MINERAL TABLES. 



435 



most of the simple minerals occur in comparatively small quantities, but 

 sometimes we find them in aggregate masses (rocks). We append a table. 



SYNOPTICAL TABLE OF THE MINERALS. 



FIRST CLASS. METALLOIDS. 



Sulphur 

 Boron. 

 Carbon. 

 Silicium (Silicon). 



SECOND CLASS. LIGHT METALS. 



Potassium. 



Sodium. 



Ammonium. 



Calcium. 



Barium. 



Strontium. 



Magnesium. 



Aluminum. 



HEAVY METALS. 

 Iron. 



Manganese. 



Cobalt. 



Copper. 



Bismuth. 



Lead. 



Tin. 



Zinc. 



Chromium. 



Antimony. 



Arsenic. 



Mercury. 



Silver. 



Gold. 



Platinum. 



THIRD CLASS. 



Salts. 

 Earthy resins. 



SULPHUR is found in Sicily and Italy and other parts of Europe, in a 

 native state, but as such has to be purified. 

 The crystals take the form as shown in 

 the margin. Cleavage imperfect ; it is brittle. 

 Sulphuric acid is a very important combi- 

 nation, and a very dangerous one in inex- 

 perienced hands. Sulphur combines with a 

 number of elements, which combinations 

 are " Sulphides." (See Chemistry section.) 



SELENIUM is a metalloid resembling 



o 



sulphur, but less common. It is inodorous. 



Fig. 457. Crystals of sulphur. 



BORON is usually found near volcanic springs, and in combination with 

 oxygen. It is soluble. Taste, acid bitter, and white in colour ; friable. It 

 is known as SASSOLINE, or boracic acid. (See Biborate of Soda for one of 

 the borates.) 



CARBON is one of the most important of our minerals. In the form 

 of coal we have it in daily use, and in the form of diamond it is our most 

 valuable gem. In the latter form it is the hardest of all minerals, a 

 powerful refractor of light, lustrous, and transparent. It is found in the East 

 Indies and Brazil ; more lately Cape diamonds have been brought to Europe, 

 but they do not equal the Eastern gem. Almost fabulous prices have been 



