97 



are many views expressed as to the genesis of serpentines and an enu- 

 meration of them would require more time than we have at our dis- 

 posal. It can be stated however that in the opinion of some, serpen, 

 tines are formed (by metasomatosis) from feldspathic rocks, such as 

 diorites, diabases, granulites, &c, <fcc, or by a complete eliaiination of 

 alumina and lime and the replacement of these bases by magnesia ; 

 others maintain that they are derived from the transformation of silico- 

 magnesian deposits. Again would it not be possible to suppose that 

 they might be formed from the limestones themselves, when we take 

 into consideration the serpentinic structure of the Eozoun Canadense. 



It is also mentioned by some that they are due to the hydration 

 of eruptive olivine rocks, while others hold that they were ejected from 

 the earth's interior in a state of aqueous magma or mud. Some of 

 those who maintain their origin from the hydration of olivine rocks 

 suppose such eruptive rocks to have passed into a hydrous state before 

 being ejected. 



If we consider all the transformations we can perform, with differ- 

 ent temperatures and under different pressures in our laboratories 

 which are so imperfect as compared to the gfeat, wonderful, and un- 

 known laboratory of the whole universe, we are at no loss in finding 

 theories enough as regards the genesis of serpentines, for hypotheses are 

 easily adopted, even by following the strict and well established chemi- 

 cal and physical laws. 



This is not the place nor the time to enter into discussion as to 

 the mode of formation of the rocks which will be described in this short 

 notice as it is the intention of the writer to show, in the best way 

 possible, the characters of our serpentines and their association with 

 rocks of very highly scientific as well as of economic interest, without 

 questioning mother Nature too much as to the course followed by her 

 in giving rise to serpentine and the interesting series of minerals 

 associated with it. 



Let us then consider the sepentine as it actually is, a rock which 

 enterprising capitalists, most serious chemists and zealous geologists 

 look upon with so much speculating spirit and such contradictory views, 

 without trying to solve the great problem of origin, a thing beyond 

 reach. 





