REPORT OF THE STATE GEOLOGIST. lxxi 



excellent materials for grindstones, but up to the present they have 

 only been utilized for local use. 



WHETSTONES. 



No whetstones have yet been manufactured in Texas, although ex- 

 cellent material exists for such a purpose. The Fayette Sands probably 

 furnish the best of the material, and some specimens from Fayette 

 County are now in the Museum. Other material suitable for the pur- 

 pose is found in the Central Mineral Eegion and in the Central Coal 

 Field. 



INFUSORIAL EARTH. 



Several localities of deposits of this material are known in Hopkins, 

 Leon, Polk, and Crosby counties. Very little has been mined for ship- 

 ment. 



ORNAMENTAL STONES AND GEMS. 



Among the gem stones may be mentioned Beryl, Smoky Quartz, 

 Rose Quartz, Silicified Wood, Garnet, Agate, Moss Agate, Amethyst, 

 Jasper, Sardonyx, Tourmaline, and others. 



QUARTZ. 



The clear white variety, which is known as "crystal," is sparingly 

 found in masses of a size suitable for use. Clusters of crystals are 

 found which form handsome ornaments, but the greater part are stained 

 or milky. 



Smoky Quartz. — The Central Mineral Region produces fine crystals 

 of smoky quartz of deep color. Barringer Hill, Llano County, is one 

 of the best localities. 



Rose Quartz. — Beautiful shades of rose quartz are found in Llano 

 and Gillespie counties. 



Amethyst. — Gillespie County furnishes some amethysts of fair color, 

 but the deeper colored ones have so far been found only in the Sierra 

 Blanca or Quitman region. 



Thetis Hair Stone. — This variety of limpid quartz with fine needles 

 of actinolite scattered through it is found in the northern part of Gil- 

 lespie County, near Enchanted Rock. 



Beryl. — Some very large fine crystals of beryl have been found in 

 Gillespie County, and occasionally in Llano County. 



