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Collection: Directories and Documents > Pamphlets
Minerology Handbook by Eckert Mineral Research Prospector Supplies (PH 2-2) (28 pages)
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Page: of 28
proportions by weight and with the same internal arrangement. Thus,
water is a compound of hydrogen and oxygen, and according to the
formula, H2O, contains two parts of hydrogen to one of oxygen. Examples of elements are sulphur, gold, tin, graphite. Examples of compounds are calcite, stibnite, and galena.
Ill. THE USE OF THE BLOWPIPE
In order to determine the elements present in a mineral, the mineralogist subjects it to a chemical analysis. He may try to heat it, dissoive it, add other chemicals, and perform any number of other tests.
By observing the results from these tes‘s, the mincralogist is able to
know definitely what elements are present in a mineral.
But, as is often the case, such a process requires a good deal of time
and effort, and the amateur mineralogist should be able to test for
elements in a quicker and easier method. One of these methods is the
biowpipe test. ‘The results of this test, plus a study of the physical
properties will enable us to get a sufficiently good idea of the contents
of the specimen,
The first objective in the use of the blowpipe is to learn to blow a
steady, hot flame. Place the tip of the blowpipe just within the flame
and above the dark blue cone, directing it to a side, and blow through
the tube. The blast of air will direct the flame into a thin cone, and
with a little practice a clear blue flame quite free from yellow will be
the result. This flame is much hotter than the ordinary gas flame,
the hottest part being just above the blue flame.
An important distinction must ke made between the reducing flame
and the oxidizing flame. The flame consists of two parts: the inner
blue cone, and the outer almost invisible envelope extending far beyond. In the former the gas is only partly burned; there is a shortage
of oxygen, and as a result the flame will reduce or rob the oxygen
from whatever is heated in it. On the other hand, the outer part of
the flame contains an excess of oxygen, and the tendency is to supply
oxygen, or to oxidize substances which it contacts.
IV. IDENTIFYING SUBSTANCES
To the beginner it will appear to be a difficult task to become so
familiar with the different minerals as to be able to recognize them,
Even the trained mineralogist is not prompt and sure in his determination. There are hundreds of different species, many of them rare, and
not a few appearing in a great variety of form and color. Hasty judgment should never be used in analysis.
However, it should not be very difficult for the beginner in mineralogy to recognize many of the common species which may be obtained on mineralogical excursions or in exchange with fellow mineralogists. The number of common species is small, and some, like
Calcite, Iron Pyrites, Galena, Barite, Mica, and Quartz, are constantly
presenting themselves, and though their appearances vary somewhat,
& simple test will usually enable you to identify them.
— se