lxXVi REPORT OF THE STATE GEOLOGIST. 



lower divisions of the Cretaceous and the Carboniferous areas ; the basalt 

 of such areas as Pilot Knob in Travis County ; some of the sandstones 

 or siliceous iron ores of the iron region of East Texas ; the granites and 

 other tough rocks of the Central Kegion are especially valuable, and 

 similar rocks and the quartzites and porphyries of West Texas will 

 also prove of value when transportation charges will admit of their use. 



The occurrence of asphaltum in various portions of the State has al- 

 ready been noticed, and its use as paving material is well known. 



For the construction of sidewalks, in addition to the material above 

 mentioned, flagstones are found in various localities. 



MATEKIALS FOR PAINTS. 



Graphite has already been mentioned under refractory substances. 



Ochre. — This is a hydrated oxide of iron, usually containing more or 

 less clay or sand and giving various shades of yellow, red, and brown. 

 The most valuable is that which on preparation furnishes the color called 

 Indian red. Ochres are found in connection with the geode and nodu- 

 lar ores of East Texas, forming centers of the geodes, and also deposits 

 of limited extent. It is reported at many localities in the area covered 

 by the Timber Belt Beds. In the Cretaceous area good ochres occur 

 in Uvalde and Yal Yerde counties, in the latter of which one locality 

 has been developed to some extent and the material shipped. Other 

 deposits have been opened and worked very slightly for local use in 

 different parts of the State. 



Barytes is found in Llano County, but has not been put to any use 

 at all as yet. 



OTHER ECONOMIC MATERIALS. 



SULPHUR. 



Specimens of native sulphur of a high degree of purity have been 

 received from Edwards County, but up to the present no detailed ex- 

 amination has been made to ascertain its quantity or the condition of its 

 occurrence. 



SALT. 



Like many of the other valuable deposits of Texas, the occurrence of 

 the salt is widespread. Along the coast to the southwest are lagoons 

 or salt lakes from which large amounts of salt are taken annually. Be- 

 sides the lakes along the shore many others occur through Western 



