778 I AsSEMBLt 



solidated for this purpose it will prove a most valuable and desi- 

 rable material for the structure of the delicate and ornamental 

 fabrics, to which the choicest marble is only appropriated. No 

 Egyptian stone surpasses it in its beautiful and variegated 

 colorSj or in the brilliancy of its luster. The hyperstene is equal 

 to the granite as a building material. The '^ Labradorite" is an 

 exquisitely beautiful mineral, rivalling the plumage of the pea- 

 cock in its brilliant irridescence when wet or polished, and ex- 

 posed to the action of the light.* Highly opalescent specimens 

 are not common, although that characteristic is partially exhibited 

 in every crystal. Blue is the predominant shade, at times min- 

 gled with green. The green seldom occurs alone, but is exceed- 

 ingly brilliant and beautiful. Gold and bronze specimens are 

 occasionally discovered, and rarely, crystals are found combining 

 all these colors in a splendid irridescence. At times the crystals 

 are striated, each alternate stria showing the opalescent reflection. 

 Occasi(mally two colors alternate in the same crystal ; buth are 

 seldom seen in the same direction of light. The bed of the Opa- 

 lescent river, which derives its name from the circumstance, 

 abounds in this mineral, and when the sun shines at the cascades 

 through the clear water, the whole rock seems to beam and glow 

 with the refulgence of the beautiful gems.* Bright opalescent 

 specimens, polished and in settings, are highly valued in jewelry. 

 This mineral was discovered by the Moravian missionaries in 

 Labrador, and when originally introduced into England, com- 

 manded most exorbitant prices. There are but few foreign min- 

 erals enclosed in the Hyperstene rock. A small granite vein ap- 

 pears, near the Adirondac village, which is from one to three feet 

 'wide. Some of the Felspar taken from this vein (a specimen of 

 which is deposited in the Agricultural Rooms,) are peculiarly 

 beautiful ; they exhibit a remarkable glittering, spangled appear- 

 ance. Crystals of iron have been found in this vein, simi'ar to 

 the crystallzed ore. Serpentine is also sparsely mingled in it.* 



GrajjJdte exists in this locality, but has not been discovered 

 either in sufficient extent or purity to give it value, although often 

 found in very beautiful radiated nodules. It usually occurs in 



• R. CIvk. 



