STEATITE OR SOAPSTONK. 157 



It occurs on the shores of the lake of Laach, along with 

 prismatic Feld-spar, hemi-prismatic Augite-spar, octahedral 

 Iron-ore, &c. It resembles pitchstone when broken, and 

 according to the observations of Dr BREWSTER, also in its 

 structure, when examined in thin splinters by a powerful 

 microscope. The name of Nosin has been given to it, in 

 honour of Mr NOSE, its first discoverer. 



STEATITE OR SOAPSTONE. 



Steatite or Soapstone. JAM. Syst. Vol, II. p. 255. Man. 

 p. 125. Soap-stone. PHILL. p. 118. 



Crystals, chiefly of the rhombohedral system, and 

 among these particularly such as resemble varieties 

 of rhombohedral Quartz, and macrotypous Lime- 

 haloide, the nature of which is as yet problematic. 

 The crystals are found imbedded in the massive 

 varieties of the same mineral. Massive ; compo- 

 sition impalpable, fracture uneven, splintery. 



Colour generally white, passing into grey, green, 

 yellow, red. Streak having a faint resinous lustre. 

 Translucent on the edges. 



Perfectly sectile. Feels greasy. Does not adhere 

 to the tongue. Soft ... very soft. Sp. Gr. = 

 2 604 ... 2-632, BREITHAUPT. 



Before the blowpipe it is very difficultly fusible, and only 

 partly vitrified. According to KLAPROTH, it consists of 



From Baircuth. From Cornwall. 

 Silica 59-50 45-00. 



Magnesia 30-50 24-75. 



Alumina 0-00 9'25. 



Oxide of Iron 2-50 1-00. 



Water 5-50 18-00. 



