ANALYSIS OF BEREA SANDSTONES. 146 



tranquil waters. Where the beds exhibit partings, the rip- 

 ple marks show conclusively the action of running water. 

 The fossils are, generally, characteristic of the Old Red 

 Sandstone. 



The laminated quarries are generally extensively used 

 for the manufacture of Grindstones, for the good quality 

 of which Berea has become famous. 



The specimens tested, in regard to their quality as build- 

 ing stone, had been dried at a temperature of 75° F. They 

 were obtained from what are known as the upper and lower 

 beds, having a difference in elevation of about thirty feet. 

 The color of the stone was bluish gray, of uniform texture, 

 very well stratified, and of suitable firmness for grind- 

 stones. 



The lower bed contained — 

 Alumina, (clay,) . . . . . 3.16 per cent. 



Sulphuretof Iron, (Iron Pyrites,) - - 4.36 " " 



Silica, (sand,) 90.05 " " 



Water, 2.4 " " 



Mica and oxide of iron, - - - - a trace. 



The saturating capacity of the rock, when dried at 212°, 

 was found to be 9.4 per cent. 



The upper bed contained — 



Alumina, (clay,) 3.78 per cent. 



Sulphuret of Iron, (Iron Pyrites,) - - 5.2 " " 



Silica, (sand,) 78-50 " " 



Water, 12.5 " " 



Mica, a trace. 



The saturating capacity, when dried at 212°, was found 

 to be 39.5 per cent.* 



For reasons that I will presently state, I consider both 

 these specimens unfit for building purposes. The cement- 

 ing material appears to be chiefly the sulphuret of iron. 



* These specimens were oflferecl for and used in the construction of the Cuya- 

 hoga County Jail. Its present appearance justifies Prof. Brainerd's predictions 

 S 



