Iron. 



51 



Carlisle, which, in its natural state, is a splendid gem. Good speci- 

 mens, however, cannot now be obtained, without farther exploration 

 of the soil, or the rock. 



The quartz crystals, that occur at several localities, are very per- 

 fect, and might be used for watch seals, ring stones, spectacles, &c. ; 

 those, for instance, found at Pelham, Southampton and Williams- 

 burg. The smoky quartz occurs at a few localities, and is fine for 

 ornaments. At Southampton, Pelham and Middlefield, is found the 

 yellow quartz, which in some instances, can scarcely be distinguish- 

 ed from genuine topaz. The rose red quartz occurs at several places, 

 as at Chelmsford, Chesterfield, Chester, Williamsburgh and Bland- 

 ford ; and sometimes, I am inclined to believe, of a good quality to 

 be wrought into ornamental articles ; particularly, at one or two lo- 

 calities recently discovered. The amethyst, which occurs in green- 

 stone, near Connecticut river, is of a delicate color, and, if it can 

 be obtained in sufficient quantity, may be employed in the ornamental 

 arts. 



•Some of the adularia that is common in the gneiss of Brimfield, 

 Southbridge, &c. I presume, would answer well for watch seals, 

 rings and trinkets ; particularly, a greenish variety, occuring near 

 the center of the latter place. I have seen an elegant watch seal, cut 

 from the adularia of this locality. A polished specimen will be found 

 in the collection. 



It ought not to be forgotten, that amber has been found in Martha's 

 Vineyard, at Gay Head, and on Nantucket. At the latter place one 

 or two masses were found, weighing a pound or more. The tertiary 

 formation of these islands is precisely the place where we might ex- 

 pect to find this mineral, especially in connexion with the lignite. 



METALS AND THEIR ORES. 



It remains only, in giving the economical geology of Massachusetts, 

 to describe the metals and metallic ores which have been found in 

 the state, and are applicable to useful purposes. I shall begin with 

 the metal most abundant and most useful : viz. 



Iron. 



The bog iron ore is most common, but I shall give an account of 

 the different species in regular order. 



