1160 General Notes. [ November, 
that the crystals are noteworthy, not only on account of their size 
and beauty, but also for their great complexity of form, i 
Some crystals measured nearly two feet in length and two 
inches in diameter. They occur in groups, which consist of 
diverging crystals, many of which may be over a foot in length. 
The prismatic planes are deeply striated, and the end of each 
crystal is finely terminated by brilliantly polished planes. The 
luster of these planes is unexcelled among metallic minerals, and 
can be compared only with that of polished steel, as, for exam- 
ple, the surface of a razor blade. 
Professor E. S. Dana has observed as many as eighty-five 
planes on these Japanese crystals. Forty-five planes was the 
largest number previously observed on stibnite, so that forty new 
planes are thus added. Some of the most complex crystals are 
the smallest ones. Sometimes, even on large crystals, the minute 
terminal planes are so rounded into each other that they c 
not be measured. Often these steep pyramidal planes so sharpen 
the end of the crystal as to give it a spear-shaped appearance. 
mmon peculiarity of the Japanese crystals, as indeed of 
all stibnite, is a bending over in the direction of the mace ) 
onal axis. The edge of the crystal, near its termination, peo 
bent so as to form a right angle with itself. Crystals of stib : 
from other localities have been described which were bane 
such a degree as to form a complete ring. This curious are 
liarity appears in all cases as if produced subsequently to SE 
formation of the crystal. It has been shown that a slight pre 
sure will permanently distort a crystal of stibnite. ao 
The axial ratio as deduced from the measured angles IS 
to be: : 
a:bsc == T : 1.00749 : 1.02550 
In order to preserve the brilliant luster of these agers 4 
suggest that mineralogists keep them in a dark place, . 
tected from dust and dampness. ae 
A Beautirut Crvsrat or Apatite.—A. Schmidt, crit 
burg, describes and figures in the last number of Zeitsc r 
Kryst. (vix Band, 6 Heft), a remarkably beautiful crystal 0f Cren 
less apatite from Floitenthale, a new locality. 
which measures only about 1.5 centimeters in length, #7 
resembles a garnet in general shape, being nearly equ” pro 
geometrical beauty of shape and complex but pir re givet 
portions can hardly be excelled, unless indeed the Er angi 
greatly idealizes it. The specimen belongs to the i 
National Museum. Do 
Precious IoLire From Brazit.—lIn looking over ja colades 7 
of Brazilian minerals, Professor Groth recently notice? ©” 
