R. P. Greg on a new Mineral. 333 
Art. XXXV.—On Conistonite, a new Mineral Species ; com- 
municated by R. P. Gree, F.G.S., of Norcliffe Hall, near 
Manchester. 
Mr. B. Wricut, a mineral dealer in Liverpool, forwarded me 
some months since, a specimen, found at the copper mine near 
Coniston in Cumberland, by Mr. Marrat, a teacher of Natural 
History in Liverpool. The specimen was of a urplish-red col- 
or, somewhat resembling earthy cobalt-bloom, and implanted on 
it were a few small crystals resembling calcite. ‘Thinking how- 
ever the form of these rather peculiar, on trial I found the usual 
cleavages of that mineral wanting; and its peculiar behavior be- 
fore the blowpipe soon convinced me that it must be a new spe- 
cies. I give the following general description : 
rgest crystals not more than one-eighth of an inch across, 
and in general form not unlike the double four-sided crystals of 
Edingtonite. Primitive form probably a right rhombic prism. 
0 cleavage observable. Fracture small conchoidal, uneven. 
ustre vitreous. Transparent to translucent; colorless. Slightly 
sectile. H.= 22. Sp. gr. = 2:05 
Rt M:M’= 97-05 
M:e = 122:50 
e:e = 9400 
Ae The faces M brighter and more distinct. 
than e. 
Does not effervesce in acids. Before the blowpipe becomes 
white and opaque, expanding into seven or eight times its original 
bulk, After exposure to heat almost instantaneously dissipated 
M acids, with strong effervescence. 
As yet only two specimens of this interesting mineral have 
been found. Ihave called it Conistonite from its having been 
tst discovered at Coniston. 
t is very probable that the matrix in which the erystals of 
Conistonite are imbedded, will itself prove to be a new miner 
species. Mr. Heddle supposes it to be oxalate of cobalt. 
T transmitted to my friend, Mr. M. Forster Heddle, of Edin- 
bed a few crystals of the Conistonite for analysis, which he 
kindly undertook to make; and he has sent me the following 
Particulars respecting it. 
a. “Sp. er., determined on 3-666 grs., found to be 2-052. 
6. Powdered mineral absorbs 23 per cent. of moisture. 
©. Soluble without effervescence in hydrochloric and _ nitric 
acids, and on addition of ammonia a precipitate is thrown down. 
- When heated gives off water and carbonic oxyd, and is 
*onverted into carbonates; and then effervesces in acids. 
Skoonp Sxxims, Vol, XVII, No. 51.—May, 1854. 43 
