67 



pepitas^ or pieces of pure copper, from fifty to a hun- 

 dred weight, which the writers of those times repre- 

 sent as of a beautiful colour resembling pinchbeck, 

 ^ and containing in general more than an equal por- 

 tion of gold. This metal was so pure and easily sepa- 

 rated from its matrix that it required only a common 

 fire to melt it. 



A mine has lately been discovered at Curico which 

 is as rich as that of Payen. The ore consists of gold 

 ^nd copper in equal proportions, and the inhabitants 

 have named it natural avanturine^^ from its being 

 filled with brilliant particles that give it a beautiful 

 appearance. This metal is used by the goldsmiths 

 for rings, bracelets, and other ornaments of jewelry. 



In the province of Huilquilemu are hills that fur- 

 nish a copper ore combined with zinc, or a real native 

 brass. It is found in pieces of various sizes, and the 

 matrix is a brittle earthy stone of a yellow colour, or 

 a dull green. This substance, which has hitherto 

 been obtained only by artificial means, probably 

 owes its formation to subterraneous fires, which sub- 

 limating the zinc, and combining it with the copper, 

 has produced this extraordinary natural mixture. It 

 is of a fine yellow colour, and as malleable as the 



is creative; that is, that copper is constantly produced or created 

 in it. The same mountain contains mines of lapis lazuli, and the 

 other which is near it, called by the Spaniards Cerro de Santa 

 Inis, is particularly remarkable for great quantities of load-stone, 

 of which it appears to be entirely composed. — Frazier*s Voyage^ 

 vol. i. 



* A precious stone of a yellowish colour, full of small specks 

 of gold. 



