Cupro-Goslarite, a New Variety of Zinc 



Sulpliate. 



BY AUSTIN V. ROGERS. 



The mineral described in this note was found by the writer at 

 Galena, Cherokee county, Kansas, in August, 1898, while engaged 

 upon the University Geological Survey of Kansas. It occurs as an 

 incrustation on the wall of one of the abandoned zinc mines 

 known as the "Sunshine" diggings, and has been formed since the 

 mine was opened. In the same wall were found sphalerite and 

 chalcopyrite, by the oxidation of which the mineral was no doubt 

 produced. As these minerals occur throughout the district, the 

 substance here described may be found in any of the mines of the 

 region. 



The properties of Cupro-Goslarite are as follows: Translucent; 

 light greenish-blue in color; hardness, 2; luster, vitreous; brittle. 

 It is almost completely soluble in cold water. On exposure to the 

 air loses a part of its water and becomes white. Before the blow- 

 pipe fuses readily to a black non-magnetic mass, the flame being 

 colored green. 



As a comparatively large amount of copper was indicated by a 

 qualitative chemical examination, it was thought desirable to make 

 a complete quantitative analysis of it. Zinc sulphate, SnSO^.yHoO, 

 loses six molecules of water at loo^'C and the seventh at 26o"C. 

 As it is difficult to obtain perfectly anhydrous zinc sulphate without 

 driving off a part of the acid, the substance under examination was 

 held at a temperature of ioo"C for three hours. The total amount 

 of water as given below was calculated by assuming that one 

 molecule of water was retained at this temperature. Copper, zinc 

 and iron were determined by well known methods and calculated 

 as oxids and sulphates. 



The analysis is as follows: 



♦Published with tlie consent of tlio Director of the University Geological Survey of 

 Kansas. 



(105) KAN. UNIV. QUAR., VOL. VIII, NO. 2, APR., 1^99. SERIES A. 



