74 THE PROSPECTOR'S HANDBOOK. 



kupfernickel. It occurs in many countries of Europe, in 

 metamorphic, syenitic rocks, &c., and is generally associated 

 with ores of cobalt, copper, silver, lead, &c. In Canada, a 

 deposit of nickel ore occurs between magnesian limestone 

 above and serpentine below. 



On the surface of a nickel-bearing lode, some green stains 

 may be noticed. A serpentine country is always worth 

 prospecting for nickel, cobalt, and chromium minerals. 



PLATINUM. 



This metal is found in the native state. Occurs in grains 

 and masses. 



Colour whitish grey or dark grey. 

 Streak whitish grey or dark grey. 

 Lustre metalli c . 

 H._ 4 to 4.5 ; S.G. 16 to 21. 



fridium and osmium, &c., are usually mixed up with it. 

 Wholly insoluble before the blowpipe flame. Can be dis- 

 solved in aqua regia (4 parts hydrochloric and 1 nitric acid), 

 forming a yellowish solution, which becomes a bright red 

 colour when protochloride of tin is added. 



On account of the high specific gravity of platinum, it 

 can be " panned out " from sand or gravel just the same as 

 gold or other heavy metals. 



If platinum be dissolved in aqua regia by boiling, and 

 salammoniac be added to the filtered solution, a granular 

 precipitate of a bright yellow or reddish yellow is formed. 

 When this precipitate is heated, the metal, as " spongy 

 platinum " powder, is obtained. 



Platinum, though it is found in minute quantity in some 

 metal-bearing veins, is usually met with as grains, generally 

 flattened, in gold-bearing alluvial deposits, probably washed 

 down from crystalline rocks. 



