ON THE MINERALOGY OF CEYLON, 

 By Dr. Rudolph OygaXo 

 (Read May 22d 1847. ) 



I have on several occasions attempted to form a descriptive 

 Catalogue of the Minerals of Ceylon, but on each attempt 

 met with so many discouraging difficulties that I had aban~ 

 doned the idea until recently persuaded to return to the subject. 



The difficulties alluded to consisted chiefly in the want of means 

 of obtaining information relative to the various specimens I have 

 met with. Many descriptions have come into my possession at 

 Various times, but of their proper locality, geological position 

 description of rock in which found, rarity or abundance, I have 

 been able to obtain but scanty information. 



Nevertheless, I conceive that something should be attempted 

 even if only as a Precursor to more fortunate labors, and I 

 accordingly prepared a list of such Minerals as I have en- 

 countered since my arrival in the Island. It may afford some 

 satisfaction at having even this rough document, although I must 

 confess that it will but poorly illustrate this branch of the Na- 

 tural History of Ceylon* 



I purpose giving a short description of each Mineral* distin- 

 guishing such as I found myself from those found by gentle- 

 men in the interior who have presented them to me : shew* 

 ing their Geological situation, their Chrystalline forms &c. ex- 

 cept in the cases of such as are found in all parts of the world 

 md consequently very well known, such as Rock-ChrystaJ s Ga* 



