120 ASBESTOS. 



chrysotile properly crystallized at right angles to the walls of 

 the veins, the larger veins containing long fibres of picrolite 

 running diagonally and also parallel to the vein walls. The 

 asbestos is discoloured and harsh, and has evidently suffered 

 from the influences which have decomposed and altered the ser- 

 pentine, but the quality of the fibre was most decidedly better in 

 the lowest exposed portions of the veins. At one place there 

 are two veins containing fibre of fairly good quality about three 

 inches wide, but the workmen had neglected these for the longer- 

 fibred picrolite. The best quality seen was in a very small 

 excavation where there were four parallel veins varying from 

 four to nine inches wide of soft regular fibre, but the excavation 

 had been abandoned at a depth of only 2 feet. Most of the 

 mineral, however, although evidently affected by weathering, 

 can be separated without much difficulty, and by kneading and 

 washing made to produce soft fibres which are somewhat brittle, 

 but which are well suited for millboard and the less delicate 

 asbestos goods. Associated with the veins of asbestos are much 

 talc and thick crystals of mica too small to be of value, and also 

 small quantities of a pale green mineral containing nickel. It 

 will thus be seen that the veins are of more than average size, 

 and that the quality improves as depth from surface increases, 

 and we think there can be little doubt that in the undecomposed 

 serpentine the veins will be workable and productive. Speci- 

 mens of the mineral found at Princhester, together with the 

 accompanying rocks, are on the table for inspection. 



We think the above general description of the occurrence 

 of asbestos, near Kockhampton, will be sufficient to prove the 

 analogy between the deposits there and those of the eastern 

 townships of Quebec, and that this analogy leads to the belief 

 that on proper search being made, veins of asbestos of good 

 quality and payable size will be discovered, and that a per- 

 manent industry will be the result. We think also that a wider 

 knowledge of the modes of occurrence and methods of working 

 may lead to search being made in other serpentine areas, and 

 will conclude with a short summary of the points chiefly to be 

 remembered. 



1. Asbestos veins may be expected in all serpentine rocks ; 

 the darker and harder varieties as a rule furnishing the best 

 material. 



