ZIRCONIFEKOUS SANDSTONE NEAR ASHLAND, VIRGINIA 



277 



however, that the principal source of the cement was chemical precipita- 

 tion from iron-bearing waters that percolated or filtered through the sand 

 deposit. 



ECONOMIC ASPECTS. 



The uses enumerated on pages 291-2 of this paper are largely suggested 

 rather than actual and their practicability is mostly dependent on the 

 cheapness of the zirconia and the quantity available. Bohm* states that 

 large quantities of native zirconia (zirconium oxide) known as baddeleyite 

 are found near Sao Paulo, Brazil, and that much has been shipped to Ger- 

 many. This material at the time he wrote, was being furnished at the 

 following prices: 



Composition and prices 0/ baddeleyite. 



t Remainder H.O. 



The mineral quoted is in the form of oxide and for most purposes would 

 be more desirable than zircon, which would have to be reduced to the oxide, 

 and should sufficient native oxide be found to supply demands, competi- 

 tion would be difficult for zircon. For ferrozirconium or zirconium car- 

 bide the zircon could possibly be used without reduction to the oxide. 



Should the demand for zircon and further testing of the Ashl'and de- 

 posit warrant exploitation, operations could be carried on with comparative 

 ease. The rock crushes easily; the zircon and associated heavy minerals 

 could be separated from the quartz by shaking tables, and the ilmenite 

 could be picked out by a magnetic separator. 



* Bohm, C. R., Die Technische Verwendung der Zirconerde, Chem. Zeitung, 

 Jahr 35, November 14, 1911, pp. 1261-1262. 



