On the Strontianitc of Schoharie, (N. Y.) 367 



accompanying the compound crystals above described. It somewhat 

 resembles the purest white variety of Petalite, although the parti- 

 cles of composition are occasionally arranged in a manner to give a 

 broad reflection, and its lustre is more resinous than vitreous. Sp. 

 gr.=3-5. 



I could not detect with the microscope the smallest particle of Cal- 

 careous Spar, or Heavy Spar, or indeed any other substance, interming- 

 led with the mass. But to make sure of the absence of the latter 

 mineral, a small fragment was pulverized and introduced into a glass 

 flask, upon which dilute muriatic acid was afFused. It was immedi- 

 ately dissolved with effervescence, without leaving the slightest res- 

 idue.* 



The letter of Mr. Bonny, informs me that he" has been acquaint- 

 ed with this locality about three years, and that it is distant two 

 miles from the Court House. I consider it an important discovery, 

 inasmuch as it promises to afford to the experimental chemist an 

 abundant supply of this hitherto rare earth ; for although the Celes- 

 tine is not difficult to obtain, yet the trouble of procuring from it the 

 strontita in a soluble form is so great, as very much to abridge it use 

 in chemistry. And besides, I think it may furnish a very beauti- 

 ful alabaster ; at least, one quite suitable to combine with the hand- 

 some, and quite unique variety of Heavy Spar of Jefferson county, 

 .(N.Y.). . 



A fibrous Heavy Spar in delicate, parallel fibres about half or three 

 quarters of an inch long, forming veins, has been known from Schoharie 

 for many years. Mr. Bonny informs me that it was not discovered 

 in place until about three years ago. The deposit exists in a blu- 

 ish slate beneath the limestone. It is said to be very abundant. 

 The spot is seven miles north of the Court House. 



The same place likewise affords veins of Arragonite, very liable to 

 be confounded with the Heavy Spar. The fibres have about the 

 same diameter, but double the length. They exhibit more lustre, 

 however, and possess. a Sp. gr. = 2'92. 



Among the samples of Strontianite, I noticed also, a bluish Heavy 

 Spar in fibres like those above described, and bearing a strong resem- 

 blance to the fibrous Celestine of Jena.f 



* The solution was evaporated to dryness, alcohol added, and the solution in- 

 flamed : it afforded the characteristic red flame of strontita. 



t As these fibres instantly separated on being immersed in water, I could not 

 take its specific gravity with convenience, and in order to insure its correct deter- 



