Cox.—On the Mineralogy of New Zealand. 875 
« This mineral was first discovered by Mr. Traill, occurring in detached 
masses of irregular form and considerable size in the superficial gravels and 
peat deposits at most points along the low eastern shore of the Chatham 
Islands. It appears to have no connection with the brown coal and lignite 
deposits which occur in the same island ; nor could Mr. Traill discover any 
distinct bed or seam of this mineral. It is very interesting on account of 
its highly bituminous character, resembling that of the oil-shale found at 
Mongonui, Auckland.” 
A similar mineral is found on the Auckland Islands, and is mentioned 
by Dr. Hector (Trans. N.Z. Inst., vol. ii., p. 183). 
Bituminous Shale.—A mineral closely approximating to Torbanite is 
mentioned by Dr. Hector (First Coal Report, 1866, p. 44) as coming from 
Awatere, near Mongonui, Auckland. It is very coherent, close-grained, 
hard and tough, almost elastie, does not show the slightest indications of 
lamina or cleavage planes, having a smooth semi-conchoidal fracture in 
every direction. Colour, dull black; perfectly homogeneous; powder, brown 
or chocolate colour ; sp. gr. 1:112 ; ignites with ease and bursts into flame, 
which is sustained for a long time and with great vigour. Flame at first 
luminous and bright, but soon becomes long and smoky. During com- 
bustion small oil-bubbles are seen escaping. Heated to dull red heat in 
closed crucible, 23 per cent. of light, non-coherent, cellular and slightly 
lustrous coke remains, which burns readily in free access of air to a white ash. 
ANALYSIS. : 
Volatile matter Eo 
Carbon in coke ne 9:30 Relative percentage 
Hygroscopie water .. 1:80 of 
Ash >. is ;2 49 IU Volatile matter ». 88:99 
Sulphur es ..  iraces Fixed carbon .. $c OE 
00-00 100:00 
Carbonaceous Shale.—A mineral having the composition of— 
Fixed carbon .. e se (ion A490 
Hydro-carbon 89:39 
P 6'74 
Ash 38:91 
100 
00 
occurs at Orepuki, Southland, and is reported on (Col. Mus. and Lab. 
Reports, xi., p. 11), and another from Blueskin Bay, Otago, is also men- 
tioned (Col. Mus. and Lab. Reports, xiii., p. 21), which is composed of— 
"à po MESE : 
Fixed earbon .. $$ 
Hydro-carbon.. Sx n be -2079 
Water .. 2 E^ ue a ee 
AA es un ‘a T sos 25:05 
