PHYSIOGRAPHY. 



Native Gold. 



67 



Fig. 324. 



If this variety be compressed in the direction of the axis of 

 revolution, 



Fig. 325 



is formed. Filiform, capillary, reticulated, and arborescent 

 shapes ; also leaves and membranes. Sometimes the indi- 

 viduals are still discernible. Surface drusy, striated or 

 smooth. Massive : composition riot observable, fracture 

 hackly. Plates, superficial coatings, rolled masses. 



1. Native Gold melts pretty easily, and is soluble only in chlorine, or 

 nitre-muriatic acid. Gold may be obtained crystallized, from fusion. A 

 solution of muriate of gold in sulphuric ether, yields cubic crystals on 

 evaporation. Brilliant crystals of the compound form of the cube, octa- 

 hedron and dodecahedron, have been accidentally formed by exposing 

 for several years an amalgam of gold wrapt up in cotton. 



