CHAPTER y. 



CHEMISTEY OF THE WASHOE PEOOESS. 



BY AENOLD HAGUE, 



Miner AiOGic AX, chakacteb of the oke — Chemical, action of mercury and 

 OTHER reagents— Pan experiments — CHEnnsTRY OF the process. 



The adaptation of the amalgamation process to the reduction of argentifer- 

 ous ores depends to such an extent upon their character that in considering its 

 appHcation to Washoe it is necessary, as far as possible, to understand the true 

 nature of the varied mineral ingredients that constitute the ore of the Com- 

 stock vein. 



A large number of mineral species have been found in the vein during 

 the course of its development ; very many of them, however, are extremely 

 rare, while others only have been observed near the surface, or within very 

 limited areas. 



A discussion of its mineralogical features will be found in another chap- 

 ter; it is only desirable here to consider such minerals as are everywhere 

 scattered through the body of quartz, and are present in sufficient quantities 

 to materially aifectthe question of the amalgamation of the associated gold and sil- 

 ver. The average ore as it comes from the mines presents to the eye a mass of 

 nearly white, brittle, crumblingquartz, ranging in size from fine dust to pieces that 

 weigh several pounds; occurring with it are small fragments of wall-rock and 

 clay, that impart a somewhat grayish tinge. An inspection of the ore piles at 

 the different mines and mills generally shows the presence of iron and copper 

 pyrites. Except in first-class ore, which is always roasted before being sent 

 to the amalgamating pan, it requires a somewhat closer examination to detect 

 well-defined specimens of other minerals, so finely are they disseminated 

 through the entire mass. A more careful search, however, will generally de- 



