502 University Geological Survey of Kansas. 
Melanterite. 
This mineral is occasionally found as white capillary crys- 
tals produced by the oxidation of pyrite or marcasite, espe- 
cially the latter, as it has more of a tendency to oxidize. As 
the mineral is soluble in water, it is only found at certain 
times or under certain favorable conditions. 
Specimens of marcasite after remaining in a cabinet for 
some time are often found to be so disintegrated that on pick- 
ing them up they will fall to piecs. This is caused by the 
formation of melanterite, as upon close examination white 
crystalline fibers may be seen. : 
Chaleanthite. 
This mineral has recently been found at the Irene mine, in 
Empire City. It occurs as small, blue, columnar crystals, 
associated with sphalerite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite, and is 
doubtless the result of the oxidation of the latter. The speci- 
mens were found on the dump pile, but the miners say that 
the mineral is frequently observed on material just after it is 
hoisted from the shaft. 
Copiapite. 
A basic ferric sulphate, referred to copiapite, occurs as a 
yellow, crystalline incrustation, often assuming a botryoidal 
or stalactitic form on pyrite at Galena and at Cave Springs, 
being especially abundant at the Pilgrim mine at the latter 
locality, where it occurs on the walls of a ‘‘cave-in.”’ 
It is also formed from melanterite, as specimens of the latter 
on long exposure to the air gradually become yellow. 
Asphaltum. 
The solid and stiff liquid asphaltum is quite common at 
Joplin and Webb City, but is rarely observed at Galena. 
