ol 
VA B..CCXXVI. 
SILEX wmagnesiatus. 
Common Asbestus. 
Div. 2. Imitative. 
Var. Fibrous. 
EE 
‘Tuts substance has been long known in the Isle of Skye. 
I believe it has not been discovered in Ireland, but may 
perhaps be found in North Wales. The length of the fibres 
in the present specimen gives it a remarkable appearance, 
and the leek-green varieties but faintly convey the idea of a 
stone, particularly in a figure. It is scarcely flexible, except 
in very small fragments, although it has that appearance, 
especially the middle twisted piece. It is finely fibrous in 
its divisions in some parts, in others rather solid and 
plated. Fragments splintery, breaking with hanging fibres. 
Lustre rather internal, partly pearly. To the touch it is 
smooth and softish, scarcely greasy; is readily scraped 
with a knife, and is somewhat transparent at the edges. 
The lighter left hand specimen is more solid, and mixed 
with the amianthine rock, in a curious semi-detached 
manner; breaking at right angles. The varieties between 
these may include most known, as there are but small dif- 
ferences. It sometimes approaches Lapis nephriticus, 
which is more solid, tough, and hard.—Spec. Grav. from 
2°547 to 2°995. 
EQ 
