224 BITUMEN, ASPIIALTU3f, PETROLEUM, ETC. 



with asplialtum; in a coal mine of Montrelais, a few leagues from Angers, 

 France; also in a coal mine near Southbnry, Mass. 



Two substances, Amber and Kauri Gum, although very much differing 

 from the above in their uses, yet are hj^dro-carbons. I therefore briefly 

 notice them. 



KAURI GUM. 



[We possess no analysis of this, but it :s nearly related, if not identical 

 with Ambrits, of Dana.] 



The Baiwinara Australis, or Dammara Pine, is a coniferous tree, common 

 in New Zealand; also grows in the Molucca Isles and Amboyna. It is very 

 resinous and quite valuable. 



In New Zealand the gum is found in large quantities in a fossil state, 

 occurring in the Tertiary formation (according to Dr. Hector, the Provincial 

 Geologist), at depths from Ave to one hundred feet below the surface, and 

 in amorjjhous masses weighing from one to three hundred and fifty pounds. 

 Dr. Hector is confident that this gum has originated from the Dammara 

 pine. Its color is grayish yellow, fracture conchoidal and of a glassy 

 brightness. At ordinary temperatures it remains solid, but verj^ warm 

 w^eather causes it to become slightly flexible, and when rubbed it gives out 

 a terebinthine odor. It is much valued for making varnish, being superior 

 as an article for making furniture and implement varnish. It is valued ac- 

 cording to color and purity. At Auckland the clear, cheap article bringing 

 $90 per ton; the dark, clear and scraped $2-40, and the bold, bright, selected 

 $300 to $350 per ton. The export from New Zealand, in 1874, was 2,600,000 

 tons; value, $440,000. It is largely exported to various countries, a great 

 deal being brought to the United States. The gum and its various pjpo- 

 ducts were exhibited at the Centennial. 



AMBER OR SUCCINITE 



is a vegetable resin, altered by fossilization, sometimes inclosing insects 

 which retain their perfect forms and appendages. It burns with a yellow 

 flame, emitting an agreeable odor and leaves a black, shining, carbonaceous 

 residue. Its composition is, carbon 78.824, hydrogen 10.228, oxygen 10.9. 

 Its hardness, 2 — 2.5.* 



Amber is harder than most resins and is susceptible of a good polish. 

 It is used for necklaces, mouth -jiieces for cigars and for varnish. It was 

 known to the ancients and called Electrum, on account of its electrical sus- 

 ceptibility; it was also engraved and used by the ancients for seals. 



It occurs abundantly on the Prussian coast of the Baltic, from Dantzig 

 to Memel. It is also found on the coast of Denmark and Sweden ; also in 

 Gallicia, Poland, Moravia, the Urals. Switzerland, near Basle; France, near 

 Paris; near London; in various parts of Asia, and in the green sand of 

 New Jersey; also in Japan. It is chiefly obtained from Prussia, and is not 

 very abundant in other countries. 



*■ Dana. 



