Abstract
RECENT additions to the collections of the Geological Museum include a number of specimens of beautifully banded pink rhodochrosite, from Minas Capillitas, Catamarca, Argentina. This mineral, which is the carbonate of zinc, is of a rich pink colour, the specimens being of stalactitic formation. Although previously employed as a semi-precious stone, its use has hitherto been relatively rare: but rhodochrosite from the same source as the Museum specimens was recently utilized, in London under the name of ‘Inca Rose’, in various Christmas gifts, to form an inlay at the edges of white marble-onyx cigarette boxes, and in similar ornamental work in which malachite or lapis lazuli is frequently used. The mineral was collected by Dr. Franz Mansfeld from an old mine, until recently deserted, situated at an altitude of about 10,000 ft., in the Andes. The Museum has also received as a gift from Mr. T. C. F. Hall a small collection of specimens of alluvial gold from Abyssinia and Korea. The Abyssinian specimens include a sample of gold dust, associated with particles of iron ore, in a feather quill, as brought in by the natives. Other acquisitions include two very fine stalagmitic and stalactitic specimens of melan-terite (ferrous sulphate) from Millclose Mine, War-rencar, Derbyshire, presented by Prof. W. G. Fearn-sides; and a large crystal of corundum or impure ruby some five inches in length and three inches in diameter. A number of specimens of seepages of mineral oil found associated with British coal-seams have also been placed on exhibition.
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Geological Museum: Recent Acquisition. Nature 143, 19 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/143019b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/143019b0