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Volume 15, 1882
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Art. XLVIII.—On a new Mineral belonging to the Serpentine Group.

By S. Herbert Cox, F.C.S., F.G.S., Assistant Geologist & Inspector of Mines.

(Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 21st October, 1882.)

Hectorite.—This mineral is described (Col. Mus. and Lab. Rep. xv.) as an altered form of augite, but is more nearly allied to the hydrous silicate of the Serpentine Group. As, however, it does not correspond in composition with any described mineral, I have given it the name of Hectorite.

Its composition, as determined by Mr. Skey, is—

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Silica 57.89
Ferrous oxide 18.46
Alumina 4.74
Ferric oxide traces
Manganese "
Lime 1.99
Magnesia 13.94
Water 2.98
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Description.—Rhombic, in radiating groups, which separate in thin flexible laminæ. Hardness 2 to 2.5; colour, whitish green to dark green, weathering to a bronze hue and pearly lustre. B.B. infusible, but becomes white; odour, bitter argillaceous when breathed upon. Allied to picrosmine and antigorite. It is from the Dun Mountain, where it occurs with the serpentine rocks. It was collected by the late Mr. E. H. Davis.

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