THE MINERALS OF TASMANIA. 



By W. F. Pettbrd, CM Z.S. 



To the geologist, the fascinating science of mineralogy 

 must always be of the utmost importance, as it defines with 

 remarkable exactitude the chemical constituents and com- 

 binations of rock masses, and, thus interpreting their optical 

 and physical characters assumed, it plays an important part 

 part in the elucidation of the mysteries of the earth's crust. 

 Moreover, in addition, the minerals of a country are invari- 

 ably intimately associated with its industrial progress, in 

 addition to being an important factor in its igneous and 

 metamorphic geology. In this dual aspect this State affords 

 a most prolific field, perhaps unequalled in the Common- 

 wealth, for serious consideration. 



In this short article, I propose to review the subject of 

 the mineralogy of this Island in an extremely concise 

 manner, the object being, chiefly, to afford the members of 

 the Australasian Association for the Advancement of 

 Science a cursory glimpse into Natures hidden objects of 

 wealth, beauty, and scientific interest. It will be readily 

 understood that the restricted space at the disposal of the 

 writer effectually prevents full justice being done to an 

 absorbing subject, which is of almost universal interest, 

 viewed from the one or the other aspect. The economic 

 result of practical mining operations, as carried on in this 

 State, has been of a most satisfactory character, and has, 

 without doubt, added greatly to the national wealth; but, 

 for detailed information under this head, reference must be 

 made to the voluminous statistical information, and the 

 general progress, and other reports, issued by the Mines 

 Department of the local Government. Suffice it to say, 

 under this head, that metallic ores and metals to the gross 

 value of about fifteen million pounds sterling have been won 

 during the past decade. 



This short article has been prepared for the collector 

 of minerals as such, thus leaving the geological aspect of 

 the subject to other hands, and the economic side of the 

 question to its special State Department. It will be found 

 that this Island is one of the most favoured huntjng-groundsi 



