TERMINOLOGY, 



PART I. 

 TERMINOLOGY. 



INTRODUCTORY. 

 . 11. INDIVIDUALS PRODUCED BY CRYSTALLIZATION. 



The power which gives rise to individuals, is called Crys- 

 tallization. 



When minerals assume the state of individuality, or in other words, 

 pass from the fluid to the solid state, they acquire not only regularity 

 of shape, but cohesion, weight, and different relations to light; and, 

 hence, these properties, also, must be considered as the products of 

 crystallization. Their entire assemblage in any one case, is the 

 mineral itself ; at least so far as it is an object of Mineralogy. 



Minerals upon which the power of crystallization has never ex- 

 erted its force, are destitute of these properties, and accordingly not 

 possessed of individuality. They are mere shapeless masses which 

 find a place in the mineralogical system, only, because they are 

 natural productions. 



Temperature exercises a controlling influence over the crystalli- 

 . zation of minerals. Water and Mercury assume the condition of in- 

 dividuality if their temperature be sufficiently reduced ; while on the 

 on the other hand, Native bismuth, Silver and many others resign 

 this state, and become liquid, if their temperature is elevated to a 

 certain point. On this account, it becomes necessary to fix the de- 

 gree of temperature in which minerals shall be considered ; and the 

 ordinary temperature, in which water is fluid, has accordingly been 

 agreed upon. 



. 12. IMPERFECTLY FORMED MINERALS. 



Those minerals are said to be imperfectly formed, which 

 are deficient in any of those properties, which distinguish 

 the finished productions of crystallization. 



