisses of a dark-green colour, wilii yellowish-brown reflections on
the cleavage surfaces. H 3o-4 0; G 2'6-2-8 ; BB, melts on the
edges only ; becomes brown and sometimes magnetic after ignition.
Decomposed by sulphuric aciil.
PiCROPHVLL : A hydrated magnesian silicate occurring in sub-
foliated or coar.se-tibrous examples of a grefiuish-grey colour; H 2-5 ;
G 273. Fusible on thin edge.s. Regarde*! as an altered Pvroxene.
Chlorophyllite : Contains MgO, :MnO, Al-0\ Fe'O', SiO", H'O.
In foliated masses or coarse, indistinctly formed, crystals of a green
i
MINKRAL TAIJLKS
-XXV.
231
■"i'\
or lnownisli colour. H aVmut 30 ; G iihoiit 2"7. Fusible on tliiii
edges only. Scarcely attackeil by ucids. Probably, in jtart, an
altered lolite.
Ciuui'iMTE: Contains K-0, CaO, MyO, Al'-'O'', Fe'^0\ SiO-, H'-'O
(7 per cent.). In foliated or soaly masses of a rose-red or brownish-
red colour, the foliiw brittle: H 2T)-3'0; G 2-73. BB, whitens, and
vitrifies on thin e<Ij'es.
B.— Occurring in granular, fibrous, compact or incrusting examfiles,
or in crystals, which do not shew a micaceous structure.
IJi.-XO WATER (OR ONLY TRACES) EVOLVED BY IGNITION IN THE BULUTUBE.
t Sectile.
( With Co-solution asumne a flciih-rvd colour.)
Steatite (compact or fine-granular Talc): MyO 31-7, HiO- G3'5,
H'-'O 4 "8 — but the latter is only ev'olved on intense ignition. Ma.ssive :
tine-granular or con)i»act ; also in pseudomorphs after Seapolite,
Orthoclase, Andalusite, S|)inel, Pyroxene, and other species : white,
grey, gi-eenish, reddish, «fec., often mottled ; H I 0-2 5 ; very s(!ctile ;
O 2G-2"8 ; more or less soiq)y-feeling. BB, hardens considerably,
und fuses on thin edges. In the bulb-tube, blackens. Decomposed
by hot sulphuric acid.
t t ^ot sectile.
{FormiiKj ziiic-Huhlimnte on charcoal by fimon xoith sodium carbonate and borax).
WiLLEMiTE : ZnO 73, SiO^ 27. Hemi-Hex. (crystals small, fre-
«p>ently with rounded edges, mostly iiexag. ]>ri8ms termiiuited by a
rhon>bohedron nn-iisuring 128° 30' over a polar edge*) ; white, green,
brow lish, reddish, ito. ; H 5'/) (scratches glass fet^bly) ; G 39-l'2.
BB, infusible, or vitrified here and there on surface only, f With
Oc-solution becomes green, or green and blue. Gelatiniz(!S with
hydrochloric acid.
Troostite (Manganesian Willemite) : Like Willemite in general
composition, but with part of the ZnO replaced by MnO and FeO.
• This rliombolicdroii is ('oiiiiiioiily regiirded as tlie form } R. In the form R, tlie an^lc over
a jiolar edge cnuiils 110 ; and in tlic form — i R, also often present (esiiccially in the manganesi;
variety Troostite), it equals 143° 24'.
t A small splinter scireely hecniiies rounded or changes form, but if examined l>y tlie magni-
fying glass after exposure to the blowpipe, its surface exiiibits points of vitrilication.
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
%
Commonly in opaque or serai-opaque yellowish-grey or brown crystals
like those of Willemite, but comparatively large. BB, with soiliun»
carbonate, strong Mn-reaction. Gelatinizes with hydrochloric acit!.
B«.— A DISTIN'CT AMOUNT OF WATER EVOLVED BY IGNITION IN THE BULB-TUBE.
t A distinct colour imparted BB, to phosphor-salt or borax.
(Stronij Cit reaction. )
DioPTASE : CuO 50-44, SiO' 381 2, H-'O 11-44. In emeraW-greeu
crystals — hexagonal prisms with i-hombohedral summit planes — suffi-
ciently hard (5-0-5-5) to scratch glass slightly ; See Table XXIV.
G 3-3. BB, decrepitates and blackens, but does not fuse. With
sodium carbonate, easily reduced. Galatinizes in heate'd hydrochloric
acid. A iiire species, in crystalline limestone from the Kirghis
Steppes of Western Siberia.
CiiRYSocoLLA (including Kupferblau, &c.) : Composition somewhat
variable, but essentially CuO 45-27, SiO' 34-21, H-'O 20-52. In
amorphous and botryoidal masses, coatings on copper ore.s, antl
occasionally in pseudoinorohs. Colour, green, greenish-blue, bright-
blue ; brownish or black from presence of Fe'"'0'^, MnO'-, ifec. ; H
2-0-5-0 ; G 2-0-2-fi. BB, blackens, but does not fuse. On cliiircoal
with sodium carbonate, reduced to metallic Cu. Decomposed with
separation of silica (but as a rule without perfect gelatinization) by
hydrochloric acid. Demidowite is a Chrysocolla mixed with copper
phosphate. Asperclite, a variety with 27 per cent., H-'O. Other,
varieties are mixed with copper carbonate, opalized silica, »fec.
Allophane (Cupreous vai-ieties) : APO'', SiO'-, H'^0 (35 to 36 per
cent.), mixed with copper silicate. In amorphous, stalactitic and
botryoidal examples, coatings, tkc, of a light-blue, green, red, or
brownish-yellow colour. H about 3-0 ; G about 2-0. BB, blackens
and often swells up slightly, but does not fusp. In hydrochloric acid
gelatinizes.
(Ni reaction).
R(ETTISite: NiO, SiO'-, H-'O (11 i)er cent.), mixed with Fe-0'\
copper-])hoRphate, cobalt-arseniate, &.c. Amorphous, incrustiug •
green of various shades ; H 2 0-2-5 ; G 2-3-2-4.
Gknthite (Nickel-Gymnite) : NiO, MgO, SiO'-', H'-'O (19 per eent.\
In green and greenish-yellow coatings on some examples of Chromic
'v 4.
MINERAL TABLES : — XXV.
23S
Iron Ore, and occasionally in soft sub-earthy masses. H 2'0-4*0 ;
G about 2-4. BB, infusible, blackens.
Pimelite: MgO, NiO, APO^ SiO-, H'^O (21 per cent.). In
earthy masses, coatings, Ac, of an apple green colour. H l'0-2'5 ;
G 2-3 (to 2-7 ]). BB, blackens, and vitrifies on thin edges. Alipito
and Chrysoprase-Earth ai-e identical or closely related compounds.
{Fe reaction : viagnetic after ignition).
HisiNGERiTE (Thraulite): FeO, Fe-W, SiO'^ H^O (10 to 20 or 22
per cent.), with small amounts of MgO, Al'^O^, &c. In earthy and
nodular masses of a pitch-black or brownish-black colour, with
brownish streak. H 3*0-4 "0 ; G 2'6-3"l. BB, becomes magnetic,
and vitrifies on the edges, or in some examples melts into a steel-grey
magnetic globule (See Table XXVII.). Decomposed by hydrochloric
acid with separation of slimy silica.
NoNTRONiTE : Essential components Fe'^O'^ SiO-, H^O (2 1 to 25
per cent.), but small amounts of Al'-O'', CaO, &c., are also generally
present. In earthy and nodular masses of a yellow, green, greenish-
white or brownish colour ; H r0-l*5 ; G 2-0-2'4. BB, infusible, or
fusible on the edges only, but becomes magnetic. Pinguite and
Gramenite are identical or closely related. Chloropal (Unghwarite
is also very similar in general characters are comjjosition, but is
somewhat harder, probably from admixture with opalized SiO'-.
(Cr reaction).
WoLCHONSKOiTE : Cr^O', Fe-0, SiO^ H'' (about 20 or 21 per
cent.), with small amounts of MgO, Mn< ), Al'-O'', &c. In earthy
and nodular masses of a grass-green or blackish-green colour ; H
1 •5-2-5; G 2'2-2-3. BB, practically infusible; gelatinizing in hy-
drochloric acid.
MiLOSCHiN (Serbian) : APO^ Cr'-'O^* (under 4 per cent.), SiO'-, H-O
(about 23 [)er cent.). In blue or blue-green, earthy and amorphous
masses ; H 1 •0-2-0 ; G 2-1-2-2 ; adheres to the tongue. BB, infusible.
Partially decomposed by hydrochloiic acid.
t t Form BB with borax an uncoloured or lightly-tinted glass.
{The HatKrated horax-glasa becomes opaque-white on cooling or when flamed^
Oelalinize in hydrochloric acid. )
Cerite : CeO (LaO, DiO) 735, SiO- 20-4, H'-'O Gl. Chiefly in
fine granular masses of a red, brownish, or reddish-grey colour. H
234
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
5'0-5-5 (scmtches glass feebly ; G l-'J-5'0. BB, becomes d.iU yellow,
but remains unfused. Gelantinizes in hydrochloric acid.
Thorite : ThO', SiO'-, H'-'O. Reg. ] Mo.stly in small black masses,
often fissuied, and sometimes with reddish coating ; streak, brownish
or reddish ; H about 45 ; G 4'4-47. BB, becomes yellow, but
remains unfused. Gelantinizes in hydrochloric acid. Very rare :
commonly regarded as altered Orangite.
Okanoite: ThO-, SiO'-, H'^0. Tetragonal? Mostly in small
granular or sub-foliated examples of a reddish-yellow or orange-red
colour; H 4*5; G 5* 2-5 "4. Gelatiniz.'s in HCl acid. Very rare ;
accompanies Thorite in the micaceous zircon-holding syenite of
Brevig in Norway. '
Calamine : ZnO 675, SiO- 25, H'^O 75. Crystallization Rhombic ;
crystals mostly hemimoridiic (with B plane at one extremity oidy).,
arranged in drusy or fan-shaped aggregations, and generally flattened
from extension of v\ie side vertical or brachy-pinakoid faces V. The
species occurs also very commonly in botiyoidal, cavernous, and
other examfdes : colourle.ss, white, yellowish, brown, green, light-
blue ; H 5*0 (scratches glass feebly); G 3-3-3-5 ; crystals, i)yro-
electric. Infusible, BB, or vitrified slightly on thinnest edge.s, only.
Gelatinizes with hydrochloric acid. Ignited with Co-solution, becomes
green (or partly blue and partly gi-een) on cooling. Gives zinc subli-
mate with sodium carbonate and borax on charcoal,
{Slowly altackvd BB by hornx ; the ijlasn not rendered opaque by Jiiimin /. )
{Assume a pale-red colour ojter ignition with Co-mliition, or do not beconv blue.
In the bulb-tube, yenerally blacken).
Steatite (compact or line gramdar Talc: White, greenish, ttc,
often mottled. More or less soapy-feeling and very sectile. On
ignition, yields traces of water only. See B' of this Table.
Serpentine: MgO 43-48, SiO-* 43-48, H'O 13-04; but part of
the MgO very generally replaced by FeO, and small amounts of
NiO, Al'-O'', and Cr'-'O'', are occasionally present. In tine-gi-anular or
compact masses, or occasionally slaty or fibrous. Sometimes, also, in
])seudomorphs after Olivine, Pyroxene, S|)inel, and other species.
Of various colours, but chiefly some shade of green, greenish- or
greyish-yellow, ])rown, oi- red, two or more colours in irregular
patches being often present in the same specimen ; translucent or
t
MINE UAL TABLES
-XXV.
235
opaque; H 3'0-4-0 ; sectile ; G 25-2-7. BB, whitens, and fuses on
thin edges. Deeply-coloured (ferruginous) varieties tlo not redden
distinctly with Co solution. Decomposed by sulphuric, and also,
though le.ss easily, by hydrochloric acid. Picrolite, Picrosiuine,
Bowenite, Retinalite, Marniolite, Antigorite (see above, B^), Chrysotile
^see below), and many so-called Soapstones, are varieties.
Chrysotile (Serpentine- Asbestus) : Propeily, a fibrous asbestiform
serpentine, in silky, easily separable fibres, of a yellowish, greenish-
white, or oil-green colour. BB, a fine fibre melts at the extreme
point. Baltimorite is a Itluish, coarsely fibrous vai-iety, often con-
taining Al'-'O'^ and Cr'O''. Metaxite is also a fibrous serpentine.
Meekschaum (S(;piolite) : MgO, SiO^, H-0 (tlie latter somewhat
variable, but usually 11 or 12 per cent.). In tine-gianular, more or
less compact and very sectile masses of a white, pale-yellow or
greyish colour. Sometimes in psendomorphs after Calcite, &,c. H
lo-2o ; G about 1-2 13. BB, hardens, and melts on thin edges.
Decomposed by HCl acid, with sepai-ation of gelatinous silica.
Dewevlite (Gymnite) : MgO 37, SiO'-' 41, H'-O 22. In more or
less compact masses of a dingy yellow or yellowish- white colour and
somewhat waxy lustre; H 20-3-0; G 1-9-2-22. BB, fuses only on
the thinnest edges. Decomposed, without gelatiuization, by hydro-
chloric acid. Kerolite is closely related in general charactet's and
composition.
Pvkallolite: MgO, CaO, Al-0=', SiO-, H^O. Commonly in
prismatic, coarse-fibrous, oi- granular masses, i-arely in Clino-Rliombic
crystals with ba.sal cleavage ; green, greenish-white, pale yellowish-
grey ; H 30.4-0; G 2-53-2-73. Fusible on thin edges only. Gener-
ally regarded as an altered Pyroxene.
( With Co-solution, CLs-sumc a dintinct blue colour).
Kaolin : APO'^ 39-7, SiO-, 46-4, H-'<) 13-9. Chiefiy in earthy or
fine-granular masses made up in ])art of microscopic scales. White,
pale-red, greenisti-white ; H TO or less; G 2'l-2-3 (or in some
varieties slightly higher; 2*3-2'G). lnfusil)le, tlecomposed by hot
sulphuric acid. Cimolite, Auauxite, Pelicanite, Hunterite, itc, are
related aluminous compounds, but contain a somewhat higher per-
centaae of silica.
236
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
Agalmatolite (Figure Stone* in part): K'^0, Al-0», SiO'-, H-O
(about 5 p«?r cent.). White, pale-grey, yellowisli, pale-reil, gieen,
greenisli-wliite ; mostly in tine-granuliir almoMt compact masses, but
these consist frequently of microscopic scales; H 2"0-3-0 ; G 2'8-2'9.
BB, whitens, and vitrifies on thin edges. Decomposed by sulpliuric
acid. Shews the red K-line very distinctly in spectroscope, wiieii
ignited and moistened with hydrochloric acid.
Finite : K^O, MgO, FeO, Fe•^0^ Al-0'', SiO^ H-'O {i to « per
cent.). In six-sided and twelve-sided, more or less opaque crystals,
of a greyish-white, grey, brown, greenish or bluish colour ; H 20-3o ;
G 2 "5-2 -9. BB, vitrifies on thin edges only. In spectroscope, shews
distinctly the red K-line when ignited and moistened with hydro-
chloric acid. Ajjparently iin altered lolite. The following siil)-
stances, all of which give a K-spectrum, are more or less closely
related ; Pyrnrgillite from Finland (brown, brownish-red, H'-O 15 a
percent.); Fahlunite (dark-brown, dark -green, greyish, H'^O 8 to 9
per cent.); Weissite (grey, brown, H'-'O 3 to 5 per cent.); Iberite
from the vicinity of Toledo (greyish-green, in coarse six-sided prisms,
aq. 5 to 6 per cent.) ; Gieseckite (greenish-gray, nq. about 6 per
cent.); Liehene7'ite (green, greyish, aq. about 5 per cent.). The two
latter are regarded as altered nepheline ; the others as altered iolite.
In all, the hardness is l)elow 4-0, and the sp. gr. below 2*9. Gigan-
tolite belongs to the same series, but is readily fusible (see Table
XXVII).
ES.MARKITE : MgO, MnO, FeO, ¥e'0\ APO", SiO-, H'^0 (5-5 per
cent.). This mineral, like those placed inider Finite, above, is also
apparently an altered lolite ; but it is placed here, apart, as the
repi-esentative of a non-potassic series. Occurs mostly in coarse
twelve-sided j)rism3 of more or less scaly texture; grey, brown,
greenish, ifec, in colour ; and dull and opaque, or practically so H
3 0-4-0; G 2 6-2 '8 ; fusible on thin edges only. Praseolite, Aspasio-
lite, and Bonsdorffite are identical or closely related substances of a
green or greenish-brown colour, occurring mostly in six-sided, eight-
sided, or twelve-sided prisms, with dull surface and rounded edges.
Halloysitk: AlW 35, SiO^ 41, H'O 24. Nodular, earthy;
* Altliougli many of tlie Riiialler Chinese iniaKea nre carved out of thi8 Btone, a great number
(perhaps the greater number) consist of steatite or of serpentine. In tliese, the substance
blackens )n the bulb-tube, and assumes a ftosh-red colour aftcr<iguition with Co-solution.
MINERAL TABLES : — XXV.
237
greenish or greyisli-white, pale dingy blue; H rO-2-5 ; G 1 •9-2-1;
feels somewhat greasy and adheres to the tongue. Infusible. Deconi-
]»osed by hot sulphuric acid. Lenzinite and Glagerite are identical or
closely related. Kollyrite is also very similar in general characters,
but contains 40 per cent. H'O, with 46 Al'-'O^, and only 14 SiO'-.
GiBDSiTE (Hydrargillite) : Al'^O^ H'^0 (45 per cent). In smill
hexagonal crystals with ba.sal cleavage, or in mamniillar^ or stalactitic
examples of a white, greenish-yellow, or other light colour. H 2-5-3 ;
G 2-3-2-4. BB, infusible, but exfoliates. In powder, dissolved by
caustic jiotash ; also by sulphuric acid. Bauxite, largely used for
production of aluminum, is identical or closely related.
*
* #
To this Table may also be referi-ed certain varieties of Anthracite
v/hich pi'esent a non-metallic lustre and yield a small ainount of water
/hygroscopic) on ignition in the bulb-tube. Easily distinguished from
the other minerals of the Table by their greyish-black streak or
]»owder. When pure, Anthracite corsists essentially of carbon, but
usually contains a small percentage of H, N, and O, besides inter-
mixed mineral matter or so-called "ash." H 2-5-325; G 1-2-1-8.
BB, in splintei-s j)ractically unchanged, but in fine powder burns
gradually away. Not attacked by the fluxes. Insoluble in acids and
caustic alkalies.
'r
NOTE ON TABLE XXV.
■••r
The mineral • which belong properly to this Table comprise a series of
infusible or difficultly fusible silicates of low or comparatively low degree of
hardness, many yielding to the finger-nail, and all being readily scratched by
the point of a knife.
The more common representatives of the Table belong to the following
groups :— Micas, Chlorites, Talcs and Steatites, Serpentines, Kaolins, Pinites,
Copper Silicates, Zinc-Silicates.
The micas are especially characterized by their metallic pearly or general
pseudo-metallic lustre, and their ready cleavage into thin, elastic leaves.
Those of the present Table include the three species, Muscovite, Phlogopite,
and Biotite— the two latter essentially magnesian species. Muscovite, com-
monly called Potasli Mica, although the other species contain an equal or
even greater amount of potash, is chieHy distinguished by its want of solu-
bility in sulphuric acid, whilst the other two species, when in ifine powder,
are decomposed in the boiling acid, with separation of fine 'scales of silica,
rhlogopite is generally of a golden-brown colour ;^Biotite, dark-green or black.
2ns
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
il
The ojitiual ehararters of those micas are also diHerent. Muscovite is biaxial,
with angle of divergence 44'-7H° ; Phlogopite is also biaxial, but with snialU r
divergent angle (unt.vr 20", sometimes under 5') ; and Hiotite is (nonnall^ )
uniaxial. In tliin scales, all melt without diHiculty on the e.lges into nii
opacjue-white or greyish enamel ; and when moistened after ignition, with
hj-dr(»ehloric acid, all shew in the spectroscope the red X-line, with in sonic
cases tlie Li-line also. Some examples shew one or both of these spectra by
simple insertion }Kf hc in the flame Red and green Ca-liues sometimes
appear from intermixed calcite. Muscovite is commonly present in granites,
gneiss, and mica slate, as one of the essential components ; Phlogopite is
chiefly found in the bands of crystalline limestone associated with many
gneissoid rocks ; and Biotite occurs most generally, though not exclusively,
in lavas, trachytes, and basalts.
The Chlorites are chiefly distinguished by their dark-green colour and foli-
ated structure ; their flexibility in thin leaves (without tlie elasticity of the
micas) ; their softness ; and the marked amount of water (about 12 per cent.)
which they yield by ignition in the bulb-tube. Some chlorites, however,
especially chromiferous examples, present a deep-red colour. In thin scales,
all fuse more or less rt ^dily on the edges into a greyish or black enamel, the
latter often magnetic. The original Chlorite has been split up into several
species, more or less distinct. The principal comprise Chlorite proper or
Pennine (the Ripidolite of Gustav Rose) characterized by its hexagonal or
rhombohedral crystallization ; and the clino-rhombic species, Clinochlore or
Bipidolite (of Von Kobell) for which the old name of Chlorite was retained
by Rose. These species closely resemble one another, and in ordinary, un-
crystallized examples they can scarcely be distinguished. As a rule, however,
Chlorite is a more ferruginous species, and thus generally becomes magnetic
after fusion or strong ignition, and its sp. gr. is in some examples as high as
2*9 ; whilst that of Ripidolite rarely exceeds 2 7. This distinction, however,
only applies in special cases, and is practically of little value. These chloritic
minerals often occur in well-formed pseudomorphs after Cjarnet Hornblende,
and other silicates.
The Talcs and Steatites are exclusively or essentially magnesian silicates,
containing 4 or 5 p. c. of apparently basic water, only expelled by intense
ignition. Hence, by ordinary ignition in the bulb-tube, these minerals yield,
as a rule, merely traces of moisture, and they are thus generally placed among
anhydrous species in determinative groupings. The formuia may be written
( H*U, 3 MgO), 4 SiO*. Talc proper is easily recognized by its occurrence in
soft, flexible, more or leas pearly scales and foliated masses of a white, clear-
green or other light colour, combined with its soapy feel, and its property of
assuming a flesh-red tint by ignition with cobalt-solutiuu, the latter character
serving to distinguish it from pyrophyllite and other foliated minerals of the
aluminous Kaolin group. Although very soft and flexible the folift; are
inelastic. Steatite is a more or less compact Talc, white, grey, greenish, red-
dish, or mottled in colour, and very sectile. It usually gives distinct traces of
MINRKAL TAUIKS; — XXV.
230
water ou ignition ; and, like onlinnry talc, it hardena greatly and beconieo
vitritied on thin edges in the Mowpipe Hanie. Sub-shity varieties, forming a
traunition into Talc proper, oceaoionally occur.
The Ser])entiue group is chisely rehited to that of the Talcs and Steatites,
its included species being essentially hydrated magnesian silicates, compara-
tively soft and sectile ; l)ut (uidike the Talcs) all yield a distinct amount of
water on moderate ignition. The group is chieHy represented hy Serpentine
proper ; the asbestiform variety or sub-species of the latter, known as Chry-
sotile ; the foliated or schistose varieties or sul)-specie8, Antigorite, Schiller
Spar, &c. ; aiid the related magnesian silicates. Meerschaum, Deweylite or
Oyninite, Kerolite, and other similar compounds. Most of these are decom-
position products of more or less unstable character. Jn the Serpentines, the
amount of water averages 12 per cent., but in Deweylite and in numy
Meerschaums it exceeds 20 ijer cent., and is still higher in Kerolite. Serpen-
tine proper is commonly in beds or masses of tine-granular or occasionally
sub-slaty structure, and of dark-green, yellow, brown, red, rr other colour,
two or more tints or shades of colour freijuently occurring in the same speci-
men. The so-calleil "Noble Serpentine" is more or less translucent and of
rich shailes of colour ; whilst '" Connnon Serpentine " is opmjue or translucent
on the edges oidy, and comparatively dull or muddy in colour. Mixtures of
serpentine with calcite or dolomite are known as Uphiolite, V^erde Anticjue, or
Serpentine-marble. Serpentine is unknown in true crystals, but frefjuently
occurs in pseudomorphs (essentially pseudomorphs of alteration) derived from
Olivine, Pyroxene, Spinel, and other magnesian species.
Tl « Kaolins present a remarkable resemblance in outward characters ti>
many Talcs and Steatites, some representatives of the group (I'yrophyllite,
Ac.) being made np of soft, flexible, pearly, and foliated masses, whilst others,
are tine-granular (or microscopically scaly) in structure, and more or less soapy
to the touch. Hut the Kaolins are essentially aluminous, and thus assume a
distinct blue colour after ignition with cobalt-solution. The principal repre-
sentatives of the group comprise Kaolin proper, Nacrite or I'holerite, Pyro-
phyllite, Agalmatolite, Halloysite, and KoUyrite. These are sufficiently
described in the Table. Hydrargillite and Bauxite, although nor.nally non-
siliceous, are closely rel.ated. All are essentially decomposition products.
The Pinite group consists of crystallized pseudomorphous products derived
from the ulteration of lolite, or apparently in some cases from that of Nephe-
line or other species. These substances are chiefly in six-sided or twelve-
sided prisms, often more or less ill-formed, with dull lustre, and dingy-white,
pale-grey, greyish-green, dull-blue, reddish, or dark-brown colour. The hard-
ness is under 4"0 (usually 2'r)-3'5), and the sp. gr. about 2"(} or 2*8. They
may be grouped conveniently under three series, typified respectively by
Pinite, Esmarkite and (iigantolite. The n" aerals referrible to Pinite and
Erasmarkite are fusible o" the edges only , those referred to Gigantolite melt
before the blowpipe more or less readily. These latter, therefore, come under
notice in Table X.KVII. In the Pinite series, a certam amount of potash is
always present (although that alkali has not been found in the supjMsed
I, '
:^i;
HO
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
IHirent-stock, lolite), and the included forms (finite, Weissite, Kuhhinite,
I'yrurf^illite, J))erite, Ac), shew very distinctly the red K-liue in the Mpectro-
Hcope, lifter being ignited und then moistened with hydrochloric acid, or hy
fusion witli ciirhonate of soda or Huor-spar. The yellow Na-line, and tlie
green and red Ca-lines from the tluor-spar, may be entirely cut of)' by the
intervention of a piece of deep-blue glass. 'J'he representatives of the
Ksmarkite series, on the other hand (including LIsmarkite, Bonsdorllite,
I'raseolite, Aspasiolite, &c.) do not contain ]>otash.
The group of Copper Silicates includes the rare Dioptase and the compara-
tively common ChrysocoUa, the latter including both green and blue varieties.
The characters of these are sulliciently given in the text. The amorphous
( 'hrysocolla, as a rule, will alone come under the student's observation.
The Zinc Silicates, which include the anhydrous Willemite, with its man-
ganese-holding variety, Troostite, and the hydrous species i Calamine, are also
described in sufficient detail in the Table. They find a place also in Table
XXIV'., as in most examples they are sufficiently hard to scratch glass slightly.
They do not readily yield a zinc sublimate onjcharcoal, unless fused in powder
with a mixture of sodium carbonate and borax. With cobalt-solution they
assume partly a green and partly a blue colour, the latter, more especially,
after strong ignition.
n 1
til <)I1
TABLE XXVI.
{[^ustru iioii-iiiftailic (in some o<iMea pafudo-inetallic). Slowly or iiicoiiipletely
ilissolvod, HH, l)y i<ho8ithor-8iilt. Moro or loss readily fusible. VieKling
no water (or merely traces) on ignif louj,
A— Fusible into a black or very dark bead, magnetic or non-
magnetic. *
A>.-UCCLKKlXfl IN SCALY, MICAC'KOLM, Oil ASBESTIKOKM EXAMl'LES.
t Scalif or micacfioiis. Readily decomposed bij hydrochloric nc'ul.
Lkimdomelane : K-'O 9-20, FuO 12-43, Al-0'' 11 GO, Fe-o- 27-06,
SiO- 37-40, witli truces of H'O, ifec. In hexajfonal ttiMoH imd scaly
masses of a black colour with greeiiisli streak, tlie scales somowliat
lirittlc ; H 2-5-3-0 ; G 3-0-3-2. BB, forms a black magnetic glass or
<!namel.
AsTROi'iiYLLiTE : K'-'O, Na-Q, CaO, MgO, MnO, FeO, Fe'O', Al-^^O',
SiO'-, with 7-66 per cent. TiO'-', and a little H'-'O, according to Pisaiii's
analysis. In six-sided tables and micaceous jtiismsof a bronze-yellow
colour and metallic-pearly lustre. Folia sli:,ditly elastic. BB, easily
fusible with some bubbling into a black, moro or less magnetic bead.
The hydrochloric acid solution, .slightly diluted and boiled with a
])iece of tin, assumes an amethystine colour.
J*^ In the spectroscope both Lepiilonielane and Aatrophyllite, when moist-
ened, after ignition, with hydrocliloric acid, shew the red K-line.
1 1 Readily decomposed by sulphuric acid. Structure micaceous.
BiOTiTE (Potassic Ferro-magnesian Mica) : Mostly in dark-green
or black micaceous examples, with flexible folia. Fusible on the
edges only : See Table XXV.
1 1 1 Fibrous Insoluble in acids.
Byssolite (Ferruginous, asbestiform Amphibole) : In fibrous
masses of a green or greeniah-brown colour. BB, fuses into a black
and often magnetic bead.
* The siliuatua of this Division form also ia most cases a blauk glass by fusion with soclium
carbonate.
17 241
943
BLOWPIPK PHACTICK.
Ai.-()CCritUlNO rN CUYHTAr-MZKI*. r.AMKI.LAK. (IKANri.AR, (»R uTIIKU NoS.
MrCACKors KXAMl'l-KS.
t Enaily decomposed, with gelatmlzation, by hydrochloric acid.
{FiiMion-liHiil iiiiiijiiftir. )
Fayalite: FeO 700, SiO- 29-4, but part of the Fe in soiii.-
cxiunplcH replaced hy Mn : iiitennixed F<^S or FeS'-' also fi('i|uently
pix'Hent. Ill black or ^reeinHli-l)lack inuHHOH, coiuiiioiily iimgitetic
from intermixed pyi-rliotite or magnetite; H 6'0-G"r) ; G 40-4i:,
BB, easily ftLsible into a black magnetic bead.
Hyalosideritk (Ferruginous CliryHolite) ; MgO. FeO, SiO''. In
small prisnuitic cryHtnls ot" the Rhombic System, yellowish brown in
colour ; H GO-Gf) ; G 3"4-3'r) ; BB, fusible only in'fine splintei-s into
a black more or less magnetic slag.
iLVAiTEor Lievritk: CaO 13-7, FeO 35-2, Fe'-O' 19-G, SiO- 293
(with 2 2 basic water<). Orthorhombic; crystals essentially prismatic,
with V : V 112° 38', and V2 : V2 10G° Ifi', the V planes in most
crystals longitudinally striated ; also in coarsely fibrous, columnar,
and granular masses ; black, brownish-black, with dark streak ; H
5-5-G'O; G 3"8-4'l. Easily fusible into a black magnetic bead.
Moistened with hydrochloric acid, shews red and green Ca-lines iii
spectroscope very distinctly.
Orthite or Allanite (Cerine?) CaO, CeO, LaO, FeO, Fe-OV
Al-0=*, SiO'', with, in some examples, YO, MgO, H*0 *, &c. Clino-
Rhombic ; crystals in general transversely elongated, but sometimes
tabular ; occurs also in lamellari columnar, and fine granular examples,
mostly of a pitch-black colour ; nd somewhat resinous lustre; but
sometimes brown or dull greyish-yellow; H 5'5-6'0 ; G 2"8-3"8 or 4'n.
BB, melts easily, with buVjbling, into a dark, generally magnetic, bead.
Bodenite, Bagrationite, Erdmannite, and Muromontite, are probably
varieties.
Allochhoite (Ferrocalcareous Garnet) : CaO, FeO, SiO'^. Chiefly
in rhombic dodecahedrons of a dark-red, dark-green, or brown, colour.
Easily fusible. Decomposed, with gelatinization, by hydrochloric
acid in some examples, only. See under Garnet.
Sideromelane : CaO, Fe'^0^ Al-0^ SiO^ with small amounts of
MgO, MnO, K^'O, NhO. In black amorphous masffes resembling
* 8om* Orthites yield a ronsiderable amount of water on stronx iRDition.
MINRRAL TABLRR: — XXVI.
M3
bliick Olmiiliiin ; }I 6 0; O 2 -55-2 00. Kiihily fusiblo into a l.hick
miignetic slag. Practicully ideiiticiil witli Tucltylite, Imt diHtinguislicd
by ilH lurgfii* aruouiit of iron, iirul by (Ussolving Honiewhat Iohh readi'y
in hydrochloric iicid.
{FiiMion-ij/tihnli' not mmjnelic. So xuliihur-rfacliun.)
Ta<'Hvlitk ; C'aO, F«(), Al-'O', SiO-, with, in gonoral, small ainoiintH
of K'O and Na'O, MnO, MgO. and Hoiuetiuu* TiO'. In black or
brownish-black anioriihoiiH nuiH-scs of vitrt'ous lustre, much rcsfMubling
sonio Obsidians. H ()0-G5 ; G 251 2 GO. BB, eiwily fusiblo with
bubbling into a black (non-magnotic) glass or enamel. In spectro-
scope, shews Ca-lines, and in many examples the rod K-lino also. An
essentially volcanic or trappuan |)roduct.
Tkphroite : MnO 703, SiO^ 297. In gmnular, cleavablo masses
of a reddish-grey or dull roddi.sh-brown colour, weathering brownish-
black ; the cleavage rectangular. H So-G'O; G 4'0-4'12. Easily
fusiblo into a olack slag. With sodium carbonate gives strong manga-
nese reaction. Knobelite is probably identical, although said to be
infusible. Tephroite diffora essentially from the more common man-
ganese silicate Rhodonite, by its ready gelatiniztition in hydrochloric
acid, Rhodonite being practically insoluble.
{Ftt.'<ion product not miKjiwtic. Stromj milphur-renction).
Helvine : BeO, MnO, FeO, SiO^ with Mn, Fe, S. Reg. ; crystals
chiefly tetrahedral ; occurs also, though rarely, in botryoidal masses ;
H 5-5-G"5 ; G 3'2-3"4 ; yellow, brownish, yell owi.sh -green. BB, in
O.F. a dark bead, dull yellow in R.F. In hydrochloric acid, evolves
odour of sulph. . ydrogen, and is decomposed with gelatinization.
Danalite ; A flesh-red or yellowi.sh-grey Helvine, with MnO
largely replaced by ZnO. Crystallizes in regular octahedron.s, some-
times with truncated edges, and occurs also in small, disseminated
grains. Blowpipe and acid reactions like those of Helvine proper,
but a zinc-sublimate formed (with sodium carbonate and borax) on
charcoal.
t t Decomposed imperfectly by hydrochloric acid, but completely by
sulphuric acid.
Sphene (Titanite) : CaO (partly replaced by FeO and MnO) 28-57,
TiO- 40-82, SiO- 30G1. Clino Rh. ; crystals, mostly, more or less
244
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
oi'thorhomhic in aapeci. ; often tubular, and frequently twinncil : see
Noto iit end o!" Table. Occurs also in cleavable and fine-granular
masses. Park-brown, often with golden reflection, light-brown, grey,
yellow, gieen, ifec. ; H 50-5-5 ; G 3-4-36 ; lustre vitreo-resinous.
HB, commonly becomes yellow, and melts with bubbling into a dark
enamel. Tiie sulphuric acid solution (or the acpieous solution obtained
l)y fusing the finely ground mineral with potassium bis\ilj)hnte)
assumes a violet colour if boiled with a few drops of hydrochloric
acid and a piece of tin*. In spectroscope, shews red and green Ca-
lires if moistened with hydiochloric acid after strong ignition.
Keiliiauite (Yttro-titanite) : CaO, YO, Al-'O'', Fe-'Q-', TiO-, SiO'.
Commonly in dark reddish-brown twin-crystals resembliu" those of
Splu'ue, but often of comparatively largo size ; If (50-7 ; G 3r)-j72,
BB, like Sjjhene.
ScHOKi.AM'TE (Ferro-titanite) : CaO 29-38, Fe-'O' 20-11, TiO- 21 34,
SiO- 2G09, with small amounts of AlgO, FeO, and alkalies. Reg. ;
crystals rare, commonly the Rhombic Dodecahedron, or that form
with the Lrapezohedron 2-2, hence much resembling garnet crystals.
Occurs mostly in small granular masses of a pitch-black colon i- ; K
70-7o; G 3-78-3-80. BB, fusea on the edges, or entirely, into a
black slag or bead ; other '-eactions like those given under .',)hene.
t t t Partiallji or diyhtlji attacked in iiormal condition bif hydrochloric
acid, but retulily decoinposad by that acid after fusion, f
{Durhiff fusion, imparts a red colour to the flame).
FKHKUOiNOUi. LEPJnoLiTK : In brown, grey, or greyish-red scaly
aggregations; H 2-5; G 2-9-3-0. BB, fusible with great bubbling
into a dark nuiguetic bead. See Lepidolite proper, under B'-'. The
iksrruginous variety is of quite excejttional occurrence.
\ During fusion, Iminrts a green colour to the point oj the flame),
A.\inite: OaO 202, MnO 2-G, FeO 2-8, Fe^O'' 6-8, Al-'O'' 10-3,
B'-O' 5-01, SiO' 43-5, with small amounts of MgO, K-'O, and basic
* In very tlno iiowdur, S])hene Ih also suinoiently dcnompoged by hyiiruolilorU- acid to give this
charneteristiu ruactioii wlivii thv Hulution is builuil with a piece of nietalliu tin.
fXlie fuKed bead or rl,t^ nm»t b« crushed uudur paper uu tlie anvl!, or in a small steol mortar,
.ind then ground to a fine powder.
MINERAL tables: — XXVL
245
H'*0. Anorthic ; crystals essentially flat or very thin rhoinltoidal
prisms, replaced only on single edges and angles ; brown, violet-brown,
green, pearl-grey, amethystine, dillerent tints often showing in dif-
ferent directions ; H G-o-T'O ; G 3'27-3*33. BB, easily fusible with
green coloration of the flame-point, into a black l)ead, which generally
becomes green and translucent in the inner flame.
(»Vo yrecH or red coloration of flame thtrimj fimon. Never in Jihruui, nrkular,
or jwisnuiHr cxatn/tleM).
Garnkt : Dark su/t-sfieeies (AhuiunMwe, Aplome, Andraditc, Pyrope,
Melanite, Spessartine, ifec.) : Av(!rage composition, R() 33 to 43, R-'O'
21 to 32, SiO- 35 to 40 (HO = CaO, MgC), FeO, MnO; R-'O ' = Al'O ',
Fe'-'O'). R«g. ; principal forms, t!ie rhombic dodecahedron and the
trapezohcdron 2-2 (sih; Note at end of Tabh?). Frecpiently in rounded
grains and indiMtinct crystals ; red, biown, black, dark-green, itc. :
H 6r)-7-5 ; G 3'6-4-3 (in dark varieti. ). BR, fusible more or less
readily into a dark and generally nuigncitic bead. The Bohemian
garnet, Pyrope, which occurs cliiefly in small grains of a deej) red
colour, contains a small amount of chromium (CrO f), and becomes
black and opaijue on gentle ignition, but recovers its red colour and
translucency on cooling. As shewn by Dr. L. H. Fisclujr, it is only
decomposed to a slight extent, after fusion, by hydrochloric acitl.
{E'<Mi'nti(illii ill lihroH.1, arictilav, or prlMiiiiilk ('xaiiijili'n.)
Epiuotk (Pistacite, Thallite, I'ucklandite, Piedmontite, Withamite,
&-.;: CaO 3(; to 40, Ai'O' 18 to 30, Fe-(J' 7 to 20 or Mn-'O'', lo to 2r),
8i( )-' 30 to 40, with traces of MgO, itc. , and about 2 per cent, basic
water. Clino-Rh. ; crystals in general elongated parallel to the
ortho-axis, with cleavage planes meeting at angle of lir)'24'Csee
Note at end of Table) ; m-curs also in acicular, fihrous, and other
examples ; gra.ss-gnen, brownish -grecMi, gri'enish-ycljow, black, or
greenish-black. (In manganese vari» ties, blackish-red or dull cherry-
red.) H 6"0-7'0 ; G 3-3-3'5. BB, swells up, and forms a dark cauli-
flower-like slag, or in some cases a black glass, generally magnetic.
In phosphor-salt, somewhat easily decompo.sed — diflViing remarkably in
this r«'specc from examples of Pyroxene and Ampliiliole of similai-
aspect.
246
BLOWPIPE PUACTICE.
t t t + Very slightly attacked by hydrochloric acid, both be/ore and
after fusion.
{In triui'jnlar or nine-sided prixma; or in acicnlar, columnar, or fihrom ex-
amples, triangular on cross-fracture.)
Schorl ; Black or Dark-Bkown Tourmaline : Approximate
composition : MgO 7 or 8, FeO 5 to 10, Al'^O^ 30, 6^0=^ 9 or 10;
SiO- 38, with small amounts of K-'O, Na^O, Li-'O, Ka« ), MnO, F, and
basic watei". Hemi- Hexagonal (see Note at entl of Table) ; also very
commonly in columnar and fibrous masses, the component Ilbre.v
shewing nnder the magnifying glass a triangular cross section ; Black,
dark-brown, with vitreous external lustre ; H 70-7 "5 ; G 3-03-3'20 ;
pyro-electric. BB, melts more or less easily to a bla6k slag or glass,
which often attracts the magnet. The fused bead reduced to tine
powder is decomposed by strong sulphuric acid. Alcohol added to
the solution, and ignited, burns with the green flame cliaracteri;itic
of B-'O''. The crushed bead made into a paste with sulphuric acid,
imparts this colour to the blowpipe-flame. A drop of glycerine
intensities the reaction.
(Essentially in lamellar or foliated masses with strongly pronounced cleavage in
one direction.)
Hyprrsthene (Ferruginous Bronzite: MgO, FeO, SiO-. Rhombic,
but ci'vstals are of tpiite exceptional occurrence ; essentially in bronze-
brown, green, or greenish-black, lamellar masses, with metallic-peiirly
lustre on cleavage plane ; H 50-(iU ; G 3'3-3*4. BB, fusible more
or less easily into a black magnetic bead or slag. See under Bronzite
in Table XXV.
Diallaoe : MgO, CaO, SiO-, witli, commonly, small amounts o^
FeO, MnO, Al'-'O-', and H-'O. In foliated or sub-foliated masses or
indistinct tabular crystals of a greyish-green or greenish-brown
colour and metallic-pearly lustre ; H about 4 ; G 3"2-31, Fusible
more or less easily into a greyish enamel. An abei-rant, schistose
variety of Pyroxene.
(In lam> liar or Jihrvtis masses or distinct crystals, with ckavagi-angle and prin-
cipal prism-angle near 87".)
AuoiTE (Dark Pyroxene) : Average composition, MgO 12 to 18
CaO 18 to 20, FeO 10 to 13, ATO'' 4 to 8, SiO- 4 7 to aO, with smal
■ )
MINERAL TAHLKS : — XXVI.
247
simouiits of MiiO, Jjc. Cliuo-Rli. ; the more common crystals are
«iglit -silled prisms, comi)Ose(l of the forius V, V, and V, with two
inclined summit-phmes, or a hirge basal plane*. Often t\vinned
parallel to V (see Note at end of Table). V : V 87° «' ; V on V 90° ;
angle over summit-planes 120" 48'. Commonly, in cleavable, fibrous,
or granular masses. Black, greenish-black, dark-green, dark-brown ;
H 5 0-(3-0 ; G 30-3 4. BB, fusible more or less easily into a
black, generally magnetic bead. Hedenbergite is a non-Magnesi;in
uugite. consisting of CaO 22-18, FeO 2943, SiO- 48-39; black, blackish-
green, in cleavalile masses. Coccolite is a dark-green augite, occuring
in granular nms.ses or small crystals with roun<led edges and angles-
BreislakiU is n icicular variety from ^talian lavas. Fassaite
<Pyrgoin), and sou Sahlites also belong to the present sub-species-
Light coloured varieties are described under §B of this Table.
Acmite: Na-'O 13-88, FeO 6-45, Fe-'O'^ 28041, SiO'-* 51-03, with
small amounts of K'-'O, MnO, TiO-', &c. Clino-Rh. ; crystals long
and thin ; striated longitudinally, and, as regards the typical examples,
imbedded in quartz ; V on V 87° 15' ; H 60-0-5 ; G 3-4-3-53. Easily
fusible into a black magnetic bead, .^girine is identical or closely
related.
Jkfkeksonite : CaO. MgO, MnO, ZnO, FeO, SiO-, with small
amounts of Al'-'O'', I'irc. Clino-Rh., but occurring only in granular
examples with cleavage-angle of about 87^ 30'. Dark-green, brown,
greenish-black ; H 45 ; G 3-3-3-."). BB, fusible into a black bead.
With sodium carbonate and borax on charcoal, gives a zinc sublimate
and strong mangane.se reaction. Hitherto, only met with at Sparta^
New Jersey. J
BAMi.No'roNiTE : CaO 10 "'>, MnO 7-91, FeO 10-26, Fe-0» 1100,
SiO'-' 51 '22, with traces of M^*), 6:c. Anorthic (crystals mostly short,
t-ight-siiled prisms, with two summit-planes). Occurs also in radiating
groups. Black, grecnisli-black; H 5'5-r)0; G 3-3-3-4. Easily fusil)le
into a l)lack magnefic bead. Generally as-sociated with Albite or
* Tins iilni'« '•■< reitarcleil by itiogt Oeriniin crystallogrBiitiers, anil liy many othcn, as a front-
jiolar or hi'nii-ortluKlonic. Si-e the Notu on tliu cryKUUiz'tion of Pyroxt-iio at thu en<i of the
jircsent Tabltt.
t Soiiif luineralogistH make all thu iron Fi'«0', but FeO Ig certainly present in Acmiti', as wiil.
{Asttie composition of Jcircntunitc iloes not appear to be at nil i.'onstant, the mineral may
jicihaps be nothing more than a mixtiirt! of Pyroxi-iie and Franklinite.
li'i:
^
11
248
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
Ortlioclase. Distinguished from black augito only by its crvstal-
liztition.
•
Rhodonite (Silicate of Manganese): MnO r)4-2, SiO'^ ID'S, but
part of the ISInO commonly replaced by CaO, FeO, or MgO. Anor-
tliic, but crystals of exceedingly rare occurrence ; commonly in cloav-
able niasses, with cleavage-angle of 87° 38' ; rose-red, greyisli-red,
weathering dark-brown ; H 50-55 ; G 3-5-3-65. BB, fusible into
a daik-red or amethystine glass which becomes black an<l opaque in
the outer Hame. With sodium carbonate, strong Mn reaction.
Bustamite, in radiated-fibrous examples of pink or pale greenish-grey
colour, is a calcareous vari(»ty ; Fowlerite, in coarse crystals ami
cleavable ma.sses of a reildish-brown or dull-red colour, has the MnO
largely rej)laced by FeU, (Ja< ) and ZnO.
(In himcllar or Jihroux vKtfisi's or in iliM'tui't cryMnh with deavage-aiitjle and
princijHtl prism-anyle near 124").
Hounblende ; Dakk ok Stuonoly-coloured Ampiiihole (In-
cludes Common Ifornblende, Basaltic Hornblende, Pargasite, and
most examples of Actyuolite) : Average coujposition, CaO 9 to I'J,
MgO 10 to 20, FeO 8 to 20, Fe'O' .') to 6, Al'O' 5 to 15, SiO- 40 to
44 ; but in non-aluminous or slightly aluminous varieties, the 8iO'-
generally exceeds oO per cent. Small amounts of Na'-'O, K.-'0, ami
Fluorine are also usually present. Clino-Khombic ; crystals mostlv
six-sidei? prisms, cou»i»osed of the forms V and V, terminated generally
by three compur.itively H,'*^ rhombiforin faces (=B and P) ; or in
some common twin crystals, by four planes (::— P and [P]) at one
extremity, and by two |)lanes (=B and B) at the other. Some
crystals also, esjiecially in the Actyuolite variety, consists of the
prrism V alone, terminated by two triangular planes of the Clinoilome
P. The front prism-angle V on V ecjuals 124^ 30': V on V=l 17' 45';
P on P=148° 30'; P on B=-145^ 35'; P on P (over summit)
= 148*^ !()'.* Occurs also very abundantly in hunellar, fibrous and
granular masses ; colour, dark-gre(Mi, blaelc, dark-brown ; H a-O-trO ;
(t 3-0-3-4. BB, fusible more or less easily into a black, usually
magnetic bead. Cummingtonitc; is a brown, Hbious variety, con-
taining very little lime. Arvedsonite is a closely-related species
' Kor I'ullurcryHtallogroiihic detailH, Hue tliu Note at tliu oIohu of thia Table.
MINKKAL TABLES : — XXVI
240
or van(5ty conbiining 10"G0 per cent. Nii'-O. Mostly in Idack eleav-
ul)le musses, with <(reenish streak ; H 60 : G 3-33-3-(!0. Very easily
fusible, with much bul)l)ling, into a black, magnetic bead. See also
Glaucophane, under B'*, below.
(/n aiaoi'p/iow, olmdlnn-likt uiUHites).
WiciiTisiTE (Wichtyne): Na=0, CaO, MgO, FeO, Fe-'O' Al'O',
SiO'-. In black, more or less dull, amorphous masses, with well-
marked conchoidal fracture; H G0-G5; G 3-0-3'i.. Fusible, witli
bubbling, into a black opaque bead.
(In deep^red grains and rounded crydaln),
Pykope (Bohemian Garnet) : See under Garnet, above.
B.— Fusible into a colourless or lightly-tinted b&ad or glass.
n'.— IMI'AHT A DISTINCT REU OK GREEN COLOUR TO THE BLOWI'ITEKLAME.
t BB,Jlaine coloured red.
{Soft ; Kaly or foliated).
Lepidolite (Lithionite, Lithia Mica) : K-'O 4 to 11, Na'-'O 1 to 3,
Li-'O 1-5-5 ; MnO 2 to 5, AlW 14 to 29, Fe-'O' to 28, SiO- 40 to
52, with from 4 to 8 per cent. Fluorine. Essentially in scaly aggre-
gations or micaceous miusses of a rose-red, jiale-red, pearl-grey, or
greyish-white colour; H 20-40 (commonly 25); G 2-8-30. BB,
very easily fusible with great bubbling into a colourless blebby glass
(or as regards the exceptional, ferruginous examples, into a dark
metallic bead), with crimson coloration of the flame. In the spectro-
scope, the red Li-line and yellow Na-line come out very prominently,
the red K-line subordinately *. After fusion, completely decomi)osed
by hydrochloric acid.
Crvophvllite: K-0, Li-0, MgO, MnO, FeO, Fe-0', SiO^
(53'4G) with 2 to 3 Fluorine. Essentially in dark-green, six-sided,
micaceous piisms and scaly masses ; G 29. BB, colours the flame
red, and fuses with great bubbling.
{Hard. Xot mieaceoun or ncali/ in .itriirturt'.)
Petalite: Li-'O (with small amount of Na-O) 442, AFO'' 17-80,
SiO'-' 77-9G, Essentially in lamellar mas-ses (Clino-Kh.) with cleavagc-
* Thu K-line is scarcely vinible uiileHK the Na aud Li liiieH be cut otf by tiie iiiturvuntiou of a
(liuce of (leep-liliiu tjlisM.
250
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
angles of 117°, 14r23' and lOrSO', but the two latter often inilis-
tiuct ; colour, pale-red, reddisli-whitfe, or nearly colourless ; H G'U-6.> ;
G 2*4-2'0. BB, colours the flame pale-red, and melts to a colourless
glass. In the sjiectroscope, especially if tiie test-matter be moistened
with hydrochloric acid, the red Li-line comes out veiy distinctly.
Insolubhi in acids. Kastor is a variety in coarse Ciino-rhombic
crystals from Elba : V on V 86° 20'.
Spodumene (Triphane) : Li'-'O 6 73, Al'O" 29 21, SiO- 64 OG ; but
part of the Li-'O commonly replaced by small amounts of Na'-O and
KH:) and traces of CaO. Clino-Uhombic, with V : V 87°, but crystals
comparatively rare. Commonly in cleavable masses with cleavage-
anglea of 87° (=V : V) and 133°J0' (=V : V). Paletgreen, greenish-
white, or greenish-grey; H 60-7'0; G 3-12-3-20. BB, coloui-s
the flame distinctly red, and melts easily, with much eximnsion and
bubbling, into a colourless glass. Insoluble in acids. In spectroscope,
shews red Li-line and yellow Na-line distinctly.
t t BBy Flame coloured green.
Axinite ; Essentially in groups of thin sharp-edged crystals, brown,
green, brownish-violet, pearl-grey, or amethystine in colour. BB,
melts in the outer flame into a black glass, and with sodium carbonate
gives manganese reaction. See under § A of this Table.
Danburite : CaO 2275, B-0'' 2845, SiO- 48-80. Anorthic ; but
mostly in lamellar masses with cleavage-angles of 110°, 126° and 93°
the two latter more or less indistinct. Yellowish- white, j)ale-yellow :
H 7 0; G 2 •95-2-96. BB, easily fusible, with green coloration of
the flame. The powder moistened after ignition with hy<lrochloric
acid, shews in the spectroscope green B-lines with transitory flashes
of the red Ca-line.
B«.— yield STRONU reaction ok SL'LI'HIR OR CHLORINE.
t Give sulphur reaction, BB, urith sodium carbonate.
Helvine ; Danalite : Essentially in small tetrahedrons or octahe-
drons, or in small grains, of a yellow, brownish, yellowish-greon, or
reddish-gi-ey colo'- H 5-5-6-5 ; G 3-2-3-4. Gelatinize and evolve
odour of s\ilph. hydrogen in hydrochloric acid. BB. in outer flame
give a black or dark fusion-product. See under A"'' of this Table.
1
MINKRAL TAUhKS: — XXVI.
251
but
Hauyne: K'^0 4-96, Na'O 11-79, CiiO 1060, AlW 27 64, SiO-
34'06, SO'' 11-25. Reg.; chief crystal form, tlm rhombic ilotlecalie-
dron ; occur.s also in sintiU grains. Eiuentially blue or bluish-green, '
rarely colourless (Berzeline) ; H 5 0-5-;') ; G 2-4-2-5. BB, decrepilatea,
and melts slowly into a pale-blue or colourless glass. Gelatinizes in
hydrochloric acid.
NosiNE (No.sean): NaO, A.\H)\ SiO-', SO'. Closely resembles
Hauyno in crystallization, and in its blowpipe and acid reactions,
but commonly ash-grey, greyish-blue, or greenish-white in colour,
and with larger percentage of soda (24-89).
Lapis-Lazuli : NaO, CaO, SiO-', SO', &c. Essentially in granular
miusses of a rich blue colour, frequently intermixed with calcite, grains
of iron pyrite.s, and other substances. Wlien crystallized, in rhombic
dodecahedrons. H 5*5 ; G 2-38-2-45 ; BB, melts easily into a
colourless glass. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid, most examples
evolving sulph. hydrogen during decomposition.
MicROSOMMiTE : Gives feeble S-reaction, but strong reaction of
chlorine : see below.
f t Give Cl-reuction with cupreous phosphor-salt bead.
Sodalite ; Na20, AlW, SiO-', NaCI. Reg. ; chieHy crystallized
in rhombic dodecahedrons, or in combinations of that form and the
cube, ocoui-8 also in granular examples; colourless, greenish-white,
blue, or bluish-green. H 55 ; G 2-13-2-30. BB, a colourless glass.
In hydrochloric acid, gelatinizes.
Microsommite : K-'O, Na-'O, CaO, AlW, SiO-, NaCI, with small
]iercentage of SO'' in most examples. Hexagonal ; chiefly in minute
six-sided prisms on ce»'.ain Vesnvian hivjis ; H GO; G 2-6. BB,
according to Sacclii, difficultly fusil)le. Gelatinizes in iiydrochloric
acid. The 8pectro.scoi)e should shew Na, K, and Ca lines, but the
writer has not been able to procure a s[;ecimen for examination.
Eudialyte : Na'-'O, CaO, FeO, ZrO-, SiO'-, with small amounts of
CaO, MnO, kc, and about 2 |)er cent. NaCI. Hemi- Hexagonal ;
crystals, acute rhouibohedrons with extended basal plane ; 11 : R 73="
30', B : R 112=' 18' and 67° 42'. Occurs also in granular masses.
Dark purplish-red, brownish-red. H 50-5-5 ; G 28-3 0. Melts
252
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
easily to a <(reyish-green glass or enamel. Gelatinize.s in hydiochloi'ic
acid. Kucolite fVoin Norway is closely i-elatoil. Both are rare spccie.s.
B«.-NO DISTINCT (UED OR (iRKEN) KLAMECOLoRATION. NO REACTION <»K
8ULPI1LR OR CHLORINE.
t Decomposed tvith gelatinization by hydrochloric acid.
(BB, xoith nuilium carhuiiate on charcoal, n distinct nuhlimate),
EcLYTiNE (Bismuth Blende): Bi-'O'' S37:), SiO- IG^f), hut gene-
rally intermixed with Fe'-'U'', MirU'', P-'0\ Fl, &,c. Reg. : crystals
essentially tetrahedral, very small, in drusy aggregations ; occurs
also in hotryoidal masses ; H 4'5-5-() ; (i ahout Gl, Fusil)le into ii
dull brownish bead. With sodium carl)onato forms ou charcoal a
deep-yellow sublimate. Gelatinizes in hydrochlo. <: acid.
Willemite: ZnO, SiO-. White, brownish, ifec. Fuses on edges
or surface only. WitJi .sodium carbonate antl borax on charcoal gives
a zinc sublimate. With Co-soliition, coloured blue or Iduish-green.
See Tahle XXV.
(BB, tvith notliinn carbonate no suhliinate. Colour, black).
Gadolinite : Essentially in small, '. itreo-rcsinous masses of a
black colour and greenish-grey sti-eak. BB, generally swells up, l)ut
vitrifies on edgi!S only. See Tahle XXIV.
TsciiEWKiNiTE : CaO, MnO, FeO, CeO, LnO, DO, TiO-, 8iO-,
with traces of K'-'O, Na'-O, ikc. In more or le.ss compact masses ;
velvet-black, with brownish streak ; H 5-0-5-ft ; G 4-54-8. BB,
swells up into a porous mass, and then melts slowly into a dull yel-
lowish enamel. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid. The diluted solu-
tion boile<l with a piece of metallic tin assumes a violet colour. A
very rare species.
(Coloiirlenn or xiiijhthitinteil. Fumble on thin edges only).
Gehlenite : Essentially in greenish-grey, or pale-brownish, square
prisms of small size. Ca-lines in spectre scope readily brought out
by moistening the ignited t^.st-substance with hydrochloric acid. See
Table XXIV.
Monticellite (Batrachite) : Essentially in small crystals of the
Rhombic System. V : V 98° 8', Yh : V^133°, P : P over summit
MINKKAL TAULES : — XXVI.
268
82° nearly, P: P over front edge 14 T 50'; over side eil«,'o 82°.
C'olourlt'ss, palo-green, pale-brownish. Other cliaractei"8 as in Geh-
Icnite. See Table XXTV.
(In pldtimim fovcfpH, more or lenH rendihf fimhh. In uperlronropi', after ii/nitioii
anil luotHtenuKj with hi/drochloric acid, nhiw dint'uu't red and yreen C'l-linvx).
Wollastonite (Table Spar) : CaO 4828, SiO- 51 72. Clino-
Klionihic, but crystals comparatively rare ; commonly in lamellar
aiul fibrous niiisses, with cleavage angles of [)fr 30' and 84° 30' ( - B
on V) ; colourless, pale-reddish or yellowish-white, <tc. ; H 4-5-r)-0 ;
(r 2 7.'j-2 92 ; in the forceps, thin splinters fuse more or less readily.
Decomposed, with gelatinization, by hydrochloric acid.
HUMBOLDTILITE (Melilite) : Na^O, CaO (31 or 32), MgO, F-0\
Al-'O', 8iO'^. Tetrag. ; crystals mostly tabular, with lai-ge basal
plane; occura also in fibrous and columnar examples; yellowish-
white, pale-yellow, brownish, .fee; H 5 -0-5 -5 ; G 2-9-2-95. BB,
fusible with slight bubbling into a colourless or yellowish glass,
(lelatinizes in hydrochloric acid.
Saucolitk: K-0 1-20, Na-'O 3-30, CaO 32-30, Al-O^ 21-54, SiO-
40-51 (Rammelsberg). Tetrag. ; crystals, mostly small scpiare prisms
with rei>laced angles (=V, B, P) ; also sometimes with hemihedral
polar planes; pale-red, reddish-white; H 5-5-G-O; G 2 05-2 95 ;
fusible into a wiiite blel)by glass or enw .el. In hydrochloric acid,
gelatinizes.
Davyne ; Cancuinite : Weathered or altered varieties. See under
Nepheline, below.
{No Ca-Unen hrougld out in spectroscope hy moistening with hydrochloric
acid*).
Nepheline (Elajolite) : K-'O 45 to 6-5, Na-O 155 to 17, Al-O'
34-5 to 35-5, SiO'-' 41 to 45. Hexag. ; crystals mostly small hexa-
gonal prisms with replaced ba.sal edges ; occurs also in lamellar
masses; colourless, white, pale-brownish, with vitreous lustre (Ne-
pheline proper^ ; and greyish-blue, bUiisli-green, or red, with vitreo-
resinous lusti-e (Elteolite) : H 5-5-60 ; G 2-55-265. Fusible, with
moi-e or less bubbling, into a blebby glass. Gelatinizes in hydro-
* Unless intermixed calcite bu present, as in many examples of the Davyue and Cancrlnito
varieties.
254
BLOWPIPE PHACTICK.
chloric iicid Most examplcH shew the red K-line distinctly in the
s|iectroHco|io if nioistened with hydrochloric acid after fusion or igni-
tion. Davyno and Cancrinite arcs partly altored varieties, containini;
interniixod CaU. Ci)', and a sniall iKsrcentage of H'-'O.
t + Decomposed by hydrochloric acid, hut without gelatinization*
( The hydrochloric acid noliition huilcd icilh tin, UMiiiuea n pin/: or
violet colour).
Sphknk (Titnnitei : CaO, TiO'-', SiOl In Clino-Rhoinbic crystals
and cleavahio masscH of a brown, yellow, yellowish grey or green
colour ; H T) 0-5-5; G 3-4-36. BB, melts genomlly into a black or
dark enamel, but in some cases the fusion product is dull-yellow.
See under A of this Table.
GiJAKiMTE : ChO, TiO^ SiO'-. Rhombic, but hith(Mto only recog-
nized in apparently sq\iare tables. Sulphur-yellow. Fusible into a
yellow glass.
WoHLEiiiTK : Na-O, CaO, VvO, 7My\ Nb-'O'', SiO^. Rhombic or
CHno-Rhouibio, but crystals mosti tidistinct ; commonly in small
angular grains, or in sub-c lumniti masses and indistinct tabular
forms. Yellow of various shades, yellowish-brown; H 5'0-GO ;
G 3'41. BB melts easily into a yellowish bead. Hitherto only
found in the Zircon-syenite of Norway.
(Giviny lili with fused jihoxphor-Kidt in open ijIumh tidte a drong
Fluorim iraclion).
Leucophanr: CaO, BeO, SiO-, NaF. Essentially in cleavablo
hiniollar masses of a pale yellow or greenish-grey colour. H I55-40 J
G 2-9-3. Strongly phosphorescent, and very easily fusible. Slowly
decomposetl by hydrochloric acid. See under the Fluorides, in Table
XX. A rare species.
Melinophane (Meliphanite) : CaO, BeO, SiO^ NaF. Occasion-
ally in Tetragonal crystals, but commonly in lamellar masses and
disseminated grains of a yellow colour ; H 5-0 ; G 3-02. BB, easily
fusible (but is said not to pho8|)hore.sce ?). Very rare, and still im-
j)erfectly known.
• In some ca aa, the deuom|iOHition, althougli sutflriently marked, ig more or less ineoiii|>lctp.
If decoin|><>8i',oii ensue at all, the supernatant liquid, diluted slightly, and tillered froin the
undissolved residu'.m, will yield a distinct precipitate with ammonia, or with amm. oxalate
added subsei,-''" .ly.
I ^
MINEKAL tables: — XXVI.
•255
(Fu«ihle on charcoal into a ijlditxi/ hend).
PuEHNiTE*: CaO 27- 1 4, APO' 2487, SiO^ 43r,3, H'^0 43().
Rhoinhic ; crystals tabular or short priHinatio, ^(Micrally af^gregaU'tl
ill yroujis ; occurs also ahimdantly in fihroiis-liotryoidal iiuishch, and
sonK'timt'S in pseudoiiiorplis aft«M- calcite, analciine, itc. ; H ()()-7'0;
G 2*8-30 ; generally grec ish-wliite, also colourh-ss and liglit-green.
Fuses very easily and with imicli hubhling. In the bu'h-tube, gives
off a small amount of water, but only at a coinparati\ely liigli tem-
perature. After fusion or strong ii^nition, dwcomposed with gelatini-
zation by liydiochloric acid, and then shews in spectroscope iiiohumi-
tjiry red and green Ca-lines. See crystallographic charactei-s in Note
to Table XXVIII.
Wer.veritk (Scapolite, Paranthine, Meionite, «kc.) : Contains CaO,
Al-O'', 8iO'-, in somewhat variable proportions, with small amounts
of K'-'O, Na^O and K^O. Tetragonal : crystals, commonly, eight-
sided prisms composed of the two square prisms V and V, with ter-
minal polar i)lanes, P, P, kc. (See Note at end of Table). P : P
over middle edge 63" 42', over polar edge 136" 11' ; cleava<^e parallel
with V, less distinct parallel with V ; crystals oft( large, and fre-
quently more or less weathered ; occurs also in columnar, sub-fibrous,
granular, and other masses ; colourless, white, greenish-white, green,
pale-reddish, greyish, iic. ; H 50-60 ; G 2-6-2-8. BB, easily fusible
with more or less bubbling. In the spectroscope, after iirnition ami
moistening witli hydrochloric acid, shews red and green Ca-lines, in
most cases, very distinctly. Meionite (often clas.sed as a distinct
sjwcies) and Mizzonite are varieties from Monte Soinma. Nuttalite,
Dipyre, Cou.seranite, Passauite, are varieties from other localities.
Wilsonite, in pale purplish-red, cleavable and stib-fibrous masses, is
probably an altered Weinerite containing intermixed CaO CO'-.
Gkossular, and most other light-coloured garnets :t CaO, AlW;
SiO'-, ifec. In crystals of the Regular Systfem, chiefly the rhombic
dodecahedron or the trapezohedron 2-2, and in small rounded grains,
* BelongA properly to Table XXVIII., but i^ referred to also, here ,a8 the gmall amount of
water which it contaius might in r. riain caseii escnpe dfteetioii.
t The deep-red and most dark garnets fuse into a blaelc and generally magiiKtic bead, ami
Mv. thus placed in section A of the present Table. Many light garnets, i^ain are partially
decomposed by hydrochloric acid, whilst others are scarcely attacked by that reagent. Thcut-
latter are referred to, consequently, under the next sub-section 1 1 1.
>.1f.
ULOWPIPK J'KACTICK.
H G ij-T ') ; (} 3'ir)-;jK (ill i^roHHuIiir, propfr, iisiiiilly iiltout 3 4 or
.'J T)) ; liglit-;,'i()en (i^iossuliir |)ro|KM'), pink, n-d, yiillow, itc, luruly
ciiiuurlcsH. Hii, more or leHH rumlily fuHililo into ii light-tinted or
uncolorcd ;,'lii8H.
(Fiisihle in th<' forci'/iM, Intt not fimihli' into a hi'nil on rhnrroat),
AvoitTHlTK ^liinuvKcldHpiir in part, Indinnitfs CliriKtiiinitt^) : CaO
2010, Al-'O' 3G-H2, SiO- 4:M»8. Anorthic ; orvHtals oftfjn largo,
with R and V pianos prodomiiiatini? ; fr«!()U(M»tly twinnod parallel to
one or the other of thcH«^ foiins, to which the striated cleavage-planes
are also parallel ; cleavage-angles, 85" 50' and 94 1<»'; Right V on
fieft V 120^ 'M)'. Occurs also in luinellar and •♦ranular masses;
l[ 00 ; G 2'fiG-2'8() ; colourless, white, paIe-r(Mldish, with somewhat
pearly Instn^ on cleavage-planes, and vitreous lustre on other planes.
!il», fusible into a clear glass. Completely decomposed by hydrochloric
acid, but without gelatinization. In the spectroscope, the Ca-lines
come out distinctly aftor ignition and moistening with acid.
Laiihadohite (Lime Feldspar, Lime-jioda Ftddspar, Liibrador Feld-
spar) : XaO, CaO, Al'-'O', SiO-. Aiu)rthic ; but commonly in cleav-
able masses, with distinctly striated cleavage-))lanes, and cleavage-
angles of 8G 40' and 93 20' . Mostly light or dark grey, with play of
gretm, Iduo, violet, red, or orange, in certain directions ; but some-
times white; and often without, or with very feeble, play of colour.
H G'O; G 2'G-2-8. Fusible into a clear glass. Slowly and only
]<aitially decomposed by hydrocldoric acid. Spectro.scope- reaction as
in Anorthite, but not so roiidily shewn.
t t t Scarce! g attacked hi/ hi/<iroc/doric acid.
Asbextiform : in mjt, fhroua massea,)
AsBESTUS (Amianthus) : Essential components, CaO, MgO, SiO'^.
In white, grey, brownisn, greoiiish-white, or green masses <if fibrous
structure, more or less soft and silky. Readily fusil)le into a colour-
less or pale greenish glass. A fibrous variety of Amphibole or Py-
roxene. Passes into fibrous 8er|)entine, but distinguished properly
from the latter by not being deconn)Osod by sulphuric acid, and by
yielding merely traces of water in the bulb tube. Also by its greater
fusibility.
MINKKAL TABt>:s : — XXVI.
2ft7
(»V»/' ill 'filkij, (inhrntifunn mnKUfM. Sp. ijr, 2'9 "»' hiylirr : in imml nt-i/i, ilisHiirthi
iii'fr 31»).
Dioi'siDK, mill otiior lij.'lit coloiiniil PvitoXKVKM (MulucoliU', Alulife,
Salilito ill |iart; : Avciul;** eoiiipoHitioii, .M14O IS, ( 'ii( ) "jri, Si( )-' ^){] ;
l»ut in SOUK' nisos ."> or fi |mm' i-fiit. Al-'O'. aii<l only .'»(( or .'»1 |»'r cfiit.
SiO- tiro present. C'linr)-Rlu»inl)ic ; (•ry.stiils, iw in Auj^ite (Hooubovt'),
commonly eiglit-siilod primnH made up o. tlio forms \', V, ami V, auil
termiiwit«Ml by several polar forms or by ti lar^c basul pl(iu(!.* V : V
87" ()' ; V : V i3.r ;{3' ; V^ : V 13G' 27' : H : V lO.V 30'. Ot-curs
also ahuntlantly in lamellar and other conditionH, with ch'avam'e
angles of al)out H7" iind 93'^. llsually greenish-white or .soiuo lii^ht
shade of green, passing into deeper gre(;n ; II 5 O-t'cO ; (} 3()-3-4.
BB, in thin splinters, fu.ses more or hi.ss readily into a colo\irle.ss or
lightly-tinted gla.ss. See Note on Pyro.xene generally, at end of this
Table]
Thkmolitk, and other light-coloured A.MiMiinoLKS (Gramnuitite,
Actinolite in piirt, X»!phrite in part, Snmiligdite) : Average compo-
sition, CuO liJ'T), MgO '2S-.'», SiO- r)S ; but in some varieties a small
tvniount of Al'O-' is present, with corresponding decrease of SiO-'.
Many examples also contain I or 2 per cent, of fluorine. Clino-llhom,
bic ; crystals conimonly olilique-rhombic prisms composed of the four
planes V, with two depressed triangular planes or side-polars P at
each extremity ; also fiecpuMitly six-sided, from presence of V ; the
ba.srtl form B, and a h(!mi-pyramid P, being also often present. V : V
124^ 30'; V:V 117" 45'; P:P 148' 10'. Occurs likewise very
abundiuitly in fibrous and lamellar nuisses. with cleavago-angle of
124« 30'; H 5-0-GO; Li 2U-3-_'; colouHess, but more generally
greenish-white or .some pale shade of green, pa.ssing into grass-green
and other de«'per shades. BB, in thin splinters, ujore or less easily
fusible. See note on Amphil)olo at end of this Tai)le.
Glaucopuane: Na'O 7 33, CaO 220, MgO 1307, FeO 5-78.
Al-'O'' 12 -03, Fe-0' 2-17, SiO- 57 Si. CI ino Rhombic, with V on V
(as in Amphibole) 124° 30'- 125° ; crystals, mostly long Hat prisms,
vertically striated, and passing into Hl)rouH masses ; H 5'5-()-5 ;
G 3'l-3-2; dark greyish-blue, blui.sh-black ; BB, easily fusible into
a trreenish glass. A rare species : practically a soda-hornblende.
* This ]>lanf Ih roganled by many crygtallograiiliurg as a frunt-i>olar or heml-orthodoiiie. Hec
tlio Note on Pyroxene at the enJ ,if the present Tahle.
18
l.'58
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
ZoiziTE : CaO '^4, Al-0=' 30, SiO- 41, witli small amoiiuts of MgO
and Fe'-'O'', ami about 2 per cent, of basic water, the latter not revenleil
by orilinary ignition in the l»ulb-tube. Rhombic or Clii.o-Riioinbic I
but crystals more or less indistixicily fonneil ; commonly in bhuled
o',- sub-cohimnar examples, longitudinally striated. White, pale-grey,
pa'e-greenish, yellowish, dull-brown, or red ; H O'O ; G 31-3'4. BB,
swells uj), emits a few bubbles, and melts, if in thin splinters, into a
colourless glass. After fusion or strong ignition, is decomposed with
gelatinization by hydrochloric acid, and then shews in the spectroscope
momentary red and green Ca-lines. Thulite is n rose red variety, con-
taining a small percentage of Mu-'O''. Unionite is a white variety.
TouKMALiNE : Black varieties (Hciiokl) and some blown varieties ;
.MgO, Fe(>, MnO, Al'O'', B^O'', SiO-. Hemi-Hexagonal, mostly in
thiee-sided or nine-sided prisms, or in tibrous and columnar masses
of a jet-black or brown colour ; H 7-0-7 5 ; G 3-0-3-2. Fuses
generally into a black or dark slag, but sometimes iuio a dull-
yellowish or more or less uncoloured glass or enamel, The fused
mass crushed to })Owder and moistened with sulphuric acid iuipartsi
a distinct green coloration to the flame-border. See above, under
A-tttt-
Vesl'VI.v.v (Idocra.se, Egerane) ; Average composition, CaO 30 to
34 ; MnO, FcO, MgO, 5 to 8 ; Fe-0'', Al-'O^ 18 to 20, SiO-' 37 to
39, with small amount of alkalies and l)asi.; H'-'O. Tetragonal ;
crystals, commonly, square prisms (or S-sided prisms conipo.sed of the
two Sipiare prisms V, V) terminated by the pyramid P and a large
or well-developed base, B : the latter form being very rarely if ever
absent. B on P 142° 45' to 142^ o7'. Occurs also in columnar and
granular masses ; H G".t ; G 3 •3.3 3*45 ; dark-brown, yellowish-brown,
brownish-red, yellow, green of various shades, rarely blue. BB, melts,
usually with .slight bubbling into a lightly-tinted glass. Tliis, when
crushed dissolves with gelatinization in hydrochloric acid, and then
shews momentary led and green Ca-lines in the speotroscoj^s. Cyprine
is a blue variety containing a small jtercentage of CuO. Wiluite,
Egeiane, Xantlii^C; Loboite, Frugadite, Heteromerite, are other
varieties. Colophonite, in yellow or brown grains and rounded
masses, commonly referred to Garnet, is also as regards most examples
a Vesuvian. See Note to this Table.
Gahnkt : Light-coloured varieties : CaO, Al-O'', SiO'^, &c. Essen-
MINEKAL TAULK8 : — XXVI.
259
of tlie
Essen-
tially in rhoiubio ilodecahedrons or trii|»c7A)lieth'ons, of in rouiule<l
grains, of a red, yellow, l»rown, or green colour; H 7 0-7-") ; CJ
3''_'-38. More or less readilv fiisihle into a colourless or li;'litlv
tinted glass. See under Grossular, altove. Also the Note at the end
of this Table.
(Not usheMiform : Sjk ;/r. iiiiilir '2'{), in iiiohI nmeH ahuiU 2 0. Fitnilili', i(nU>i.t in
Jini' -ii^lintcrM, on the edijva only),
OiiTUOCLASK (Common or Potash Keld.spar : K'OlfJO, Al'-'O' ISJ,
SiO'^ ()4'7, but, very generally, small portions of Na*(), ikc, are al.so
present. Clino-llhombic ; crystals frccpuMitly flattened parallel with
the side-veitical planes, and often extemled in that direction ; twins
very common: .see Note at end ot Tahke. Prism-angle lis*-' 17.
Occurs also abundantly in oleavalile, lamellar masses, the cleavage
planes {=B, V) meeting at right-angles. H ()■() ; i\ 'Ify.S-'lb^ ;
colourle.ss, white, Hesh-red, biight-red, light-green, pale-yellowish,
light-grey ; .somewhat pearly on cleavage-planes ; iride.'<cent in some
varieties, and occasionally opalescent. HIi, fusible on the edges only,
unless in the form of a thin pointivl splinter, in which ca-sc the
extremity is (pnckly lounded into a clear gla.ss. ]giiit<Hl, and then
fused with sodium caibonate or Huor spar, or simply moistenetl with
hydrochloric aciil after ignition, shews in sj)e(itroseope the red K-line
very distinctly. All other lines (<lerived from the soda or tluor spar)
may be entirely obliterated l)y the intervention of a piocti of l)lue gla.ss.
Adularia, Hanidiue or IJyacolite (often called gla.ssy feldspar), Pfg
matolite, Ac, are varietie.s. L'txoclase is ahso a variety, but resemldes
01igocla.se in composition. PtM'thite is a dark red-brown iridescent
mixture of Orthoclasc; and .Moite.
MrcKOCLlNK :* A potassic feldspar clo.Hely allied to Orthoclase, but
apparently anorthic (triclinic; in crystallization. The cleavage angle
only (lit!ers, however, from a right anglt^ by lo or 10 minutes ; and
the prism-angle (118" 31') and other angles scarcely ditl'er from
corresponding angles in (Orthoclase. Most of the green fe'dspar.s,
conunonly called Amazon Stone, are kow usually referreil to this
species. See Note to the present Table.
'Of Ue8-Cliilzeitux, ni>t BruiUmiii^t. The Miororliuo uf tliu Intter ix Die iriilem-eiit OrtliiiclaHc
from the zircon-Hycnlttj of Norway.
L'60
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
I
Hyalopiiank : A barytic feldspar, almost identical with Orthoclase
in crystallization. Ct 2'8 ; white or flesh-ied.
Albitr (Soda Feldspar) : Na-'O 11-82, Al'O'' 1950, SiO' 68-62,
but 1 or 2 per cent, of the Na'-'O coniiiionly replaced by K'-'O. Anor-
thic ; but crystals generally clino-rhonibic in aspect, and much like
those of Orthoclase: ser Note at close of Table. Prism-angle I 20^'
47' ; cleavage-angles 80° 24' and 93" 30'. Crystals commonly in
twinned or oompouiul forms, rarely simple. Occurs also abundantly
in lamellar masses, with cleavage as above ; colourle.ss, white, light,
red, light-gre'^n, yellowish, brownish, tfec. ; H 60 (or 0-()-6-5) ; G
2-59-2 04. BB, like Orthoclase, but colours the flame more or less
strongly yellow ; the two species, however, can onl^ be distinguished
by their crystalliza ion, or by accurate chemical analy.sis, although if
the cleavage planes shew a marked striation, Albite (or other " plagi-
oclastic " feldspiir) is generally indicated. Pericline is a white opaque
ov feebly-translucent variety in transversely elongated crystals.
Peristcrite is a white, slightly iridescent variety. Olafite, Cleave-
landite, and Zagadite, are uiher varieties.
Omcoclase (Soda-lime Feldspar) : Na'-'O (.slightly replaced by
K'-'O), CaO, Al'-'O'', SiO-. Anorthic ; crystals much like those of
Albite, with prism-ai gle '20" 42' to 120° 53', and cleavage angles of
about 86° 10' (or 80° 30'), and 93" 50' (or 93" 30'). Principal
cleavage-plane (B), delicately striated; twin crystals, very frequent.
Occurs also in lamellar and tine-granular masses. H 6-0 ; G 2-6-266 ;
white, pale-red, greenish-grey, vtc, with somewhat waxy lustre ;
occasionally iridescent. BB, fu.se.s, in thin splinters, into a colourless
glass. Apai-t from its more ready fusiliility, this species can scarcely
be distinguished from Albite, excej)t by actual analysis
{Sp. <jr. under '2'5. Coinpitrl Mlrin-titir. i'<'ry eauili/ fuKihle). '
Obsidian : K'-'O, Na'-'O, Al'-'O'', SiO'-', with siuall amounts of CaO,
Fe-'O'', &c. In amorphous masses, breaking with conchoidal fracture
into gla.s8y sharp-edged fragments. H 6-0-7-0 ; G 2-2-2-4. Black,
brown, grey, greenish, (S:c., sometimes striped or zoned in ditlt'rent
shades ; tran.slucent to Oj)a<jue. Easily fusible with bubliling into a
white glass or en.iuiel. Pitohstone is a less vitreous, coarser variety.
Pearlstone is a closely related substance, made up e-ssentially of sim\ll
pearly concretions, or containing the.se in a vitreous obsidian-like
paste. All ii''.» volcanic products: rather rocks than minerals proper.
MINERAL TABLES : — XXVI.
261
NOTE ON TABLK XXVI.
This Tabic consists entirely of silicates, distinj^uished from other compounds
of that class by being distinctly fusible, and by yielding no water (or merely
traces) when ignited in the bulb-tube. All give the characteristic reaction of
silicates by fusion with phosphor-salt— a silica-skeleton separating, whilst the
bases dissolve in the llu.x. In some cases, a portion of the silica is tlissolved
also, but this precipitates on cooling, and the bead becomes more or less
opalescent or clouded, The more commoidy occuring minerals of the 'I'able
comprise representatives of the following s<,'ries : Lithia-Micas, Horo-Silicales,
Garnets, Kpidotes, Iron Chrysolites, Titanites, Pyroxenes and Aniphiboles,
Scapolites, Feldspars.
The Lithia-Micas .are chielly represented by Lci)idolite— the ordinary micas,
Muscovite, Phlogopite, and Hiutite, in some of which lithia is occasionally prisenl,
being as a rule fusible only when in very thin scales, and f ften on the edges only-
Hence, these latter species are described in Table XX\'., and in the Note to
that Table. Lepidolite is easily recognized (in ordinary exam])lcH) by its deli-
cate red or reddish-grey colour, anil its occurrence in aggregations of soft,
pearly scales. Also by its intumescence and ready fusion in the blowpipe-
tlame, or even in the tlame of the ihinscu burner, and by the crimson coloration
which it imparts to this. In the spectroscope, the crimson Li-line and yellow
Xa-line come out at once with great Ijrilliancy, but the red K-line is generally
overpowereil by the intensity of the lithium spectrum, unless this be cut otl
by the intervention of a blue glass between the spectroscope and the tlame.
The Boro-silicatos of this Table include the dark, fusible Tourmalines,
represented essentially by Scliorl, and the anorthic species, Axinite. These^
however, have no very close relations as minerals, beyond the i)re8ence in both
of boracic acid, an exceptional component. The silica percentage is com-
paratively low, averaging 38 or li.t in Tourmaline, and about 44 in Axinite.
The boracic acid apparently replaces alumina.
Schorl may generally be distinguished by its jet-black colour and triangular
cross fracture. The crystals are sometimes simple three-aided prisms ; but
these are bevelled, in general, on their vertical edges -a combination of ,-
and V2 being thus formed — and they are usually terminated by the planes of
a rhombohedron (II) with polar angle, i.e., angle over a polar edge, of about
133° 30'. Frequently also the planes of a secocd rhombohedron ( ~-'2K) with
polar angle of about 103° or 103' '-()', alternate with the latter or occur alone ;
and crystals o.'ten show dissimilar forms at their extremities : see the Note to
Table XXIV.
Axinite is readily distinguished by its Hattened, sharp-edged, a.. )rthic
crystals (brown, violet, pinkish-grey, in colour, or sometimes green from inter-
mixed chlorite), and by the green coloration which it communicates to tiie
blowpipe-riame during fusion. The crystals are essentially oblique rhomboidal
prisms with only the diagonally-opposite edges and angles replaced. The
prism-angle equals 135" 31' ; B on one prism-plane, 134° 45' ; and on the other
262
BLOWPIPK I'RACTICK.
r^
|V;,i
IiriNiu-face, 115' 38'.* 'Hie two prism planes are vertically striateil, «.».,
parallel with their coiubination edges, whilst the H plane is striated trans-
versely.
The (iariiet group is represented in tiiis Table hy the different varieties or
ub-specie.s of Oarnet (the infusible chi'orne-garnet Uwarowite [Taiii.k X\1\'].
excepted), and by the related species Vesuvian.
Tile speoitic name of (iarnet includes a great number of related silicates of
regular crystallization and common formula — the latter, esjiiicially, .S Hd,
[\H)\ :< Si(C^. The KO represents C'aO, MgO, .\ln(», FcO ; and ihe Iv^O' espials
AT'O', Fu'^o'. iVc. T'he varieties which result from the preponderance of ouf
or the otJier of these isomorphous bases necessarily present different colours,
and, within certain limits, ditl'erent degrees of specific gravity. t The colour
thus varies, as a rule, from light tints of red, yellow, and green, through deep-
red and olive-green into brown and black ; but occasionally, cohnirles.s
examples are nuL wita. The more conimon garnets are dark-red or red-
brown, and nearly m- ({uite opacjne. Tiie average sp. gr. is al)out 3'5 for the
lighter c(doured varieties, and S'9 or 4'0 for tiie dark garnets, the limits lying
between .Tli") and 4''iv') or 4\'{. The crystallization is comparatively uniform,
consisting essentially of the rhombic dodecahedron or of the trapezohedron
'2-'2, or of the two combined. In the trapezohedron. the anghf over a long or
axial edge ecpials LSI" 4!*'. In cond)inati.)n, the trapezohedron replaces the
edges of the dodecalicdron, and thus presents a cruciform four-planed point-
nient at each pole of the crystal. Occa.sionally also, the edges of the rhombic
dodecahedron are bevelled by the planes of the adamantoid .S-lj or 4-i.
V 'suvian or lilocrase closely resembles (Iarnet in general composition, and
until recently the two were thought to present the same atomic constitution.
This is probably not the case, although the formula of Vesuvian is still doubtful.
Hut tile two minerals a])art fi'oni crj-stallizati(,n are evidently nearly allied-
The more common crystals of X'esuvian are composed of the two 8({uare prisms
V and V, striateil longitudinally, and terminated by a sipiare pyramid, P.
more or less deeply truncated at the apex by tiie basal form H. Freipiently
the vertical edges of V are bevelled by the planes of an octagonal prism V2 or
\'.S ; and the polar edges of the pyramid are replaced by a fnmt-polar or front-
pyramid 1'. Canadian crystals are conunonly simple sijuare prisms with large
base, or these very slightly replaced on the vertical aiul basal edges. Angular
measurements are slightly variable, but average as follows ; I' : I' over polar
edge 1'2S»" •-'!»', over middle edge 74° 14' ; B : 1' 142" ry.V ; F : F over polar edge
141 r, over middle eilge 50° 8' ; B : H 151" 5t)'. The form B in Vesuvian is
always present. For other characters, see the Table.
• Hy iiKiHt Cieniian crystiillngniiilii'iH B i.s iiindi- tlio face of a ti'tarto-iiyramiil, P. Tlii! angles
given aluive are lleise of Von Uatli, Imt lliey llm-tuate witliip :iO or 40 iiiiimtes in crystals from
(litfereiit Idealities.
t This latter character, however, as regards niiiierals generally, does not depend absolutely on
coiniioHitiun. A striking instance is ntl'orded liy ordinary Iron Pyrites and Copper Pyrites. The
former, CDnsislIng of Fe 46'67, S 53-33, has an average sp. gr. of 5-0 ; whilst the latter, with le:<3
snli>hiM (f4'l»). and with the heavier metal, copper forming part of the base Cu 340, Fe SO'.^il,
shews a mixiiiuini density of only 4'3.
MINKHAL 1 ABLE'' : — XXVI.
263
Tht.' Epidoto (lioup is if|)ruse"tf(l in tlie 'l"al>l»> l>y Ejjidote, Zoizito, and
Allniiite or Ortliite. Tlio Ijittt-r in most i yiinijiles i« (ii\ -inposi'tl with tfi'lati-
nizati l)y liydrocliloric acid, and is hiaok and almost Hul)-niftallic in aspect.
Ciiinnioidy in coluninar and tine-granular masses ; more rartdj' in clino-rhomltic
crystals, with V : V 70° 4S' and Kill I'J' ; V : V I'.T) --H' ; an<l H : V ll.') .
'I'lii.-. latter is also the cleavaije-anyle, hut the clt ivago is very indistiiu't.
Zoizite and lOpidote aie not decoinpimetl hy hydrochloric acid until after
fusicjn. when they also gelatinize. Zoizite is light-coloured, mostly grey, lirown-
ish, or !.'reyish-wliite, and eliielly in eolunniar masses. Its crystallization, long
considered identical with that of Epidote, is now regarded as Ithoinhic, hut
crystals are rare and more or less indistinctly formed. Mpidote is usually dis-
tinct'y coloured, the tints ranging from light yellowish-green to dark green,
lirown and hlaek. Many examples are lihrous and acicular, and closely
resend)le e.\ample.s of pyroNeiie and ai iphihole, and also schorl. From these,
however, l>pidote is readily distinguished l>y its peculiar reaction under the
blowpipe. In place of forming a single bead or fused gloltule, it swells up
into a eaulillower-like mass, the separate portions of which Itec >nie rounde<l,
but caiuiot with ordinary blowing be brought into a bead, proper v so called,
(.'rybtals are of frecpient occurrence. They (H'e clino-rliombie_ and practically
identical with those of Orthite, but are not easily made out by the ui, practised
eye. In their conventional position, they form transversely eloiigateci prisms,
the extension being in tiie direction of the ortho-diagonal or right-ai.d-left
axis, with usually two (or several) inclined planes at the side. The hrrizon-
tally extended planes usually comprise the b.asal plane 15, and the front-vertical
V, with interfacial angle (which is also the cleavage angle) of 1 1,')° '24'. In the
same zone with these planes, sev;.'>-al intermediate planes (the faces of front or
ortho-p liars) also fretjuently occur ; and in m ist cases the planes of this zone
are striateil parallel with their comliination edges. The more common fiuins
of the zone are U (the chief cleavage-plane). V (the second cleavage-plane),
and r : with consecutive interfacial anglvs of 1 lo '24' as stated above, \'2S 18'.
and 11(5° 18'. The two predondnatiug planes at the lateral ends of the crystal
are sometimes the prisui-planes V, with angles of 110° on adjacent faces, and
70° in front over V, and 1'2.">° on \'. In other crystals, the.se enil planes are
those of the hemi-pyramiil I', and they nteet at an angle of l(i!(° .S")'. IJoth V
and I' are also sometimes present together, meeting at angles of l")')" 'u' and
117" 40'. Twin combinations, with twin-face j)arallel ti^ \', are of freipieiit
occurrence.
The so-called Iron Chrysolites are represented by Fayaiile, Hyalosiderite,
and Lievrite or Ilvaite, the latter, only, of general occurrence. This species,
by its lilack colour and general aspect somewhat resend)les Orthite. Like
Orthite also, it melts readily into a black magnetic glass, and is decomposed
with separation of gelatinous silica by hydrochloric aciii. The crystallization
however is orthorhondiic, and the crystals are elongated vertically. In nio.st
cases they are eight-sided prisms, composed of the two rhondjic prisms V and
\'2, terminated by the four planes of a rhondjic pyramid P, the front polar
261
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
eilges of which are replaced by a plane of the form F. The cli.. f angles are us
follows : V : V 112° 38' ; V2 : V2 100° 15' ; P : P, over front^edgo or over P,
117° 30' ; over side edge 139° 30' ; over middle edge 77° 12' ; V : P, over sum-
mit, 112°4i)'. The )irisms, in general, shew strong vertical striiv, indicating
additional prismatic farms, VJ, ike. ; and crystals thus aO'ected often ))ecome
more or less cylindrical, and pass into columnar masses.
The Titanites are represented chiefly by Sphene or Titanite projjer — a calcic
titanio-silicate, containing eipial atomic proportions of lime, titanic nnliydride,
iin<l silica, with part of the lime replaced in some cases by MnO, etc. Pictitc
and (ircenovite are varieties. The latter contains manganese, and is rose-red in
colour. (Jrothite is nearly related, In Titanite proper, the colour is chieHy yel-
lowish-grey, green, yellow, red, and especially dark-brown ; and many examples
shew a peculiar golden iridescence. The crystal system is clinorhombic, but tlie
crystallization is somewhat complicated, and the forms are' not always easily
located ; a ditliculty increased by the want of agreement among mineralogitts
respecting the positions of the axes. At least three positions, in accordance
with the predominance of certain planes, have been assigned to these crystals.
In one position, the primary vertical-prism (V=ooP, =110) has the fiont oi
f)btu8e interfacial angle e((nal to 133' 52' ; in another, this angle equals 136° 12' ;
and in a third it e(juals 113° 31'. This hitter position ajjpcars, on tlie whole,
the most satisfactory. Adopting it, the more simple ami generally occurring
crystals usually shew a rhombic prism V, the front-vertical or orthopinakoid
V, the base B, a front hemi-polar or hem: .»rthodome P, and a homi-pyramiil
2P : but many other forms (4P, 4P, etc.) are frci|uently ))resent. The crystals
have very commonly a flattened, wedge-shaped asiHJct, whence the name
.Sphene. V on V= 113° 31' ; B : V 1 19° 43' ; P on V 140" 43' ; 2P on 21' 136°
12' ; V on 2P 152° 40' ; V on 2P 144° 5(5' ; H on P'l59'. These angles may be
useful in locating j)lane8. Twins are common, jiarallel ehielly with position of
V. Some are cruciform. Others, usually narrow an<l elongated, have a re-en-
tering angle on one side only, and form the so-called " en ijoiittiin- " variety.
The principal cleavage plane is parallel with V. f'or other characters, see the
Table.
The Pyroxene series comprises a grouj) rf species and sub-species (essentially
bisilicates of HO, typically MgO, FeO, CsiV) in which the crystallization is
either Clino- Rhombic or Khombic, with the chief prism-angle and cleavage-
angle approximating to 87° (or i?s upplement 93°). The Uhondiic sijccies
comprise Enstatite, with Bionzi*'* and Hypersthene. The typical ('lino-
Rhombic forms, in which, as in the lt)iond)ic group, alumina is either absent
or only subordinately present, include Pyroxene proper, with Acmite and
other rarer species (Jeffersonitf, Ac./ ; and also the manganese species.
Rhodonite, and the more or less aberrant WoUastonite, the latter a purely
calcareous species differing essentially from the ordinary pyroxenes by being
readily decomposed, with separation of gelatinous silica, in hydrochloric acid.
The lithia-holding and aluminous Spodumene or Triphane is also conunonly
referred to the Pyroxene group from its clea\ age-angle and lately deterniine<l
si '■i
MINERAL tables: — XXVL
265
crystallization ; l>ut its composition (LiH) 4-5 to 0'), Al'O' 2'y3 to 29, SiO' 03
to 60) and its general aspect, are more fehlspathic tiian augitic. The prism-
angle (and corresponding cleavage-angle) V : V, scarcely differs from the
principal cleavage-angle in Alliite ; and its high perccntugc of silica is also
characteristic of the typical feldspars. Its distinctive characters, and those of
the other minerals of the group, are given sutficiently in the 'I'ahle ; hut some
adilitional remarks on the commonly occurring species Pyroxene are here
appended. This sjfccies is commonly subdivided into Non-aluminous and
Aluminous Pyroxene. The non-aluminous jjyroxenes (apart from the ferrugi-
nous suh-siiecies Hedeid)ergite) are ihielly of a light colour, and the aluminous
varieties, mostly (though not exclusively) deep-green or hlack, and more or
less ferruginous ; hut even in these, the alumina ia always under 10, and
generally under 7, per cunt. 'I'he (dd name i-f J)ii>/)siil<' may serve conveniently
to include all the liglit-culoured noti-aluminoi.s pyroxenes (Malacolite, Alalite,
&c. ), and that of .1 mjite to denote the dark and generally aluminous varieties.
In hoth diopside and augite the crystals are prismatic and essentially eight-
sided, or (as regards these jtrismatic planes) made up of the four planes of the
rhomhic prism V, truncated on its ohtuse vertical e<lge8 by the two planes of
the Front- Vertical V, and on its acute edyes i)V the Side-\'ertical or ('lino-
Vertical V. The prism-atigle in front eipials 87° 0' ; V on \' of course c'pials
90° ; and V on V, \Xi° 'MY. But apart fiom these vertical planes. Pyroxene
crystals jiresent three more or less distinct types. In one, common to hoth
light and dark varieties, the crystals are simply S-sided prisms terminated by
tile luisal plane,* with Hon V ecjual to 10")° 30'. These crystals are sctmetimes
flattened parallel to V (the ortho-pinakoid) ; but in general they are remark-
ably synunetrical, and ;vs the i>inakoid8 or Front and Side Verticals, V ami V,
which meet at right angles, freijuently prepomlerate, this type of crystal looks
remaikably like a scjuare prism weth truncated vertical edges. In the second
tyj)e, especially characteristic of augite, proper, the crystals are almost invari-
ably flattened parallel with V, and are surmounted by the two planes of the
clinfiilome or side-polar P, meeting over the summit at an angle of 1*20° 48'. t
In this type, the base is also occasionally, but only subonliuately, present,
togetlu-r with other slightly developed polar forms ; and its crystals are often
twinned parallel with \'. The cry.stals are then terminated by four planes,
and shew re-entering angles at one extremity. In the third type, the crystals
are largely terminated by the planes of a hemi-pyramid, with angle over front
By Oermiui aii<l many ntlicr rryHtallo^'miiliiTs this is ikjI rrg.irdril ns t)ic liasc, Imt as an
iirthiMlDiiie or front-jKjlar f'. Hy making it tlu^ hnau, however, llie two sloiiinn platies liy wliicli
tli« roinmon augite orystnls are always tiTminated, lieconie olinii<lomos or .sldc-iiolar planes P,
in i>lai'i' of lienig till' iilane.s of a li('nii-]>)raniiil P; and in tliat maniier, as puiiitiMl out liy Von
Kath, till' i'ori('Hiioi;di'n('e between jiyroxene and ami'liilioU' cryHtals \h rcndritd niiidi more
npivarent. This view has been always held l>y Fnni'li ciystallot'tapliirs, and is recnmniendeil
by its greater Kim|di<'ity. It whs departed troni, ajiparently, in the llrst Instance byOernmit
iTysfallographers in order to obttiln an imaginary Orund/onn or triaxial pyramid.
tSee the i)rcceding foot not<'. Those terminal planes are regarded by most German crystallo-
graphers as the planus of a henii-pyramid, P.
^06
ULOWPIFE PRACTICE.
|»olar edge of 95' 48', a second heini-pyrftinid, with front anijle of 131' 30',
often (ipiifftring at the lower extremity. Other conihiuations occur, hut aie
comparatively rare.
The Amphiholus form a parallel series with the Pyroxenes, aiul like the
latter arc essentially hisilicatcs of CaO and MgO, with part of these bases
replaced in dark varieties hy FcO; and with Al'^U* (") to ir> per cent.) frci|ULntly
replacing a portion of the silica — the latter in non-aluminous amphil)oles vary-
ing from about 5') tf) ">!) percent., aiul in aluminous vaiieties from H'.l to 4'.t
per cent. .SnniU amounts of fluorine and alcalies are also coninxiidy present,
especially in the darker amphiholes ; and magnesia always exceeds lime in the
base, whereas in the pyroxenes the lime predominates. Corresponding varieties
shew in amphiltole a slightly lower sp. gr. than in jjyroxene ; hut, practically,
tlie two species can only he distinguished by theii' crystallization and cleavage
angles. The latter, in Amphibole, eijual r24° 30' and 'ui° .SO"; and in I'yroxene,
87" •>' and !(■_"•') t'. In Amphibole proper, two leading varieties or sub-species
may l)c recogni/.ed. Tn'iiioliti or (ini iiniiiilil<-, including all the white, grey, and
pnie-green Amphilxdes ; and /fnriihli nilr, including the deep-freen, dark-brown
anil black kinds. These are connected by the variety known as .'.■■/i/iiolit) which
presents a more or less bright-green colour, and usually occurb in iil)rous
masses and long prismatic crystals aud aggregations. These forms ..'-e also
generally presented by Tremolite ; whilst Hornblende is usually in dark-gi "jU'
lamellar or granular masses, or in thick crystals (commonly known as liusaltK
Hornblende) of a dark-brown or black colour. The System, as in Pyroxene,
is ( 'lino-lJhombic, and viewed generally, ami)liibole crystals present three
leailing types. The first and .simplest tyjie is comparatively rare. It consists
of an eight-sided prism composed of the vertical forms \', \'. and V, termin.ateil
by a large basal plane ; and it thus represents the simple Pyroxene type
.lescribed under tli.it species. V : V= I'24° W ; V : V 117^' I.V ; M ; V 104=^ ."Mr.
A second .uid much commoner type consists of a six-sided jjrism comiiosed of
the rhombic prism V (with angle as above) truncated on its acute vertical
♦jilges by the form \', and terminated by two nearly flat side-polar planes P.
meeting at an angle of 14S° 16' Sometime.", also, the l)as<!, in the form of a
narrow ])l-ine, re[)laces the common edge of these terminal planes ; and
occasionally the prism is eight-sidod from the presence of V ; but this front-
vertical form, so characteristic of Pyro-kene crystals, is eom|iaratively rare in
Amphiliole, go that, whilst in Pyroxene the vertical prism is almost always
eight-si<led, in Amphibole it is almost invariably six-sided. The thfrd type^
«xhibited especially by the so-called Basaltic Hornblende, consists of a six-sideil
prism, composed of \^ and \' (with planes of practically c(pial width), sur-
mounted by three rhombiform planes, consisting of two planes of a hemi-pyramid
P, and the basal plane B — these three terminal planes being also in general of
«qual or nearly e(|ual size. A marked pseudo-hexagonal as|)ect is thus imparted
to the crystal. P : P 148° 30', P : B 145' .35'. Other polar forms are some-
times subordinatcly present ; and the crystals of this type are frequently
twinned parallel to the position of the (n-thoaxis or frontal pinakoid. In these
MINKUAL TABLES: — XXVI.
9ft7
twins there ii no ro-eiitoring angle, hut the four pliities of the heiui-|iyrainitl I*
;iif l)r()uglit tdgftlier at <>iw uml <if thi' ciyHt.il, ami thf two I'. |(lanfH at the
other. 'I"he intt'i'facial angle of tlie Hasal |ilane><, thus brought together, ecpials
The Scapolite.s are essentially litiie-aluiniiia silicates of Tetragonal cryslalli-
''atioii. 'I'hey have been se|>arateil into various siiecies or huIi ■<|iei'ies, hut all
may f:kirly he refurreil to n single rejiresentative. Scaitolite proper or Wornerite.
In this species, the crystals consist connnonly of uonihinations of the two
s(|uare jirisniH \' and \\ forming an eight-sideil prism, terniiuA'e.l liy the four
planes of the pyraniiil 1', or hy those of I' .ui.l I', the ••onnnon summit of these
heing occasionally, though rarely, truncated liy tho ImsAl form B. The aiiKles
tluctuate somewhat in ditl'erent varieties, l»ut averagt as follows : H: I' UN '• ;
i' : V over i>olar edge \'M\ 11' ; 1' ; V IJl ' ,11 ; I' I.V> It ; 1:1' over polar
edge 147° : P : V I'i.H" 4(V. In addition to tlu'«%) \\mu», mauy crystals shew an
octai.'on il prism V'2 (slightly developed^ und an oetatfon-^l pyramid 'M"A, bat
the latter is usually \\\ a Inuiihedral »Muditt»iii M.\n> crystals, aKon, »r«
much distorted from imi|««lit\es in ihe siw of eorresp< ndiiig pliuu > Apart
from its crystalli/ation, \\ ernerite v» \l>8tingi\i»*hed from light-i oluured
Pyroxenes and AmphihoKs l>y i(* l\\\\>y speeilic gravity ("JMi to 'i'M, in placn of
-S) to 3'4i, and by its partial vlv eoinpositi n in hydrochloric .u id From the
Feldspars it ditVurs essentially by its want of Kh!\i|ily defined, smooth and
lustrous ch W'Vge-plunes, and iiy its ready fusii-n. The more (ypical fcliUpars,
moreover, Orthoclasci and .Mlute, are not attacked by hydrochloric acid.
The Feldspars are essentially aluminous silicates of pot.'wh, s.mIh or lime,
characterized by the general absence of iron oxides .iiid m.'.i^noj.i, by their
light coloration, their iion-tll)r()Us, cleavablc structure, the lattei an espetually
sul'cnt character, and by their clino-rhombic or triclinic (anorthic) crystalli-
z.ition. .\'< a rule, they are ditlicultly fusible, and the linie species only .are
decomposed by acid. In the more tyi)ical or alcaline feldspar.-), the amount of
silica exceeils GO per cent. It is now very generally thought that three species
only of feldspar should be admitted, viz ; the potassic species Orthoclase, the
soda species Albite, and the lime species .Anoitliite, the other so-called species
being reg.irdcd as isoinorplious mixtures or combinations of jiiese. This view
is probably correct, but in the present state of our knowledge it seems neces-
sary to recognize the following com[iouiii1s us constituting di.stinct felds|)athia
ty[)es : The jmtash ftddsp.irs Ortho-hirti and Min'iirliiii : the baryto-po^assic
fcMspar /li/iilii/ilnnii ; the .soda ftdilspar Alhlti ; the soda-lime feldspar
O/iijorlasi (induiliiig Andesiii'') ; the lime-soda reld8])ar Ldlirinlorilf ; and the
lime feldspar Aiinrt/iitc. The more distinctive characters of these are given
fully in the Table ; but some additional remarks on the crystnllizaticui of the
two more important species Orthoclase and Albite are here appendeil.
<>rthoclasc crystals fall under three comparativt.dy distinct types. The
crystals of tho first or simplest type are short rhombic-prisms terminated by
two sloping planes. The latter are fre(iuently of nearly similiir size and shape,
but consist of the base, H, ami a hemi-orthodome or ortho-polar I', of course
in altern.'vte positions. V : V 118° 47' ; h : V l-'O" 43' ; B : V 112' 13' ; P ; V
208
BLOWPII'K PRACTICE.
110° 41'. P in BoinetimcH inuuh larger than M, in which caao its pliuii's
rescnihlu the V {ilancs in shapv, and the cryHtal has much the oapccl ot
n trunuatvil rhoinhohudrnn. Occasionally, tliu sidu- vertical V is also present.
This tyjio frc((uently occurs in twin forms, witli twin-face, a fmi; of
H. It might l)e turmoil the Adularia or St. (iotliard type. Itn cryHtiiih
are in general more or less translucent, and are always in druses or
attached to the sides of clefts and caviticH of tlie rocks in whiuli they oocui'.
In the second or Maveno ty|)e, the crystals are usually six-sided priHuix,
composed of four V planes and the two planes of the side or clino-vertical V,
terminated by tiie hasul plane and a second homi-orthodome or ortho-polnr 'J I'.
These crystals, us a rule, are greatly (elongated in the direction of the diiio-
diagonal, and thus the two M planes and the two V planes become drawn out
backwards and upwards, so as to mask the true symmetry of the crystal U>
on unpractise<l eye. V : V and H : V, as above; V : '21' y.H° '20' ; W : '21'
9*J° .TS' ; H : V 90". The cleavage is parallel to the latter planes. Very fre-
quently the eilges between li and V are replaced by the side-polar or clino-
dome 21', the jilamis of the latter inclining on H and V at angles respectively
of l.'ir»° 4' and 134" HiV. Occasionally also, the vertical edges between V and
V are replaced by the planes of the prism V3. Crystals of this type occur very
commonly in twins, with the twin-face a ])lane of the side-polar or cliiuxlome
21'. In these crystals, conseiiufiitly, two long B planes, and two long V
planes, come together, and the crystals are rectangular in aspect. In other
twins — with marked re-entering angle — the basal plane is the twin-face or
plane of junction. These crystals are sometimes translucent, but are com-
moidy opa(|ue, and ai often rough or dull on their external surfaces. Crys-
tals of the third or Carlsbnd type possess the same forms as those of the pre-
ceding type, but present i very dil!'en;nt aspect from the predominance of the
side- vertical jdunes V, and the apparent flattening of the crystals parallel with
these. The elongation inorcover is essentially vertical. Simple crystals are
much less common than interpenetrating twins, with twin-face parallel with V.
These crystals are always imbeddetl, and they are commonly quite opaque and
more or less rough and dull. Very often they are partially altered into
Kaolin, and sometimes into impure Calcite, without change of form ; and in
Cornwall, tinstone pseutlomorphs have assumed their shape. Pyramidal
(tri-axial) forms in this type, as in otiier types of Orthoclase are exceedingly
rare, and, when present, their planes are always of small size. But as regards
the front-polar forms or hemi-orthodomes, the acute front-polar 2P (making
with the Base an angle of !)i)° :W) is always present in crystals of the Carlsbad
type, whether twins or simple crystals, whilst the form P, on the other hand,
is of very rare occurrence. The green Amazon-stone or Microcline belongs
essentially to the Carlsbad type ivs regards general conKguration, but it rarely
shews the form 2P, the crystals being terminated in almost every case by P
and B. with iuterfacial angles of 129° 43'. These two terminal planes have
much the same slope and appearance, but the colour is always deeper on P
than on B. When the acute form 2P is present also in these crystals, it i»
<iuite subordinate in size to 1', although generally as deeply coloured.
MINKKAri TAni.KS: — XXVI.
209
III All»it«!, HJiiiple cryHtaU are of rnre occurronce. Crystals whiuh appear to
1)0 siiiiplo, aro in iiiotit uaacH really iDinpouiid, afi hIiowii Ity the Htriat>ii of the
liaMiil plaue. One of tiie more noinnnin eoiiiliinatioiiH eonHJHtH of a x-hjiU-iI
priHMi oiinipoHod of tlu^ three fornm V, (V), and \', terminated l>y iliree other
forniM, tho have H, a front polar (P), and a tetarto-pyraniid (I*) : uiuh of these
six forniH, of courHe, eoimiHting of a pair of oppoHite planeH only. When the
eryst.il \h in (Kmition, !> apjieara at the to[i in front, and (I*) and (I') at the
hack ; tlu'He positions lieinf{ necensarily reverNL'ii an re^jarclw the liottoin of the
crystal. V: (V) I'iO' 47' ; 15: (»') ">2 17' and l'.>7° 43' ; B ; V 80 '24' and
U:r :{'. (=.the cleavage anj^les) ; M ; V 110" 50' ; M ; (V) 114 4'2'. Tiie nide.
vertical [ilancs V commonly preponderate and impart a tiattened appearance
to most urystalt*. In the more common twins, two H plaix s, two \ planes,
and two (P) planes come together. The reentering angh- Ixtwcen H .ind B
eqnals 17-° 4b', and these planes are delicately or strongly striated. l)oul>le
or multiple twins of this character, with two B planes and two (P) planes
alternating at both extremeties of the crystal, are not uncommon.
In the variety of Alliite known as Pericline the crystals are more or less
elongated in a transverse or right-and-left direction', hut the interfacial angles
are practically identical with those given above. The forms B and (P) pro-
dominate, and the short, n-de-vertical planes V are strongly striated ; but the
stria' arise, here, from a., scillation between the latter form and another ver-
tical prism v.*), the planes of which occasionally rejilace the combination edges
of V and V, or V and (V). In the twinned Periclines, the plane of Junction
is ]iarallcl to the base. .Many examples of Alhite shew ou cleavage planes a
pale-blue opalescence.
IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-S)
1.0
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TABLE XXVII.
[f.ustre, non-metallic. Slowly attacked or only in part dissolved, KB, by
phosphor salt. Fusible : fusion product, magnetic. Yielding water on
ignition].
A.— H=5 or more.
Orthitk, T'.vaite : Yield (hygroscopic) watei- only in some ex-
amples. Gelatinize in hydrocliloi'ic acid. See Table XXVI.
Ciiloritoid: Average comj)o.sition — MgO 3'0, FeO 270, APO*
39-0, SiO'^ 26, H-O 7-0. In dark or blackish-green, foliated and
scaly-gvanular masses, the folia more or less curved and brittle.
H 5'5 ; G 3-5-3G. BB, slowly fiijible (often on the edges only)
into a black magnetic slag. Slightly attacked by hydrochloric, but
readily ueconipced by sulphuric acid. Sismondine (blackish-green),
and Masonite (dark greenish-grey) are apparently identical. Ottre-
lite (greenish-grey to gieenish-black, in small six-sided tables with
rounded angles, in certain clay slates) is also closely related. It
gives, BB, with sodium carbonate a strong manganese-reactron.
B.— H under 5. All examples easily scratched by the knife.
B'.— DECOMPOSED WITH GELATIN'IZATION BY HVDROCHI.OKIC ACID.
t In masses of essentially leafy or scaly strnctitre, or in crystals with
marked basal cleavage. Hardness less than that of caldte.
Ckonstedite : MgO, MnO, FeO, Fe-0^ SiO-, H-'O (10 to 12 per
cent.). Hemi-Hex. ; crystals very small, often acicular, mostly very
acute x'honibohedrons and scalenohedrons with basal plane ; cleavage
l)arallel to the latter ; in thin leaves somewhat flexible ; also in radi-
ated-tibrous examples. H 2"5; G 3'3-3'3 ; black; streak, dark-green.
Fusible with intumescence into a black magnetic bead. Sideroschi-
zolite is identical or closely relateel. In both, the crystal-planes
shew a strong tendency to curvature, and in Cronstedite the R planes
are longitudinally striated.
VoiGTiTE (Altered Biotite?) : OaO, MgO, FeO, Fe'-O^ APO-', SiO^
H'-O (9 per cent.). In green or dark-bi'own scaly and foliated ex-
amples, resembling an ordinary dark-coloured mica. Fusible into a
black, more or less magnetic bead.
270
MINERAL TABLES : — XXVII.
271
Thurinoite : MgO, MnO, FeO, FeW, APO^ SiO'^ H^O (10 to
12 percent.). In dark-green, scaly -granular and micaceous masses,
with greyish-green streak and pearly lustre. H 2-0-2-5 ; G :il-?i>.
Fusible into a black, magnetic bead. Owenite is identical oi- closely
related.
Metachlorite : FeO, Al-"0^ SiO-, H^'O. In dark-green, radiated,
leafy masses, resembling ordinary Chlorite, but differing by its larger
percentage of FeO, and by gelatinizing in hydrochloric acid.
t t Occurring in earthy or uncri/ntallinr masses.
CHA.M01SITE (Cliamosite; : FeO, Al-W, SiO', H-'O, often mixed
with ca'cite, ikc. In dark-green or greenish-ljlack, tine-granular,
oolitic, or earthy masses; H 20-30; G 30-3-4. Easily fusible inta
a magnetic bead. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid.
LiLLiTE : FeO, Fe20^ SiO'^ H'O (about 11 per cent.). In black-
ish-green, earthy, rounded masses ; H 2-9 ; G 3-0-t. BB, fuses with
difficulty into a dark magnetic slag. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric
acid.
Palagonite: CaO, MgO, Al'O^ Fe-O'*, SiO'-, H^O. In granular
masses of a yellow or dark-brown colour and vitreo-resinous lustre ;
streak, dull-yellow; H 3 0-O-0 ; G 2-t-2-6. Easily fusible with in-'
tumescence into a inore or less magnetic bead. Rapidly deco.iii)osea
by hydrochloric acid, witii separation of gelatinous silica as legards.
most examples.
Bi.-DECOMPOSED WITHOUT GELATINIZATION OR ONLY PARTIALLY ATTACKED.
BY HYDROCHLORIC ACID.
t In leajy, scaly or radiated masses, or in tabular or other crystals,
with marked basal cleavage.
Chlorite (Aphrosiderite and other essentially ferruginous vari-
eties) : MgO, FeO, Fe-03, AW^ SiO-', H-'O (about 9 to 12 per cent.).
In tabular (Hexagonal) crystals, and in foliated and tine scaly nuisses,
of a dark or bright-green colour; H 1-1-5 ; G 2-75-2'J5. BB, meltl
as a rule on the edges and surface, only, into a dark magnetic slag.
Strigovite is closely similar in general chi\racters ; but its sp. gr. is.
slightly lower, 2-59, and its water percentage equals 1480 according
to Websky's analysis. Delessite is another dark-green chloritic min-
eral, occuring in scaly and fine fibrous masses and coatings in amyw-
daloidal traps. See Table XXV. "
272
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
I
AsTROPHYLLiTE (Titiiuiferoiis Mica) : In golden or bronze yellow
foliated masses, often radiately grouped, and in tabular Clino-Rhcm-
Ijic oystals ; H 3'5. Most examples yield only traces of water on
moderate ignition. See Table XXVI.
PvROSMALiTE : Essential components — MnO, FeO, SiO'-, H'-O
(about 8 per cent.). CI. Hexagonal : crystals mostly six-sided prisms
or tables with strongly-marked basal cleavage ; occui-s also in granu-
lar masses ; brown, dai-k -green, with metallic-pearly lustre on cleav-
age plane ; H 4*0-4'5 ; G 3'0-3'2. In bulb-tube yields water, and,
on strong ignition, yellow drops of ferrous chloride. BB, fuses
«asily into a steel-groy or black magnetic globule.
Ferruginous Micas (Biotite, d'c. ) : Yield traces of water in some
examples, only ; as a rule, fuse merely on the edges. See Table XXV.
Stilp.n'OMELANE : Essential components — MgO, FeO, Al-O^, SiO'-,
H'^0 (about 9 per cent.). In dark-green or greenish-black radio
foliated masses or small scaly ])articles. H 30-3"5 ; G 2"8-3'4.
Fusible (in some ca.ses readily, in others slowly) into a magnetic slag
or ijlobule. Scarcely attacked bv acids.
I
il
t t In granular, fibrous, or earthy masses.
Palagonite : In granular, vitreo-resinous masses, of a yellow or
brown colour with dull yellow streak. Commonly gelatinizes in
hydrochloric acid, but some examples, are decomposed without gela-
tinization. See above.
Delessite : In dark-green scaly and short-fibrous masses and coat-
ings, in amygdaloidal trap. See above, under Chlorite.
Anthosiderite : Fe-'O^, SiO'-, H-'O (about 3 6 per cent.). In
tough, fibrous masses of ochre-yellow or brown colour, associated
with magnetic iron ore. H 6'5 ; G about 30. BB, fuses with diffi-
culty to a grey magnetic slag.
HisiNGERiTE (_Thraulite) : Essential components — FeO, Fe-0^, SiO"^
H-'O (19 to 22 per cent.), with small amounts of MgO, Ar-0\ &c.
In roiinded masses with rough surface and compact structure, con-
choidal fracture, pitch-black colour, and brown or greenish streak ;
H 3'0-4"0 ; bi'ittle ; G 2"6-3"l ; BB melts difficultly (in some cases on
the edges only) into a grey or dark magnetic slag.
Melanolite : Na'-'O, FeO, Al'^O^ Fe-'0^ SiO-, H^O (about 10 per
cent.). In black, sub-fibrous coatings of waxy lustre and somewhat
MFNERAL TABLES: — XXVII.
greasy feel ; H 1-5-2-0 ; G '2'7-20. Eisily fusible into ii black mag-
netic globule.
Seladonitk (Green Earth) : K^O, MgO, FeO, Al-'O', SiO-, H-'O,
mixed with CaOCO'-, ikc. In earthy or compact masses and coatings on
amygdaloidal traps, and also frequently in pseudoinorphs after augite.
Green of various shades ; somewhat shining in the streak ; H 10-20 •
G 2-S-2-9. BB, melts into a black magnetic bead. In hydrochloric
acid loses its colour, and is slowly decomposed with separation of
fine-granidar silica. Glauconite or Green Sand, in disseminateil par-
ticles an<l grains in Cretaceous and other strata, is of generally similar
character. Both substances, when ignited in the Bunseu-flame, shew
the red K-line, in the spectroscope, very distinctly.
KmwANiTE : CaO, B^O, APO', SiOS H-'O (about i per cent.)
In opaque dark-green nodular masses of radiated-fibrous structure
H 20 ; G 2-9. BB blackens, and melts.
SoRDAWALiTE : MgO, FeO (or Fe'-O'^), APO^ SiO-, H-'O, with inter-
mixed ferrous phosphate, (fee. In black or dark-green coatings and
earthy masses, weathering brown. H 4-0-4-5 (?) ; G 2-6 ; fusible into
a black magnetic globule. Partially decomposed by hydrochloric
acid. Hitherto from Finland, only.
Chloroph.«ite : MgO, FeO, SiO-, H-'O (about 42 per cent.). In
green or brownish green amygdaloidal masses in trappean rocks.
Weathers brown and black. H 1-0-20; G about 2-0. BB, forms
a black magnetic slag or globule. Distinguished from Delessite,
Lillite, Chamoisite, Ac, by its resistance to liydrochloric acid, and
by the large amount of water which it yields on ignition. Nigrescite,
a green amygdaloidal mineral, blackening on exposure, is identical
or closely related.
Krokvdolite (Crocidolite) ; Na-0, MgO, FeO, SiO', H-0 (2 5
to 5 per cent.). In deep-blue, lavender-blue, or yellowish-brown
fibrous masses; the fibres tough and flexil)le, but often running'
through or intimately mixed with quartz, by which the normal con-
dition of the mineral is de.stroyed or obscured. H 3 0-4-0 ; G 3 -2. 3 -3.
Easily fusible into a black majrnetic globule.
Xylotile (Mountain Wood, etc.) : MgO, Fe'O^ SiO'-', H-'O (about
10 per cent.). In light-brown or dark-brown fibrous or ligniform
masses; H 1 •5-2-5 ; G 1-5-2-6, commonly about 2-2. Some examples
19
274
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
melt, BB, quite easily, others with difficulty, to a more or less mag-
netic bead. Mountain Cork is a related substance ; also Xylite ;
but, in all, the composition is indefinite. Many varit.'ties do not
give BB, a magnetic product.
NOTE ON TABLE XXVII.
The minerals arranged under this Table comprise chiefly a few ferruginous
examples of Chlorite and other species belonging properly to Table XXV. or
XXVI., together with a series of soft, scaly, fibrous or earthy-nodular silicates
of more or less uncertain cr fluctuating composition. Some of these fuse
readily : others, on the surface or edges only. Many, also, yield merely traces
of water on ignition, and are referred to in the Table in order to avoid any risk
of error in their determination.
As a rule, lime is not present, normally, in these minerals ; but some examples
after prolonged ignition, if moistened with hydrochloric acid, shew a calcium
or lime spectrum from the presence of intermixed calcite.
I
TABLE XXVIII.
[Lustre uon-metallic. Slowly attacked BB, by phosphor-salt, with formation
of a silica skeleton or opaline glass. Yielding water in the bulb-tube.
Fusible : the fusion-product not magnetic].
A.— Easily ftisible into a bead or rounded glassy mass, with or
without previous intumescence.
Ai.-DECOMPOSED WITH PERFECT GELATINIZATION BY HVDROCHLOHIC ACID.
(BB, flame-herder coloured distinctly green).
Datolite : CaO 35-0, B-0=' 21-9, SiO- 37-5, H'^0 56. Clino-
Rhombic (or Ortho-Rhombic?); occurs commonly in groups of small
vitreous crystals, rich in planes (see Note at end of Table), or in
coarsely granular masses. Greenish-white, colourless, green, reddish-
white. H 50-5-5; G 2-8-3-0. Fuses very easily, with much bubbling,
and green coloration of the flame, into a colourless or very lightly-
tinted glass. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid. In spectroscope,
shews per se two vivid green lines with one pale-green and a faint
blue line, from pre.sence of B-'Ol When moistened with hydrochloric
acid, a test-fragment shews also red and green Ca-lines in flashes ; but
the presence of lime is best shewn by a drop of the solution, taken
up in a double-loop of clean platinum wire and held against the edf^e
of the Bunsen-flame. Humboldtite is a variety in small crystals,
associated with lamellar Apopiiyllite, from the Tyrol.
Botryolite: Contains, 10-04 percent, water, and occurs in fibro-
botryoidal examples of a greenish, pale-grey, or reddish colour;
otherwise like Datolite.
(Moistened with hydrochloric acid, shno distinct red K-line in spectroscope).
PHlLLiPSlTE(LiMie-Harmotome, Christianate) : Average composition
K^'O 7, CaO 6, AlW 21-5, SiO-^ 4S-5, H-0 17. Rhombic (]) ■ com-
monly in cruciform crystals resembling those of Harmotome (see
Note at end of Table). Colourless, white, reddish-white, pale-grey,
(fee. ; H 4 •5-5-0 ; G 2-15-2-2. Fusible with intumescence and bubblin».
Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid. The moistened test, or the solution,
shews K and Ca-lines in spectroscope, the latter in flashes only.
275
( ■ ; . .
2 7G
BLOWPIPE PKACTICE.
i
I
I
GisMONDiNE : K20 2-85, CaO 1312, Al'^O^' 27-33, Si02 35-88. H20
21 -10. Tetmgonal (or Rhombic !) ; crvstaln small, and often imper-
fectly formed or sub-splierical, consistinij; commonly of a simph; pyramid
or octahedron (with angle of 118° 30' over polar edge, and 92° 30'
over middle edge), or of this form combined with the prism V (?) ;
greyish or reddish-white; H 50-60 ; G 2-27. Fusibb' with intu-
mescence.
Zeagonite : K^O 11-09, CaO 5-31, Al^O'' 2334, SiO^ 43-95, H^O
15 31. Rhombic; cry.stals mostly, rectangular j)risms (com))08ed of
V and V) with angles replaced by a rhombic octahedron P, measuring
121° 44' and 120° ,37' over polar odge.s, and 89° 13' over middle
edges, the planes often rounded and the crystals in sub-s|)herical groups.
Colourless, white, pale-bluish ; H 50-'j-5 or 7, the Utter at the points
and edges. Fusible with intumescence. Probably identical with
Gismondine, both being Rhombic, with pseudo-tetragonal aspect. In
spectroscope, the red K-line comes out very distinctly.
Apophyllite : Shews very distinct K-line in the spectroscope, but,
as a lule, does not gelatinize })erfectly in hydrochloric acid, the silica
separating in a slimy or sub-gelatinous condition. Tetragonal : typi-
cally, opalescent on basal i)lane. Gives fluorine reaction with fused
phosphor-salt in tlie open tube. See under A-' of this Table.
(BB, sulphur-reaction with soilinm carbonate).
ITT.VERITE : Iv-^0, Na^O, CaO, Al-'0=', SiO^, H^O (S0'\ CI). In
small, granular masses, with dodecahcdial cleavage, of a grey or blue-
grey colour. H 50-5-5; G 2-3-2 4. Fusible with strong bubbling
into a blebby semi-opaque glass or ena'jiel. Yields gypsum to boiling
water, as recognized by the pi-ecipitates formed in the solution by
ammonium oxalate and chloride of b:irium, respectively (ITischer).
Decomposed by hydrochloric acid, with emission of sulphuretted
hydrogen, and separation of gelatinous silica. Related to Hauyne or
to Sodalite, Table XXVI.
(Xo distinct K-line brought out in spectroscope.)
Gmelinite : Average composition — Na^O (with small amount of
K-^Oi 5, CaO 5, Ar^O^ 20, SiO-' 48, H-0 2i. Hexagonal or Hemi-
Hex. ; crystals, commonly, very short six-sided prisms (horizontally
striated), combined with a six-sided pyramid measuring 142° 33' over
MINEKAL TAHLKS: — XXVIII.
177
polar .ges, and 79° 5-4' over miildle etlgos ; but the planes of the
latter often alternate in .size, and hence the pyramid is regarded as
consisting of two complementary rhombohodrons, with R : R = 1 1*2°
26'. Colourless, greeidsh-white, yellowish- white, palered. H 4 .J ;
G 2"0-21. Fusible with intumescence. Is closely allied to Chaba-
site, but is distinguished by the presence :,: Na'-O, and by its perfect
gelatinization in hydrochloric acid. Ledererite is iv variety.
Thomsonite (Comptonite) : Na-'O (with small amount of K-0 \\,
CaO 13'3, AlW 30G, SiO'^ ^87, H'-'O 13. Rhondjic in crystalliza-
tion, but crystals usually small or acicular (see Note at end of Table) ;
essentially eight-sided prisms composed of the forms V, V. and V,
•with V jtlanes vertically striated ( V : V 90° \0'). Occurs chieriy in
tibrous and tibro-spherical masses. Colourless, white, redd'sh-whitt!,
brown. H 5 0-5'U ; G 2'35-2*4. Fusible with intumescence. Gela-
tinizes in hydrochloric acid. In spectroscope, the solution or mois-
tened fi-agment shews red and green (Ja-liues. Oziirkite, according to
Dana, is a massive Thomsonite. Faroelite, Sconlerite, Clialilite, are
also varieties ; the latter red-brown, and partially altered.
Natuolite (Mesotype in part) : Na'-'O 16-30, APO» 26-90, SiO*
47-29, H'^O 9-4:5, but traces of CaO, ic, occasionally present.
Rhombic ; crystals very small, often acicular : essentially, rhomltic
(almost rectangidai-) prisms, terminated by the planes of a rhomljic
octahedron. V: V 91" ; P:P over polar edges, U3° 20' and U2° 40'.
Occurs also, and more conmionly, in radio-tibrous masses, often with
crystalline botryoldal surtace. Colourless, white, yellow, light-brown,
red ; two or move tints frequently present in concentric zones in the
same example. H 5-0-5-5 ; G 2-17-2-27. Very easily fusible in the
simple candle or Bunsen-flame, without intumescence, into a colourless
glass, Decomposfcd, with gelatinization, by hydrochloric acid.
Radiolite or Bergemanite, Lehuntite, Galactite, Brevicite. Fargite.
are varieties. Mesolite (Antrimolite, Harringtonite) is a closely
related zeolitic mineral, but contains both lime and soda, and is thus
intermediate between Natrolite and Scolecite. It occurs essentially in
radio-fibrous masses and acicular crystals. Yields 12 to 14 per cent,
water ; gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid, and fuses quietly or with very
slight intumescence.
Scolecite (Mesotype in part): CaO 1426, APO'' 2613, SiO-
45-85, H'^O 13-76. Clino-Rhombic ; crystals mostly rhombic prisms
278
BLOWPIPE PKACTICK.
t
!
i|
(with V : V 91° 35') with low jtynuuidal terminations (P and -P'),
hence much resembling an ortho-rliombic combination. In f,'fnerai,
however, crysts. very small or acicular. Occurs commonly in tibrous
iind radio-spherical examplefi. Colourless, white, reddish-white, »kc. H
5 •0-5 -5 ; (} 2'2-2'4. Fusible with intumescence, the more typical
examples curling up greatly, Acid nnd spectroscope reactions like
th()8(^ of Thomsonite. Poonahlite is a vaiiety. Mesolite is also closely
relate<l, but contains both soda and lime, and fuses more or less
quietly. See under Natrolite.
Laumontite : CaO 12, Al^^O'' 32, SiO^ 50, H20 Ifl ; but the latter
usually less, from the ready efflorescence of the mineral. Clino-
Rhombic ; crystals essentially rhombic prisms, with V : V (in front)
^= 86" 16', terminated by a very oblique front-polar or hemi-ortho-
dome* inclined on the V ])lanes at angle of 113" 30'. Cleavage very
perfect parallel to V. Occurs also very commonly in ' .lumnar,
fibrous, and sub-eaithy masses. White, yellowish, or reddish- white,
jmle-red, jiale-grey. H 3-5-40 norn)ally, but often less from i)artial
disintegration. G 2'25-2 36. Fusible with intumescence into a white
enamel or very blebby glass. Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid. ,A
drop of the solution on loop of i>latinum wire, or a moistened frag-
ment of the mineral, shews in spectroscope red and green Ca-lines.
Leonhardite, Caporcianite, and iEdelforsite,t are identical or closely
related.
EDrNOTONiTE: BaO 26-84, APO^ 22-63, SiO'^ 36-98, H'^0 12-46,
Heddle. Tetragonal ; crystals, mostly, small square prisms with
hemihedral polar planes; greyish-white, pale-red; H 40-4-5; G 2-7.
Gelatinizes in hydrochloric acid. Hitherto, from Scotland only,
accompanying harmotome, analcime, calcite, »fec,
(/» vitreous, amorphous itiames).
HvDUOTACHYLiTE : K20, Na20, CaO, MgO, FeO, Fe20^ A120^
Ti02, SiO-', H'-^O (12-90 per cent.), according to Paterson and Senfter.
Forms nodular and other masses of uncrystalline structure in basalt.
Dark-green or black. H 3-5 ; G 2-13. Fusible with more or less
* Th* Basnl plane of French crystallograiihers.
t This is tlie so-called " Red Zeolite of jEdelfors." Its hardness is usually stated iu text-
books to equal 6'0, an error arising from a confusion of names— the degree of hardness in ques-
tion applying to an older " iEdelforsite," since shewn to be an Impure WoUastonite containing
intermixed quartz.
MINKKAL TABLES : — XXVIII.
27l>
bubl.ling. Dficomposeil, with gelatinization, by hydrochloric acid.
8ee Tacliylito, Tablk XXVI.
A2.-DECOMl'O.SED (IN .SOME CASES SLOWLY) BY HYDROrHLORIC ACID WITH
HEl'AKATION OF SLIMY OH GUANILAK SILICA, BIT WITHolT OELATINIZATION.
(IlardneHH 6-0 or 7'0. Scratch (jIuhh n/roni/h/).
PuEiiMTE : CaO -jT-U, Al-'O" 24-87, Si02 43-G:;, H-0 A-3C).
llhonihic; crystals tabular or short-prismatic, in aggregated groups
(see Note at end of Table). Occurs also, and more commonly, in
radio-fibrous masses with botryoidal and crystalline surface; greenish-
white passing into distinct shades of green; H G-0-7-0 ; G 2-8-3-0.
Fusible with continued bi-bbling. In spectro.scope. when moistened
with hydrochloric acid, especially after fusion, shews red and green
Ca-lines in Hashes. The fused bead gelatinizes in the acid, but in its
normal state Prehnite is more or less slowly and incompletely decom-
posed, with separation of tine granular silica. Koupholite is a thin
tiibulai- variety, which blackens on ignition from the presence of
intermixed dust or organic matter. Chlorastrolite from Isle Royale,
Lake Superior, in small nodular masses of green colour and radio-
fibi-ous structure, is also a variety or related substance, intermixed
with grains of magnetic iron ore, &c.
Faujasite: Na'^0 4-84, CaO 4-36, Al'-O^" 1 6-00, SiO^ 46-77, H-0
28-03. Regular; crystals, small octaheilrons (or according to Knoj)
very flat-planed trapezohedi-ons), sometimes twinned ; white or
brownish, H 6-0 ; G 1-9-1-95. BB, intumesces, and fuses readily.
In the bulb-tube yields a large amount of water.
{H 4-5 to 5-0. Vo essential 2>recipitat<; formed in the diluted solution on addition
of ammonia).
Apophyllite (Ichthyopthalmite) : CaO 2492, SiO^ 52-97, H-0
15 90, CF 6-40. Tetragonal; crystals commonly square-prisms with
truncated angles, or acute square-based octahedrons, mostly with
basal plane (see Note at end of Table) ; colourle.ss, pale-red, brownish,
ifec, with pearly lustre on basal plane, the latter also frequently
iridescent; H 4-6-5-0; G 2-3-2-4. BB, exfoliates and melts with
bubbling into a white glass. Gives fluorine reaction with fused
Ijhosphor-salt in open tube. Moistened with hydrochloric acid, shews
Ca-lines in flashes, and presistent red K-line. Albin is an opaque-
280
ULOWI'll'K PIlAl'TICE.
|:
I
wliite, sliglttly weathered variety. Oxhaverite, TesHt'lite, are also
variotie8.
Okknitk : CaO 26-42, SiO- 50-60, H-'O KVUH. Khomlnc in urystn.,
but chiefly in HbrouH inaHHes, more or less tougli ; colourless, pale-
bluish or yellowish-white; H 5-0: O 2-28-2-36. Fusible with bul)bling
into a white glass or enamel. Tn apectrcscope, no red K-line.
(A marked precipitate [insol, in acidi] formeO in the diluted solution hij sidpfinric
acid ;
Harmotomr: K-O 3-3, BaO 20, Al-O' 15-7, SiO^ 46, H-'O 15.
Rhombic (1) : commonly in groups of small, cruciform crystals, with
calcite, &c., in trap amygdaloids. Generally colourless, otherwise
white, grey, reddish, brown, ifec; H 4-5 ; O 2 4-2-5. Fuses quietly
without coloration of the flame-border. Decomposed by hydro-
chloric acid, with separation of fine-granular silica. See Note at
end of Table.
Bkewsteiutk : BaO, SrO, AR>', SiO^, H'-'O (13-6 per cent.), with
traces of CaO, tfcc. Clino-Rh. ; crystals, small, vertically-striated
prisms, terminated by the two planes of a very fl.at side-polar or clino-
dome; V: V 136°; P on P over summit 172". Yellowish-white,
pale-brown; H 50-5-5 ; G 2--!-2-45. Fusible with intumescence and
bubbling. Moistened with hydrochloric acid, sliews in spectroscope
transitory Ba and Sr lines (see page 60), but in some examples the
reaction is not very strongly marked.
{A copious precipitate in diluted solution thrown down on addition of ammonia.)
Chabasite : Average composition: K-O 1-98, CaO 933, APO'
17-26, SiO- 50-50, H-'O 20-83. Hemi-Hexagonal : crystals, commonly
small rhombohedrons, often twiimed, the twin-axis corresponding
with the vertical axis ; R : R 94°-95°, commonly 94° 46' (see Note at
end of table) ; colourless, white, red, «fec.; lustre ; vitreous : H
4-0-4-5 ; G 2-0-2-2. BB intumesces and fuses into a very blebby
glass or white enamel. Decomposed V)y hydrochloric acid, with
separation of slimy silica. In 8[)ectroscope, the solution, or a splinter
moistened with tho acid, shews red and green Ca-line in flashes, with
feeble and very trai sitory disi)lay of the red K-line. Acadialite is a
reddish Chabasite fiom Nova Scotia. Phacolite is a variety in inter-
penetrating very obtuse twelve-sided pyramids (with other accom-
panying forms), often lenticular from distortion. Haydenite and
MINKKAL TAHLEa :— XXVIII.
2«l
Sceliacliito nre iilso vixriotieH. L«vyno tuid IfcrHcliellite are cloriely
related eoiiipountU, uccuriing iiioHtly in liexaguiial ur |muii(lo-liexagoiial
taliiilar ciystaU with large basal plune. Gmelinitu in hIho very
Hiinilar, Itiit gelatiiiizen in liydiochloric ncid.
Stilimtk (Dt-Hinine of German systenis) : CaO 9, AlW 16, 8iO'^ 58,
H'-'C) 1 7, with, occasionally, traces of Na'O and K'-'O. Khouxbic ;
crystals Hiiiall and coniniunly in groups, consisting usually of a
rectangular prism ( = ^, V, the V planes vertically striated), ter-
minated l)y a rliomldc octahedron P, the latter measuring 111)' 16'
and 114° over polar edges, and occasionally having its apex truncated
by a small basal plane. (Cleavage very perfect parallel to the side-
vertical or brachypinakoid V, the cloavago-lustre strongly pearly.
Occurs also abundantly in rudio-fibrous and leaty, sheaf-like aggrega-
tions. Colourless, white, nsd, brown, ifec. ; H 3'o-4'0 ; (.1 'J-[-2-'J. BB,
intumesces, and fuses into a very blebby glass. Decomposed by
hydrochloric acid, with deposition of slimy silica. EpistiH^ite agrees
in composition and general characters, but its crystals are small
rhombic prisms terminated by the front and side j>olars P and P, the
latter predominating. V : V 135" 10'; P : P over summit 109" 40',
P : P 147° 40'. Colourless or bluish-white. In hydrochloric acid,
decomposed with separation of tine granular silica. See Note at end
of Table.
Hkulandite (Stilbite of most German systems) : CaO (with SFnall
amount of Na-0 and K-0) 9-34, Al-'0» 16-83, SiO- 5906, H-0 14 77.
Clino-Uhombic; crystals mostly tabular parallel to the side or clino-
vertical plane; commonly made up of the front and side verticals
V and V (the latter predominating) with a front polar P, and narrow
Base. When lying consequently with V upwards, the crystak
present a pseudo-hexagonal aspect. P: V 129° 90' ; B : V 116" 20'
and 63° 40'. Cleavage very perfect parallel to V, the planes, as in
Stilbite, strongly pearly. Colour, hardness, and other characters,
physical and chemical, like those of Stilbite. Euzeolite, Lincolnite,
Beaumontite (?) are varieties. See Note at end of Table.
Pectolite : Na-0, CaO, Al-0^ SiO'', H'-'O. Clino-Rh. ; but com-
monly in cleavable fibrous or sub-tibrous masses, with cleavage-angle
of 95° 23' (=B : V;. Colourless, or greyish or pale greenish-white,,
often opaque and more or less earthy from alteration. H (in un-
2»:
BLOWPIPE PBACTICE.
i I
I ■
weathered examples) 5*0 ; G 2-74-288. Fuses quietly. Yields as a
rule only 2 or 3 p^^r cent, water on ignition. Decomposed without
gelatinizutiou by hydrochloric acid, but gelatinizes after fusion.
Chalilitk: Na-'O, CaO. MgO, Al-0'\ FeHP, SiO-, H-() (about 16
percent) Retldish-brown, massive ; H -t'O ; G 2-2.i. .\n imperfectly-
known mineral, hitherto from Antrim only,
Analoime: Na-"0 140, AlW 23-3, SiO^ 54-r), H'O 8-2; but a
.small percentage of CaO pre.sent in some varieties and K'-'O in others.
Regular : crystals either small cubes with angle.s replaced by the planes
of the trapezohedron 2-2, or the latter form alone. Colourless, white,
light-grey, Hesh-red ; H 5"5 ; G 2' 11-3. Fu.sible without intumesconoe
into a more or less clear gla.ss. Decomposed by hydrochloric acid wit)',
separation of slimy silica. Sec Note at end of Table, Cuboite is a
green or greenish-grey variety. Eudno]>hite is regarded as a Rhombic
Analcime. Cluthulite is a somewhat decomposed variety.
(lili, with soiliiim airhoiHite, stroinj Afii-reacdon).
Klipstki.nitk: MgO, MnO, Mn-0'', Fe-0\ SiO- H-'O (9 percent.).
In amorphous masses of a brown or brownish-grey colour, with
reddish-brown streak ; H o-O; G 3-5. Fusible into a dark slag.
(BB, with borax, a chromr-(irevit (jlttnit).
Pvkosclekite: MgO, FeO, A\-0'\ Cr-0^ (11 3 per cent."), SiO-,
H'-'O ( 1 1 per cent.), von Kobell. In cleavable ma.ss'us, indicating
Rhombic crystallization; in thin pieces .somewhat He.xible ; H 30;
G 2'7-28 ; green of various shades, with pearly lustre on cleavage-
planes. Fusible quietly, or with sligiit laibbling only, into a greenish-
grey enamel. Hitherto, from Elba only.
{Ill ink'aci'ous cri/^taln and ma>>fii'>'. Ex iw ml in;) iireittli/ on i(jnition.
Vekmiculite : MgO, FeO, Al'-'O'', SiO-', H-^O, with traces of CaO,
K-0, &c. In scaly and coarsely- foliated e.vamplcs and six-sided
micaceous tables of a yellowish-brown, yellow or green colour. H 1 0-
1'5; G 2'2-2-4 ; slightly flexible in thin leaves. 13B, expands and
curls uj) greatly, and melts subsequently to a white or greyish en-
amel. According to Prof, Cooke, should form three s[)ecies : Jef-
ferisite, Cidsageeite, Hallite.
[In nmorphoiui exaviplet> ti'ifhoitt diMinct clearttijc).
Chonikritk: CaO, MgO, Al-'O', SiO-, H-'O (9 per cent.). In
:'l
MINKRAL TABLES : — XXVIII.
283
snow-white or pale-yellowish, disseininuttHl musses; H '2-5-3, mote
or less sectile; G 21). BB, fusihle with Inibhliiiij; into a iireyish-white
glass or enamel. Doconiposeil by hydrochloric aciil, with separation
of granular silica. Hitherto, from Elba only. Related to Pyrosclerite,
A'. -SCARCELY OK VERY SLOWLY ATTACKED BY HYDROCHLORIC ACID.
{In i/ellow, Jibrous examples. HB, stromj Mn-reaction).
Caupholite: MnO, FeO, FeW, Al-0», SiO-, H-O (10 to 11 per
cent.), with small amounts of MgO, F, ic. Aoicular, or in radio-
tibrous aggregates of a straw-yellow or gieenish-yellow colour and
silky lustre ; H i-5-rrO ; G 2'J-:5 0. The water evolved by strong
ignition dei)Osits spots of silica on the sides of the bulb-tube. and
attacks the glass. BB. intumesces and forms a dull brownish bead.
(//I o/nKjite, immiiatic rri/ntals).
Gigantolite: Na-0 \-2, K'O 27, MgO 38. MnO 09, Al-0'' 25-0,
Fe'-'O' 15-G, SiO- 4G-3, H-O, CO. Rhoiuliic ; crystals (probably pseudo-
morphous after lolite), thick, twelve-sided prisms, more or less dull ;
green, greenish-grey; IE ',)5 ; G 2-8-2i). Fusible with bubbling into
a greenish slag. When ignited and moisteiunl with hydrochloric acid,
shews red K-line distinctly in spectroscope.
(In paU'-rcd rleavttlih' niansex).
Wilson iTE : K'O, CaO, MnO. FeO. Al-0'', SiO- H'O. In rose-red
or [lale purpli.sh-red cloavable masses, islightly fibrous and pearly in
the cleavage dbections, lustreless and more tleeply coloured trans-
ver.sely ; cleavage rectangular ; H 3-0-;}-;') on cleavage-surfaces, other-
wise r)-0-5-5 ; G 2-7')-2'8. BB, expands, or increases in volume, and
fuses with slight bubbling into a very blobby gluss or white enamel.
Moistened with hydrochloric acid, shews Ca-liues in (lashes, and red
K line presistently. Apparently, an altered Scapolite.
B.— Fusible on thin edges only.
,*, Tho minerals placod umler this subiUviaioii hanlly liolong to the preseni
table, as many e.xlubit but slight signs of fusion, and yii'Kl luoroly traces of
water on ignition. Properly, tliey belong to Table XXV., in which they will
he found more fully described ; but, to avoid any risk of error in their deter-
mination, it has been thought advisable to refer to them, also, liere.
i
284
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
h
M
B'.— MINRRAL8 OF DISTINCTLY FOLIATED OR MICACEOUS STRUCTURE.
Muscovite or Potash Mica, Phl,ogopite, Biotite : These con-
stitute the more general species of Mica. Easily recognized by their
leafy or scaly structure, the thin leaves being flexible anil elastic,
and by their more or less strongly pronounced metallic-pearly lustre.
See Table XXV, and the Note to that Table.
Damourite : K^O 11-20, Al-'O'* 3785, SiO-' 4522, H'-O 5-25. In
yellowish-white pearly scales and foliated masses, associated (as
regards known localities) with Staurolite and Cyanite, or with
Corundum. H r5-2-5; G 2'8. BB exfoliates, and melts on edges.
Decomposed, with separation of silica scales, by sulphuric acid.
Margarodite and Sericite are closely allied micaceous substances, ap-
parently altered Muscovite, with variable amounts of water. All
shew the red K-line in the spectroscope very distinctly.
Paragomte (Hydrous Soda-Mica) : Na^O, K'-'O, APO^, SiO'-. H'^0
(25 to 4*5 per cent.). In scaly or schistose masses of a yellowish-
white, pale-grey or light gi-een colour, and pearly lustre. H 2 0-
3 0; G 2-79. Fusible on the edges into a white enamel ; decom-
jiosed by sulphuric acid. Pregrattite, distinguished by marked exfo-
liation BB, is closely related.
Oellacherite (Hydrous Barium-Mica) : K-0, Na'*0, SrO, BaO,
CaO, MgO, Al-0, SiO'-. H^O (about 4 or 45 per cent.). In white or
pale-green scaly masses of pearly lustre. H l-5-3'0 (]) ; G 2 -8-2 "9.
Fusible on the edges into a white enamel.
Pvrophyllite : Ar-'O*, SiO-, H-0, with traces of MgO, &c. In
light-green or greenish-white radio-foliated and scaly masses. H 10.
BB, exfoliates and curls up, but remains practically unfused. Be-
comes blue by ignition with Co-dolution. Belongs properly to Table
XXV.
CooKEiTE : A hydi'ous mica giving marked lithium reaction, BB,
or in spectroscope. Forms red or reddish-grey scaly aggregations.
Probably altered Lepidolite.
Rubellane : Na-O, K'-'O, MgO, Fe-0^ A^-0^ SiO^, H^O. In red
or brownish-red hexagonal tables with pearly lustre on cleavage
plane. H about 25 ; somewhat brittle. BB, melts (in some cases
on edges only) i ito a dark ferruginous glass. Regarded as an altered
MINERAL TABLES : — XXVIII.
285
Mica. Occurs in certain trachytes and other volcanic rocks. Hel-
vetane (copijer-red, yellow, green) is closely related.
Margarite (Pearl Mica) : In white or light-coloured scaly and
foliated masses vvith strong ])early lustre. Fusible on edges, oiily,
but in some ca.ses with slight bubbling. Moistened with hydro-
chloric acid, shews momentary red and green Ca-lines in spectroscope.
See Table XXV.
Talc : MgO, SiO^, with small amount of basic water. In white,
ligho-green or other foliated or scaly Rxamjjles, with pearly lustre.
H 1 -0 ; very sectile, flexible, and soapy to the touch. BB, exfoliate;?,
but melts on thin edges only. Evolves merely ti-aces of water in the
bulb-tube. With Co-solution becomes flesh-red. See Table XXV.
Chlorite (Fennvne) ; and Ripidolite or Clinochlore : In green,
scaly or foliated masses and micaceous crystals. As a rule, fusible
on the edges only, into a greyish or dark enamel. See Table XXV.
R!.— minerals OF granular, FIBROUS, OR OTHER NON-MICACEOUS STRUCTURE.
all, more or LESS SECTILE,
(Assume a blue colour after ignition with Co-solution).
Agalmatolite : Massive: tine-granular, or compact in structure;
white, greyish, greenish,, tkc. The substance of many Chinese "Figure-
stones." Fusible on thin edges, only. Sue Table XXV.
Finite, Fahlunite, Pyhargillite; Weissite ; Iberite ; Esmark-
ITE ; BoNSDORFFiTE : In more or less dull and opaque crystals —
essentially six-sided, eight-sided, or twelve-sided prisms — of a greyish-
white, grey, brown, green or dull-bluish colour. Fusible on the edges
only. See Table XXV.
Killinite: K=0, FeO, APO', SiO-, H-0 (about 9 or 10 per cent.,
or less in some cases). Chiefly in greenisli-grey or brownish -yellow
columnar or broad prismatic aggregations, translucent in thin j)ieces.
H 3-()-4*0 ; G about 2-7. BB. expands somewhat, and melts slowly
(in most cases on the edges and surface only) in a wiiite or greyish
enamel. Decomposed, in powder, by sul})huiic acid.
{Assume a flesh-red colour by ignition with Co-solution, or do not, otherwise,
become blue).
Steatite (Compact or granular Talc) : In masses and pseudo-
morphous ci'ystals of a white, grey, greenish or other colour, often
286
BLOWPIPK PBACTICB.
mottled. Very sectile ; yields very little water in bulb-tube, but
blackens more or less- BB, hardens, and fuses on thin ed^es
Table XXV. "
S!;rpentine ; Forms compact, fine-granular, or other masses, of a
green, red-brown, yellowish-grey, or variegated colour. In bulb-tube,
blackens, and yields about 12 or 13 per cent., water. Fusible on thin
edges only. Table XXV.
Crysotile (Fibrous Serpentine) : In silky, parallel-fibrous musses
of a yellowish-white or green colour, the fibres easily sepa'tiole.
Melts at the |)oint of a fine fibre into a white or greyi»:h enamel.
Table XXV.
Meerschaum (Sepiolite) : In fine-granular or compact masses of a
white or j)ale yellowish colour, adherent to the tongue. BB hardens
but fuses on thin edges only. In the bulb-tube, blackens and fives
off a large amoun' of water.
NOTE ON TABLE XXVIII.
Many of the miuerals placed (to avoid risk of error in their determination)
in the present Table, belong properly — on account of their difficult fusibility
or slight percentage of water— to preceding Tables, and are described more
fully in these latter. The various M icas, Talc and Steatite, Agalmatolite, the
Pinites, &c , are examples. See more especially the Note to Table XXV.
The minerals which belong essentially to the present Table consist for the
greater part of zeolites — hydrated silicates of very characteristic occurrence in
trappean or basaltic rocks. With these, in a Determinative grouping, the
boro-silicate Datolite may. be conveniently placed, as it resembles many
zeolites in general characters, and is also frequently present in amygdaloidp.l
traps. The zeolites, as the name implies, either swell up or intumesce on the
first application of the blowpipe-flame, or otherwise melt very easily, and
generally with bubbling. All, when reduced to powder, are readily decom-
posed by boiling hydrochloric acid, the silica separating in many cases in a
gelatinous form. The presence of CaO, BaO, or K*0, is easily ascertained by
the pocket-spectroscope, if a drop of the solution be taken up in a small luop
of platinum wire and held within the edge of a Bunsen-flame. As a rule,
when lime and potash are present together, the red and green Ca-lines come
out first, and then, as these fade away, the red K-line comes into view.
In the present Note, only the more common of these minerals are referred
to, the crystallographic and other characters of the less important species
being given in sufficient detail in the Table. The commonly occurring species,
as regards their blowpipe reactions, fall into three series, as follows :
MINERAL TABLES : — XXVIU.
287
§1. Fusible quietly: (a) soda-species: Analcime, Natrolite ; (b) barytic
species : Harmotome.
§ 2. Fusible witli much bubbling, but without (or without marked) intu-
mescence* on first application of the flame : Datolite ; Prehnite.
§ 3. Curling up or intumescing on first application of the flame : (o) lime-
potash Rpecies ; Apophyllite, Phillipsite ; (ft) gelatinizing lime-species : Thom-
sonite, Scolecite, Laumontite ; (e) non-gelatinizing lime-species : Chabasite,
Stilbite, Heulandite.
The leading characters of these species are given in the Table, but neces-
sarily in brief form only ; a few additional references to their crystallization
are therefore apjiended.
Analcime, in most examples, is at once recognized by its crystals, as these
are generally well-formed and easily made out. They belong to the Regular
System, and consist either of the trapezohedron 2-2 (measuring 131° 48' 36"
over long or axial edges, and 146° 26' 33" over intermediate edges), or of a
combinrtion of this form with the cube, the latter commonly predominating
and thus having each angle replaced by three triangular planes (with inclin-
ation of cube-face on abutting 2-2 face measuring 144" 44'). The cleavage is
cubical, but very indistinct. In the spectroscope, as a rule, no other line than
a strong Na-line is observable if the tsst-matter be carefully freed from
accompanying calcite.
Crystallized Natrolite was formerly and is still often known as Mesotype,
the term Natrolite having been originally limited to the yellowisli-brown,
concentric-ribrous variety, then regarded as distinct. The crystals belong to
the Rhombic-System, but are frequently acicular, or are only partially formed
(as polar planes) at the extremities of the flbres, of which ordinary examples
are so commonly composed. When distinctly formed, they consist of a nearly
rectangular prism with front angle ( = V : V) of about 91°, terminated by the
planes of a somewhat low pyramid or octahedron measuring 143° 20' and
142° 40' over polar edges, and 53° 20' over middle edge. P on V; conse-
quently, measures 116° 40'. The prism-planes in most examples are striated
vertically (sometimes very coarsely), and occasionally either the front or side
edges are replaced by V or V. In the spectroscope, pure examples as a rule
shew only a stiong Na-line, but transitory flashes of red and green Ca-lines
sometimes appear.
Harmotome, a barytic zeolite, is in general readily recognized by its small,
symmetrically formed cruciform crystals, although, occasionally, re-entering
angles in these are more or less inconspicuous or are indicated only by stri;v
The crystallization is apparently Rhombic, but the crystals have to ?onie
extent a Tetragonal aspect. They consist commonly of a rectangular prism
(composed of the forms V and X^), terminated by the planes of ,ii < ctahedron
or pyramid, P, or occasionally by those of a side-polar or brachydome P. In
•By "intumescence" is meant, liere, not a mere expansion of tiie substance, but a throwing
out of excrescences or curling up, after the manner of borax. Minerals wliich intumesce in
this manner on the first apphcation of the flame, fuse afterwards in general without bubbling,
and, as a rule, somewhat slowly.
:J88
BLOWPIPE PRACTICE.
•:
some crystals, the polar planes are simply striated ; in others, the V planes
shew a lozenge-shapoil striation. * Two (or four) of these crystals form inter-
penetrating twins, with vertical axis in common. P : P, over polar edges,
120°!' and 120° 42' ; P:P11(»°20'. Cleavage, \^ distinct, V somewhat less
apparent. A drop of the iiydrochloric acid solution, taken up in a loop of
platinum wire, shews the green B:v-lines in the spectroscope very distinctly.
The diluted solution gives also a marked precipitate with a drop of sulphuric
acid.
Datolite — a hydrated boro-silicate of lime— is described fully, as regards its
anore distinctive characters, apart from crystallization, in the Table. Its
crystals belong to the Clino-Rhombio system, but many (the Arendal crystals
especially) are strikingly Ortho-Rhombio in aspect. These latter are ch.eHy
in the form of rhombic or six-sided tabular crystals, composed of the forms V
and \ , with broadly-extended basal plane, and commonly wit'' a front-polar
•or orthodome ( - 2P) and other polar planes subordinately developed. In
many crystals these polar planes appear equally at corresponding extremities,
with but little if any difiference in their angle values, and thus impart an
Ortho-Rhorabic character to the crystal. In crystals from other localities,
however, and in some of the Arendal crystals, they are developed only at one
extremity. In the Andreasberg and most other crystals, the basal plane is
Also well developed as a rule, but the prism-planes (V^, VJ, and V) and certain
polar planes (especially -2P, — P, and the side-polars or brachydomes - 2P
and — 4P) are also well formed, and the crystals are thus more short-prismatic
than tabular. In some crystals, again, the basal form is entirely absent.
The principaljiiigles are as follows : V : V 76° .38' ; V^ : Vi 115° 22' ; V : V^
160 38' ; B : V 90° 6' (and 89° 54') ; B : -2P 135° 4'. The marked green color-
ation (from the presence of B'^O') which datolite imparts to the flame of the
'blowpipe or Bimsen V)urner serves at once to distinguish it from other minerals
of similar aspect.
Prehnite is distinguished from other Zeolites by its high degree of hardness
( = 6 to 7), and its small percentage of water. It occurs most commonly in
botryoidal masses with crystalline surface and radio- fibrous structure, the
colour varying from pale greenish- white to deep apple-green. Distinct crys-
tals are comparatively rare. They belong to the Shombic System, and pre-
sent four types : (1), The symmetrically tabular type — in which the crystals
are thin rhombic tables composed of the forms V and B ; or six-sided tables
composed of V v and B ; or eight-sided tables made up of V, V, \ , and B,
the basal form in each case greatly predominating. (2), The tabular type
with brachydiagonal elongation — in which the thin crystal? contain the forms
V. V and B, and are greatly extended along the two latter, thus passing at
times into fibrous aggregations with the two front planes of V at the free end
■of the fibres. (3), The short-prismatic type with development of side or
* Some cvyst.iUograpliers (after Des Ctoizeaux) make tlie System Clino-Rliombic, and regard
■this front-verti<!al form as the ba.sal form. On that view, most of the crystals will be elongated
du tlie direction of the cllno-axls.
MINEIUL TABLES : — XXVIII.
289
brachy- forms — the crystals of this type being composed essentially of the
forms V and B, with ^ and 3l^ at the sides, the planes of the rhombic prism
V predominating ; and (4), The short-prismatic type, with front or macro-
forms — the crystals presenting the forms V and H, as preponderating forms,
with the front-vertical V, and the front-polar or macrodonie ^V liubordinately
developed, in addition occasionally to the planes of the rhombic pyramid P,
forming a narrow border to the l)a8al plane. V : V 99° 56' ; B : 3l* I(»<j" 30' ;
B : ^ P 134" 52'. The vertical faces are frequently convex, whilst the basal
plane is more or less concave, and from the aggregation of these curved crys-
tals, parallel to B, globular or spheroidal examples commonly arise. Fo
other characteristics, see the Table.
Apophyllite is distinguished chemically by its fluorine reaction, by the
absence of alumina, and by the persistent K-line which it exhibits in the spec-
troscope when moistened with hydrochloric acid. Its Tetragonal crystals are
in general distinctly formed, and are tlnis easily recognized. They present
three more or less distinct types : (1), A prismatic type — in which the crystals
are simple square prisms (V, B), with angles replaced by the triaxial pyramid
P : (2), A tabular type — in which the crystals present a large base, with V
and P depressed to little more than a narrow border around it ; and (3), A
pyramidal type — in which the pyramid P essentially predominates, although
comV)ined with the front-vertical form or pinakoid, V, and occasionally with
the octagonal prism V2 (which appears as a bevelment on the vertical edges of
V). The basal plane, with its peculiar iridescent-pearly lustre, is also fre-
quently present in this type, but it is always of small size, and the general
aspect of the crystals is essentially pyramidal. P : P over polar edge 104° to
104° 20', over middle edge 120° to '21°. B : P al)out 119° 30'. The cleavage
is basal and very perfect, the points of the pyramid consequently are com-
monly broken off. Twin crystals so common in many Zeolites, are in this
species all but unknown.
Phillipsite is also a potassic species, but differs from Apophyllite by con-
taining alumina, as well as by the absence of lluorine, and essentially by its
crystallization. It differs also by its complete gelatinization in hydrochloric
acid. Its crystals are practically identical with those of Harmotome (see
above), and thus consist essentially of a rectangular prism (V, V) terminated
by the polar forms P, P ; two (or four) crystals bein^ united in cruciform
twins. In some crystals, the vertical planes look like those of a simple prism,
but tie compound nature of the crystal is revealed by the re-entering angles
at the summit. In general, however, the cruciform character of the crystals
is sufficiently distinct. The planes of the forms P, P, and V, are transversely
striated,
Thonisonite occurs chiefly 'n fibrous and acicular forms, b t is also found in
small, distinct crystals. These belong to the Khoniliic Sysiem, and presen
two types and varieties : (1), The Thomsonite type, proper, in which the crys-
tals are short, large-baaed, vertically-striated rhombic prisms, V, replaced on
the acute edges by the side or brachy-vertical V, and on the obtuse edges and
20
290
BLOWIMl'K PRACTICE.
i
anglea ))y the front-vertical V, uiul front-polar or macrodome inP ; ami (2),
The C'oiiiptoiiiite type, in which tlie crystals form short eight-sided prisms
(composed of the forma V, V, V) with the two planes of an exceedingly Hat
brachydome or side-polar '/nil* entirely occupying tlie position of the base. The
prism V is nearly square, its front-angle measuring 00" 40'. Tlie Hat bnicliy-
dome planes meet (according to Des Cloiseaux) at on angle of 177° 23'.
Crystals of Scolecite very closely resemble those of Natrolite or Mesotype,
as they consist of nearly square prisma terminated at each extremity by four
pyramidal planes. But whilst Natrolite crystals are clearly Ortho-Uhombic,
Scolecite crystals are regarded as Clino-Khombic, the pyramidal planes at the
top and bottom of the crystal, respectively, diflferiug slightly in tlieir inter-
facial anglea. These angles, uevertlieless, closely correspond to those of
Natrolite. V : V = 9r 3.V (in Natrolite 1)1°) ; P : 1', over polar edge in front,
144" '.'0' (in Natrolite Ulf 20') ; -P : -P 144" 40'. Occasionally the prism is six-
sided, its acute edges being replaced by the side-vertical V. Scolecite dilFers,
however, essentially from Natrolite in being a lime-species in place of a soda-
species, and by its remarkable blowpipe comportment : as, wliilst Natrolite
fuses ({uietly, Scolecite expands and curls up or tlirows out excrescences on tlie
lirst application of the Hame, at least in all typical examples. Some examples
are said to fuse without intumescence, but these are probably soila-holding
varieties, or Mesolite. All essentially calcareous zeolites exfoliate or intumesce
before the blowpipe, or otherwise fuse with continued bubbling. Purely
alkaline zeolites, on the other hand fuse quietly.
Laumontite when in crystals is easily recognized, but when in librous masses
it is distinguished with ditticulty from other calcareous zeolites. A somewhat
salient character is its great tendency to fall into a white, earthy powder from
efflorescence. The crystals are Clino- Rhombic, and they consist most commonly
of a simple rhombic prism terminated obliquely by a single plane. The latter
is the basal plane of most French crystallographers, but is commonly made
the plane of a hemi-orthodome or front-polar -P. The prism-angle V : V, in
front, equals 80" 16' ; V :-P^ 113° 30'. Very frecjuently the opposite angle of
the prism is replaced by the corresponding hemi-orthodome P, the latter
inclining to a face of the prism at an angle of 104° 20'. Often, also, other
polar planes (P, «&c.) are subordinately present, and the vertical edges of the
prism are sometimes slightly truncated by V and V. Spectroscopic and other
characters are given in the Table.
Chabasite is easily distinguished from other zeolites by its rhombohedral
crystallization. The crystals, although small, are in general distinctly formed.
They consist essentially of cuboidal rhombohedrous, with R : R measuring over
polar edges 94° to 95°, usually 94° 46', whence the old French name of
zeolite cubique by which the species was at one time known. In many
examples, this rhombohedron occurs in the simple state, but very often its
polar edges are replaced by an obtuse rhombohedron -JR, and its middle angles
by the acute form -2R, measuring respectively over their own polar edges,
125° 13', and 72° 53'. R on -JR= 136° 23' ; R on -2R= 1 19° 42'. The planes-
h
MINKUAL TAIILES
-XXVIII.
291
of the chief rhomhohcilron, H, are sometimes striated parallel to the polar
edges, the strite meeting in the line of the longer diagonal of each plane. These
stria' indicate a very obtuse scaleuohedron, occasionally present in Chahiisite
crystals. An obtuse twelve-sided pyramitl '^l"2. (with angle of 145' over polar
edges) is the predominating form in the Bohemian variety known as Phacolite.
This variety occurs in intcr[)enetrating twins ; and twin-forms, with the
vertical axis in common, are of frequent occurrence in crystals of C'iiabasite
generally. The solution in hydrochloric acid, in which the silica separates in
a slimy or at times in almost a gelatinous condition, shews in the spectroscope
a vivid calcium spectrum, and as this fades out a transitory red K-line generally
comes into view.
Still)ite and Heulaudite may in general be distinguished easily from other
zeolites by their almost constant occurrence in b' led or narrow-foliated
examples, with very perfect cleavage in one direction and strong pearly lustre
on the cleavage surface. The latter is parallel to a side-vertical, \', or (in
Heulandite) V. 'J'he hardness, also, is lower than in most other zeolites, viz. :
2"5-40. The free ends of the folia generally shew crystalline facets. The
colour is commonly either white, red, or light-brown, in Stilbite, the crystal-
system is Rhombic, and the more common ciystals consist of a rectangular
prism (V, V, usu.illy flattened parallel to V, the cleavage plane), with the
planes of a rhond)ic octahedron, P, at each extremity. Occasionally, the
vertical edges of the rectangular prism are slightly replaced by the rhombic
prism V, and the point of the octahedron is truncated by the basal form B.
The prism-angle, V : V e(iuals 94" 16' ; P : P over front polar edge, 119° 16' ;
over side polar edge, 1 14" ; over middle edge, 96°.
In Heulaudite, the system is Clino-llhombic. The more commonly-occurring
crystals are made up of the front- vertical form V, the side or clino- vertical V,
the front-polar or hemi-orthodome P, and the basal form B. The siile-vertical
V (the cleavage plane) generally predomin.ates, the crystals being usually
much flattened in that direction ; but occasionally, crystals are elongated
transversely, i.e., in the direction of the ortho-diagonal or right-and-left axis,
in which case the frontal forms V and P preponderate. The hemi-pyramids
2P and jP, and the clinodome or side-polar 2P, also occasionally occur as sub-
ordinate forms. P:V equals P29° 40'; B:V 116" 20'; 2P : 2P, in front,
136° 4' ; §P : jP, 14C° 5?.' ; 2^' : 2^', over summit, 98° 44'
Although both Stilbite and Heulandite are essentially lime species, they
usually contain small amounts of soda i.nd pota.sh. When a drop of the
hydrochloric acid solution (taken up in a loop of clean platinum wire) is
examined by the spectroscope, the red K-line, therefore, almost always
appears for an instant, as the vivid red and green Ca-liues fade out of view.
INDEX TO PABT I.
it
Accessory Instnunents, &o. 7.
Auhroic metals, 20, 50.
Agate mortar, 8.
Alloys, Metallic, 95, •)«.
Aluminum, Alumina, 50.
Ammonium, 04.
Analysis, plan of, 04-70.
Antimony, Antimonides, 38, 87.
Anvil, 8.
Arsenic, Arsenides, Arseuiates, 38,
Barium, Baryta, 01, 75, 7!>.
Bases, detection of, 07-74.
Beryllium, 57.
Bismuth, 41, it2.
Blowpipe Analysis, 64-70.
Blowpipe : —
forms of, 7.
history of, 1.
operations, 12-25.
reactions, 25-04.
" use of, 4.
" works on, 25.
Borax, use of, 1 7. 18.
Boron, Borates, 33,
Bromine, Bromides, 30, 94.
Bulb-tube, 13.
Cadmium, 42, 93.
Calcium, 59.
Carbon, Carbonates, 33, 93.
Cerium, 54.
Charcoal, 7.
Charcoal Saw, 7.
Chemical Groups, detection of, 05.
Chlorine, Chlorides, 29.
Chromium, Chromates, 52, 91.
Closed Tubes, 14.
Coal Assay, 80.
Cobalt, 48.
Cobalt Nitrate, use of, 16.
Coloration of flame, 13, 76.
Copper, 46, 86.
Cupellation, 22-24,
Flame, structural parts of, 8.
Flame-colouring metals, 26, 59.
Flaming, 17.
Forceps, 0.
39.
Formation of glasses on platinum wire,
10-19.
Fusion, trial of, 12,
Fusion-flame, 10,
Fusion in platinum spoon, 24.
Glasses, formation of, 10-19,
Glucinum, 57,
({old, 35.
Hammer, 8,
Hydroge-i, 27.
Intumescence, 13.
Iodine, Iodides, 30.
Iron, 48.
Iron Oxides, how distinguished BB,
48, 77.
Kalium, 62.
Lamp, portable, 11.
Lead, 42.
Lead and Tin alloy, 45, 96.
Lime, 59.
Lithium, 01, 70.
Magnesium, Magnesia, 58.
Manganese, 51, 75, 80. '
Mercury, 40.
Molybdenum, 50.
Natrium, 02.
Nickel, 47.
Nitrogen, .Mtrates, 29.
Non-metallic Bodies, 20-35.
Open Tubes, treatment in, 15.
Osmium, 40.
Oxidating flame ( = 0.F), 10.
Oxygen, 20.
Phosphor-salt, use of, 19,
Phosphorus, Phosphates, 31, 32.
Phosphorus in Iron Wire, 85.
Platinum, 35.
Platinum Wire, use of, 7, 17.
Porcelain fragments, use of, 15.
Potassium, 62
[293]
294
INDKX TO PAUT I.
llediiciiiK I-'laiiK! (=-K.K), 10.
lieilucihre iVhttals, how grouped, 20.
Ucductioii, '20.
lloaHting, I.').
Haw, tJharcnal, 7.
Soleniuin, Seleiiidcs, 28,
Silicon, Silicates, H-t, !(0.
Silver, .%.
Silver in (inlcna, &o., extraction of, 23
(note).
Sodium, (i2.
Sodium carbonate, use of, 19,
SpectroHcope, direct viHion, (iO (note).
Spoon, platinum, use of, 25.
Strontium, (>0, 70.
Tantalum, 57.
Tellurium, Tellurides, 37.
Thallium, 42, 88.
Tin, 44, m.
Titanium, 'i'itanates, 5.').
Tun^Mteuum, Tun({8tateH, 50.
Unoxidi/ahlo metals, 35.
Uranium, 54.
Vanadium, VanadatcH, 63. '
\'(ilatili7.ati(m, 13, (f).
V'olatilizahle metals, 20, 37.
Water test, 13, 14.
Wolframium, 50.
Yttrium, 58.
Zinc, 43.
Zirconium, 58.
INDEX
TO TIIK M1NKRAI.S IN PAIIT II.
Al)ichite, 153.
Al)iiizit<; (v. (JiHiiioiKline),
Aciidiiilite, '-'SO.
Aciintliite, 111.
Acaiiticonu (v. Kpidote).
Aciiiitu, 'J47.
Aotiiiolitc, '247,l.»(i(5.
AdiimantiiK! Spar, 'J0!», 'J-'O.
Adamite, I54.
Ailiilaria Kolilspar, 'J59, 2(J8.
/KdelfoiHite, 'J78.
/HgiriiK', 247.
yEschyiiitf, l.'iS.
A^aliiiatolite, '2'Mi.
Agaric Mineral (v. (Jalcite).
Apte. 'Jl'), 222.
Aikiiiite, 111,
Alabandino, 112, 131, 1G2,
Alalite, 257.
Albertite, 140.
Albiii, 279.
Albitu, 2(i0, 2(>9.
Alexandrite (v. Chrysoberyl).
Algodonite, 106.
Alipite, 2.S:{.
Alisonite, III.
Allaiiite, 242.
Allemoiitite, 105.
Allochroite, 242.
Alloclase, 107.
Allogonite, 175.
Alloidiauc, 232.
Alniandine, 245.
Alstoiiite, 145.
Altaite, Hi).
Alum, 1G4, 172.
Aluinstone, 105, 172.
Aluminite, 165, 173.
Alunite, 165, 172.
Alunogbiie, 164.
Amalgam, 121.
Amazou-stone, 259, 268.
Amber, 140, 142.
Amblygoiiite, 175.
Amethyst, 215, 222.
Amianthus, 256.
Ainmoiiia-altini, 164.
Aiii|)hil)(.l", 2IS, 2.")7, 261).
Ainphigeiie Mjeiicite), 216, 225,
Aiialciine, 2M', 287.
AnataNe, I.S."), I'M, 212, 220.
Aiiauxite, 235.
AniialiiHiti', 21.3, 2v.3.
AiiduMiiie, 267.
Aiidraflite, 245.
Aiij^larite, (v. N'ivianite).
Aiiglesite, 161, 170.
Aidiydrite, 16.3, 171.
Ankerite, 144.
Aiiuaberuitis 154.
Aiiorthite, 256.
Aiitliophyllite, 228.
AntlioHiderite, 272.
Anthracite, I. 35, 237.
Antigorite, 2.30.
Antimony, 119.
Antimony Hlendo, (Kermesite), 159.
Antimony (ilance, 11.'), 117.
Antimonial .Silver (Dyacrasite), 1 19.
Antimonial Nickel fjlauce, 1 15.
Antimonial Nickel Ore, 120.
Antimony Ochre, 159.
Antrim(dite, 277.
Apatelite, 169.
Apatite, 174, 180.
Aphanesc, 153.
Aphrosiderite, 271.
Apiithalose, 163.
Apjohnite, 168.
Ajjiome, 245.
Apophyllite, ''79, 289.
Aquamarine (Beryl), 214.
Aneoxene, 154,
Aragonite, 146, 150.
Arcanite, 103.
Arfvedsonite, 248.
Argenite, 111, 11.3.
Arkansite, 212.
Arksutite, 191.
Arquerite, 121.
Arragonite, 146, 150.
Arsenic, 105.
[295]
'2i>r>
INOKX TO THK MINKUAT-S IN TAUT 11.
' 1
Arsojiioal Iron. \{Vi.
Ai-sonioal Pyntos. 1(>T, 1(KS.
Arsoiiiotts Aoiil, \ , .,,
rscuoMto. I
A)'S('uii>siiii'rit<', !.'>.%.
Aslx-stns. •:.•>(>. ('J:C>^.
Asholan. iW.
Asiiiaiuto. '2\.\
Asp;)v,>ji:\ts stone (v. Ap;»litol, 171.
Asjv>siolito. 'J;<(V
Asporohto. •:;<'.'.
Asutviit. no.
Astr.ikanilo. 1(>«.
Astroplnlhto, '2i\.
At,t>;uni't.\ ISS, 1<.)0.
Atolosito. KM.
Atolito. ISS,
Atlasito. ISS
Au.>rU.»ihit.>. -Jll.
A«,k:''l't>'- 'T'.V
A\i^i;\to, '2U\. '2i\:\.
Auvii'hrtK ito, 144.
.VufijnkimcMit. (V. OrjiinuMitV I.'vS,
Aut.Muoltti-. '2\0.
.■\>Hnuiti\ 177. IS'J.
A\,u>tnvuir ( =^^>^^,•«rt7 with ins)>orso<l
soiUi's ot Mio;v. Iroii-cl.'vuoc, .^('\.
Axinito. •J4K '2C>\.
Asiunto. 144. Inl
Ribiugtoiuto, '247.
U.>i;r;Uionito. 'J4'J.
U.uU.Uitc (AiuphiUoIoV
U,>ltun»nto. 'J;C>.
U.-.rtti\ !(■•:. 170.
U.unl,.M-.Uito. 10!».
U,vntmi>. \&2, 170.
U;\iuun Muw. •2'2\K •2S4.
Ru \ to i\vlo>tt\ l(i.'^.
R'M'Vto-Ocll'StUlO. \&2.
lUstito. '2:\0.
Ui»tr;\olut.\ -JH.
U;>uiiissontv, 147.
i^,»\i\ito. '2.'17.
lV;>\nnout)to, *JtVi.
IWliilito. 1S4.
IWv.'uinito, 177.
Uoixtn.rnuto. '277.
IVrlmit.'. 17!».
Hortlnorito, 11,'v
iWiyi. 'J 14, •:•:;?.
Horyllonito. 17.").
Hor/olmo, 110,
l<«M-7<>lito. l.M.
Ucuilantito. I.'i4,
Hoyrii'liito, 1(W.
1<i«'l>onto. 107.
Knulhoiniito. 1(>0
111. ii.r
Uinnito. 107. lOS.
Hiotito. '2'J7. '2:\:.
HisnuU'i. I'Jl.
Mismntluni'. )
Htsnutth (;i;vnvv\ (
Hisniuth Oolnv. '201.
Misiiuitito. 144.
Hittor S.ilt ^l^psomlto), 104.
Hiftor .Sp;,r. 140.
l^ituinon. 14(V
Uitinniiious ('o;»l. 140. \ V2.
IMsok Unn.l. 144.
ni;»ok «>\i.l(-.M' ("ojipor. 1'2;>.
lM.»,'k .I.».'k. 114.
IMon.lo. \]'2. 114. i;U. 101. 10'.».
UUnlito. 104.
Hlooilstono (v. l^i;>rt7\ '2'2'2.
lUuc o.^rh. oo]>p<n-. 144. l.M.
Hluo \"\tnol. 100. 17'J,
Ho.loiut<>. '24'2
Hi\i; In^n (ho. '2iM\.
Uou M,»nii.»"osi> Oiv (W''<1^. -W. '2tl7.
Ko^Oiiiioso Spar (U.-trvtiooK llVJ.
Uoto'nito. '217.
Hoiis.lovtlit«\ '2.'?0. '240.
Hor.t.Mo AiM<i. l,S;i.
UoirtN. l,s:?. lS.'i
Uonuto. io;». ii;i.
Honv.»U'it(>. 1S4.
l?.MOii.>tnv>;vlolt<'. 1S4.
Hotryogono. 1(>7.
Hotryohto '27.">.
Ho\)l;vnj;<'>it( . 1 17.
Hoiuuonitc. 1 1(>. 117.
Utuvotnto. '2X^.
Unui.lisito. 'AN,
Hi;\vnut<\ i:l'2,
Uroislnkito. "247.
Hr.>itli,ui|itit.\ 1'20.
l^ioiiunonto (.Mositino^. 144
Htvviotto, '277.
l^rowstoiito. '2.S0.
Hnttlo Silv<>r Oro. ll.V
Hnvli.vutito. lOS.
Uroniingyito. 1S7.
Hron)liti\ 14.'».
HronciH."»i>lito, 1 10,
Hrongnun'tmo (v, (Uanliorito). 1(W.
Hroii'?,)to, '2'2S,
Hvookito. \'X\ '21-2,
Hrown Co.tl, 140,
Mvown Iron (>)v. 1;1'2. ISO. '2(>0. '2tV>.
Krown Sp.vr 14(5.
Hrnoito. '204. '207.
Hrushito. ISO.
Huol>olzito. '213.
Hucklandito. 245.
INOKX TO THK MINFKAl,S IX VAUT 11.
397
Hui,Uit(>. 1-4-4.
HuutknptVivtz, 100.
l^usUmito. 'J4S,
Hyssolifo. '241.
:.»(>.
l\»lMonto. l.V'i.
raooi'l,),-»tto (WornoritoV '2X>.
(\'»olioli><tj;. (v;«. 0]\a\). 'JlTt.
('.■»oov(>n<\ I7(v
ral.uto. 17!>. ISl.
O.U.umuo. •:;?•». '240.
I'.vlmuifo 1 1 romoljfo), 'J,'i7,
(\»Uvont<>, 1 1;).
(\vl.v.i.M\y. '2\:^. 'A'-J.
t'lvloniol. ISO.
r;>urt.>iiit<> [\:\r. ryroxono). '2Uy
Cviiontnto. 'J.M.
t\>l>«MvM.initi'. 'J7S.
('.■»rt><Mi.),i.\ '20\).
r;»ill\intti', l,"v4.
rani.Uliti'. 1,S7,
('.•iinolt.ni. '2'2'2.
C;\r\A\ohU\ '2S'X
t'assifonto. 'JlKS. '2\<.\
(\-\stor, 'J.M),
iVlosfn'io. liVJ. 171.
rcr.n-jjvnfo. IS7. ISO.
iVrmo.' '2r2.
Onto. 'J IS. '2:H.
(Vrussito. U.S. I.'hV
«\MV,)i\li(o. l.V.>.
(Vyl.)m(<\ 'Jll.
(M>';>!>.tsit«'. 'J.SO. '2\H).
rii.vli'.wtltito. l(>t). 17'^
Clial.v.l.Miv. '2'2-2.
(Mi.iikosino. no. iia,
Ch.vhlito. V\S'J.
rhivloophvUito. l.Vl
rh,»looi>ynto. 100, 11.'?.
(Mi.vloolilo. 177. l.S'J.
Ch;vli<i(ii>'hito ( ^Aoioul.ir rtnuito),
('h.^lo.w,lonto, 17S,
t^halo.wno. \ ,, ,
('h.-iKv^stiluto. ll().
I'lL-ilylufo (Si.lorito), U+.
rhiitAinitc. 10,">. •
rinmosito. 'J7l.
('lioaavhto. 144.
t'lu.istolito. "J 1.1
(MiiMnMiifc. 177.
Chilo S,^lt|H'f)v. 104.
tMui^lito. 101.
('l>l,'»tliuto (Mctoorio Knst^titoV
I'hlo.nitUito. lO.V
('hl«MAjv\1ito. 174. ISO.
CliliUrt.stnUifo. 270.
iMUonto. '2-2\K 'J:?S. '271.
CliliMitoi.l. 'J70.
l'lll^>1^^^^•Ul'it(^ l.S().
(MUotMniolrttic il'ro)\.«to<lif<0, '.^7ll
»liloro|vvl. '21VA.
C\\\iiU\\\h;v\tf\ '21',\.
("liliM-ophano (Khior S]vvrK 101.
Cldtiniphvllito. '2M
C\\\ovo\\U\ l.VV
("houilro .-^i-sonito. I.m.
(Miiuiiiniililo.
riumikvilo. 'JSV'.
ri\ns(i;nii«<>. 'J7.'>.
('linst.>]iliif«\ l(il.
dironuo lr.int>iv. \ IvM. ]-2C\ l;U, 1S(»,
»"l\nMni(o. ( 100. '2^K^.
(Mtroiiio (larnof. '2\ 1.
(Miromo M\<';>. •J'27.
ChvysolxTvl. 'JIO. '2'20.
V\\r'\fto,-o]h\. '2:V2.
(■l\rysolit<\ '2\'. '2'2{.
('lir\ so{\i.».s(\ 'A'-J.
("Ill, vs.it lie. ':;c>. 'j;w.
Chiuvluto. I, SO,
fitnulito. '2'X'\.
V\\u\;\h;\}\ l;VS. i;^.).
ri,(nt<\ U>7.
d.ui.iotito. l.VJ,
•,'l.-»nsth;Uito. 110.
i'l.u Ir.Mist.mo. 144. 140.
no.wol,vii<iiti\ iViO.
ninooi:»s<\ i.N;<. ir>7.
(Mm.vliloiv. '2'2\K
riuio Hiinuto. ".217.
duit.MUto, 'A\S.
rintli.)Hl<>. 'JS'J,
t'.i.ds. 140.
("ol>,>lt Ui-iom. 1,'>4, 1,'>7.
r.'Ualt .Sp.»v. 14.'v
rol>alt \ itrnl. 1(»7.
t'.0\-»ltn\o. 1(>7. lOS.
(\iooniit<>. ISO,
(Nvoolito, 'J47.
rollynlo. >j;?7.
("olojilumito. 'J.'vS.
rohiiuliito, l.'W.
('•Muptoiuto, '277, '2'M),
('«»«ikoilo. •2S4.
t'oiM.ipito. 1()S.
OopiHM, 1'2'2.
298
INDEX TO THE MINERALS IN PART II.
Copper Binnite, 107.
Copper Glance, 110, 113.
Copper Mica, 15.S.
Copper Nickel (Nickeline), 105, 106.
Copper Pyrites, 109, U.S.
Copper Uranite, 177, 182.
Copper Vitriol, 16G, 172.
Copperas (Green Vitriol), 167.
Coquimbite, 167.
Coracite, 20.3.
Cordierite, 21.3, 225.
Corneous Lead Ore, 187, 189.
Corundum, 209, 220.
Corynite, 107.
Cosalite, 111.
Cotunnite. 108.
Couseranite, 255.
Covelliue, 139.
Crednerite, 133.
Crichtonite (Ilmenite), 118.
Crocidolite, 259.
Crocoisite, 195, 198.
Cronstedite, 270.
Crookesite, 188.
Cryolite, 191.
Cryophyllite, 249.
Cryptolite, 175.
Cryptomorphite, 184.
Cubanite, 109.
Cube Ore, 155, 157.
Cuboite, 282.
Culsageeite, 282
Cuinni'igtonite, 248.
Cuprite, 129, 130, 202, 207.
Cupropluinbite, 111.
Cyanite, 210, 223.
Cymophane, 210.
Cyprine, 258.
Damourite, 229.
Dauaite, 107.
Danalite, 243.
Danburite, 250.
I>-^rk Red Silver Ore, 115, 118, 128.
Datolite, 275, 288.
Daubreite, 189.
Davyne, 254.
Da"id8onite (Beryl), 214.
Dawsonite, 147.
Dechenite, 195.
Delessite, 229, 271.
Delvauxite, 177.
Demidowite, 232.
Desoloizite, 196.
Desmine, 281.
Deweylite, 235.
Diadoc'iite, 169.
Diallage, 246.
Diallogite, 145.
Diamagnetite, 131.
Diamond, 209, 219.
Uianite, 209.
Diaphorite, 116.
Diaspore, 210.
Dichroite, 213, 225.
Diliydrite, 178.
Diopside, 257, 265.
Dioptase, 218, 232.
Diphanite, 230.
Dipyro, 255.
Disterrite, (Brandisite), 228.
Disthene, 210, 223.
Dolomite, 146, 149.
Pomeykite, 106.
Donacargyrite, 116.
Dopplerite, 140.
Dutrenite, 177.
Dufrenoysite, 107, 108.
Durangite, l.Ki.
Dyscraaite, 119.
Dysluite (Gahnite), 210.
Edintonite, 278.
Egerane, 258.
Ehlite, 178.
Ekebergite (Wernerite), 255.
Elivolite, 253.
Elastic Bitumen, 140.
Elateiite, 140.
Electrum, (Amalgam), 121.
Eliasite, 204.
Embolite, 187.
Emerald, 214, 223.
Emerald-Nickel (Zaratite), 148.
Emery, 209, 220.
Emerylite, 230.
Emplectite, HI.
Enargite, 107.
Enstatite, 214.
Epichlorite, 229.
Epidote, 245, 263.
Epigenite, 107.
Epistilbite, 281.
Epsomite, 164, 172.
Erdmannite, 242.
Eremite, 176.
Erinite, 153.
Erubescite (Bornite), 109, 113.
Erythrine, 154, 157.
Esmarkite, 236, 239
Essonite (Garnet).
Ettringite, 166.
Euchroite, 153.
Euclase, 213.
Eucolite, 252.
Eudialyte, 251.
INDEX TO THE MINERALS IN PART II.
299
Eudonophite, 282.
Eukiiirite, 110.
Eulytine, 252.
Euphyllite, 230.
Eupychroite, 174.
Eiisyuchite, 195.
Euxenite, 1.35.
Euzeo;ite, 281.
Evausite, 179.
Fahlerz, 116.
Fahlunite, 236.
Fai-gite, 277.
Faruolite, 277.
Fassaite, 247.
Faujasite, 279.
Fauserite, 168.
Fayalite, 242.
Feather Aluiii, 167.
Feldspar (lime), 256.
Feldspar (potash), 259, 267.
Feldspar (soda), 260, 268.
Feldspar Group, 267.
Felsobaiiyite, 165.
Fergusonite, 135.
Fibro-Ferrite, 169.
Fibrolite, 213.
Fichtelite, 141.
Figure Stone, 236.
Fire Blende, 160.
Fire Opal, 215.
Fischerite, 179.
Flint, 222.
Flos Ferri, 146.
Fluellite, 191.
Fluocerite, 192.
Fluor-Apatite, 174, ISO.
Fluorite, 191.
Fluor Spar, 191, 192.
Forsterite, 217.
Fowlerite, 248.
Francolite, 174.
Franklinite, 124, 199, 205.
Freislebenite, 116.
Frenzelite (Guanajuatite), 110.
Frugardite, 258.
Fuchsite, 227.
Gadolinite, 218.
Gahnite, 210, 221.
Galactite, 277.
Galena, 111, 113.
Galmei (Calamine), 218, 234.
Garnet, 245, 262.
Garnet Group, 252.
Gayluasite, 147.
Gehlenite, 217.
Geierite, 107.
Genthite, 232. .
(ieoeerite, 141.
Geocronite, 117.
Gersdorrtite, 107.
Gibbsite, 237.
(iiesseckite, 2.36.
Gigantolite, 283.
Gilbertite, 2.".0.
Gillingite (Hisingerite), 233.
Giobertite, 146.
Girasol, 215.
Gismondine, 276.
Glagerite, 237.
Glaserite. 163.
Glauberite, 163.
Glauber's Salt, 163.
Glaucodot, 107.
Glauconite, 273.
Glaucophane, 257.
Glingite, 217.
Glockerite, 169.
G melinite, 276.
G<vthite, 1.32, 206.
(iold, 122.
Gold- Amalgam, 121.
(ioschenite (Beryl), 214.
Goslarite, 105,
Grahamite, 140.
Gramenite, 233.
Grammatite, 257.
Grapliic Tellurium, 119.
Graphite, 123, 126.
Green Earth, 273.
Green Vitriol, 167.
Grey Antimony Ore, 115, 117.
Grey Copper Ore (Tetrahedrite), 116.
Greenockite, 162.
Greenovite Sphene, 254.
Groprite, 231.
Groroilite, 202.
Grossular, 255.
Guadalcazarite, 110.
Guanajauatite, 110.
Guarinite, 254.
(Jummite, 203.
(iurhotian, 146.
Gymnite, 235.
Gypsum, 166, 171.
Haarkies (MilJerite), 109.
Hivmatite, 124, 126, 200, 206.
Haidingerite, 156.
Halite (Hock Salt), 186, 189.
Hallite, 282.
Halloysite, 236.
Halotrichite, 167.
Hardness, 100.
Harmatite, 145,
300
INDEX TO THE MINERALS IN PART II.
Harmotome, 280, 287.
HarrinKtonite, 277.
Hartite, 141.
Hatchettine, 141.
Hauerite, ISl, IG2,
Hausmannitc, 132.
Haiiyue, 251.
Haydenite, 280.
Haytorite (Quartz in pseudoniorphs
after D atolite).
Heavy Spar, 162, 170.
Hebronite, 175.
Hedenbergite, 247.
Hedyphane, 153.
Heliotrope (Bloodstone), 222.
Helminthite, 229.
Helvine, 250,
Helvetane, 228.
Hematite, 124, 126, 200, 206.
Hercynite, 211
Herderite, 175
Herrerite, 145.
Herschclite, 281.
Hessite, llil.
Heterogenite, 203.
Heterosite, 177.
Heulaiulite, 281, 201.
Hjelniite, 144.
Hi.singerite, 233, 272.
Hci'rnesite, 156.
Honiichline, 109.
Hopeite, ISO.
Horbacbite, 109.
Hornblende, 248, 266.
Horn Silver Ore, 187, 189.
Horsetlesb Ore, 11.3.
Hortonolite, 217.
Hovito, 147.
Huniholdtilite, 253.
Humbobltine, 200.
Huniboldtite, 275.
Hiunite, 217.
Hunterite, 235.
Hureaulite, 177.
Hyacinth, 211.
Hyalite, 215, 222.
Hyalophane, 260.
Hyalosiderite, 242.
Hydrargillite, 237.
Hydroboracite, 184.
Hydrocuprite, 203.
Hydrodoloniite, 147.
HpdroHuocerite, 192.
Hydroheniatite, 132.
Hydromagnesite, 147.
Hydrophane (var. Opal).
Hydrotachylite, 278.
Hydrozincite, 147.
Hypersthene, 246.
Iberite, 236.
Iceland 8par (var. Calcite), 146.
Idocrase, 258, 262.
Idrialine, 138.
Iglesite, 143.
Ilraenite, 124, 126, 132, 199, 206.
Ilvaite, 242, 263.
Indicolite, 212.
lodargyrite, 187.
lolite, 213, 225.
Iridium, 123.
Iridosmine, 123.
Iron, 123.
Iron Alum, 167.
Iron i.'hrysolites, 263.
Iron Glance (Hematite), 124, 126.
Iron Pyrites, 109, 112.
Ironstone, 144, 149.
Isoclase, 180.
Ittnerite, 276.
Ixolyte, 141.
Jacobsite, 124, 199.
.Jamesonite, 116, 117.
Jiirgon (Zircon), 211.
Jarosite, 169.
Jasper, 222,
Jefferisite, 282.
.Jeflfersonite, 247,
Jenite (Lievrite), 242, 263.
Jet, 140.
Johannite, 168.
Jordanite, 108.
Kammererite, 229.
Kalaite, (Turquoise), 179, 181.
Kainite, 165.
Kakoxene, 176.
K.alinite, 164.
Kampylite, 153
Kaolin, 235, 239.
Karminspath, 154.
Karstenite, (Anhydrite), 163.
Kastor, 250.
Keilhauite, 244.
Kenngottite (Miargyrite), 128.
Keragvrite, 187, 189.
Kerasine. 14.3, 188.
Kerraesite, 128, 130, 159.
Kerohte, 235.
Kibdelophane (Ilmenite), 124.
Kiej,erite. 166.
Kilbrickenite, 117.
Killinite, 285.
Kirwanite, 273.
Kjerulfine, 174.
INDEX TO THE MINERALS IN PART II.
301
Klaprothine (Lazulite), 179.
Klipsteiuite, 282.
Knehelite, 248.
Kobellite, 117.
K(L'ttigite, 154.
Kcllyiite, 237.
Konite, 140.
Kottij^ite, )54.
Koiigsbergite, 121.
Kiinieinite, 141.
Koruiulophyllite, 229.
Koupholite, 279.
Krivntzite, 141.
Kraurite, 177.
Kreittoiiite, 211.
Kreniersitu, 187.
Krisuvigite, 108.
Krokidolite, 273.
Kuhnite, 15.').
Kyanite (Cyaiiite), 210, 223.
J25e.
Labradorite,
I^abrador Keldspar,
Lagonite, 155.
Laini)adite, 202.
Lanarkite, 101.
Laucaaterite, 147.
Laiigite, 108.
La'thaiiite, 147.
Lapis Lazuli, 251.
Larderellite, 184.
Latrobite (var. Aiiortbite ?), 250.
Launioutite, 278, 290.
Laxinaunite, 195.
Lazulite, 179.
Lead, 121.
Lead Binnite, 108.
Lead Glance, 111, 113.
Leadhillite, 143.
Leafy Tellurium Ore, 110.
Lebrbachite, 110.
Lehuutite, 277.
Lenziuite, 237.
Leoiiliardite, 278.
Lepidokrokite, 132, 200.
Lepidolite, 249, 201.
Lepidonielaue, 241.
Lettsomite, 108.
Leuchtenbergite, (Ripidolite), 229.
Leucite, 210, 225.
Leuoophaue, 191, 254.
Leacopyrite, 105.
LevMie, 281.
Libetheuite, 178, 181.
Liebenerite, 2,30.
Liebigite, 148.
Lievrite, 242, 263.
Lignite, 140.
Ligurite (Sphene), 243.
Lillite, 27 L
Lime Uranite, 177, 18'.;.
Limonite, 1.32, 200, 200.
Linarite, 108.
Lincolnite, 281.
Lindakerite, 148.
Linnceite, 109.
Liroconite, 153, 157.
Litharge, 201.
LithiaMica, 249, 201.
Liver Ore, 139.
Lobolite, 258.
LiiUingite, 105.
Ltewite, 165.
Lnxoclase (Orthoclase), 259.
Liidl.amite, 176.
Ludwigite, 183.
Lunebergite, 179.
Lunnite (I'hosphorchalcite), 178.
Luzouite, 107.
Magnesia Alum, 104.
Magnesite, 140, 149.
Magnetic Iron Ore, 124, 126, 131, 1.36,
19(t.
Magnetic Pyrites, 109, 113.
Mngnetite, 124, 126, 131, 130, 190.
Magnoferrite, 190.
Malachite, 143, 151.
Malacolite, 257.
Malakon, 211.
Maldonite ( = Bi3nmthic (iold).
Mangau Blende (Alabandine), 131.
Manganite, 125, 127.
Manganese Alum, 168.
Manganese Spar, 145.
Manganese Vitriol, 168.
Marcasite, 109, 113.
Margarite, 230.
Margarodite, 227, 229.
Marmatite, 101.
Marmolite, 2.'i5.
Martite, 124.
Mascagnine, 103.
Maskelynite ( = Meteoric Labradorite).
Masonite, 270.
Massicot, 201.
Matlockite, 188.
Maxite, 14.3.
Medjidite, 108.
Meerschaum, 235.
Megabromite, 187.
Mriionite, 255.
Melaconite, 203.
Melanglance, 1 15.
Melanite (Black (jrarnet), 245,
Melanolite, 272.
302
INDEX TO THE MINERALS IN PART II.
Melanocliroite (Pha-nicite), 195,
Melai-terite, 167, 172.
Melilite, 253.
Meliiiophiinc, 254.
Meliphanite, 254.
Melonite, 120.
MelopHite (uear Dewcylite), 2.S5.
Meiuicconite, 124.
Mjndipite, 188.
Meneghnite, 117.
Meiigite, 134.
Meuilite, 215.
Mennige, 200.
Mercury, 121.
Mesitiiie, 144.
Mesolite, 277.
AleHotype, 277, 287.
Metabrushite, 185.
MetachU.rite, 229.
MetaciiMiabarite, 111.
Motaxite, 235.
Meteoric Iron, 1*^3.
Miargyrite, 1 15, 128.
Micas, 227, 237.
Microbrouiite, 187.
Microcliiie, 259, 208.
Microsominite, 251.
Millerite, 109.
Miloschin, 233.
Minietesite, 153, 158.
Minium, 200.
Mirabilite, 164.
Mispickel, 107, 108.
Mizzonite, 255.
Molybdenite, 112, 113.
Molybdic Ochre, 197.
Monazite, 176.
Mourolite, 213.
Montebrasite, 175.
Monticellite, 217.
Moonstone (= Opalescent Feldspar),
259.
Morenosite, 168.
Moroxite (var. Apatite), 174.
Mosandrite, 308.
Mottrarnite, 197.
Mountain Cork,
Mountain ^Vood,
MiUlerine, 120.
Miindic, 109, 112.
Muroniontite, 242.
Muscovite, 227, 237.
Nacrite, 230, 239.
>iadorite, 160.
Nagyagite, 116.
Nantokite, 188.
Nasturane, 134.
Y
273.
Native Antimony, 1 19.
N. Arsenic, 105, 106.
N. Bismuth, 121.
N. Copper, 122.
N. (iol(l, 122,
N. Iridium, 123.
N. Iron, 123.
». Lead, 121.
N. Mercury, 121.
N. Palladium, 123.
N. Platinum, 123.
N. Silver, 122.
N. Sulphur, 1.38, 1.39.
N. Tellurium, 119.
Natrolite, 277, 287.
Natron, 147.
Naumannite, 1 10.
Needle Ore, HI.
Neftgil, 141.
Nenialite, 204.
Nepheline, 25.3.
Nephrite, 257.
Newjanskite, 123.
Nickel (» lance, 115.
Nickel (jreen, 154.
Nickel (iymnite, 2.32.
Nickel Vitriol, 1(!8.
Niukeline, 105, 106.
Nigrescite, 273.
Nigrine, 1,35.
Niobite (Columbite), 133.
Nipholite, 191.
Nitratine, 194.
Nitre, 194.
Nitrocalcite, 194.
Nitromagnesite, 194.
Nohlite, 133.
Nontronite, 233.
Noseau, \.,.,
Nosine, j-^'-
Nuttalite, 255.
Obsidian, 260.
Oc'.ires- —
Bismuth 0., 201.
Manganese 0., (Wad), 202.
Molybdic O., 197.
Bed 0., 200.
Tungstic O., 196.
UranO., 204.
Yellow O., 200.
Octahedrite, 135, 212, 220.
(EUacherite, 284.
Oerstedite. 211.
Okenite, 280.
Oligoclase, 260.
Oligon Spar, 144.
Olivenite, !53, 157.
INDEX TO THE MINEHAL8 IN PAKT II.
30»
Olivine, 217, 224.
Omphazite (var. Pyroxene).
Onkosiiie (compact magnesian mica ?
Related to Fhlogopite or Biotite,
as Steatite to Talc).
Oiiofrite, 110.
Onyx (Agate), 215, 222.
Opal, 215, 222,
Ophiolite, '239.
Orangite, 234.
Orpiment, 138, 139.
Orthite, 242.
Orthoclase, 259, 267.
Osmelite (Pectolite), 281.
Osniiuni-Iriclium, 123.
Osteolite, 174.
Ostranite, 211. ,
Ottrelite, 270.
Oiiwarowite, 211.
Owenite, 271.
Oxalite, 200.
Oxhaverite, 280.
Ozai-kite, 277.
Ozokerite, 141.
Pachnolite, 192,
?:j:St:: } - ^^-^^o-t^, 248.
Palagonite, 271.
Pallatlium, 123.
Paper Coal, 140.
ParaHine, 141.
Paragon ite, 284.
Pparanthine, 255.
Pargasite, 248.
Parisite, 145.
Passauite, 255.
Patrinite (Aikinite), 111.
Paulite (v. Hypersthene), 246.
Pearl Mica, 230.
Pearl Spar (Dolomite), 146.
Pearlstone, 260.
Pectolite, 281 .
Peganite 179.
Pegniatolite, 2.59.
Pelioanite, 235.
Pelokonite, 202.
Pennine, 229, 238.
Percylite, 188.
Periclase, 204.
Pericliue, 260, 269.
Peridot, 217.
Peristerite, 260.
Perowskite, 134.
Perthite, 259.
Petalite, 249.
Petroleum, 140.
Petzite, 119.
Phacolite, 280, 291.
Fharmacolite, 156, 157.
Pharmacosiderite, 155, 157.
Phenakite, 214.
Pheugite (Muscovite), 227.
Phillipsite, 275, 289.
Phlogopite, 227, 237.
Phaniicite, 195.
Pholerite, 2.30.
Phosgenite, 143, 188.
Pliospliocerite, 176.
Phoaphorchalcite, 178, 181.
Phosphorite, 174,
Physalite, 210.
Piauzite, 140.
Pickeringite, 164,
Picrolite, 235.
Picrophyll, 2.30,
Picrosmine, 235.
Piedmontite, 245,
Pimelite, 233.
Pinguite, 233.
Pinite, 236, 239,
Pinite (iroup, 239,
Piaanite, 167.
Piasophane, 169.
Piatacite, 245.
Pistomesite, 144.
Pitchblende, 134, 203,
Pitchstoue, 260.
Pittizite, 169.
Plagionite, 116.
Planerite, 179.
Plasma ((ireen Calcedony).
Platinum, 12.3.
Platinum- Iridium, 123.
Platinum-Iron, 124.
Plattnerite, 129.
Pleonaste, 211.
Plinian, 107.
Plumbago, 123.
Plumbo-< ;alcite, 14.3.
Plumosite (.Jamesonite), 116.
I'olianite, 125.
Pollux, 21 (J.
Poly argy rite, 115.
Polybasite, 108, 115, 121, 152.
Poly erase, 1.33.
Polydymite, 109.
Polyhalite, 166, 172.
Polymignite, 134.
Poonahlite, 278.
Porcelain Earth (Kaolin), 235.
Prase, 222.
Praseolite, 236, 240.
Pregrattite, 284.
Prehnite, 279, 288,
Prochlorite, 214.
304
INDEX TO THE MINnRALS IN PART II.
Prosopite, 179.
Proustite, 152, I-'jC.
Przihraniite, 1.3().
PseiKloinalachite (Phos))horclialcite),
178.
Psilomelano, 125, 1.?.3, 202, 207.
Psittacinite, 197.
Pucherite, I9tt.
Purple Copper Pyjitea, 109, 113.
Pusclikinite (Epidote), 245.
Pyciiite, 210, 222.
Pyrallolite, 235.
Pyrargillite, 236.
Pyrargyrte, 115, 118, 128, 130.
Pyreiieite ( Black Garnet).
Pyrgoni, 247.
Pyrites : —
Arsenical Pyrites, 107, 108.
Capillary Pyrites (Millerite), 109.
Cockscomb Pyrites, 1 12.
Copper Pyrites, 109, 113.
Iron Pyrites, 109, 112.
Magnetic Pyrites, 109, 113.
Purple Copper Pyrites, 109, 113.
Radiated Pyrites (Marcasite),
109, 112.
Spear Pyrites, 1 12.
White Iron Pyrites (Marcasite),
109, 112.
Pyrochlore, 134.
Pyrochroite, 204.
Pyrolusite, 125, 127.
Pyroniorphite, 174, 181.
Pyrope, 245.
Pyrophyllite, 230, 239.
Pyrophysalite (Pycnite), 210.
Pyropissite, 141.
Pyrosclerite, 282.
Pyrosmalite, 272.
Pyroretine, 140.
Pyrostibite, 159.
Pyrostilpnite, 160.
Pyroxene, 246, 257, 264.
Pyrrhosiderite ((ia'thite), 200.
Pyrrhotine, 109, 113.
Quartz, 215, 221.
<Juick8ilver, 121.
Kabdionite, 202.
Radiated Pyrites (Marcasite), 109.
Radiolite, 277.
Ranimelsbergite, 105.
Randauite, 216.
Raphilite (var. Amphibole), 257.
Ratofkite. 191.
Realgar, 138, 139.
Red Antimony Ore, 159, 160.
Red Copper Ore, 129, 1.30, 202, 207.
Red Iron Ore, 124, 126, 200, 206.
Red Lead, 200.
Red Ochre, 206.
Red Silver Ores, 128, 1.30, 152, 156.
Red Zinc Ore (Zincite), 201, 207.
Reddle, 206.
Redruthrite (Copper Glance), 110, 11.3.
Rennngtouite, 148.
Rensselaerite (Pseudomorphous Stea-
tite), 231.
Retinalite, 235.
Retinite, 141.
Reussin, 164.
Rhtetizite (Cyanite), 210, 223.
Rhagite, 154.
Hhodizite, 183.
Rhod(»ehr()site, 145, 149.
Rhodonite, 248.
Richmondite, 179.
Rionite, 118.
Ripidolite, 229, 238.
Rittingerite, 106, 108, 128, 182.
Rivotite, 150.
Rock Crystal, 215, 221.
Rock Salt, 186, 189.
Ronierite, 167.
Rcepperite, 145.
Hotisite, 2.32.
Ronianzovite (Brown Garnet), 258.
llomuite, 160.
Roscoelite, 227.
Rose Quartz, 222.
Roseline, 154.
Rubellane, 228.
RubeUite, 212.
Ruby, 209, 220.
Ruby Blende (Red Silver Ores), 128,
130, l.-)2, 156.
Ruby Copper (Red Copper Ore), 129,
130.
Ruby Silver (Red Silver Ores), 128,
130, 152, 156.
Hutile, 135, 136, 212, 219.
Ryacolite, 259.
Sagenite (var. Rutile), 212.
Sahlite, 257.
Salainnioiiiac, 186.
Salamstone (var. Corundum).
Salmiac, 186.
Saltpetre, 194.
Salt, 186.
Saniarskite, 133, 209.
Sanidine, 259.
Sapphire, 209, 220.
Sapphirine, 210.
Sarcolite, 253.
INDEX TO THE MINERALS IN PART II.
305
Sardianite, 161.
Sartorite, 108.
SosBoline, 183.
Saynite, 109.
Scapolite, 25.5, 267.
Scheelite. 19(5, 198.
Scheererito, 141.
Sehiller-spar, 230.
Schorl, 246, 261.
Schreibersite (Meteoric Iroa-Phos-
j)hide).
Schwfirtzembergite, 188.
Scleroclase, 108.
Scolecite, 277, 290.
Scorodite, 1.55, 157.
Scoulerite, 277.
Seebachite, 281.
Seladonite, 27.3.
Selenite, 160, 171.
Sellaite, 191.
Seiiarmontite, 159.
Sepiolite, 2.S.').
Serbian, 233.
Sericitc, 227, 229.
Serpentine, 2.34, 2.39.
Serpentine (iroup, 239.
Seybertite (Cliutonite), 228.
Siderite, 144, 149.
Sideronielane, 242.
Sideroplesite, 144.
Sideroschisolite (Cronstedtite), 270.
Sieburgite, 141.
Siegenite, 109.
Sillimanite, 213.
Silver, 122.
Silver Glance, 111.
Simonyite (Blodite), 164.
Sismondine, 270.
Sisserskite, 123.
Skutterudite, 105.
Smaltme, 105, 106.
Smaragdite, 257.
Smithsonite, 145, 150.
Soapstone, 231.
Soda Alum, 164.
Soda Nitre, 194.
Sodalite, 251.
Sommite (Nepheline), 253.
Sordawalite, 273.
Spartalite, 201, 207.
Spathic Iron Ore, 144, 149.
Spear Pyrites (Marcasite), 109, 112.
Specular Iron Ore, 124, 126.
Sperrylite, 106.
Sphoerocobaltite, 145.
Sphcerosiderite, 144.
Sphalerite, 109, 131, 136, 161, 169.
Sphene, 243, 264.
21
Spinel, 210, 221.
Spodurnene, 250, 264.
Stannine, 110, 111.
Stassfurtite, 184, 185.
Staurolite, 211, 22.3.
Steatite, 231, 238.
Stellarite, 140.
Stephanite, 115.
Sternbergite, .308.
Stildite, 159,
Stibnite, 115, 117.
Stilbite, 281, 291.
iStilpnomelane, 259.
Stilpnosiderite, 200.
Stolzite, 196, 198.
Strengite, 176.
Striegisan, 179.
Strigovite, 271.
Strogonowite (Altered Seapolite).
Stromeyerine, 111.
Strontiauite, 146, 150.
Struvif., 179.
Stypticite, 169
Succinite, 140..
Sulpliur, 138, 1.39.
Susa unite, 143.
Sussexite, 184.
Svanbergite, 165.
Sylvanite, 119.
Sylvine, 186.
Symplesite, 155.
Syngenite, 166.
Sysserskite, 123.
Szaibelyite, 184.
Tabergite, 229.
Tabular Spar, 253.
Tachydrite, 186.
Tachyaphalite, 211.
Tachylite, 243.
Tagilite, 178.
Talc, 228, 238.
Talcosite, 230.
Talc- Apatite, 174.
Tallingite, 188.
Tantalite, 134.
Tapiolite, 134.
Tarnowitzite, 143.
Tarnacolite, 187.
Tauriscite, 167.
Tekoretine, 141.
Tellurium, 119.
Tengerite, 147.
Tennantite, 107, 108.
Tenorite, 129.
Tephroite, 243.
Tetartin (Albite), 260.
Tetradymite, 117, 119.
S06
INDEX TO THE HINERAI.S IN PART If.
Tetrahedrite, 116.
Texasite, 148.
Thallite, 245.
Thenanlite, 163.
Thcrnionatrite, 147.
Thomaenolite, 192.
Thomsonite, 277, 289.
Thorite, 2.34.
Thraulite, 233, 272.
Thulite, 258.
Thuringite, 271.
Tiemaiinite, 110.
Tile Ore, 202.
Tinkal, 183.
Tinkalzite, 184.
Tinstone, 208, 209.
Tirolite, 153.
Titaniferoua Iron Ore, 124, 126, 132,
139, 200.
Titanite, 243, 264.
Tocornalite, 187.
Topaz, 210, 222.
Topazolite (Yellow Garnet).
Torbarnite, 140,
Torbernite, 177.
Tourmaline, 212, 224, 246, 261.
Traversellite (var. Asbestun).
Tremolite, 257, 266.
Tridymite, 215.
Triphane, 250, 264.
Triphylline, 175, 181.
Triplite, 174, 181.
Tripoli, 215.
Trcegerite, 155.
Troilite, 109.
Trolleite, 179.
Trona, 147.
Troostite, 217, 231.
Tschermigite, 164.
Tschewkinite, 252.
Tungstic Ochre, 196.
Turgite, 132, 200.
Turnesite, 176.
Turquoise, 179, 181.
Tyrite, 135.
Tyrolite, 153, 157.
Ulexite, 184.
Ullmannite, 107, 115.
Unghwarite, 233.
Unionite, 258.
Uraconise (Uran Ochre), 204.
Uraninite (Pitch Blende), 134, 203.
Uranite, 177.
Uran Mica (Copper-Uranite), 177.
Uran Ochre, 204.
Uranoapianite, 155.
Uran Pitch Ore, 134.
Urao (Thermonatrite), 147.
Urpethite, 141.
Uwarowite, 211.
Valentinite, 159.
Vanadinite, 196, 198.
Variacite, 179.
Varvicito (VVarwickite), 134.
Vauquelinite, 195. 198.
Velvet Coijper Ore, 168.
Verde Antique, Marble, 239.
Veriniculite, 282.
Vesuvian, 258, 262.
Vitreoua Copper Ore (Copper Glance),
110, ll.S,
Vitreoua Silver Ore (Silver Glance),
111.
Vitriol, blue, 166.
Vitriol, cobalt, 167.
Vitriol, green, 167.
Vitriol, manganeae, 168.
Vitriol, Niokel, 168.
Vitriol-Ochre, 169.
Vitriol, white, 165.
Vivianite, 176, 181.
Voglianite, 168.
VoHknerite, 204.
Voglite, 148.
Voigtite, 270.
Volborthite, 197.
Voltaite, 167.
Voltzine, 162.
Vulpinite (Heavy Spar), 162.
Wad, 202, 207.
Wagnerite, 174.
Walpurginite, 154.
Wapplerite, 156.
Warringtonite, 168.
WarwicKite, 134.
Wavellite, 178, 181.
Webaterite, 165, 173.
Wehrlite, 117
Weissite, 236.
Wernerite, 255, 267.
Whewellite, 205.
Whitneyite, 106.
Wichtiaite, 249.
Wichtyne, 249.
Willemite, 216, 231.
VViJliamaite (var. Serpentine).
Wilaonite, 255.
Wiluite, 258.
Wiaerite, 148.
Withamite. 245.
Witherite, 145, 150.
Wittichenite, HI.
INDEX TO THE MINERALS IN PART II.
307
Wrehlf-rito, 264.
Wftthite, 213.
Wolfachite, 107.
WolSmite. } 129. 130, 197. 198.
Wolfsbergite, 116.
Wolchonakoite, 2.33.
VVollastonite, 2.5.3, 264.
Wood Opal, 215.
Wood Tin, 219.
Woodwardite, 167.
Wulfenite, 196, 198.
Wurtzite (Hexagonal Blende), 308.
Xanthite, 258.
Xanthacone, 152.
Xanthophyllitc, 228.
Xanthosiderite (var. Brown Iron Ore),
200.
Xenolite, 21.3.
Xenotime, 175.
Xylite, 274.
Xylotile, 273.
Yellow-Ochre, 200.
Yttrocerite, 192.
Yttrotantalite, 134.
Yttrotitanite, 244.
Zaratite, 148.
Zeauonite, 276.
Zeolites, 286 to 291.
Zepharovichite, 179.
Zeunerite, 153.
Ziegenite, 109.
Zinc Blende, 109, 131, 136, 161, 169.
Zino Bloom, 147.
Zincite, 201, 207.
Zinc Spar, 145,
Zinc Vitriol (Goslarite), 165.
Zinkenite, 116.
Zippeite, 168.
Zircon, 211, 220.
Zoiaite, 258, 263.
Zorgite, 110.
Zwieselite, 175.
Zygadite, 260.
OMITTED SPECIES.
The following species have been accidentally overlooked in the
body of the work, but all are of quite rare occurrence.
Table III. Division A, page 109 :
{Ag and Fe reactions).
Sternbergite : Ag 35, Fe 36, S 29. Orthorhombic. Crystals
mostly tabular and pseudo-hexagonal in aspect, with marked basal
cleavage. Occurs also in flexible leafy examples. Tombac-brown or
iron-black, with blue tarnish. HI to 1-5; G 4-2 to 4-3. Fusible
BB into a silver-coated magnetic globule.
Table XVI. Subdivision A\ immediately following Sphalerite,
page 161.
ADDENDA.
308
WuiiTZiTR : ('An, Yv) S, Tn hexagonal prisms with basal and ver-
tical cluavago ; also in lanioliar ihumhoh. Bi'owniHli-l)lack, with light-
brown streak. H 3-5 to 4 j G 4. Infusiblu IMi, or fritting on thin
odgos only.
Taule XXVIII. Subdivision A'-, to follow Klipsteinite, pago
282.
Mosandiute: Na-'O, CaO, CoO, LnO, DiO, TiO'-', SiO-i, H-0.
Rhombic (I) but essontially in broad-tibrous or lanudlar, easily cli;av-
able masses. Reddish or yellowish-brown with light-yellow streak.
H4'0; O about 3. Fusible with intumescence into a brownish or
dull-green bead.
ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS.
Page 65 — In column 3, after " Selenides," insert "and Telluride.s."
Pago 99— Lino 3 from bottom, for SiO=* read SiO-.
Page 145 — Line 9 from bottom, for " Hei{.matite," read " Har-
MATITE."
Page 147— Lino 14, for "o)i" read "an."
Page 155 — For "Bekzeline" read " Beuzelite."
Page 171 — Line 17, erase the asterisk before V.
" —Line 20, for " Anhydride " read " Anhydrite."
Page 198 — Footnote, for "descriptive" read "deceptive."
Page 209 — Line 5 from bottom, insert after "red," "green, green-
ish-white."
Page 221 — Line 4 from bottom, for " i)yramidal," read "pyramid."
Page 244 — Line 5 from bottom, for ■i;^ read B^.
Page 248 — Under Hornblende, for " Actynolite," read " Actino-
lite."
Page 256 — To description of Asbestus add, " Mountain Cork, in
white or light-coloured, spongy, sub-fibi'ous, or foliated-compact
masses, is a variety.
308