No. 7 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 385 



Gold, Silver and Metal Ores. 



As a general proposition, it may be safely stated that in 90 per 

 cent, of the cases, gold, silver and most of the metallic ores are 

 found, when found at all, in the igneous, metamorphic or older sedi- 

 mentary formations, hence any attempt to find these ores in paying 

 quantities in the later sedimentary rocks will probably result in 

 failure and loss of the amount invested. 



There is a mineral, sulphide of iron, which is frequently mistaken 

 by laymen for gold. It is found in nearly all of the formations, 

 sometimes as flakes, again as nodules. It is of a bright brassy yellow 

 color and is extremely hard. It occurs in various forms but usually 

 in the form of a cubic. It will, when struck with steel, throw 

 off sparks and will turn a knife edge when cutting is attempted. 

 It is brittle and, therefore, it can not, like gold, be beaten out into 

 flat sheets. When heated, it gives off a sulphur odor. If these 

 tests be applied to it, it can be readily distinguished from gold. In 

 gold districts, it sometimes carries a good percentage, but where 

 usually found, there is just sufficient gold in it to save a fakir from 

 conviction for fraud, when he reports that it contains gold. 



An idea, it seems, is prevalent that mountains unfit for farming 

 or other purposes, contain valuable mineral deposits. The idea is 

 seemingly based upon the saying, "Everything was put here for a 

 purpose" and, because the purpose of the mountains is unexplained 

 or not understood, it is at once assumed that it contains valuable 

 mineral deposits. Such an explanation is worthless, for while it 

 might contain minerals, it does not follow that, because it is not 

 fit for farming, it contains a valuable mineral deposit. Some very 

 alluring reports have been printed in relation to this and other 

 things, but it is believed that, if some of the ridiculous suggestions 

 were put into practice, they would be found to be not only unprofit- 

 able but impractical. 



The day has not yet arrived when peat will be used to take the 

 place of coal in Pennsylvania, neither is it likely that Ferro-silicon 

 can be extracted profitably, if at all. from the low grade ores found 

 in the otherwise barren mountains of Pennsylvania. Certainly not 

 for many years to come. Some schemes originate in the brains of 

 men who are honest but lack technical training; others are merely 

 gotten up to defraud. 



There are several formations other than the coal measures in 

 Pennsylvania, wherein carbonaceous matter has been found in 

 greater quantity than in others and to these consideration will be 

 given. First, however, it would be better to insert the names as- 

 signed to the several formations found in this State, for from such 

 a table, a better knowledge can be obtained of the relative position 

 of each in the series: 



25—7—1908. 



