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miiiiiiiiMii

ANJ{i

GOLD-SIMEE'S HA.N

.Hi-)

IE DOMINION

lNii;Mii:[> l«» hi; fjSKl) IN TffK nia'iiij
OOIM'KU, VNI> OTTIKK METAI.S KO

Ol' (.'ANAIM. I NITKI) STA'IKS, AND BIMTISB
rOJ.UMFMA

SO IJiMPLiKIEI) AK T«;t UK fNUKKSlitUl* UY ANY MAN OF
OhlJlXAKY CAl'ACITA'.

1^ H O M A S H U G FI E S

;IJIV11. KNdlNKlill ANJ>P. LH.

KAPANEE:

PUBLISH KO r. Y S. VIVIAN, ROOKSKLLER.
ANO sol.D l',Y A. S. liaiN(i. ToltONTo, ITNIs <t <;<>., (LIFTON, V.C,

\Nr> AM. HOOKsHI.LKHn.
PHTOF, TWlilXTY-FrVK OK NTS.

^' ' _. ;>M^^T"'^!^PH"9|"HiipipnivpqHHHHB

il
ii

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T H E

GOLD •SEEKER'S HANDBOOK.

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THE

'^^ "^

GOLD-SEEKER'S HANDBOOK '

AND

vit^tial §^!$i!!Siipi!St;

INTENDED TO BE USED IN THE DETECTION OF GOLD, SILVER,

COPPER, AND OTHER METALS FOUND IN THE DOMINION

OF CANADA, UNITED STATES, AND BRITISH

COLUMBIA.

80 SIMPLIFIED AS TO BE UNDERSTOOD BY ANY MAN OF
-r ORDINARY CAPACITY.

THOMAS HUGHES,

CIVIL ENGINEER AND P.L.S.

1:1

NAPANEE :

PUBLISHED BY S. VIVIAN, BOOKSELLER.
AND SOLD DY A. S. IRVING, TORONTO, TUNIS & CO., CLIFTON, U.C,

AND ALL BOOKSELLERS.

PRICE TWENTY-FIVE CENTS.

1867.

, ■ I

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cr^.

n ^j ^--^ ' c: -.<^

JUN 21 1955

mmmm

PREFACE.

This little ^work does not claim to rank high as a
scientific production. It is indebted for its origin to
the recent discoveries of various minerals, and espe-
cially gold, in different parts of the Dominion of
Canada, now added to the splendid developments of
California and British Columbia, and is intended
chiefly for the use of those not deeply read in the lore
of our colleges. But whilst it shall be the constant
aim of the author to state all facts in the plainest
admissible terms, yet he trusts that he will not" be
suspected of a desire to ignore or despise the learning
of the scientific. Far from this ; inasmuch as it is
said that " simplicity is the perfection of art." He
hopes that this unpretending work will be found to
be based upon true science, although clothed in a
plain and simple garb.

Whilst it is the design of the author to furnish to
the public a safe and reliable guide as to the search-
ing for, and detection of, minerals, he does not profess
to establish any new theories. His only merit, if such

there be, consists in presenting in a cheap and acces-
1*

'"i

1*11" J •!:

"»«r-

VI.

rREFACE.

siblc form what otherwise could only he got iroiii
hooks of much cost and deep research.

It is hy no ni(;ans the intention of this work to
supersede the labours of the analytical chemist, whose
researches often call for an amount of scientific train-
ing, as Avell as of man\ial dexterity and costly appa-
ratus, much exceeding the means of those for whom
this work is intended. It is hoped, however, Lhat
through its means the public will be able to form a
tolerably correct idea as to the prevalence, in paying
quantities, of valuable metals in certain localities, so
that, should they be doomed in some cases to disap-
pointment as regards a " golden future," they may, at
least, be spared the unavailing sacrifice of valuable
time and means ; whilst those to whom the prospects
seem brighter may be encouraged to persevere in
more extended and complete examinations.

Should this work be the means either of aiding in
the development of our hidden mineral wealth, or of
preserving unsuspecting men from certain ruin,
through a want of knowledge in searching for mineral
treasure, the object of the author, as well as of the
Publisher, will have been amply attained.

In conclusion, the author desires to acknowledge
his indebtedness to several writers, from whom he
has derived much valuable information.

)e got Iroiii

his work to
sniist, wliose
iiitific train-
3ostly appa-
e for whom
wever, Lliat
e to form a
3, in paying
ocalities, so
3s to disap-
ley may, at
of valuable
le prospects
ersevere in

I'lJEFACE.

Vll.

Amongst those deserving of especial mention is a
"Manual of ]\Iineralogy" by James Nicol, F.Pi.S.E.,
F.G.S. ; also the "Book of Science," by John M.
Moffatt, Esq., and the "Gold-seeker's Manual," by
Professor Ansted, F.li.S.

of aiding in
ealth, or of
rtain ruin,
for mineral
1 as of the

3knowledge
I whom he

I
c

•m^imm'

CONTENTS.

Page.

Preftice 5

Chapter 1. — Physical properties of minerals — hard-
ness, colour, weight, taste and odour,

crystalline form, &c 11

2. Gold, its lithological position, treatment

upon a large scale, mode of assay-
ing, &c IG

3. Silver 24

4. Lead 30

5. Copper 34

'6. Iron 38

7. Tin, Tungsten 43

8. Zinc, Arsenic, Manganese, Plumbago... 4G

9. Mercury, Antimony, Tellurium 51

10. Platina, Palladium, Osmium-iridlum,

Iridium 54

11. Nickel, Bismuth, Cobalt,, Molybdena... 57

M (

si
ni
ni

C(
01

u
a

-wrn-'Vf^irr

""^^^BBW"'

THE GOLD-SEEKER'S HANDBOOK.

CHAPTER I.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF MINERALS ; HARDNESS ; COLOUR ;
WEIGHT ; TASTE AND ODOUR ; CRYSTALLINE FORM, &C.

Although it is not intended to write a treatise upon
Mineralogy, yet as the metals at present under con-
sideration are, of course, also mines xs, it will be
needful to give some general marks of a physical
nature, whereby, as well as by varieties of chemical
constitution, minerals are distinguished from each
other.

We shall begin with hardness. By it is generally
implied the ability to resist abrasion or scratching,
and it is to be carefully distinguished from consistency,
which signifies tenacity rather than hardness. Thus,
a substance may be at ^he same time very hard and
very brittle ; or it i^ay be extremely soft, and at the
same time tough, or tenacious.

One substance is said to be harder than another
when it will scratch, but cannot be scratched by that
other. Thus, flint is said to be harder than chalk.

Minerals are usually ranged in nine or ten classes
as regards hardness No. 1, or the lowest step in the
scale, is usually occupied by talk, a soft kind of mica
(isinglass) ; whilst at the other end of the scale is
placed the diamond, as the hardest known substance.

i «

THE GOLD-SEKKKK S HANDBOOK.

Colour is also sometiiues useful in distinguishing
minerals ; but it is by no means an infallible guide,
inasmucli as many substances, naturally colourless,
are often, through accidental impurities, found pre-
senting every imaginable colour.

Lustre is associated with colour, and is often of
much importance. The principal kinds of lustre are
the adamantine (diamond), vitreous (glassy), oily,
resinous, fatty, pearly, and metallic.

Weight is an essential and valual)le element in
tlie determination of mineral species, and particularly
in the case oi metals, many of which differ greatly in
this respect.

The usual mode of estimatino; the weight of min-
erals is ])y stating wliat is termini tlieir " specific
gravity," or tlie proportion tliat then- weiglit bears to
that of nu equal bulk of water ; the latter being
always put at 1. Tlius gold being, upon the average,
eighteen times as heavy as distilled water, its specific
gravity is said to Ise 18.

Taste and odour are obvious (jualiiies of some
minerals, but cannot be very extensively applied to
practical ]nirposes.

Taste is chiefly confined to saline minerals, and is
very evident in most cases where it exists, as in rock
salt (chloride of sodium), and alum (sulphate of
alumina).

Hornblendic species are distinguished ])y a bitter
clayey smell when breathed uj)()n ; and a particular
Ivind of limestone, called stinkstone or swinestone,
has, as its name' significantly indicates, a very dis-
afjreenhle odour.

THE GOLD-SEEKERS IIANDIiOOK.

liiiguishing
ible guide,
I colourless,
found pre-
ps often of
lustre are
Issy), oily,

element in
articularly
greatly in

ht of min-
' " speciiic
lit hears to
itter bein
le average,
its specific

s of some
applied to

lis, and is
as in rock
Ipliate of

•y a l)itter
particular
vinestone,
verij dis-

Crystalline form, altliougli mentioned last, is 1)y no
means the least important amongst the distinguishing
features of ndnerals, inasmuch as there are few indeed
of the mineral l)odies, especially amongst the metals,
tliat do not at thiies present themselves in the crys-
talline form.

A crystal form may he defined to he a regularly
formed geometrical solid; sucli, for example, as the
cube, as seen in grains of common salt, or the octa-
liedron in crystals of alum, familiar to most ]3eople.

Crystal forms are generally divided int(j six sys-
tems. Tliese are the tesseral, or cubic ; tlie tetragonal,
or four-sided ; the liexagonal ; tlie rhondiic ; the
monoclinohedric and tlie tricliiioliedric.

To the first of these systems l)elong all such forms
as may be created by modification of the cube, or
octahedron, such as tlie cutting off of angles, edges,
&c. Hence arise a great variety of regular figures ; as,
for instance, the tetraliedron, or figure of lour triangu-
lar faces ; four kinds of dodecahedrons, or figures of
twelve faces, having different forms, such as triangular,
rluunbic, &c. In addition to these are created in the
cubic system five figures of twenty-four faces, and
one of forty-eight ; the form of the faces lieiiig tri-
an<»les, and four-sided fii^ures of various kinds.

The tetragonal system comprehends a variety of
four-sided, and also prismatic and pyramidal figures
of four and eight sides, derived by modifying causes from
what may l)e termed ad(jable reguhir ])yri\mid, or tw(^
l)yramids joined at their bases, the plane of junction
of tliese pyramids being a rectangle.
2

ijj*

■^^

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

Tlie hexagonal and rhombic systems are in like
manner based upon the supposition of double regular
pyramids, the plane of the base being'in^^the one case
a hexagon, and in the latter a rhomb.

From these systems also proceed a great]^number
of pyramids and ])risms, liaving from tliree to twelve
sides.

The hexagonal system likewise produces the well-
known figure termed a " rhombohedron," so frequently
seen in some kinds of calc-spar. This figure'^may be
described as a solid bounded by six equal and^parallel
rhombs.

The monoclinohedric and triclinohedric systems
are somewhat more complicated in their develop-
ments than those of tlie rhombic, although they are
based upon precisely similar principles, the differences
of form arising from the fact that instead of the fun-
damental pyramid being perpendicular, as in the
rhombic system, it is in the monoclinohederic inclin-
ed in one direction, and in the triclinohedric in two
directions to the base.

Of the six systems of crystalography, the triclino-
hedric is the least represented among mineral bodies
and is, consequently, the least deserving of lengthened
notice.

It may be further remarked of crystals, that they
are seldom peifcctly formed ; the sides and edges being
often curved and distorted, whilst portions of the
figure are often wanting.

They are often, also, grouped together in apparently
great confusion, although in reality all the varying

THE GOLD-SEEKEU'S HANDBOOK.

are in like
)le regular
e one case

if^number
to twelve

the well-
Tequently
e^may be
d^parallel

3 systems

develop-

tliey are

ifferences

the fun-

s in the

'ic inclin-

3 in two

i triclino-
al bodies
ngthened

combinations are the result of the most certain and
unchanging principles.

In general, the smallest crystals are by fai the
most perfect, both as regards symmetry of form and
completeness of development.

Sihat they
ges being
s of the

)parently
varying

THE (lOLD-SEEKEUS HANDBOOK.

i ii

CHAPTER IT.

GOLD ; ITS LITHOLOaiCAL POSITION ; EATMENT UPON A LARGE
SCALE ; MODE OF A-i-kHNG &C.

Gold, in a state of perfect purity, does not seem
to exist in nature.

It appears always to be more or less mixed with
silver, as also copper, iron and other metals ; but fre-
quently, these latter ingredients are so limited in
quantity as to be practically disregarded, and the com-
pound is termed " native gold."

Gold, in its natural state, varies nnich in colour,
according as it is alloyed with silver and other metals.
It is found presenting many variations of yello^^',
from a pale light to a deep gold yellow, or to a bronze
yellow. Tliis metal is remarkal)ly ductile and malle-
able.

Gold crystallizes in forms of the tesseral system,
the usual fisj^ures beinsjj the octahedron, cube, and some
varieties of twelve and twenty-four sided figures. The
crystals are generally quite small, and the lustre of
native gold is generally bright, although sometimes. it
is rather dull.

Gold is also connnon in wire-like, arl)orescent,
interlacing, or moss-like forms, and in plates and folio.
Very frequently it is found disseminated, often in
particles of microscopic minuteness. It is also found

assB

THE GOLD-SEBKERS HANDBOOK.

ON A LARGE

not seem

xed witli

; but fre-

imited in

tlie com-

H colour,
^r luetaLs.
t' ye]lo^\',
ii bronze
<1 malle-

systen],
11(1 some
3s. TJie
istre of
fcimes.it

i^escent,

id folio.

"ten in

found

i
i

in the' form of nuggets of varying shape and size,
some of them weighing nearly 100 lbs.

As regards hardness, gold stands very low, being
only put at from 2 J to 3 in the scale of 10, the
diamond being at the head of the scale.

The specific gravity of gold is from 17. to 19.4.

Gold is one of the most Widely-distributed minerals,
being found not only in beds, nests, and veins, usually
of small extent, occurring in various rocks, such as
granite, syenite, greenstone, claystone-porphyry, tra-
chyte, the crystalline slates, and transition strata, but
also disseminated through these rocks.

It is likewise often found in connection with iron
pyrites, quartz, carbonaceous matter, mica, calc-spar,
and even in coal strata, and sometimes in volcanic rocks,
and the lower sandstones.

Gold is also sometimes found in great abundance
in the sand and gravel deposits of rivers, and in some
of these deposits in the East India islands it is often
accompanied by platina, iridium, magnetite, nigrine,
rutile, anatase, chromite, zircon, and diamond.

As gold is not found mineralized, or in the state
of ore, like the generality of metals, but either pure or
else combined with some other metals to form an
alloy, the metallurgic processes for reducing it are,
generally, simpler than in most other cases.

This metal is derived from two general sources ;
being either mixed with sand, gravel, and earthy mat-
ter, in valleys, ravines, and the beds of rivers; or in
veins, mostly of quartz, and is then obtained Iby
mining, like minerals in general.
2*

i'i

T5r

THK (iULD-SHEKi:!! S IIAXDIii »( >K.

Tiic modes of tveatiiiciit ref[iiire(l to olitain ^>(»](1
ill ti istatti of ]nn'ity vary accovdiiiLi; to the state in
Vvdiieli it is lound in the situations just mentioned.

(Jold ol)tained from alluvial soils in mi;4'o'ets and
grains, may l)e se])arated more or less from tlie suh-
staiices l>y whieji it is eontaminated hy v/asliing.
This operation is often ])erfo'rmed on tlie s])ot Vvdierc
it is ])r(Knired. Thus the i^old-seekers sometimes
wash the auriferous sands in a sieve held in the
hand, or else use inelined tahles covered Avith coarse
woollen cloth, ttc. The sandy material then heuii;-
placed upon the tnhle in small quantities, over ■which
a stream of water is conducted, the lighter Darticles
are Avashed awiiy, and tlie ])articles of ij,"old detained
hy their sujierior weii^ht upon the surface of the cloth.
A rocking' motion heing given to the tahle renders
this process more complete. The gold thus olitained
may he further purified hy amalgamation with mer-
cury, or l)y cupellation.

( Jold is also found pure in veins, hut sometimes
in a state o'i minute division, and so lilended with
other hodies as to re([uire various operations iV)r its
extraction. It is thus procured in Hungary; and in
this case the A\'hole contents of the vein, holding
small particles or strings, or little nests of native gold,
are hroken int(j small pieces, and carefully examined ;
the grains, Vvdiere perceptilde, lieing detached i'voui
the ma.trix, which is cluetiy (|uartL. The i)oorer
parts are then stamped hy heams of wood, shod
w4th iron, and worked hy machinery, and thus the
ore is crushed t(j a powder upon an iron plate.

•■«' /

TiiK (;om)-s!:kkki; s iiAxniMfiK.

le state in
iitioiied.
i.U'i^'et.s and
1 the su])-
vriisliiiio'.
j)ot Vvdiore
.soiiic'tiiiies
?ld \\\ tlie
ith coarse
fieii \m\Y^
ver Avliicli
' particles

detained
the clotli.
e renders

obtained
ritli nier-

3metimes
:led with
ts for its
; and in
holding-
;ive gold, ,
aniined ;
ed i'roni
5 poorer
)d, shod -
hus the
1 plate.

t*l

This ])()'NV(l;'r is ruen dani])ed l>y thv(>\\iiig wiiter con-
tuhiing salt ii])(>n it, and a (iiiiintity <»f iiiercuvy ])eing
put into a hag of ])orons leath(:^r, is forced throngli the
])ores, and (h'o]t])ing on the damped ])ow(ler in a
minutely divided state, is kneaded n]» with it. This
]»aste, contiiining mercury and gold thus incorporated,
is ai'ter»wa,rds heated in a ]>roj»er vessel, to uhout the
tem])erature ol'ljoiling v.-. iter, for three or four da3^s, •
The mixture is then wa-'ied ciirei'ully in small parcels
at a time, so tliat tlie earthy jtarticles are waslioil olf
leaviuLi" onlv th.e auiaf'^am oi' mercury and gold. Part
of tlie mercuiy is then sejiarated ])y jU'essure in a
leathern hag, and the re-^t i^' <li'iven oh* hy distillation,
leaving ])ehin<i the gold, a.nd a.lso a jiortion oi' silver
with wliich it inay he idloved.

When gold occui's in a, matrix, . aisisting of iron
pyrites (suljjliuret of iron), galena (sul])huret of lead),
&c., in v>duch th.e gold exists in invisible particles,
the masses of ore arebrolveuhy hand into small pieces,
and then reduced by the stamps to j^ov.'der, Avliicli is
carried by a stream of ^^'ater to a series of jnts, hi
which the heaviest particles subside, the lighter earthy
matter being" carried away by the current.

After repeated Avashings, the metallic parts, con-
sisting chieily of iron ])yrites arid galena, are roasted
in a reverberatory furnace, with a ])roportion of cpiick
lime, at fi read heat, but n(jt so as to fuse the mass,
until part of the sulphur is driven off; the hre is
then increased, and the whole l)rought to a state of
thin fusion, and then let out into a mould of sand.

During the fusion, the iron, on account of its

THE GOLD-SEKKEK S HANDBOOK.

strong affinity for sulpluir, resumes the portion of
which it liacl been deprived by previous roasting, by
decomposing the sulphurets of lead, copper, «&c., with
which it is mixed; in consequence of which these
metals, by specific gravity, fall in drops through the
vitreo-ferruginous scoriie, carrying with them the
gold and silver, and unite at the bottom, in a dense
metallic mass. Hence the " pig," that is formed in
the mould of sand, is found to consist of two parts,
adhering to eacli other, l)ut easily separable by the
hammer ; the uppermost, and largest portion, is com-
posed of cellular scDria;, beneath which is a black,
heavy, compact mass, containing the cjold and silver,
together with lead, copper, some sulphur and iron .
tliis is now broken into small pieces, roasted and
fused once or twice more, until the sulphur and other
impurities are separated, leaving nothing but the
gold, silver, lead and copper.

The separation of gold from lead is effected by
" cupellation." The cupel, or test, is a porous infusi-
ble earthy mass, with a hollow concavity at the top
for the reception of the metal ; this being placed in a
furnace, so as not to be in contact with the burning
fuel, and a current of air at the same time passing
over the surface of the test, the metal is brought
almost to a state of boiling ; at this temperature, the
lead becomes changed to the state of a vitreous oxide?
which sinking into the pores of the tost, leaves the
gold behind ; and if the ore contained silver and cop-
per, subsequent processes will be required to eftect
their separation.

A-y

TIIK (iOl.D-SEEKKK S HANDHOOK.

portion of
oasting, by
', &c., with
liich tliese
irougli the
them the
ill a dense
formed in
two parts,
Ijle by the
n, is corn-
is a black,
iiid silver,
and iron .
asted and
and other
but the

fleeted by
His infusi-
at the top
laced in a
e burning
le passing
brought
iture, the
)us oxidcj
eaves the
and cop-
. to efl:ect

Having glanced at the distinguisliing features of
gold, as also the methods of treating it upon a large
scale, we shall now proceed to explain to the reader
how he may, by observation and simple experiments,
satisfy himself as to the presence or abseiu^e of gold
in certain localities.
■ Gold is the heaviest of nil metals except platina,
and one or two very rare metals; it is more than
twice as heavy as iron or copper, and six or seven
times the weight of quartz or otlier non-inetallic min-
erals. It is also, as we have stated, one of the softcd
of metals, and sometimes of dullish lustre, and it can
> be beaten into thin plates. liy l)earing these marks
ill view, it will not be hard to distinguish gold from
, the substances that most nearty resemble it, sucli as
• iron and copper pyrites, and various tinted micas ; the
pyrites being harder and far /I'l/Jiter than gold, and also
^;; very J'riftic, wliilst their lustre is greater. The dif-
ferent kinds of mica are l>ut one-sixth }iart of the
weight of gold, and have a brigliter lustre.

In making examinations of sraid for gold, tlie

material may first be well roasted in an ordinary

i iron ladle, or common crucibk'. This will have the

^ eflect 01 expelling tlie sulphur irom all pyritous siib-

' stances, and thus destroying their gold-like aj)pear-

. ance, and the niateriail may then be washed upon a

, hoard, covered with cloth as above descriljed, and

quicksilver may be afterwards added, if it is suspected

, that (.'•((Id exists in the form of line dust, as is some-

\ times tlie ease. The mercmy inny bo very easily

discharged from an aiualgain {tfuvl I and mercury hy

THE GOLD-SEEKER\S HANDBOOK.

distillation, as previously mentioned, or it may be
simply driven off, or volatilized by the application of
heat to an open vessel.

Wliere quartz or other minerals are to be tested
for gold, it is a good plan to expose the material to a
read heat for several hours. This, besides expelling
the sulphur as before mentioned, if such be present,
will, in general, much faciiiate the subsequent crush-
ing of the material, Avhich forms the next process.
The crushed matter, now being in the state of sand, is
to be dealt A\'ith accordingly.

Supposed gold may be tested by applying to it
nitric acid, which acts with more or less violence
upon all metals, save gold only ; the latter being
affected by '•' aqua regia" (nitro muriatic acid) alone.
By means of these two acids gold may be separated
from its alloy of silver. If the gold forms only a
fourth part, or less of the mixture, it must be heated
with nitric acid, which giv es it a black colour, and
gradually removes the silver. If the proportion of
gold is greater, the nitro muriatic acid must be used,
which holds the gold in solution ; from tliis solution, the
sulphate of iron (green vitriol) being added, throws
down metallic gold.

As regards the crushing of quartz, &c., for experi-
mental purposes, although the agate mortar and por-
celain pestle furnish the completest means, yet the
operation may be performed tolerably well by means
of a common hammer and any hard and smooth sur-
face, tlie material being first broken into small pieces,
and then crushed to a powder by a rotary motion of
the hammer.

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

it may be
^plication of

to be tested
aaterial to a
es expelling
be present,
iient crusli-
;xt process. »*
3 of sand, is ||

inlying- to it
ss violence
itter l^eing
acid) alone,
e separated
•ms only a
t be heated
colour, and
oportion of
Lst be used,
jlution, the
led, throws

for experi-
r and por-
ns, yet the

by means
nooth sur-
lall pieces,

motion of ^

Gold in combination with silver, copper, &c., may
be assayed in the following simple manner : —

The material is first ground to powder, and is then
mixed with three times its weight of pure lead, ob-
tained by melting " sugar of lead ;" the whole is then
fused, and nitric acid is added, which dissolves the
silver, &c., leaving the gold belnnd. The gold is after-
wards washed and dried.

It may be observed that the gold-bearing rocks of
the United States are frequently micaceous, or talcose
chists, with veins or beds of quartz — the gold
extending into the rock on either side from the
quartz.

The veins worked in Orange Co., Virginia, appear
to run K K E. and S. S. W., and dip to K E., the
ores consisting of iron pyrites, various oxides and hy-
drous oxides of iron, and sulphuret of copper, all rich
in natwe gold.

In Brazil, gold is found in a soft kind of gneiss,
which is traversed by a great number of quartz veins
running in planes nearly perpendicular to the hori-
zon. In these veins alone the gold is found in its
matrix, traversing the spar in small threads or filling
up every interstice between the crystals so completely
as to seem like metal fused and poured into a mould.

THE GOLD-SEKKEK'S HANDBOOK.

CHAPTER III.

SIIiVEli.

SiLYEK, like gold, is seldum found iu a «tato of com-
plete purity, Ijeiiig more or less mixed witli gold, pla-
tina, lead and copper, and sometimes antimony, Ijis-
mutli and arsenic.

The colour of native silver is pure metallic white,
but it is often tarnished yellow, red, lm)wn, or black.

Tlie crystals of silver are very similar in form to

those of gold, consisting of the cube, (jctahedron, and

twelve and twenty-four-sided figures. They are usu-

. ally small, and oiten v.'edge or segment-sluijied, l'r(nn

the sliortcning or lengthening of one ol' the sides.

Silver is also common in capiUary, filiform, moss-
lii<e, ar])orescent, or tooth-like forms ; in leaves, plates,
or crusts, and also nuissive or disseminated. Jt is,
like gold, veiy maliealde and ductile.

Tiiis metal- retpiires a great heat to melt it, but by
a iierce and long-continued tire it may he volatilized.
It does not tarnisli in the air from the a])sor])tion of
oxygen ; but wlien sid})]iurous vapours are present
its surface becomes tinged witli i)urple, from the for-
mation of sulphuret of silver ; and the same effect is
})roduced wlien a silver spoon is dipped in the yolk
of an egg;, wliich contains sulphur.

Silver also reseml)les gold in its extreme softness,

ate of coin-
gold, pla-
inoiiy, l^is-

illic white,
, or black,
in form to
edron, and
7 arc usii-
aped, I'roni

orni, nioss-
ves, plates,
cd. It is,

it, but l)y

k'olatilized.
sorption of
t'o present
m the for-
le effect is
I the yolk

e softness,

THE r,OLI)-SP:EKP:K S HANDBOOK.

or.

ranging only from two to three in the scale of liard-
ness. It is from ten to eleven times as lieavy as
water.

By means of the blowpipe it may be fnsed, and
on cooling sometimes crystallizes in octahedrons.
Easily soluble in nitric acid ; the solution colours the
skin black ; and with hydrocldoric (muriatic) acid
gives a voluminous white precipitate (deposit), which
in the light becomes first bluish, then brown, and
black.

Silver is found in veins, and occasionally in beds
in crystalline or primitive rocks, such as gneiss (strati-
fied granite), mica and hornblende slates ; in gmnite,
syenite and pophyry ; also in the transition and older
secondary rocks, along with various ores of lead, cop-
per, &c., and mixed with calc-spar, fluor-spar, quartz,
and hornstone.

Silver is found more frequently pure, or in the
state of alloy, than most other metals, but it is most
plentiful in the state of native silver. The metal is
occasionally found in immense masses ; the silver
mines of Kongsberg, Norway, formerly afforded speci-
mens weighing from 100 to 150 pounds, and in the
mine called Nye Forhaabning one was raided 560
pounds in weight, which is still preserved in the
royal cabinet at Copenhagen.

Silver is extracted from its ores either by smelting,
in a manner similar to that practised with regard to
other metals, or by amalgamation with mercury.

Silver, like gold, frequently requires to be subjected
to the process of cupellation to separate it from oxi-

M«S'

! i

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

1'^

(lizable metals. This method of purifying silver is
adopted in Persia, and is thus described in Brande's
" Journal of Science," Vol. 8 : —

" A sort of basin is made, either by excavating
the ground or by arranging stones in a circle.

" This is from nine to twelve or fourteen inches
wide, and is incomplete at the side in one place for
the reception of the fuel, which by its combustion is
to melt tlie metal.

"The fuel consists of two large and long logs
of wood, which are placed with their ends in the
aperture, on the edge of the basin.

" These ends are lighted by placing on them burn-
ing fuel ; and then the blast from a pair of bellows is
directed so as to pass across the fire, and thus drive
the flame and heat into the basin, acting as a large
blowpipe.

"Lead containing sih^er, or impure silver, with
the addition of lead, is then placed in the basin ; and
being soon melted and heated by the flame, it is puri-
fied as by common cupellation.

" The litharge (vitrified oxide of lead) is forced off
to the sides as it is formed, and either absorbed or
lost ; and as the wood burns away before the blast of
air, the logs are thrust onward, until all is consumed ;
then fresh logs are supplied, if necessary, or the pro-
cess stopped, as may be found convenient."

Silver ores are often smelted in the following
simple manner: —

The ore is first calcined in a puddle furnace, a
proportion of lime having been added to act as a flux,

^^s

-,3^,

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

silver is i
I Brande's

xcavatins:

en inches

place for

bustion is

long logs
is in the

em burn-

ellows is

|hus drive

IS a large

ver, with
Lsin; and
t is puri-

'orced off
5orbed or
! blast of

nsumed ;
the pro-

3llowing

mace, a
s a flux,

that is, to assist the melting process. This process is
continued for sixteen hours, during which time the
mass is stirred continually.

A black lead pot, of about two gallons capacity, is
then nearly filled with the melted ore, to which is
added, nitre J lb. and flour 2 lbs.

It is allowed to remain in the hot furnace one
hour, at a wliite hepi and is then poured into a
mould.

The silver sinks to the bottom, and the " slag "
remains at the top ; wliicli, when cold, is easily separ-
able from the pure metal.

Silver may l^e assayed by either of the three
methods, viz. : the " mechanical," the " dry," or
" moist " assay.

Wliere native silver, in a state of comparative
purity, is only mechanically mixed with certain
mineral ingredients, the mechanical assay may be re-
sorted to. This is essentially the same process as that
described in the case of Gold ; such as crushing, wash-
ing, amalgamation with mercury, &c. For assaying
by the dry method, the blowpipe is an essential agent.

The assay (or mineral to be tried) is reduced to
powder, and kneaded up with moist soda, or other
suitable flux, into a small ball, not larger than a pep-
percorn— which being placed in a hollow formed in a
piece of charcoal, is then in a fit state to be acted on
by the blowpipe.

Silver, in its metallic state, is at once known, and
from many combinations can be readily extracted on
charcoal.

THE GOLD-SEEKEK S HANDBOOK.

! >

■■\i

Other conibinatioiis, and the metallic siilplmrets
in whicli it is iucidentally present, are thus tested :

The pulverized assay, mixed with borax, glass and
lead, is melted by the " reducing " flame, and then
kept for some time in tlie oxidating flame, by which
a granule of argentiferous (silver) lead is obtained.
This lead is then melted by the oxidating flame in a
small cupel of bone ashes, previously ignited, and the
heat continued until it is nearly changed to litharge.

The very argentiferous lead grain is now heated
in another cupel, into which the lead sinks, and
leaves behind a grain of silver, sometimes cupreous or
auriferous.

From its solution in nitric acid, silver is thrown
down by muriatic acid, as a white chloride, which in
the light soon becomes black, is soluble in ammonia,
and can be again precipitated from the solution, by
nitric acid, as chloride of silver.

Silver ore may be assayed in the moist way by
reducing a small quantity of it to powder, digesting
it in nitric acid, and mixing the filtered liquid with a
solution of common salt (chloride of sodium.) A
chloride of silver will then be precipitated, contain-
ing, when dried, 75 per cent, of metal ; or the chloride
may be reduced by fusing it with three times its
weight of sub-carbonate of soda.

Chloride of silver may also l)e reduced in the
following manner :

l*ut the chloride into a small vessel of zinc, or
cast iron, containing a little water, and leave it tliere
a short time. If the vessel be clean tlie decomposition

■PHMPi

r,^.i^..

suljjliiirets
[lus tested :
X, glass and
e, and then
e, by which
is obtained.
I flame in a
:ed, and the
to litharge,
low heated

sinks, and
cupreous or

is thrown
e, which in
I ammonia,
olution, by

st way by
', digesting
luid with a
)dium.) A
d, contain-
he chloride
3 times its

3ed in the

THE gold-seeker's HANDBOOK

will soon take place ; otherwise a little muriatic or
sulphuric acid may be added. The metallic product
may be washed with muriatic acid.

Silver may also be precipitated from its acid solu-
tion by means of copper plates immersed in the solu-
tion.

'I*

I
I

,;«

1'<

of zinc, or
^e it tliere
omposition

THE (iOLD-SEEKKKS llANDIJOOK.

CHArTEii n;

Li:.vi).

\ i, {

This metul is not found vuiy al)nn(l;intly in r. state
of ])urity, or as native lead; l>ut is nKjve common in
ores and associated witli other metals and minerals,
sucli as silver, siili^hnr, copper, ^'c. — as in j^'alena, tlie
various l(j;id salts', cVc, o}' Avhich, ;io-,\'ever, ^^alena is
the most importiint, as well as tlie most common ol"
the ores of lead, beiuLi," the ]'rinci|»al source from wiiich
it is derived..

i^ative lead does not appear in the crystal form,
only capillary, filifoi'm, or branched, andintln'n plates,
or disseminated. It is ductile and malleal)le. Its
colour is l')luisli grey, \\'ith a Ijlackish tarnish.

Lead is still softer tlian wdd, the denTee of liard-
ness bcino' only l.o. Its speciiic gravity is 11.3, or
more than eleven times as lieavv as water. It is a
readily fusible metal, and thougli meallealjle and duc-
tile, is deficient in tenacity.

Lead has l)een found in consideral)le alnindance in
vesicular cavities of lava, on the island of Madeira.
It is niucli associated with silver, and is met with in
the carboniferous limestone. Galena, as the most im-
portant ore of lead, may be thus described : —

It crystallizes in the tesseral system ; the usual ^
forms being the culje, octahedron, and twelve and

THE (lOLD-BEEKER S IIANDnOOK.

M <i state
iiiuoii ill

miiierals,
leun, tlie
iali'iKi is
iniiou of

111 wijicli

id ioriii,
1 plates,
>le. Its

'f liard-
11.3, or
it is a
id (liic-

aiice iu
adeira.
'itli ill
)st ini-

usual
e and

tweiity-four-sided ii inures. The crystals, of various sizes,
arc seldom perfectly formed.

Galena occurs most fre.-pieiitly massive, and dis-
seminated in granular, compact, and striated laminar
aogregates. This metal has a very perfect hexahedral
cleavage ; that is, in all cases of fracture or division,
it lias a strong tendency to preserve a cul)ical or rec-
tangular form.

Its colour hi lead-grey, •'ind when tarnished, be-
comes darker, or rarely iridescent. The lustre is often
brilliant. The degree of liardness is 2.5 ; and specific
LiTavitv 7.5.

it is soluble in nitric acid, with evolution of ni-
trous acid, and residue of sulpimr.

(laleiia usually contains a small proportion of sil-
ver, generally from 0.01 to 0.05, and very rarely 1 per
cent, or more.

The pure galena in tlie Hartz mountains contains
from 60 to 71 per cent, of Iqad, the remainder being
chieliy sul})hur.

Some galena contains selenium and antimony; cop-
per and platina are occasionally found in it. .

(Jalena is very common in rocks of all ages and
formations. It is found in veins of gneiss ; in mica
slate ; in transition clay-slate, and greywacke; in the
Killas ill Cornwall, and in the carboniferous limestones
of many countries. It also occurs in sandstone ; in
veins in granite ; and hi claystone porphyry ; and in
the Western States of North America, it occurs in im-
mense abundance in the cliff Ihnestone.

In the usual process for the smelting of lead ore,

! I-

THE gold-seeker's HANDBOOK.

the galena being freed by the hand and hammer from
all such impurities as can be readily separated from
it, is beaten into small pieces, and after thorough wash-
ing is placed in a reverberatory furnace, at a low red
heat, for some hours.

The effect of this roasting is to drive off the sulphur
and arsenic, without melting the lead, and when the
flame on the surface has changed from blue to a red-
dish white, the roasting is considered as finished, the
lead being converted into an oxide.

The roasting being completed in a moderate heat,
a small quantity of charcoal is added, the doors of the
furnace closed, and the reduction completed.

The lead is then found, in a reduced state, lying
at the bottom of the furnace, covered by a slag, two
or three inches in thickness ; the slag is then tapped,
and runs off.

Some quicklime, in powder, is now thrown down
upon the fused metal, which serves to raise and cake
the remaining slag, which, by means of a rake, is taken
from the surface.

This slag is nearly black, and is very heavy.

The lead is then suffered to run out of the furnace
into a pan, and the scum or dross being taken from
its surface, is thrown back into the furnace. The lead
is lastly ladled from the pan, into iron moulds, and
left to cool.

The ores of lead may be tested by means of the
blowpipe, the assay having first been prepared as de-
scribed in the case of silver.

Lead, in union with other metals, is known by the

THE (;ou)-seeker's handbook.

nmer from

•ated from

ugh wasli-

a low red

lie sulphur
when the
I to a red-
lished, the

jrate heat,
►ors of the

:ate, lying

slag, two

;n tapped,

)wn down

and cake

3, is taken

ivy.

le furnace

ken from

The lead

•ulds, and

sulphur-yellow deposit of the oxide, left on the char-
coal, when heated in the oxidating flame.

Its salts, treated with soda, in the reducing flame,
(,11 charcoal, are known both by the mark of the oxide,
and the reduction of the metallic lead.

The solutions of the lead salts are colourless, but
crive a black precipitate with sulphuretted hydrogen.
" The moist method of assay may also be used m

testing the ores of lead.

The roasted ore must be dissolved m nitric acid,
somewhat lowered, and the solution is to be diluted
with water, and precipitated by a sufficient quantity
of some soluble sulphate. This forms, with the oxide
of lead, sulphate of lead.

The precipitate, being washed and dried, always

contains 68 per cent, of metal.

In this mode of assay the silver which may be con-
tained in the ore will also be precipitated in the form

of sulphate. ^ i j

When it is necessary to assay sulphates ot lead,
either alone or mixed with other substances, the muri-
atic acid must be used instead of the nitric acid.

M:-

ns of the
•ed as de-

vn by the

THE GOLD-SKEKKK « HANDBOOK.

CHAPTEK V.

COPPER.

Copper crystallizes in the tesseral system, in forms
nearly similar to tliose of gold. The crystals are
small, and generally irregnlar, deformed and grown
together.

It often occurs filiform, moss-like, and arborescent ;
or in plates, and laminai ; also investing, massive and
disseminated, and sometimes in loose grains and
lumps.

It is malleable and ductile. Hardness =2. 5 to
3, and specific graYit3'"=8.7.

The colour is copper-red, with yellow or brown
tarnish.

This metal is rather easily fusible, colouring the
flame green.

It is readily soluble in nitric acid, and in ammo-
nia, with access of air, forms a blue solution.

Native copper sometimes contains a little iron or
other metals.

Copper occurs in veins and beds ; or disseminated
in granite, serpentine, and the crystalline schists ;
as also in the transition and secondary strata.

Some fine crystals have been found in fibrous
mesotype, in amygdaloidal trap rock.

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

, iu forms
ystah are
nd grown |

)orescent ;
issive and
^ains and .i

s=2.5 to

or brown

"ring the

n animo-

e iron or

minated
schists ;

fibrous

Large masses of copper, with silver adliering to
them, weighing from 1,630 lbs. to 4,000, have been
found near Lake Superior ; and a solid mass from
Cachoeira in Bahia, now in the museum of Lisbon,
weighed 2,600 lbs.

Fused copper, in favourable circumstances, crys-
tallizes in reojular octahedrons. It seems, sometimes
to be deposited in mines from water containing the
sulphate, and especially upon pieces of wood.

Copper exists in considerable variety in the form
of ore, as in the different copper salts, amongst
which is ranked the " malachite ;" also in the red and
green copper ores, and in the sulphuretted metal
known as copper pyrites.

The copper ores of Cornwall, England, from which
the metal is generally procured, are the yellow
sulphuret, a mixture of copper, sulphur and iron ;
also the sulphuret, or copper pyrites, containing about.
80 per cent, of copper.

The reduction of the ore of copper, upon a large
scale, is completed by means of eight processes,
consisting of roasting, melting and refining, or tough-

enmg.

Copper may, in general, be detected by means of
the blowpipe.

The assay, if apparently metallic, should be first
roasted, and then melted, with borax, or salt of phos-
phorus in the oxidating flame, when an opaque red-
dish bro^vn glass is produced, a small addition of tin
aiding in the result.

In the reducing flame, the glass, when warm, is

ill;

THE ("iOLD-SEEKErv S HANDBOOK.

liiii

green, and when cold, blue. With soda, metallic
copper is produced.

A small proportion of copper may often he
detected 1)y heating the assay, inoistened with muri-
atic acid, in the oxidating flame, when it is tinged of
a beautiful green colour. Solutions of its salts are
blue or green, and j^roduce a brownish-black precipi- I
tate with sulphuretted hydrogen. Ammonia, at first,
throws down a pale green, or blue precipitate, but in
excess, again produces a very fine blue colour.

Cyanate of iron and potassium, even in weak
solutions, give a dark, reddish-brown precipitate; and
iron throws down copper, in the metallic state.

Chalcopyrite (Copper Pyrites), as the most im-
portant ore of copper, may be thus describe'!: —

It crystallizes in the tetragonal system, the usual
forms being various combinations of three-sided pyr-
amids and four-sided prisms. The crystals, gener-
ally small and deformed by the shortening or elon-
gation of one side, are attached singly or in druses. <

Most commonly it is found compact and dissem-
inated, and sometimes also botiyoidal and reniform.
The hardness is =3.8, and gravity =4.2. Colour brass-
yellow, often with a gold-yellow or iridescent tarnish ;
streak, greenish-black.

Before the blowpipe, this mineral upon charcoal
becomes darker, or black, and on cooling, red. Fuses
easily to a steel-grey globule, which at length liecomes
magnetic, brittle, and greyish-red on the fractured
surface. With borax and soda it yields a grain of
copper, and in the open tube evolves sulphurous acM,
but no sublimate.

""■'-■■««fi.H»V"

THK GOLD-SEEKEK 8 HANDBOOK.

:37

, metallic

often be

itli muri-

tiiiged of

salts are

K 2)recipi-

i, at first, y

te, but in

ill weak
Ltate; and
-te.
most im-

tlie usual
ided pyr-
Is, gener-
; or elon-
Iruses. '
I dissem-
reniform.
)ur brass-
i tarnish ;

charcoal
. Fuses
becomes
Taetured
grain of
3US SLcid,

Moistened with hydrochloric acid, it colours the
tiame blue. Soluble in nitrochloric acid, leaving sul-
phur; also, with more difficulty, in nitric acid,

Chalcopyrite usually contains, besides copper^
iihout a third part of iron, and also of sulphur.

Is found in primary and transition rocks, in por-
])iiyry, sienite, &c.

[lHDRUTIiite, or Copper-glance, is another impor-
tant ore of copper. This mineral crystallizes in
rhombic forms. These are usually combinations of
rliombic and rectangular prisms and pyramids.

The crystals are generally thick tabular, attached
-ingly or in druses.

It usuady occurs massive, disseminated, in plates
or lumps. Hardness = 3, and gravity =5.6. Lustre
rather dull, brighter on tlie streak. Colour, blackish
lead-grey, with a blue or other tarnish.

Acted upon by the blowpipe, it colours the flame
blue; on charcoal, in the oxydating Aame, sputters
and fuses easily, and iu. the reducing flame becomes
solid. With soda gives a grain of copper.

It is soluble in warm nitric acid, depositing sul-
phur. The composition is about J copper and ^ sul-
pliur.

This mineral occurs witli various other ores of
copper and iron in tlie metamorphic and stratified
rocks.

^^W"

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

'iV

CHAPTER yi.

IRC^.

The crystal form of iron is generally that .-.f ihe
regular octahedron. Its hardness is 4.5 ; grai r. ;" ■■ \
7 to 7.8, and colour steel-grey, or iron-blac ., (rl'ten
with a blackish tarnish.

Native iron is very magnetic — cannot be acted
upon by the blowpipe, except in thin plates and a
strong heat, but is soluble in muriatic acid.

Iron, though one of the most common of metallic
bodies, is not often found in the native state, in con-
sequence of its powerful tendency to unite with oxygen,
sulphur, and other substances.

Most of th^ existing specimens of native iron are
supposed to have derived their origin from meteoric
stones.

But few mineral bodies are found so abundantly,
or in so many forms as iron. It occurs in tlie forms
of " vSparry iron ores," oxidized ores, sulphurets, &c.,
and appears, in one shape or another, in evevT/ kind of
rock, from the volcanic; or overlying rock down to tls
granite, or foundation of the stratified system.

Iron being found in a state of nature so variously
combined, different processes, ac<;jrdin.<r ^o circum-
stances, are re(|uisite to reduce,' it to the metallic
state.

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

^t of the

-, (.'iten

be acted •
es and a

metallic
, in con- y
I oxygen,

iron are p
meteoric i

ridantly,
le forms
Bts, &c.,
kind of
1 to til

iriously
ircum-
letallic

These consist, in general, of roasting, smelting, &c.,
after the ore is broken into moderately sized pieces,
as in the cases of lead and copper.

The roasting is intended to drive off the sulphur,
carbonic acid, water, or inflammable matters, and
often lasts several days. In the smelting process, .
whicli lasts about forty-eight hours, limestone or some
other flux is largely used.

In assaying iron ores by means of the blowpipe, it is
observed that the peroxide and hydrated peroxide be-
come l)lack and magnetic in meltiu"'.

Ferruginous minerals form with borax, or salt of
phosphorus, in the oxidating flame, a dark red glass,
becoming bright yellow Avhen cold, and in the reduc-
ing flame, especially (jn adding tin, an olive-green, or
mountain-green glass. Yet some precautions are
7iecessary when cobalt, copper, nickel, chrome, or ura-
.'ium are also present ; and when the presence of
lulphur or arsenic is suspected the assay should be
i^'')t roasted.

Salts of protoxide of iron form a green solution,
from wliicli potassa or annnonia throws down the pro-
toxide as a hydrate, which is first white, then dirty
green, and finally yellowish brown.

Carbonate of lime produces no precipitate. Fer-
rocyanide of potassium produces a voluminous bluish-
white precipitate, becoming deep blue in the air ;
whilst the ferridcyanide of potassium causes a beau-
ful blue precipitate.

The salts of the peroxide, on the other hand, form
yellow solutions, from which the peroxide is thrown

THE GOLD-SEEKEK 8 HANDBOOK.

! !

I ■

down by potassa or ammonia, as a flaky brown hy.
drate.

Carbonate of lime also causes a precijjitate.

Ferrocyanidc of potassium produces a very fine
blue precipitate ; tlie ferridcyanide, no precipitate.

From the clay iron-stone, or impure varieties of ore, 1

most

- " f 1

<^ Britisli iron is manufactured.

Thi>. ineral is generally of blue, bro\\'n or ])lack 2
colours, witli gravity =3, and hardness =4.

It is found cliiefly in slate-clay or marls, in layers
or nodular masses, often containing fossil plants or
other organic bodies, which seem to hiive attracted
the carbonate of iron. Is also common in brown
coal strata.

The oxidized ores, however, a])pear to be tlie most
important in this country, the principal oi' these
being: —

Magnetite (^lagnetic Iron), which is crystallized
in tesseral forms, being chieHy unions of portions of
eight, twelv'e and tw^enty-four sided figures.

It is generally found massive, in granular or almost
compact aggregates; often also in loose grains, forming
magnetic sand. Its liardness is = G, aiul gravity = 5.
Lustre, metallic, sometimes imperfect; colour, iron-
black, occasionally inclining to brown or grey, and is
highly magnetic.

Before the blowpipe, it becomes brown and non-
magnetic, and fu,-,es wdth great difficulty. Its powder
is soluble in hvdrocldoric acid.

Magnetite occurs chiefly in igneous or metamor-
phic rocks, or, as in many basalts, disseminated

brown hy.\

ate.

very fine
ipitate.

3tie8 of ore 1

'1 ov black

S in layers
l)lants or
attracted

in brown

i tiie most
of these

tyytallized
'ortions of

or abnost
s, formino'
■avity=5.
niv, iron-
y> and is

md 11011-
3 powder

[letanior-
iiriinated

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

tlu'ougli tlie mass. It also forms beds in gneiss, in
chlorite, mica, hornblende and clay slates ; also in
marble, greenstone, &c., but seldom appears in veins.

Hematite, or Specular Iron, is also a highly
important and valuable oxidized iron ore.

It is found crj'Stallized in various rhomboliedral
forms, tlie crystals being imbedded, or oftener attached
and united in groups and druses. Hematite also
appears in granular, foliated and scaly masses, or
botryoidal, reniform, columnar or fibrous. The hard-
ness is = 6, and gravity =5.2. In their laminae, trans-
lucent and deep blood-red. Lustre, metallic. Colour,
iron-black to steel-grey, but often tarnished, also
various tints of red. Streak, cherry-red or reddish-
brown. Usually weak magnetic.

Before the blowpipe, in the reducing flame, it
becomes Idack and magnetic. Slowly soluble in
acids.

The reddle or "red chalk,'' and the jaspery, colum-
nar and lenticular clay iron, are impure varieties of
this mineral.

Hematite occurs chiefly in the older crystalline
rocks, in large beds or veins, often with pyrites and
quartz, and is? also found in volcanic rocks.

Pyrite (Iron Pyrites), although not of much
importance in itself, is nevertheless, from its frequent
association with other valuable minerals, deserving of
some notice^ here.

It is crystallized in complicated forms of the tes-
seral system, in which triangular faces chiefly pre-
dominate. Tlie crystals often occur imbedded singly
4*

THE (.;OLD-SEEKEK S HANDBOOK.

and also united in druses and A'avious groups, or in]
spheroidal, reniform and otlier aggregates.

Most often it is massive and disseminated. It is I
brittle. Hardness =6.3, and gravity =5. Colour, a'
peculiar bronze-yellow, sometimes inclining to gold-
yellow, at other times with a brown or rarely varie-
gated tarnish. Streak, brownish-black. Yields sul-
phur in the closed tube. On charcoal, before the
blowpipe, burns with a bluish flame and a strong
smell of sulphur. In the reducing flame, fuses to a
black magnetic bead.

It is soluble in nitric acid, with deposition of sul-
phur; but is scarcely affected l)y hydrochloric acid.

Pyrite consists of about equal parts of sulphur
and iron, and in addition it often contains gold, silver,
or silicum. It is one of the most common minerals
in rocks of all ages and classes. Its presence is
regarded as injurious when mixed with iron ores, or
the coal used in their reduction, rendering the metal
brittle.

^I.f^jtm'' --

THE GOLD-SEEKEK'S HANDBOOK.

oups, or in

ted. It Lsi
Colour, a!
g to gold-
rely varie-
^ields siil-
before the
I a strono
fuses to a

on of siil-
ic acid.

f sulphur
old, silver,
minerals
:esence is
n ores, or
ihe metal

CHAPTEE YII.

TIN. TUNGSTEN.

Although Tin, as well as many of the metals still
to be described, have as yet not been found in Canada,
the presence of certain associate minerals— as tung-
sten in case of tin— gives hopes that many of these
metals may yet he found here, as also in other parts
of our continent. A short notice of them is therefore
deemed advisable.

Tin has not " certainly " been found in the native
state, although some authors affirm such to be the

case.

This metal, in its pure state, is easily recognized.
It is not very hard nor ductile, but extremely malle-
able. It has a- characteristic odour, and a faint, dis-
agreeable taste.

Although tin, like most metals, is variously asso-
ciated with mineral bodies, yet the pure metal is
derived from but one source, which is thus described :

Cassiterite, or tin ore, is an oxide of tin. It
crystallizes in the tetragonal system, the usual forms
being regular prisms, and pyramids of varying forms
and combinations. It also occurs massive in granu-
lar aggregates, or finely fibrous (wood tin) ; also in
loose, angular fragments and grains (stream tin).

THE GOLD-SEEKEK S HANDBOOK.

The hardness is from G to 7, and gravity from 6.3
to 7.

It is translucent, or opaque ; lustre adamantine,
or resinous. When pure, the colour is white ; but
usually various shades of grey, yellow, red, brown and
black ; rarely wine-yellow, or liyacinth red ; streak
white, light grey, or brown.

This mineral is infusible in tlie forceps, by the
blowpipe; but on charcoal, in the inner flame, with
a strong heat, and mixed with soda, it is reduced to
tin.

Tin ore occurs chiefly in granite, syenite, felspar-
porphyry, and in the crystalline and transition strata.

It is frequently accompanied by rock-crystal, fluor-
spar, apatite, topaz, tourmaline, wolfram, molybdenite,
mispickel, and ores of lead and copper.

T(f obtain tin in the pure state, the ore is roasted,
pounded, and finally smelted in a manner somewhat
similar to that described in the case of lead.

Tin occurs chiefly as pyrites (sulphuret),and tin ore
(oxide), and is easily detected by the blowpipe — which
causes a white deposit to be left upon the charcoal,
behind the assay, and which is not driven off either
by the reducing or oxidating flame, but takes a blue-
ish-green colour from the solution of cobalt. The
oxide is reduced by soda, and this even when a very
small proportion of tin is present as a mere accidental
element.

TUNGSTEN.

This metal crystallizes in tetragonal forms, such
as regular prisms and pyramids of various dimensions.

THE gold-seeker's HANDBOOK.

from 6.3

Qiantine,
ite ; but
3\vn and
; streak

by the
le, with
luced to

felspar-
ti strata,
il, fluor-
bdenite,

roasted,
niewhat

I tin ore
—which
harcoal,
f either
a blue-
b. The
a very
sidental

Its liardness is 4.3, gravity 6, and lustre vitreous,
resinous, or adamantine.

It is colourless, but usually tinged grey, yel-
low or brown, rarely orange-yellow or green ; streak,

white.

Before the blowpipe, it fuses difficultly to a trans-
lucent glass ; Avith borax to a clear colourless bead,
which if not fully saturated remains clear when
cold, but if again slowly heated becomes opaque, and
enamel-like ; if fully saturated it becomes milk-white,
and crystalline upon cooling.

With salt of phosphorus it forms a glass, which
in the oxydating flame is clear and colourless ; in the
reducing flame, green when warm, and l)lue wlien

cold.

It is decomposed in nmriatic or nitric acid, leaving
tungstic acid ; also in solution of potash, with precipi-
tate of lime. .

This mineral occurs with vv'olfmm ; especially in
veins of tin ore ; sometimes in beds with gold or
magnetic iron ; and also with galena and quartz.

Tungstic acid forms a fine yellow pigment, but the
mineral is too rare to l)e generally used.

■

I r

IS, such
jnsions.

:!■ i.

*!' f:-

TiiK gold-seekek's tiani>book.

(IIAPTKR Vlll.

ZINC, ARSENIC, MANGANESE AND PLUMIIAGO.

These .siil),staiices l)eiiig often associated in a state
of nature, we ]nivpose to describe theui to^'otlier, com-
mencing witli

/INC.

This metal in appearance resemhle.s lead, but is,
when untarnished, of a lighter colour. It speedily
attracts oxygen when exposed to air and moisture, and
it is easily dissolved by acids and alkalies, both in the
metallic state and wdien oxidated.

Zinc is ^lot found in tlie native state.

It is malleable and ductile when heated to
between 210° and 300°, Fahrenlieit. At about 725°
it melts, and crystallizes on cooling.

If exposed to a temperature beyond its melting
point, with the access of air, it burns w' itli a bright
bluish flame, forming the oxide formerly called " flow-
ers of zinc."

The principal ores of zinc are the carbonate (cal-
amine), and the sulphuret (blende) ; the latter of
these, however, has not generally l)een used AA^ith much
success as an ore.

Calamine crystallizes in rhombohedric forms, and
in six-sided prisms. The crystals are generally small,

obtu
occu

luce

less,
irree

lose;
redi
coal

also

talli
iferc
lime
bier

tills

su.cl
figu
disi

rad

ni 1

Sei
res
yel

lUJ IfiP

THE (iULD-SEEKKIt'S IIANDBUOK.

in a state
liev, coiu-

id, but is,

speedily

;ture, and

>tli in the

eated to
lout 725°

? melting
a bright
3d " flow-
ate (cal-
latter of
itli much

rms, and
ly small,

obtuse-edged, and a^jparently rounded. Usually it
occurs in reniform, botryoidal, stalactitic, and laminar
arrgregates ; or fine, granular, and almost compact.

It is brittle ; hardness =5 ; gravity =4.0. Trans-
lucent or opaque ; lustre pearly, or vitreous ; colour-
less, but often tinged pale greyish yellow, ])rown or

green

Calamine l)efore the blowpipe becomes white, and
loses its carbonic acid. It sometimes forms in the
reducing flame a dark yellow or red ring on the char-
coal, from cadmium oxide.

It is soluble in acids, with effervescence; and
also in solution of potash.

This mineral occurs in beds and veins in the crys-
talline and transition rocks, and also in the carbon-
iferous and oolite formations. It is most common in
limestone, and is often associated with calc-spar, quartz,
blende, and ores of iron and lead.

Zinc is obtained from this mineral chiefly by dis-
tillation. V

Blende crystallizes in tesseralandteii.i^edralforms,

such as the octahedron, cube, four and twelve-sided
figures ; but the crystals are so contracted as to seem

distorted.

Frequently it occurs massive and granular, rarely

radiating, and very fine fibrous, &c.

A very i)errect "dodecabedral cleavage" is remarked

in tliis mineral.

It is l)rittlc; Hardness =r 3.7, and (}ravity=4.
Semi-trauspareut to opacpie. Lustre, adamantine and
resinous. Colour, commonly brown, or black ; also red,
yellow, or green.

.Hi

THE (K)LI)-SEEKKRS IIANDUOOK.

Before the l)lowpipe, in the oxidating liauie, in a
strong heat, deposits zinc oxide on the charcoal, which
api)ears yellow, when hot, but becomes ])aler when
cold.

It is solul)le in concentrated nitric acid, leaving
sulphur.

ARSENIC.

In the metallic, or uncombined state arsenic is of
a greyish-white colour, witli brilliant In ; but it is
soon tarnished by al)sorbing oxygen from the air.

Arsenic fuses readily, and volatilizes when heated
to 360°.

When thrown upon a red hot iron, in tlie open air,
it burns with a blue Hame, subliming in the form of
a white vapour, having an odour like garlic. The sub-
limate, when cooled, crystallizes in octahedrons.

Arsenic is not found " native ;" l)ut arsenical
pyrites (Mispickel) occurs ]irincipallyinveins of primi-
tive rocks, and is common in the copper mines of Corn-
wall, England.

It is often iridescent. Some varieties are argen-
tiferous.

Mispickel crystallizes in rhoml)ic forms, generally
of prisms. It is also found massive, granular, or
columnar, and disseminated. Ih-ittle. Hardness =
5.7. Gravity =6.1. Colour, silver white, or almost
steel-grey, with a greyish or yellowish tarnish. Streak,
black

In the closed tube, mispickel yields first a red,
then a brown sublimate of sulphuret of arsenic, and then

THE CIOLD-SKKKKKS HANDnoOK.

uie, 111 a
l1, wliioli
2r when

leaviiio'

uic is of
but it is
air.
L heated

|)en air,
form of
'he sub-

iS.

t'senical
P prinii-
•f Corn-

argen-

nerally
liar, or
Jiess =
almost
Streak,

a red,
id then

metallic arsenic. ^Vitll the bh)wpii)e, on charcoal,
fuses to a black niaoiietic globule, which sdiuetimes
sliows traces of cobalt, colouring l)orax glass-l)lue.

It is soluble in nitric acid, also in muriatic, witli
a residue of sul])hur, and arsenifms acul.

Mispickel is used as an ore of silver, sometimes.

.MANdANESK.

This metal, in some of its properties, resembles
iron. It is of a dusky- wliitisli colour, and iinely granu-
lar texture ; softer than iron, and very brittle. Dith-
cult of fusioli, and is readily acted on l)y the air, tar-
nishing, and at length cruinljling into a powder. The
))eroxide, or "black oxideof manganese," is frequently
found native, and is the chief source whence the metal
is obtained.

T]iis mineral (Pyrolusite) crystallizes in short
rliombic ])risnis ; but generally it occurs massive and
diss(uninated, or in botryoidal, reniform masses, witli
radiating, columnar, or hln-ous structure.

It is ratlier brittle. Hardness = 2.:i (iravity, 4.8.
l.ustre semi-metallic, or silky wlien hbrous ; colour,
dark steel-gray, l)luish, or iron l)lack ; streak, black,
and soiling. Infusible by tlie blowpipe, but when
stroiK»"lv i<»'nited gn charcoal, it loses 12 per cent,
oxygen, and is converted into the brown protoperoxide;
with borax, and salt of pliosphorus, it sliows reaction for

manganese.

It is solulde in muriatic acid, witli large evolution
of chlorine. Found chiefly in beds in gneiss, clay-
slate, porphyry, and the older rocks ; or in veins, often

ritfi

THE GOLD-SEEKERS HANDBOOK.

with Ctilc-spar, lieavy-spar, and ores of iron and man-

ganese.

TLUxMBACJO.

nil I

Graj)liite, or plumbago, aliliough not now regarded
as a metal, has been so lom^ associated with them as
to merit a place here.

This mineral crystallizes in tabular or short hex-
agonal prisms, but is usually massive and foliated,
radiating, scaly, or compact. It is also disseminated,
or as a constituent of many rocks.

It has a very perfect " basal" cleavage. Is very
sectile, flexible, in thin laminae, and sometimes slightly
malleable ; feels greasy. Hardness=0.o to 1. Gravity
= 2. Lustre metallic, and colour iron-black. Leaves a
mark on paper.

Plumbago burns with much difficulty before the
blowpipe; in oxygen gas, even less easily than the
diamond. Heated with nitre in a platina spoon, only
partially detonates.

Plumbago was long regarded as a compound of
carbon and iron, but is now known to be pure carbon.

It has been found in gneiss, with garnets, also in
the coal formation, where it seems to have resulted
from coal, altered by contact witb.trap rock.

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

and man-

' regarded
I them as

liort hex-
i foliated,
sminated,

Is very

s slightly

Gravity

Leaves a

efore the
than the
3on, only

pound of
i carbon.
3, also in
resulted

CHAPTEII IX.

MERCURY. ANTIMONY. TELLURIUM.

Mercury, or quicksilver, is at ordii)'./ tempera-
tures d fluid; but at 40° below zero it congeals, and forms
tesseral crystals.

Its specific gravity is 13.5 when fluid, and 15.6
solid. The lustre is bright metallic, and colour tin-
white. Before the blowpipe it is wholly volatile, or
leaves a little silver.

Mercury sometimes occurs native in globules, dis-
seminated in coarse sandstones and rocks of all ages,
chiefly with cinnabar, in veins and fissures ; and native
amalgams of the metal, with silver, occur both in the
semi-fluid and solid states.

Cinnabar is the principal ore of mercury, which is
obtained from it either by sublimation or distillation.
The purer varieties of cii/nabar are used as a pig-
ment.

This mineral crystallizes in small rhombohedrons
and hexagonal prisms. It also occurs disseminated
and granular. Compact and earthy. Fracture uneven
and splintery. Sectile. Hardness =2.3. Gravity =
8.1. Semi-transparent, or opaque. Lustre adaman-
tine, and colour cochineal-red, with a lead-grey and
scarlet-red tarnish. The streak is scarlet-red.

In the closed tube it entirely sublimes; and in the

THE G0LD-SP:EKER S HANDBOOK.

open tiil)e sublimes partly, without decomposition •
partly as metallic mercury, wliiL^t sulphuric acid
escapes.

In the closed tube, with soda, it yields only
mercury. It is j^erfectly soluble in nitrochloric acid,
but not in muriatic acid, or solution of potash.

Cinnabar occurs in the crystalline, transition, and
secondary strata, in beds and veins, with native mer-
cury, iron pyrites, juid other ores.

ANTIMONY.

This metal is sometimes, altliou^^h rarely, Ibund
crystallized in rliom1)()lietlrons.

It is j^eiR'rally massive and disseminated ; some-
times in spherical, botryoidal, and renil'orm agj^re-
s»"ates, with a '•ranular texture. The basal and rhom-
l)ohe(lral cleava<j,es jive perfect , especiidly the ibrmer.

llatlier l)rittle, and soiiujwhat seciile. ITardness
= r)..'), and gravity = (). 7. It-^ colour is tin-white, with
a greyish or yellowisli tarnish.

It is easily I'usilde by the bl()W])i])v^% iiud on cool-
inu" crvstalhzes into rliomlioheih'ons. On charcoal,
Inirns w\{\\ a weak Ihime, and volatilizes, Ibrming a
white de])osit. In t!ic closed tuhc, yields a white
sublimate.

Native antimony is usually mixed with a small
amount oi' silver, ii'on, or arsenic. 11' rub])ed on the
lingers, it gives out a ])eculiar smell and taste.

It is a somewhat rare metal, being only worked in
a lew ])arts of Kui'o])e ; bu.t is als'» known in Mexico
and J^)orneo.

osition •
ic acid

Is only
ic acid,

on, and
v^e mer-

, I'oiind

; soiiie-

I rlioin-
ornier.
ardnoHs
te, with

u con]-
liarcoal,
'iiiinL!; a
I wliitc

a small
on tlu'

rkcd in
Moxicu

THE GOLD-SEEKER S HANDBOOK.

.TELLURIUM

Rarely crystallizes in hexagonal pyramids and
prisms. It is usually found massive or disseminated,
and fine granular-^cleaves perfectly into hexagonal
prisms, and is slightly sectile. Hardness =2.3, and
gravity =6.2. Its colour is tin-white ; and is easily
fusible by the blowpipe, when it burns with a green-
ish flame, and much smoke, which forms a white ring
with a reddish margin on charcoal.

In the open tube, burns with a greenish-blue
flame, and forms a white sublimate, wliicli can be
fused to clear colourless drops. Tlie vapour hns often
ii smell of radish from selenium.

Solul)le in nitric acid with evolution of nitrous
vapours, and in concentraied sulphuric acid forms n
bluish-red solution. Tellurium oit-u contains a little
gold or iron.

Tt occurs with ([uartz, iron i)yrites, and gold.

]

li^

■u-

3 I

!(>:

THE GOLD-SEEKEU'S HANDI500K.

CHArXEK X.

PLATINA. PALLADIUM. OSMIUM-IRIDIUM. IRIDIUM.

Native plutina occurs rarely in small cubes ; coin-
monly in minute, flat, or obtuse-angled grains, with
smootli, sliining surfaces ; sometimes in larger grains,
and roundish lumps, with an irregular, granular struc-
ture. It is malleable and ductile. Hardness =4.5
and gravity =17.5. to 19. The coL)ur is steel-grey,
inclining to silver-white. Sometimes slightly mag-
netic. Very difficidtly fusible.

In nitrochloric acid, forms a red-coloured solution,
from which ammonia throws down yellow ammoniate
of platina, which on ignition is changed into spongy
platina.

Native ])latina is generally alloyed with iron, iri-
dium, and other metals.

When dissolved in nitrochloric acid, it leaves a
residuum, sometimes of (quartz or other stony min-
erals, sometimes of chromate (jf iron ; but, when
metallic, chiefly osmium-iridiuuL

Platina is found in veins of quartz and limonite,
sometimes witli the diamond; also in diluvial sands,
where it seems to have Ijeen originally disseminated
in serpentine.

PALLADIUM.

This metal sometimes crystallizes in very minute

[UM.

s ; com-
ns, with
r grains,
[IT struc-
!ss=4.5
3el-grey,
ly mag-

julution,

moniate

spongy

iron, iri-

leaves a
ny min-
3, when

inionite,
l1 sands,
niinated

THE gold-seeker's HANDBOOK.

niiJiute

octahedrons; more frequently it occurs in small loose

grains or scales.

It is malleable. Hardness=47, and Gravity^ 12.
The colour is light steel-grey to silvery-white. Infu-
sible before the blowpipe. In nitric acid, forms a
brownish-red solution;

Palladium is generally alloyed with platinum and
iridium. It has been found with platina and gold,
near seleniuret of lead, in greenstone, in the Hartz,
forming very small, brilliant hexagonal tables ; also
in the sands of rivers, &c.

OSMIUM-IRIDIUM.

Occasionally crystallizes in very minute tabular,
hexagonal crystals ; but is more common in small flat
grainl It is slightly malleable, but soon breaks under
the hammer, and may then be beaten to powder.
Is not affected])y acids. Two varieties are distin-
guished.

OSMIRIDIUM.— Colour, tin-white Hardness = 7—

Gravity =19.4. Is not altered by the blowpipe.
Fused with nitre in the closed tube, it yields osmium
vapours, known by their peculiar, unpleasant smell,
and forms a green saline mass, which, boiled in water,

leaves blue iridium oxide.

lRn)OSMiUM.— Colour, lead-grey— Hardness =7—
Gravity=21. P^efore the blowpipe, on charcoal, be-
comes black, with a very strong odour of osmium. In
the flame of a spirit-lamp shines brightly, and colours

it yellowish red.

Both these minerals occur in the Ural, the former

^PIiPP«<M|

THE gold-seeker's HANDBOOK.

especially, in gold sand, and the latter in platina sand,
but rarer.

The first, also, is found in Brazil, and a mixture of
these metals has been met with in Borneo.

IRIDIUM.

The crystal forms of this metal are the cube and
octahedron ; usually small. It is also found in small
rounded grains. Slightly malleable. The hardness is=i
6.5, and gravity =22. 7. Colour, silver- white, inclining
to yellow on the surface, and to grey in the interior.

It is unalterable by the blowpipe, and is insoluble
in acids, even the nitToclilt)ric.

This metal is generally alloyed with platina, pal-
ladium, copper, or iridosmium, and lias been found in
gold sands, and the sands of rivers.

Iridium is used in porcelain painting, to produce
black and grey colours.

THE COLD-SEKKKIl'S HANDBOOK.

CHAPTER XI.

NICKEL. BISMUTH. COBALT. MOLYBDENA.

Nickel is not foimd " native." When pure, it is a
liard metal, of a white colour ; malleable and ductile,
but difficult of fusion.

It is not acted on hy the atmosphere or water at
common temperatures. May l)e rendered magnetic
like iron. If exposed to intense heat, with access of
air, it becomes shjwly oxidated ; and it burns with
vivid scintillations in oxygen gas.

Nickel is chiefly found in the form of " pyrites,"
and variously conduned with bismuth, arsenic, iron,
,.,,balt. antimony, lead, copper, and sulphur.
NicKELiNE is OHO of tlic cliicf ores of nickel.
Tbis mineral hardly occurs crystallized, being
p-enerally massive and disseminated. It is brittle.
"l[ardness=r5.r), and gravity=7.(K The colour is light
copper-rwl, with a tarnish, hrst grey, then blackish.
It forms no suidimate in the closed tube. On char-
coal, fuses, with str(U)g arsenic fumes, to a white,
lu'ittle metallic globule.

It is soluble in concentrated nitric acid, with de-
posit of arsenious acid ; and more easdy and com-
pletely in nitrochloric acid.

Nickeline occurs in veins, or rarely in beds, in
orjuiite, and in the crystalline, transition and second-
ary strata, mixed with cobalt, silver and copper.

\>-. I

THE gold-seeker's HANDBOOK.

BISMUTH

Crystallizes in octahedrons and dodecahedrons —
'often misshapen, or rendered indistinct by their union
in groups. It also occurs arborescent, feathery, or
reticulated, rarely filiform, or in plates. It is often
massive, or disseminated, and granular.

This metal has a perfect octahedral cleavage. Is
not malleable, but very sectile. Hardness = 2.5 and
gravity =9. 7.

Its colour is reddish silver- white ; often with a
yellow, red, brown, or parti-colour tarnish. Very
easily fusible even in the flame of a candle.

On charcoal, it volatilizes, leaving a citron-yellow
coating. Soluble in nitric acid, when much water
throws down a white precipitate froni the solution.
Native bismuth often contains a little arsenic.

Bismuth is found in granite and the crystalline
slates ; also in transition strata, chiefly with ores of
cobalt and silver.

COBALT,

When pure, is of a reddish-grey colour; has a
fibrous, or laminated texture, is brittle, and difficultly
fusible. Like iron and idckel, it may be rendered
magnetic. Air or water does not act on it at a
low temperature ; but when heated to redness, in an
open vessel, it forms an oxide of a very deep blue
colour. If the heat be intense the metal takes tire,
and burns with a red flame.

Cobalt is found chiefly in the form of pyrites, one
of its principal ores being : —

THE gold-seeker's handbook.

irons —
r union
lery, or
is often

ige. Is
2.5 and

with a
Very

L-yellow
1 water
solution.

''stalline
ores of

; has a

fficultly

endered
it at a

is, in an

Bp blue

kes lire,

tes, one

COBALTINE. — This mineral crystallizes in tesseral
forms. It also occurs massive, granular, or dissemi-
nated, and has a perfect cubical cleavage. Brittle
Hardness = 5.5, and gravity=C).2.

Its colour is" silver-white, inclining to red ; often
with a grey or yellowish tarnish. Streak, greyish-
l)lack, and lustre brilliant.

In the open tube, in a strong heat, yields arseni-
ous acid, and sulphurous fumes. On charcoal, fuses
Avith a strong smell of arsenic, to a grey, weak mag-

netic globule.

After roasting, it shows reaction for cobalt with
borax. Soluble in warm nitric acid, depositing ar-
senious acid. Cobalt, in this mineral, is associated
with iron, arsenic and sulphur.

Cobaltine is found chiefly in the crystalline slates,
in beds.

MOLYBDENA.

This metal is said to have been obtained in the
state of small grains, of a brittle texture, and a light
grey colour; but its complete reduction has been
questioned, as it is exceedingly difficult of fusion.

Wlien heated in contact with oxygen gas, or in
the air, it becomes converted into a white crystalline
sublimate, which is the molybdic acid.

Molybdena occurs chiefly as a " sulphuret " known

Molybdenite.— This mineral sometimes appears

in tabular and short hexagonal prisms. Generally,
it occurs massive and disseminated, in scaly or curved
foliated aggregates.

THE GOLD-SEEKERS ilANDBOOK.

It is very sectile, and has a perfect "babul ' cleav-
age. Is flexible in thin laminjii and feels greasy.
Hardness=1.3, and gravity =4.7. The colour is red-
dish lead-grey. Makes a grey mark on paper ; green-
ish on porcelain.

Before the blowpipe, in the platina Ibrceps, coloui's
the flame siskin-green, but is infusi])le. On charcoal,
yields sulphurous fumes, and forms a white coatin-i.
but burns slowly and imperfectly.

Is decomposed in nitric acid, leaving a white
powder of molybdic acid ; in warm nitrochloric acid
forms a greenish, and in boiling >iul]>huric acid a blue
solution.

This mineral is common, in small quantities, in
granite, gneiss, and chlorite slate ; and in veins with
tin and other ores. It much resembles graphite, l)ut
is readily distinguished by its " streak," lustre, gravity
and action before the blowpipe.

i»ji

I cleav-

i greasy.

ir is red-

; green -

, colours

'liarcoal,

coating,

a white
)i'ic acid
d a blue

bities, ill
ins witli
lite, 1nit
gravity

€«4ii^i mwm

AT THE EXPRESS OFFICE.

BELLEVILLE, C. W.

Silver and Bills Boagbt and Sold.

Highest Price paid for American Cunency,

ALSO, F(tU

BASK OF IPPER CANADA BAKR BILLS.

J. W. THOMPSON.

Provincial Land Snrveyor,

Civil & Patent Engineer & Mineral

Assayist.

OFFICE :-DTJNDAS ST., WEST END,

NAPANEE, C.W.

^t
*

LAND AND GENERAL AG-ENCY.

^' ,w

GEORGE CHOWD,

Tin, Iron & Copper ¥arc Manufacturer,

DEALEU IX

STOVES, COAL URATES, CUTLERY.

Pumps, Sinks, Coal OU, <S:c., «fcc.

• ♦-•^

A LIBERAL DISCOUNT MADE to'DEALERS

Store, Front St., Belleville, C.W.

II^l^ES & SIMPSON.

CIVIL ENGINEERS,

SOLICITORS FOR PATENTS.
OFFICE :-FROST ST., BELLEVILLE, CIW.

Mineral Lands examined and reported on, and
Mineral Claims Surveyed.

W4f ^HSfj^i^ia & f iwsi^Ea.

C1.0CKS, WAT€IIEI», AIVD JEWKI^RIT

OF ALL KINDS FOR SALE.

Watches and Clocks Cleaned and Repaired, Minerals Assayed.
-A.LL. WORK WA.R,K,A.3SrTE:D.

OPIPOSITE CfRA.H'iM'S HOTEZ..
OliD eOL1> AND SILYEB TAKE.V IN £XCIIAN6£.

turer,

.LERS

c.:w.

n, and

II.RY

.ssayed.

GRANGE & BROTHERS,

DRU&GISTS,

BOOKSELLERS & DEW III FANCY GOODS

-*• — * • »■ <4-

Uncnrrent Money Boaglit and Sold

Grange & Brothers' Exchange Office,.

NAPANEE, C.W.

Having made great alterations and improvements in the fur-
nishing of the house, I am enabled to offer better
accommodation than any house in the place.

i^^Good Accommodation for Commercial Agents.

(Staffcs leave this lloi se dnily for Kirg^ion, Fieton,
Slefvbursrlk and 'lainworth.

;:i !',^

jr« C^» 'Gr JtC

BUILDEK & MANUFACTURER OF

Sashes, Doors, Blinds and Mouldings.

PLANING-, SAWING-,
DRESSED FLOORINa,

'^"^ Aim mmmm wm mm.

GLAZED SASH CONSTANTLY ON HAND.

NAPANEE.

G, S. SIXSMITH,

IMIEIIGHANT TAILOR,

NAPANEE, C.W.,

Always keeps on humd a large & varied assort-

ment Oj

COLL Alls, TIKS, SL'AllFS, &r.,

Wind) h,' x'lls at tin- lowest pobsililt- luh'uiUH' o\\ cost,-
*' Small profits and quick ckturns'* iK'ing his muttu.

'xi)

jsort-

P-^S

Icost,-
Ittu.

■I

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Full text of "The gold-seeker's handbook and practical assayist [microform] : intended to be used in the detection of gold, silver, copper, and other metals found in the Dominion of Canada, United States, and British Columbia, so simplified as to be understood by any man of ordinary capacity"

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