Duke's Beryl Test Booklet

FOREWORD

It is a very simple matter to write a big book; to gather a lot of information, then sit down and throw it all together at random! But it is one of the hardest jobs in the world to take a big book and condense it down to a few pages, to cut out all unnecessary words, yet keep all the important facts. That is just what we have done with these instructions. Many people have the idea that the larger the book the more information they are getting for their money, when just the opposite is generally true. The average book is about 80 per cent hooey; simply because it is easier to write and the author knows that a big book will sell more copies. No doubt you have some of these; they give you a few facts-then add a lot of hooey for filler; then a few more facts-and a lot more hooey. In order to get the few facts you have to wade through so much hooey, so many unnecessary big words, technical terms, scientif­ ic theory and chemical phenomena which you cannot understand, nor would it be of any practical value if you did, that you finally gave up in disgust and de­ spair-and threw it upon the shelf for the mice to chew on! Isn't that a fact? Isn't that just what has happened with all the big books you have bought in' the past? It took us about two months to write some 200 pages on "Beryllium-and the rarer minerals," but it took us several more months of extra time and the re-writing of hundreds of pages to condense it down to the few pages as you find it. In this we deal with commercial minerals from the standpoint of the prospector; the prospector is interested in only five things: What to look for-its commercial value-where to look-how to find it-its identification. All these things are covered in these instructions-no more-no less!

Practically all books written on mineralogy in the past have been from the standpoint of the mineralo­ gist and the mineral specimen collector who are inter­ ested only in pure minerals, as specimens, and not for the value of the elements which they contain: pure specimens can generally be identified fairly accurately by their physical properties, such as color, hardness, etc. (Such as the gem stones later on). ­ But the prospector looking for commercial minerals is not interested merely in pretty rocks; he is interested only in the value of the elements which they contain. Commercial minerals seldom occur in the pure state, and thus the names of the rocks or ores and their phy­ sical properties are of value merely in learning that a certain mineral exists, but not as a means of its iden­ tification. The only way to find out what a metallic mineral contains is to test it out by chemical or other means. There may be 15 or more rocks which may contain a certain element, as with beryllium, but one Simple test will find the element in all of them. So, by our system, instead of trying to learn how to identify all the dif­ ferent rocks by their physical properties,. which cannot be done. we just make our simple test for the element itself-and we automatically cover all the minerals containing that element.

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BERYLLIUM "The Wonder Metal Which Performs Miracles" INTRODUCTION

Beryllium may be taken as one of the best examples to show how that many of the rarer elements which were considered but laboratory curiosities only a few short years ago are now the commonplace important minerals today; and how that many of the other ele­ ments considered rare today will be the common im­ portant minerals of tomorrow and why prospectors of today should learn something about them. Only a few short years ago, in fact even as recent as 1942, beryllium was considered more or less a rare ele­ ment; the production of the pure metal was so costly it had but a few industrial uses; Beryl was the only mineral used in its production; books on mineralogy scarcely mentioned it; there was no simple test for its . identification and prospectors did not bother to learn anything about it. With the outbreak of World War Two, beryllium sky­ rocketed from a minor rare element to one of major im­ portance. Today it is one of the most important, most valuable and the most sought after in science and in­ dustry, with the brightest future for expansion of all the alloy metals. As little as 2 per cent beryllium makes copper hard as steel. It hardens and strengthens aluminum and magnesium. Its alloys make non-magnetic instru­ ments, non-sparking tools~ super stainless-steels, high speed bearings and propellers for airplanes, and does so many remarkable things that it has been rightly and justly called "The Miracle Metal." It is one of the necessary elements in the Atomic Bomb as well as other war uses. Its future peacetime as well as war uses are unlimited: alloyed with alum­ inum or magnesium it will build the stronger and lighter airplanes, automobiles, and the thousands of other articles which make up our modern progressive world. Mountains of beryllium ores will be needed! These instructions will show you how to find them. Value: The price of berryllium ore is based upon the "unit," which is 200 pounds of ore containing 10 per cent of beryllium oxide (BeO). The pre-war price up to May 1942 was $3 per unit or $30 per ton for ore contain­ ing 10 per cent BeO. Present price $40 per unit or $400 per ton for ore containing 10 per cent BeO, plus $40 for each extra 1 per cent, thus an ore containing 14 per cent BeO would be worth $560 per ton. These prices are f.o.b. mines, in which case the buyer pays the freight. Now for the first time in any book you can learn all about beryllium: Its 18 known important minerals, what they are, what they look like, where to prospect, how and where to find them. Now for the first time an easy Simple, quick and accurate test for their identific­ ation. Our "Five Minute Beryllium Test" will show you how to identify beryllium, if present, in any mineral in 5 minutes time; make 25 tests for less than 10c. Only a few pieces of inexpensive equipment required. On­ ly three mild chemicals needed, new discovery, no po­ tassium cyanide or other rank poisons used. Anyone can do it!

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PART ONE

BERYLLIUM

THE ELEMENT: Symbol Be. Name from Latin word Beryl. (Also called Glucenium, symbol GL). Atomic number 4. Atomic weight 9.02. Specific gravity 1.85; weights 114.9 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 1350 degrees Centigrade (2333 degrees F). The Il!etal.is sil­ ver-white in color; much resembles magneslUm In ap­ pearance, but is hard enough to scratch glass. It is nev­ er found in the metallic state in nature. It is prepared by electrolysis from the oxide found in certain ores. Was used by the Egyptians in ancient times to harden copper, then the secret was lost for thousands of years. The oxide was discovered in the mineral beryl by Vau­ quelin in 1790; the metal by Wohler in 1828. But its actual use not until about 1928 some 100 years later. However, its real industrial uses in large quantities not until. 1942 after the outbreak of World War Two. Value pure metal $23 per pound.

Characteristics and Uses ALLOY: It readily alloys with all the common metals such as copper, nickel, iron, aluminum and magnes­ ium. Its greatest use at present is as an alloy to harden and strengthen copper and nickel. As little as 2 per cent beryllium makes copper as hard as structural steel and increases its tensile strength from 33,000 to over 185,000 pounds per square inch, and even more re­ markable is its resistance to vibration; where plate springs of the common metals usually crystallize and break at around 400,000 bends, beryllium-copper will withstand over 10,000,000 bends without fracturing! Three per cent beryllium added to nickel makes one of the hardest and toughest metals with a tensile strength of over 300,000 pounds per square inch! Beryllium­ bronze is one of the best alloys ever discovered for making high speed bearings,. such as used in high­ speed airplane engines, propeller shafts, etc. NON-CORROSIVE: A very little beryllium added to silver or other metals prevents tarnish and is practic­ ally non-corrosive; much used in making special kinds of stainless-steels, such as for optical, dental and surgical instruments. NON-SPARKING: As little as 3 per cent beryllium added to copper produces tools equal in hardness and strength to tool steel, yet retains its non-sparking qualities; much used in gas, munition and other plants where a single spark may cause loss of hundreds of lives and millions of dollars in damage. LIGHTNESS: It is the second lightest in weight of all the metals in general structural use, having a spec­ ific gravity of 1.85. It is one-third lighter than alumin­ um with specific gravity of 2.70, and only slightly heavier than magnesium with a specific gravity of 1.74. No doubt its greatest use in the future will be as an alloy with these elements.

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Prospecting for Beryllium FORMATION: While some beryllium minerals may exist most anywhere or in any kind of rock, the most likely formation is in Pegmatite, or in schist or gneiss usually associated with the same. Pegmatite is a very common formation, there being thousands of pegmatite dikes scattered all over most of the United States. These contain the greatest variety of valuable minerals of all formations. In addition to the 18 beryllium min­ erals, there are some 48 or more valuable minerals which may be found in pegmatite, yet they are per­ haps the least understood and least prospected, and thus the most fertile field for the prospector who knows his business. The 48 most important associate minerals will be taken up in Part Two of these instruc­ tions. But first let us understand something about peg· matite itself; what it is, how to identify it, where to dig. WHAT IS PEGMATITE? Book on geology tell us "It is very coarsely crystalline granite occuring in veins or dikes cutting ordinary granite." This, however, is very vague and indefinite; so let us say for our purposes simply "Veins or dikes containing coarse quartz, feld­ spar and mica," in,other words, wherever you find these you start looking for the 18 beryllium and the other 48 or more associate minerals. GEOLOGY: Pegmatite is Simply large or small cracks in igneous or molten rocks, such as granite, which have been filled with minerals forced up from below in a molten state by heat and pressure, much on the order of small elongated volcanoes which barely reach the surface. This molten mass also contained much water, with the following results: First: As the surface cooled much the quickest it forced the water to the uncooled portion below, and the minerals followed the water; thus the surface may look just like common "bull-quartz" showing little or no mineralization, and so, generally, you must dig to find the values in pegmatite; however, the values are usual­ ly found fairly near the surface. Second: The pressure being greater in the center squeezed or forced the water, carrying the minerals to one side or the other (or in some cases to both sides), and thus,. this is the most logical place to dig, rather than in the center. Third: The outer lower portion, cooling slowly, caused or allowed the various minerals to separate out and collect in large or small individual masses; thus we find quartz in large and small boulders, feldspar in large or small individual masses, mica in large or small books,. columbite or tantalite in large or small nodules, beryl or other minerals in large or small cry­ stals or masses, and so on. Fourth: Due to the above we will generally find one wall more or less a solid sheet or block of quartz then the mineralized vein or zone, then the outer wall; usually of some other material; many times this is schist or gneiss, and this being softer and more porous !he water carrying the minerals seeped or was forced mto the same, and thus are sometimes also mineralized and so should be prospected.

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BERYLLIUM MINERALS

NOTE: The following 15 commercial minerals all quickly and accurately identified by our "5 Minute Beryllium Test." 1. BERYL: Beryllium·aluminum-silica. Beryllium oxide 14 per cent if pure. Specific gravity near 2.5. Hardness 7.5 to 8; hard but brittle. Colors: emerald­ green, pale-green, rose, red, brown, yellow, white. Transparent (emerald) translucent to opaque with vit­ reous to resinous luster. Crystal form: usually hexag­ onal: but may be massive or in granular particles scattered through roeIL Occurs: usually in pegmatite, especially the part containing quartz, feldspar and mica; also in gneiss, schist or slates. Associate miner­ als: quartz, feldspar, mica, schist, gneiss, slates; and the other beryllium and 48 associate pegmatite miner­ als. Why overlooked: May be in large crystals of 30 tons or more in which case it is apt to look like mas­ sive quartz; no doubt much so called "bull quartz" is beryl or other beryllium minerals. Do not guess-make a test! Also watch for gem stones. 2. PHENACITE: Beryllium-silica. (Characteristic by absence of alumium). Contains when pure 45.5 per cent beryllium oxide (highest percentage found to date). Colors: white rose, wine-red, yellow, brown, colorless. Transparent to translucent to opaque, with vitreous luster. Specific gravity 3. Hardness 7.5 to 8. Crystal form: Rhombohedral or platy. Occurs: in large or small particles in feldspar or other associate min­ erals (See 14. Beryllium-spar). Why overlooked: chief­ ly for lack of a simple beryllium test; may look just like common quartz or other rock. 3. BERTRANDITE: Beryllium-silica (much the same as phenacite except softer). May contain up to 42.1 per cent beryllium oxide. Specific gravity 2.5. Hardness 6.5 to 7. Colors: white, yellow or colorless, with vitreous to pearly luster. Transparent to trans· lucent; if yellow may be opaque. Occurs: may be in large crystals in pegmatite or small crystals scattered through same. Looks like quartz. 4. CHRYSOBERYL: Beryllium-aluminum (charac· terized by absence of silica). Beryllium oxide 20 per cent. Specific gra'lity 3.5. Hardness 8.5. (Hardest of all beryllium minerals). Color: yellow, (see 17. Golden Beryl); also various shades of green,. with vitreous to resinous luster. Transparent to opaque. Occurs: in large or small orthorhombic crystals, or in small par­ ticles in pegmatite minerals. Looks like colored quartz. Note. watch for Golden Beryl and other gem stones. 5. BERYLLONITE: Beryllium-sodium-phosphorous. Beryllium oxide 20 per cent. Specific gravity 3. Hard­ ness 5.5 to 6. Crystal form: orthorhombic to platy. Colors: white, colorless or pale-yellow. Transparent to translucent to opaque, with brilliant vitreous luster. Occurs: may be in large masses resembling quartz; or in plates resembling white or yellow feldspar; or in small particles scattered through the same; or in gneiss, schist, or other associate minerals.

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6. EUCLASE: Beryllium-aluminum-silicate. 18 per cent BeO, Specific gravity 3. Hardness 7.5. Colors: pale­ green, pale-blue, white, colorless; vitreous to resinous luster. Occurs: in pegmatite, or more common in chlor­ ite schist. Looks like quartz. 7. HAMBERGITE. Beryllium-boron. 45 per cent BeO. Specific gravity 3. Hardness 7.5. Colors: White, pale-green, yellow; vitreous to resinous luster. Occurs in pegmatite or elsewhere. May be mistaken for quartz or common rock. 8. LEUCOPHANITE. Beryllium-flourine-calcium­ silica. 14 per cent BeO. Specific gravity 3. Hardness 4. Colors: white, yellow, pale-green,. vitreous luster; trans­ parent to opaque. Occurs: in pegmatite or fluorspar, for which it may be mistaken. 9. EPIDIDYMITE: Beryllium-sodium-silica. 14 per cent BeO. Specific gravity 2.5. Hardness 6. Colors: white or colorless; transparent to opaque; vitreous to pearly luster_ Occurs: in pegmatite or elsewhere_ Looks like quartz or white feldspar. 10. HELVITE: Beryllium-iron-manganese-sulphur­ silicate. Beryllium oxide 14 per cent if pure; the pure crystals more likely to carry near 14 per cent than is beryl. Specific gravity 3 for pure crystals; if in iron much heavier. Hardness 6 to 6.5. Crystal form: isomet­ ric, tetragonal (resembles garnet). Colors: white, yel­ low, green, brown, red. Transparent to opaque, with vitreous to resinous luster. Occurs at Iron Mountain, N. M. Is found in small crystals in streaks or masses in magnetic iron. Likely mistaken for garnet. NOTE: The large deposit of helvite discovered at Iron Mountain, N. M., which it is said the government spent $50,000 in developing, may better show the future possibilities of milling low-grade beryllium ores. The Bureau of Mines now indicate laboratory-tests show promise of concentrating low-grade ores by froth flota­ tion. May be future source. 11. DANALITE: Beryllium-iron-manganese-sulphur and zinc. (Same as helvite except zinc). 14 per cent BeO. Specific gravity 3.5. Hardness 5.5 to 6. Crystal form, colors and occurrence, same as helvite. Likely mistaken for garnet. 12. TRIMERITE: Beryllium-iron-manganese-cal­ cium-silica. (No zinc or sulphur). 16 per cent BeO. Spe­ cific gravity 3.5. Hardness 6 to 7. Colors: salmon-pink, brown, gray, white, transparent to opaque; vitreous lus­ ter. Crystal form, hexagonal. Occurs: same as helvite; likely mistaken for garnet. 13. HERDERITE: Beryllium-flourine-calcium-phos_ phorous. 15 per cent BeO. Specific gravity 3. Hardness 5. Crystal form monoclinic. Colors: white, pale-green, yellow. Transparent to opaque, with vitreous to resin­ ous luster. Occurs: in crystal or granular masses, usual­ ly in or near fluorspar, for which it is likely to be mis­ taken. May be in pegmatite. 14. BERYLLIUM-SPAR: There is one record where common feldspar has been mined and sold containing 12 per cent BeO. No doubt this is just common feldspar impregnated with small crystals of phenacite or other beryllium minerals. So watch feldspar for beryllium. May be future source of beryllium.

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BERYLLIUM-YTTRIUM

15. GADOLINITE: Beryllium-iron-silica and the Rare-Earth element Yttrium. Beryllium oxide 10 per cent. Yttrium oxide 51.8 per cent. An ore of this quali­ ty may be worth $1,000 or more per ton, chiefly for the yttrium. Colors: black,. greenish-black, or may have a brownish cast by reflected light. May be transparent to translucent on thin edges. Crystal form: sometimes coarse monoclinic prisms, but usually as an amorphous glassy mass resembling obsidian. Cleavage, none. Frac­ ture, conchoidal. Hardness 6.5 to 7. SpecifiC gravity 4 to 4.5. Occurs: may be in small crystals in rock; or in large or small rounded nodules; or may be massive in veins or depOSits. Associate minerals: Columbite, tanta­ lite, cassiterite,. ilmenite, fluorspar, tungsten or in other pegmatite minerals. Look for: in pegmatite, slates, gneisses schists, or in any volcanic formation such as granite, etc. Characteristics: Very much resembles com­ mon obsidian or volcanic glass for which it is almost sure to be mistaken. Identified: by its physical prop­ erties above,_ and the beryllium test. NOTE: Gadolinite is one of the chief ores of yttri­ um, and so is generally considered as a yttrium rather than as a beryllium mineral; however it is listed here under beryllium minerals for the following reasons: First, yttrium is one of the most valuable of the Rare­ Earth Elements. Second, there is no simple test for yttrium. Third, we do have a simple test for beryllium. Fourth, gadolinite is the only black mineral resembling obsidian known at present which carries berryllium. Re­ sults: If you find a black mineral resembling obsidian which gives a beryllium reaction with our "5 Minute Beryllium Test," then, as far as is known at present, it is almost sure to be gadolinite; and thus we indirect­ ly but automatically identify yttrium. While gadolinite is somewhat heavier than common obsidian, the dif­ ference in weight is too slight to depend upon. Do not guess-make a test: A TIP: In recent months, several large companies all at once got awfully interested in obsidian; it must be of a certain kind: "Pure glass, black or brown, and translucent on thin edges." Within 30 days we received over 30 letters from our students from Maine to Cali­ fornia asking about it. Now maybe they do want ob­ sidian; if so this tip may help you find it. However, it sounds suspicious! Why should this news travel so fast from Maine to California unless someone made extra effort to see that it did so,. and why this extra effort unless it was something pretty valuable? Why should this particular kind of "obsidian" so closely fit Gado­ linite? We wonder could they be playing the old mining game which made the early day milling and smelting companies rich; by buying an ore for one thing then making twice as much off of something else more valu­ able which the mine owners knew nothing about-if they are buying "obsidian" and getting Gadolinite. Maybe not; however, if you happen to find any be sure and test it for beryllium before selling it for obsidian; if beryllium present, have assayed for yttrium.

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BERYLLJ UM GEM STONES

VEST POCKET FORTUNES! Some transparent beryl­ lium minerals are the most valuable of all gem stones. The most important of these being Emerald, Golden Beryl and Alexandrite; any of these so small you may put it in your vest pocket may be worth from $500 up to $10,000 or more! So in looking for or mining the commercial minerals, one should keep in mind the gem stones; what they are, where to look for them in the mineral deposit, and how to identify them. 16. EMERALD: This is the world's most valuable precious gem; a perfect emerald may be worth many times that of a diamond of the same size. Emerald is simply transparent beryl containing small traces of chromium which gives it its beautiful green color. Phy­ sical properties same as beryl. TESTING: Emerald will scratch glass; this merely distinguishes it from green fluorspar or calcite which are commonly found in pegmatite, and no doubt ac­ counts for overlooking many emeralds; mistaken for one of these. However, there are green stones commonly found in pegmatite which will scratch glass, such as tourmaline, etc. But if you find such a stone-have it examined by a gem expert! 17. GOLDEN BERYL: This is simply transparent chrysoberyl of a yellow or golden color and ranks next to the emerald in value. (See 4. Chrysoberyl). Look for same as emerald. 18. ALEXANDRITE: Another beryl gem ranking in value with Golden Beryl. Same physical properties as beryl. Its chief characteristics being: Has a gray-green color by day or natural light, but appears "Columbine­ red" by artificial or lamp light. Look for same as em­ erald. Identify as above. "OVERLOOKED FORTUNES"! It is possible that most every ton of beryl now being sold contains gem material worth many times the price of a ton of beryl; overlooked simply because few people know what to look for or how. While it is possible to find clear trans­ parent gems, they are more likely to appear at first sight just like common green beryl, or even a blackish opaque pebble in which the emerald or other gem may occur. PROSPECTING: You do not prospect for gem stones -you prospect for beryllium minerals, especially beryl or chrysoberyl; if found-you then start looking for gem stones. WHERE TO LOOK: 1. In the same deposit with beryl or any of the 14 other commercial beryllium min­ erals. 2. In geodes or brown clay-filled cavities in feldspar, quartz or wall rock. 3. As druses or clusters in cavities. 4. Some of the finest emeralds and alex­ andrite are recovered from typical black or greenish mica schist which is many times found in pegmatite or wall rock. 5. The greatest quantity of all is ob­ tained by washing stream beds or soil from the decom­ position of pegmatite or other beryllium carrying rocks. IDENTIFYING: All beryllium gem stones will give a blue color by our "5 minute beryllium test".

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PART TWO

The Newe,r and Rarer Minerals

INDEX -

METALLIC MINERALS

TANTALUM 1. Tantalite 2. Microlite 3. Mango·tantalite COLUMBIUM 4. Columbite 5. Samarskite 6. Pyrochlore 7. Euxenite 8. Polycrase 9. Wohlerite

TITANIUM

10. Rutile 11. Ilmenite 12. Octahedrite 13. Titanite 14. Brookite TIN 15. Cassiterite 16. Stannite 17. Cylindrite BISMUTH 18. Native Bismuth

INDEX 39. 40. 41. 42. 43.

19. Bismuthinite 20. Bismutite 21. Bismite 22. Uranosphaerite 23. Tetradymite URANIUM 24. Pitchblende 25. Torbernite 26. Uranophane 27. Autunite 28. Gummite TUNGSTEN 29. Wolframite 30. Hubnerite 31. Ferberite 32. Scheelite 33. Stolzite 34. Tungstite MOLYBDENUM 35. Molybdenite 36. Molybdite 37. Wulfenite 38. Powellite

.,

MISCELLANEOUS MINERALS

Lepidolite Spodumene Amblygonite Triphylite Dumortierite

44. 45. 46. 47. 48.

Sillimanite Kyanite Monazite Feldspar Mica

Pegmatite Minerals All the above may be found in pegmatite associated with the 18 beryllium minerals; however, in classifying them as pegmatite minerals we should understand the following. First: Some of these are considered strictly pegma· tite minerals; this, however, does not mean that they are never found in any other formation, or that you are sure to find them every time you find pegmatite; it simply means that pegmatite is generally the most favorable formation. Second: Others of these are not generally consider­ ed as pegmatite minerals whatever, but as they do quite often occur in pegmatite they are included as a "tip" what to watch out for and to become acquainted with them. Third: Also remember, we do not include all min­ erals which may occur in pegmatite: we cover only those for which we have a simple test,. or which can be identified by their physical properties, as explained in the following pages.

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THE NEWER AND RARER MINERALS

Introduction This is the age of the Alloy Metals. Many of the most valuable of these are the newer and rarer minerals which are generally less known, and which the average prospector is walking over in the hills today and the small mine owner is throwing upon the waste dump unrecognized. Many of these are far more valuable than the old standbys. For example: Cassiterite may be worth $1000 per ton; columbite $2500 per ton; tantalum ores $3000 per ton; tungsten ores $2 per pound; and so on. Your chances of finding some of these or other rare minerals are just as good as finding a $100 a ton gold or silver ore, if you know where to look and how to identify th. when found. As stated in "Prospecting for Beryllium"; generally speaking beryllium is considered a pegmatite mineral: in addition to the 18 beryllium minerals covered in these instructions, there are some 48 or more other valuable minerals which may also be found in peg­ matite. This includes practically all of the newer and rarer minerals as well as many of the better known, and thus pegmatite is one of the most fertile fields of all formations for the prospector today who knows what these minerals are, where to look and how to identify them. However, strange as it may seem, we seldom find a prospector who knows what pegmatite is or how to identify it, nor would he know where to dig to find the values. What applies to the 18 beryllium minerals also applies to the 48 other minerals. While most of these elements and their identification are covered by simple tests in our "Quick Qualitative Analysis",. the 48 minerals will be taken up in the following pages: what they are, what they look like, their importance, their economic value, why generally overlooked and how to find them; and thus, with the 18 beryllium minerals, we will have the 66 associate minerals all under one cover for future reference in prospecting pegmatite. However, in taking up these 48 minerals we should understand the- following: Remember the physical properties, color, specifiC gravity,_ etc., are for pure crystals or minerals in a fair­ ly pure state. Commercial metallic minerals are seldom found in a pure state and thus the physical properties may vary greatly from those given: they are intended merely to give an idea of what a certain mineral might look like. The only way to find out what a metallic mineral contains is to test it out by chemicals or other means. The quick and accurate tests for all the follow· ing metallic minerals are covered in our "Quick Quali· tative Analysis"; the test numbers for identification will be given under the elements. -10 ­

THE RARER METALLIC MINERALS

The Elements and Their Ores NOTE: The identification of the 38 following miner­ als are all covered in our "Quick Qualitative Analysis" by the Test Numbers as given under the elements_

TANTALUM-To THE ELEMENT: Silver-white metal. Never occurs in metallic state in nature_ Specific gravity 16_6; weighs 1,080 pounds per cubic foot_ Melting point 2859 degrees centigrade. Not soluble in any acids, even aqua regia_ Non-corrosive. Many uses. Made in fine wire to bind broken bones, severed nerves, etc.; in thin plates re­ places skull-bones destroyed in accidents, etc. All ores always contain some columbium. Value: ores $3_00 per pound for contained tantalum. Identification: All or.es by Test 13. Tantalum-columbium-iron-man­ 1. TANTALITE: ganese. 86.1 per cent tantalum oxide if pure. Specific gravity 6.5 to 7.5_ Hardness 6. Color: black. Occurs: in nodules, masses or in small grains in rock; or in placer form. Looks like iron. 2. MICROLITE: Tantalum-columbium-iron. Tanta­ lum per cent variable but usually high. Specific gravity 5.5. Hardness 5.5. Colors: pale-yellow to brown. Occurs: in yellow or brown streaks or small particles scattered through lepidolite or spodumene or other associate pegmatite rocks. Looks much like iron-stain for which it may be mistaken. 3. MANGO-TANTALITE: Tantalum - columbium­ manganese. Per cent tantalum variable. Specific gravi­ ty 6 to 7.3. Hardness 5. Colors: reddish, dark brown. Occurs in pegmatite; also manganese ores. Likely mis­ taken for red granite.

COLUMBIUM-Cb

(Niobium-Nb)

THE ELEMENT: A dull-gray metal. Never occurs in the metallic state in nature. Specific gravity 8.4; weighs 542 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 1950 degrees C. Discovered in 1864 but used only in recent years for making special steels. Its ores up to $2.50 per pound. Identification: All ores by Test 13. 4. COLUMBITE: Columbium- tantalum-iron-manga­ nese. 82.7 per cent columbium if pure; usually less. Specific gravity 5.3 to 7. Hardness 5 to 6. Colors: black, may be brownish-black. Occurs as nodules or grains in pegmatite, or in placer on or below such deposits. Looks just like common iron. 5. SAMARSKITE: Columbium-tantalum-uranium, and rare earth elements cerium and yttrum. Uranium per cent variable. Yttrium oxide 6 to 15 per cent. Ceri­ um oxide 2 to 6 per cent. Columbium and tantalum oxides combined about 56 per cent. SpecifiC gravity 5.5 to 6. Hardness 5 to 6. Colors: velvet-black. Occurs: massive or in flat imbedded plates in rock. May be worth 75c per pound. Likely mistaken for iron. 6. PYROCHLORE: Columbium-tantalum·iron-titan­ ium. Per cent of columbium variable. Specific gravity 4.5. Hardness 5 to 5.5. Colors: brown to brownish-black, with resinous luster. 7. EUXENITE: Columbium-tantalum-titanium-ura­ nium. Per cent of Columbium variable. Specific gravi­ ty 5. Hardness 6.5. Colors: Brownish-black to black. Looks like iron. -11­

8. POLYCRASE: Columbium·tantalum-iron-urani­ um. Variable percentages of each. Specific gravity 5. Hardness 6. Colors: brownish-black to black. Occurs: usually as nodules or as grains in pegmatite. Likely mistaken for common rock. 9. WOHLERITE: Columbium-tantalum-calcium-sili­ ca. Per cent variable. Specific gravity 5.5. Hardness 5.5. Color: brown or light-yellow; vitreous luster. Looks like common rock.

TITANIUM-Ti THE ELEMENT: Lustrous white metal. Never found in metallIc state in nature. Specific gravity 4.5; weighs 280 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 1800 degrees C. The oxide discovered in 1791; pure metal in 1910; much used in making paint, welding rods,. etc. Value pure metal $5 a pound. Identify: all ores by test 13. 10. RUTILE: Main are at present, Titanium oxide 60 per cent: Specific gravity 4. Hardness 6 to 6.5. Colors: brown, red, yellowish, black. May be mistaken for rock or iron. 11. ILMENITE: Titanium iron. Titanium oxide 31.6 per cent. Specific gravity 4.5 to 5. Hardness 5 to 6. Lolors: Black, or brownish-black. Occurs: usually in platy crystals in quartz; common in pegmatite. Looks like common iron. Titanium dioxide. Titanium 12. OCTAHEDRITE: 60 per cent. Specific gravity 4. Hardness 5.5 to 6. Colors: yellow, red, brown, black. Occurs in pegmatite. Looks like iron. 13. TITANITE: Titanium-calcium-silicate. Titanium oxide 40 per cent. Specific gravity 3.5. Hardness 5 to 5.5. Colors: Gray, yellow, brown, black. Looks like com­ mon rock. 14. BROOKITE: Titanium oxide. Per cent variable. Specific gravity 4. Hardness 5.5 to 6. Colors: yellowish­ red brown, black. Occurs: usually in cubical crystals in pegmatite or elsewhere. Looks like rock; or if black, like iron.

TIN-Sn THE ELEMENT: A soft tin· white malleable metal. Never found in metallic state in nature. Specific grav­ ity 7.2; weighs 455 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 231 degrees C. Known from ancient times. Very little produced in the U. S. up until about 1942. Now several quite large deposits known. No doubt others will now be found with our "2 minute Tin Test"; prospectors are walking over it today calling it "iron"! Value: present price for ores $1 per pound for contained tin; thus a 50 per cent are now worth about $1,000 per ton. Identifica­ tion: All ores by our quick Test No.4. 15. CASSITERITE: Tin oxide. Main are. Tin oxide 78.6 per cent. May be found in lode or placer; both oc­ cur in fairly large quantities in New Mexico and sev­ eral other states. Specific gravity 7. Hardness 6 to 7. Colors: black, brown, red, yellow, green, white. Occurs: usually in granite, pegmatite rhyolite etc. Looks like common iron if dark colored; light colors look just like common rock. -12 ­

16. STANNITE (Tin Pyrites): Tin-copper-iron-su}­ phur. Tin oxide 27.5 per cent. Specific gravity 4.5. Hardness 4. Colors: steel-gray bronzy. Occurs: in peg­ matite or with copper ores. Likely mistaken for copper. Tin-lead· antimony. Percentage 17. CYLINDRITE: variable. Specific gravity 5.5. Hardness 2.5 to 3. Color: gray-black. Somewhat resembles stibnite or galena and mistaken for the same. Occurs: massive in veins or particles in rock.

BISMUTH-Bi THE ELEMENT: A white brittle crystalline metal. May be found in native state, but seldom. Specific gravity 9.78; weighs 612 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 271 degrees C. (Can be melted in match flame). Much used alloyed with tin or lead in low melting point com­ pounds, such as for fuses, safety-plugs in boilers etc. Also much in medicine etc. Value: pure metal around $2.00 per pound; Ores depending on grade. Identifica­ tion: all ores by Test 25. 18. NATIVE BISMUTH: Usually with some anti­ mony sulphur, etc. Specific gravity 9.5 if pure, seldom pure. Hardness 2 to 2.5. Colors: silver-white, but tar­ nishes black. Occurs: usually granular as outer coating on rocks, in veins with lead, silver, etc. Mistaken for white or black iron. 19. BISMUTHINITE: Bismuth sulphide. Bismuth 81 per cent. Specific gravity 6.5. Hardness 2. Colors: lead· gray to tin-white Nith yellow tarnish. Resembles white iron when fresh broken. Occurs: usually massive or fibrous. 20. BISMUTITE: Bismuth oxide. Bismuth 88 to 90 per cent. Specific gravity 6.5 to 7. Hardness 4 to 4.5. Colors: white to greyish-yellow to green. Looks like common rock.

21. BISMITE: (Bismuth ochre). Bismuth trioxide 89 per cent. Specific gravity 4.5. Hardness very soft, crumbly, likely mistaken for dirt or clay. Occurs as an earthy yellow powder. 22. URANOSPHAERITE: Bismuth·Uranium. Bis­ muth oxide 42; Uranium oxide 57.7 per cent. Specific gravity 6.5. Hardness 2.5. Colors: orange-red to brick red, looks like rock. 23. TETRADYMITE: Bismuth-Tellurium. Bismuth 59; Tellurium 36 per cent. SpeCific gravity 7.5. Hard­ ness 1.5 to 2. Color: tin-white but tarnishes black; like­ ly mistaken for iron. Identity: Bismuth by Test 25; Tellurium by Test 3.

URANIUM-U THE ELEMENT: A white, hard and heavy metal. Nev­ er found in metallic state in nature. Specific gravity 18.68; weighs 1,167 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 1850 degrees C. Discovered 1789; first metal 1881, but little used until after 1900. It is source of Radium, also the atomic bomb. Value of ores depends upon grade. Identification: All ores by Test 17.

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24. PITCHBLENDE (Urani.nite): Chief o~e of Ra­ dium. Composition variable, usually contams some lead, copper, rare earth or. ?ther e~ements. Per~entage of uranium variable. SpecIfIc gravIty 9 to 9.7 If pure, seldom pure. Hardness 5.5. Color, black with pitch­ like luster; when freshly broken somewhat resembles fresh broken cold tar, otherwise looks just like black iron for which it is likely to be mistaken. Occurs: in larg~ or small nodules, or as black particles in rock or as black masses in veins in rock. 25. TORBERNITE: Uranium-copper-phosphorous. Uranium oxide 61.2 per cent. Specific gravity 3.5. Hard­ ness 2 to 2.5. Colors: various shades of green; likely mistaken for low-grade copper. Occurs: usually in thin tabular or micaceous form. 26. URANOPHANE: Uranium-calcium-silica. Per­ cent variable. Specific gravity 4. Hardness 2 to 2.5. Color: yellow, with vitreous luster: likely mistaken for common rock. Occurs: groups or radiating or fibrous crystals or masses. 27. AUTUNITE (Lime Uranite): Uranium-calcium­ silicate. Percentage variable. Specific gravity 3.5. Hard­ ness 2 to 2.5. Colors: lemon to sulphur-yellOW; likely mistaken for Common rock. Occurs: usually in tabular crystals. 28. GUMMITE: A silicate of uranium-lead-barium­ calcium. Uranium trioxide 60 to 70 per cent. Specific gravity 4. Hardness 2.5 to 4. Colors: yellow, orange, red, brown, may be mistaken for common rock. Occurs: platy or granular. Usually contains some pitchblende.

TUNGSTEN-W THE ELEMENT: Name from German, Wolfram, thus its symbol W. It is a hard brittle gray-black metal. Never found in metalic state in nature. Specific gravity 19.3; weighs 1,193 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 3370 degrees C. (highest of all metals). Much used in lamp filaments, steel making, etc. Tungsten Carbide one of hardest compounds known. Value: ores or con­ centrates 65 per cent tungsten trioxide up to $2.00 per pound. Identify: all ores by Test 3. 29. WOLFRAMITE: Tungsten-iron-manganese (iron in excess of manganese). Tungsten trioxide 76.5 per cent. Specific gravity 7 to 7.5. Hardness 5 to 5.5. Colors: black, grayish to brownish-black; likely mis­ taken for iron. Occurs: massive, granular or platy form, or in needle-like crystals. 30. HUBNERITE: Tungsten-manganese-iron (man­ ganese excess of iron). Tungsten trioxide 75 per cent. Specific gravity 7 to 7.5. Hardness 5 to 5.5. Colors: us­ ually blackish-brown but in rare cases blue-black. Likely to be mistaken for iron. Occurs: same as wol­ framite; hard to distinguish between, but unnecessary as test will tell if tungsten is present. 31. FERBERITE: Tungstate of iron. (Sometimes manganese). Tungsten trioxide 76.3 per cent. Specific gravity 7 to 7.5. Hardness 4.5 to 5. Colors: black to brownish-black. Occurs: usually fine granular. Likely mistaken for black iron.

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32. SCHEELITE: Calcium tungstate. Tungsten triox­ ide 80 per cent. Specific gravity 6. Hardness 4.5 to 5. Colors: white, yellow, brownish, reddish, sometimes greenish. Most likely mistaken for barite in color, weight and hardness; or may be mistaken for quartz or calcite if particles in rock. Occurs: as platy crystals, massive or granular. 33. STOLZITE: Tungstate of lead. Tungsten triox­ ide 51 per cent; lead 45 per cent. Specific gravity 8. Hardness 3. Colors: yellowish grey, brown, red. Likely mistaken for just lead ore. 34. TUNGSTITE: (Tungsten Ochre): Tungsten triox­ ide 79 per cent. Specific gravity 5.5. Hardness 2.5 or less. Colors: bright-yellow to brownish-yellow. Occurs in earthy compact masses resembling hard clay.

MOLYBDENUM-Mo THE ELEMENT: A very hard silver-white metal. Never found in metallic state in nature. Specific gravi­ ty: 10.2; weighs 638 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 2620 degrees C. Discovered 1728, but actual use in quantities not until 1918. Many uses, but most impor­ tant to harden and toughen steel. Value: pure metal around $2 per pound; ores depend on grade. Identifica­ tion: all ores by Test 13. 35. MOLYBDENITE: Molybdenum sulphide. Molyb­ denum 59 per cent; Sulphur 41 per cent. Specific grav­ ity 4.7 to 4.8. Hardness 1 to 1.5. Color, lead-grey; mis­ taken for graphite or some manganese. Occurs massive or granular in rock. 36. MOLYBDITE: (Molybdic ochre): Molybdenum oxide. Percent variable. Specific gravity 4.5. Hardness 1 to 2. Colors: bright or dull-yellow. Occurs: as pow­ der or crust on rock or molybdenite. Mistaken for soft iron, dirt or clay. 37. WULFENITE: Molybdenum lead. Molybdenum trioxide 39 per cent; lead 56 per cent. SpeCific gravity 6.5 to 7. Hardness 2.5 to 3. Colors: waxy-yellow or brown; pale green, red, gray. Occurs: usually waxy crystals. 38. POWELLITE: Calcium molybdate; usually some tungsten. Molybdenum trioxide 82 per cent. Specific gravity 4.5. Hardness 3.5. Color: greenish yellow. NOTE: Molybdenum may be taken as a good ex­ ample to show how rapidly the newer and rarer ele­ ments have C9me into demand. A few years ago molyb­ denum was a laboratory curiosity costing $100 a pound, and only the highest grade ores could be used in its production. In 1957, 30,000,000 pounds were used! Most of this was produced from ores of 1 per cent at Climax, Colo. In looking for any mineral prospectors should forget their high-grade samples and learn to identify the various elements as they occur in smaller quanti­ ties mixed with a lot of rock; large depOSits of low­ grade ores. Find any of the elements, even the rare ones, in sufficient low grade quantities-and it may become another Climax.

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Miscellaneous Pegmatite Minerals NOTE: The following 10 minerals are usually found in a fairly pure state and all very characteristic in gen­ eral appearance, and thus easily identified; especially compared with a known sample,. which one should have if possible. LITHIUM-Li.: Lightest known metal. Specific grav­ ity .56; weighs 33.3 pounds per cubic foot. Melting point 186 degrees C. Metal little used, but compounds much used in medicines, etc. The ores are much used and in large quantities in making "Heat-proof" glass, such as ovenware, etc., and thus are of more value for that purpose. Prices and demands good. 39. LEPIDOLITE (Lithia Mica): Lithia 5 per cent if pure, usually less. Specific gravity 3. Hardness 2.5 to 4. Colors: lilac rose-red, lavender, white, gray, yellow. No value as mica. Chiefly used in making glass. 40. SPODUMENE: Lithia 8.4 per cent if pure usual­ ly less. Specific gravity near 3. Hardness 2.5 to 4. Co­ lors: white, gray,. pink, lilac, green. Very easily identifi­ ed-when coarsely crushed looks like broken bone. 41. AMBLYGONITE: Lithia 5 per cent if pure. Spe­ cific ·gravity 3. Hardness 6. Colors: white, gray, green, brown,. yellow, blue. Resembles beryl, feldspar or quartz, but distinguished by aid of known specimen. 42. TRIPHYLITE: Lithia 9.5 per cent if pure. Speci­ fic gravity 3.5. Harnesses 4.5 to 5. Colors: gray bluish, greenish, brown. A source of lithium salts. REFRACTORY: Following 3 minerals used for refrac­ tory purposes: lining furnaces, spark plug, porcelains, etc. 43. DUMORTIERITE: Silicate of aluminum. Specific gravity near 3.5. Hardness 7. Colors: blue, lavender, gray. Quite characteristic. Value from $40 to $100 or more per ton. 44. SILLIMANITE: Aluminum silicate. Specific gravity near 3. Hardness 6 to 7. Colors: gray, brown, greenish, lavender. Value near same as dumortierite. 45. KYANITE (Cyanite): Aluminum silicate, Specif­ ic gravity 3.5. Hardness 5 on broad side, may be 7 on thin edge. Colors: blue, green, gray to almost white. Occurs: usually flat bladed crystals; characteristic. 46. MONAZITE: Containing the rare-earth elements cerium and thorium. Specific gravity 5. Hardness 5 to 5.5. Colors: brown, red, yellow. Very characteristic in appearance if once seen. Value: depends upon grade. 47. FELDSPAR: A number of these; may be divided up into two classes: Soda-spar and Potash-spar. Both valuable, much used in making enamelware, etc. Other uses. Much in demand. Value depends upon grade, etc. 48. MICA: Many varieties but white muscovite most used; good clear sheets bring fancy prices. $5 to $15 or more per pound. Found in pegmatite. In fact mica is the best indication to go by in looking for and iden­ tifying pegmatite.

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"FIVE

DUKE'S

MINUTE BERYLLIUM

TEST"

(Copyrighted) INTRODUcrION

In "Beryllium-How and Where to Find It," we cover 15 of the more important known commercial beryllium minerals or ores, and three most valuable Gem Stones. The gem stones, we will find, always have the same uniform characteristic physical properties such as col­ or, hardness, etc., wherever found and thus may be fairly accurately identified by their physical proper­ ties alone. But in studying 15 commercial minerals we find none of them possess any uniform characteristic physical properties by which they may be identified: that is they may look just like common rock, quartz, iron ore, garnet or obsidian. The above being true you may ask: "Then how do I know WHEN to test for beryllium?" The answer is You do not know! That is the object and purpose of our test!-to find out! If you already knew it was beryllium mineral there would be no object or reason for testing it! Here is the idea: Remember beryllium is a very valuable element; you are playing for big stakes and thus can afford to go to a little extra trouble to find it-at least five minutes. After your solution is pre­ pared it takes but about 5 minutes per test and costs less than % cent each. In other words, you are gamb­ ling five minutes time and % cent against a possible fortune! So you simply proceed as follows: First: Save up your rocks( numbered-where found) until you have a number on hand-then test the works regardless of what they may look like! Besides the 15 listed, you may find a whole mountain of a new mineral unknown at present! Not impossible! In fact, the large deposit of Helvite found at Iron Mountain, N. M., on which it is said the government has spent $50,000 in developing, may be just such a deposit. Pro­ spectors walked over this for years calling it "garnet!" Second: The Helvite at Iron Mountain is not found in large pure chunks or crystals as usually the case with beryl, but consists of small crystals of helvite in streaks or clusters in iron, thus a milling proposition to separate the helvite and iron which has been worked by froth flotation. No doubt the bulk of beryllium of the future will be so obtained; by milling large de­ posits of low grade ores, as now done with Molybden­ um at Climax, Colo. This possibility should be kept in mind in prospecting for beryllium. Third: Known specimens, like physical properties, are of value--if properly used: they will give some idea what a certain mineral "might" look like, but do not depend upon them entirely; your "big hit" may be something which looks entirely different; one of the other ores of which you have no sample, or an entirely new one now unknown. Do not guess-make a test. Only a chemical test will tell! quantitativ~: This test may be made semi-quanti­ tatIVe: The brIghter the blue the more beryllium pres­ ent. By using the same amount of material and com­ paring with one of known percentage, a fairly close es­ timate of the percentage of the unknown may be ar­ rived at. At least, poor, fair or good.

GENERAL INFORMATION

NOTE: The use of Quinalizarin for testing for beryl­ lium is not new; but by the old system it would not work on all beryllium minerals, and no way of dis­ tinguishing between beryllium and magnesium. Our perfected test will now work on all beryllium minerals, and also may be used to identify either element. 1. QUINALIZARIN SOLULTION: This should be freshly prepared within eight hours. When freshly and properly prepared it will have a more or less pale­ purple color, which is easily distinguished from the blue of beryllium. The plainest reaction will be obtain­ ed within the first three or four hours; after this time the dye starts to precipitate out and the solution will take on a bluish cast and thus hard to distinguish from the blue of beryllium, or magnesium, especially if of low grade. 2. NOTE: should use distilled or other pure water for dye solutions. For test solutions any water will do. 3. CAUTION! Quinalizarin dye is very potent stuff and will have a tendency to use too much; if too much is used the solution will have a dark-purple color and thus hard to distinguish from the blue of beryllium (or magnesium). 4. AMOUNT OF DYE: The nearest we can estimate this is to compare with 72 grain of rice in 3cc. of water; a little more or less of each immaterial. By a little ex­ perimenting, using less, then more dye, then tryon known sample of beryllium ore; you will find best amount to use. 5. NOTE: If solution too dark use one drop instead of two. 6. HANDLING SOLUTIONS: The best method is to use common medicine droppers with rubber bulbs; . should have three of tl1ese: One for dye solution (use this for nothing else). One for plain water. One for test solution (beryllium). Last two not so particular if rinsed well eaeh time. 7. CAUTION: If you get a reaction for beryllium in any test, then clean everything thoroughly and re­ peat, and thus make sure not due to previous test. If no reaction in previous test, then need not be so parti­ cular in cleaning. 8. WHAT IS A CC? About 20 drops with medicine dropper equals about one cc (or near enough). Three cc equals about 60 drops. As we use two drops of solution per test and two drops for blank (one blank sufficient per tube of solution), to get full advantage of solution should wait until you get several rocks before testing. 9. NOTE: By a little experimenting can mix half­ batch solutions where fewer rocks to test. 10. AMOUNT OF MATERIALS: Most people have the idea the more materials they use in testing the better the reaction, but just the opposite is generally true: if too much mineral volume of flux will be in­ sufficient for proper fusion; if both mineral and flux are increased to any great extent the total volume will be too large for proper fusion. While a little more or less of each is immaterial, try and use somewhere near the quantities given.

11. FUSIONS: A good fusion is one of the most important part of the test; however, this is very simple and easy to do with just a little patience in the beginning, especially with a known sample of beryllium ore to practice on. The following will be of assistance in this work. First: The best material to make fusions on is a piece of chinaware such as old plate broken up into about one inch or larger pieces; by washing thorough­ ly after each test, these can be used over and over. Second: Take a piece of tin five inches long and two inches wide and bend up end and sides to hold chinaware in making fusions. Third: Have a small sharp knife handy, paring knife will do, and while hot run knife under fusion, if sets until cold will stick to chinaware and be hard to remove. 12. TESTS: The best method is to use small por­ celain dishes or "spot plate". (a piece of white porcelain with small depressions made for testing small quanti­ ties). If no spot plate, quick tests can be made on piece of broken plate; by making tests in various . t s can make more tests without washing. If in doubt as to color on plate, then repeat test in dish which is more positive. 13. PRACTICE: The best way to learn this test is to practice on known specimens; that is, ores known to contain the elements tested for. For this purpose you should have a known sample of magnesium ore, and a known sample of beryllium ore. (The latter with a known percentage if possible for estimating percen­ tages of unknown ores when found). 14. PROCEDURE: First, make up dye solutions as given on following page. Second, make test on known sample of beryllium ore. Third, make "blank" for com­ parison. Fourth, make test on known sample magne· sium ore. Fifth, proceed as in step 4 to distinguish beryllium from magnesium. TEST EQUIPMENT

The following equipment is all that is needed. If you now have our "Field Kit" for our "Quick Qualitative Analysis" all you will need are the last eight articles. 1 Alcohol Lamp, about 2-ounce capacity best size. 1 Blowpipe for making fusions. 1 Small porcelain mortar and pestle; size 000 best size. 3 Medicine droppers for handling solutions. 1 Metal holder for chinaware for making fusions. 1 Test tube %·inch by 4-inch for Quinalizarin Solu­ tion. 1 Small porcelain dish for test solution (beryllium). 1 Small porcelain dish or spot plate for tests. 1 Small porcelain dish (if no spot plate) for "blank" (can use piece of broken plate for quick tests). 1 Smallest amount Quinalizarin dye powder obtain­ able. 1 ounce Borax Glass for making fusions. 1 Ounce Sodium Hydroxide for fusions (pellets best). 2 Small test tubes (2-inch x 14 ·inch best size) to learn to distinguish beryllium from magnesium. 1 or more small pieces chinaware for fusions. 1 Sample Magnesium Ore for practice and compari­ sons. 1 Sample Beryllium ore for practice and comparisons.

"BERYLLIUM

TEST"

(Also for Magnesium)

METHOD OF PROCEDURE

NOTE: First read the previous instruction under "Gen. eral information" over carefully, then proceed as fol· lows: STEP No.1: To prepare Quinalizarin Solution. 1. Place 3cc pure cold water in a clean test tube. 2. Add Sodium Hydroxide equal to lh size of pea. 3. Shake tube or agitate with dropper to help dissolve. 4. Add Quinalizarin powder equal to lh grain of rice. 5. Mix thoroughly with medicine dropper. Results: Solution will have a purple color. STEP No.2:

To prepare Mineral Fusion:

1."lace on chinaware or crockery Borax Glass equal to lh size of common pea. 2. Make slight hole in center of above and add pow· dered mineral equal to size of large grain of rice. 3. Take Sodium Hydroxide Pellet equal to lh size of pea and place flat side down on above. 4. With blowpipe fuse thoroughly in lamp flame. 5. While hot remove with knife blade and fuse again. 6. When thoroughly fused, and while hot,. remove with knife blade, then crush and powder in porce­ lain mortar. STEP No.3: To make Beryllium and Magnesium Test. 1. Place powdered fusion in clean evaporating dish. 2. Add about 20 drops COLD water( colder the better). 3. Stir with dropper and shake dish to help dissolve (all may not dissolve. Okay). This is Test Solution. 4. Place 2 drops of above in small dish (or spot plate). 5. Place 2 drops plain water in another small dish. (This will be "blank" for comparison): 6. To each dish add 1 or 2 drops Quinalizarin Solution. RESULTS No.1:

The blank will have a purple color.

RESULTS No.2: If either Beryllium or magnesium is present the solution will have a light-blue color which is easily distinguished from the purple of the blank. RESULTS No.3: If no blue color, test is complete. But if blue, proceed as follows to determine if Be or Mg. STEP No.4: ium:

To distinguish beryllium from magnes·

1. Place about 8 drops test solution in small test tube. 2. Add 4 drops Quinalizarin Solution; shake tupe.

IF MAGNESIUM: There will be a blue solution, which on setting for a few minutes will become cloudy, with small blue particles floating in solution,. which in 30 minutes or so will start settling to the bottom of the tube as a dark blue precipitate, leaving a colorless solution. IF BERYLLIUM: There will be a clear-blue solution; no blue particles floating in solution, and no dark blue precipitate in bottom of tube after setting 30 minutes to one hour, and the solution in tube will remain blue.