RARE METALS AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION. 
87 - 
In meteorites the following have been detected bv 
spectroscopic and other means* : — 
Lithium Gallium Vanadium 
Palladium Iridium Platinum 
J. C. H. Mingaye has proved the presence of the last three- 
noble metals in the Mount Dyrring (N.S.W.) meteorite, and 
of platinum and iridium also in the Barr aba and Cowra 
meteoric irons. f 
The general discussion of the terrestrial distribution of 
a number of metals of such widely different characters is. 
naturally not a simple matter, particularly in the present 
imperfect state of our knowledge. Only as' interest in these 
rare metals and in their possible commercial value increases, 
and as fresh means of detecting and estimating them are 
worked out, will our shortcomings in this respect be over- 
come. A few broad generalities may, however, be stated : 
(1) With the exception of platinum and the platinoid 
metals, and tantalum, none of the rare metals occur in the 
metallic state in nature. 
(2) Whilst ordinary orthoclase or microcline pegmatite 
veins are as a rule devoid of rare metal compounds, the albite 
pegmatites associated with soda granites and syenites are 
invariabfy found to harbour them, usually in notable 
quantities and in great variety. Such pegmatities are the- 
typical homes of the rarer alkali metals anti the rare earth 
metals of the cerium and yttrium type, as well as tantalum 
niobium, beryllium and uranium. Tin ore is frequently 
found in such veins and in general, however occurring, tin 
ores are likely indicators of the presence of such rare metals, 
(3) The rare noble metals of the platinum group are 
invariably associated with rocks of a highly basic character. 
(4) Cadmium and the rare metals of the gallium sub- 
group are known mainly in association with metallic sul- 
phides, particularly those carrying zinc. 
Remarks on the general distribution of individual rare 
metals will be given later. 
The Rare Metals in West Australia. 
Lithium- This is one of the least rare of the rare 
metals, and, being an essential constituent of several 
characteristic minerals, and yielding a simple flame test, 
is one whose presence is soon recognised. The existence 
of the element was first recognised by Arfvedson in 1817, but 
it was not till 1855 that it was obtained in metallic form 
by Bunsen and Matthieson. 
* L. Fletcher : Introduction to the Study of Meteorites. 
f J. C. H. Mingaye: Records Geo!. Surv. N.S.W, VII, 307, 
310, 3 1 1 . 
