PRODUCTIONS OF THE HIMALAYA. 



243 



waters from this mine were observed to be impregnated with sulphate of 



COPPER. 



The Sha, and Gmigbli mines, are situated in beds of indurated talc, or 

 potstone; which are again, enclosed in dolomite. Occasionally the former, 

 occasionally the latter rock, forms the roof, and sides, of the mine. The 

 dolomite, has a large crystaline grain ; and great tenacity; and forms a per- 

 fectly durable work, when excavated. It is not so, however, with the other : 

 at least, not always. When massive, it is, I believe, to be depended on : 

 and it has then, a great recommendation in its extreme sectility ; and the 

 ease with which it is worked. But it occurs, sometimes, of such inferior 

 consistence ; having much the appearance of re-united debris ; as to require 

 support : and to occasion much inconvenience, and even, danger. 



The ore, at each of these places, is copper pyrites. I have never seen 

 any crystallised specimens. It is accompanied by iron pyrites : which 

 is occasionally found in the pentagonal dodecahedron ; but most commonly, 

 in such irregular and anomalous forms, as are with difficulty, describable.* 

 I have observed specimens also of Grey Copper : but in small quantity. 

 The working ore is, no doubt, copper pyrites ; and the quantity of copper 

 it contains, may be taken at thirty-five per cent. This is, of course, to be 

 understood, as before remarked, of the pure mineral : uncontaminated 

 by the matrix. 



The Khari, and Shor Gurang mines, are similarly situated — the ore 

 produced, is in so small a quantity, as not to require any lengthened notice. 

 I have observed grey copper, copper pyrites, and carbonate of cop- 

 PEH : chiefly, if not always, disseminated. An important advantage, which all 



the 



* Possibly composite forms. 



