WETHERSTONES ALUM SHALE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume I, Issue 24, 25 July 1868, Page 3

WETHERSTONES ALUM SHALE.

(T64he Editor of the TwpelM Times?) Slßj— Several persons in Lawrence and Weatherstones having felt an interest in some alum - shale ' found plentifully at Weatherstones, and from which I obtained crystals of, sulphate of alumina, I beg to forward you-Dr. Hector's analysis.for the information of those gentlemen. That .the analysis is dated in May is owing to the absence of Dr. Hector from his laboratory, which- he explains in. a very courteous note to me. — I am, &c, . E.- Halley. The specimen of salt — colorless and well tfpy^ilKßpd,]complete].^'soJuble ip avatep The appfeßtleu anafsfis"*fchoTfs''Tt to be% nearly pure sulphate of alumina. Allowing for the alkaline sulphates present, there woukj require the >i(UUtion of about 25 per cent of Bnipfiate^-of ■ pbtsis'h, in order to make with it common potash alum. Analysit. Sulphate of alumina, with a little iron sulphates"'-- « ♦ .iJ "!.£»: 55-"60 Sulphate of Lime 1.01 Sulphate oOlagnesi* ♦ • • 2.99 Alkaline sulphates .... 300 Water 37 40 /-' loij-otf 192 a. Aluminous ,Rpck. — This sample, well mixed, and 17 64 grammes taken- afterwards, yielded 3'B(j.per cent, of aluminous salt, similar in'composition to 196. '"-*" -* (Signed) Wh. Sket. Note. — This mineral it of no commercial value. * (Signed) J. ,Hectob.