The Placer herald., 1872-02-10
Written for the HERALD
METALS-THEiR ANTIQUITY AND USES
No. 4.-IRoN.

This is ono of the mcst extensively diffused Of
all solid minerals; but, though existing in such
abundance, this metal, in its natural state, is
very unlike what we are hourly accustomed to
see it. 1t presents itself everywhere only as an
earthly mass, resembling dirt, impure rust. Even
when found in the mine, with metallic lustre,
it is far from possessing those qualities which
are necessary to fit it for the endless uses to which
it is applied. When we consider that the art Of
making it, which combined 50 many different
processes, triumphs over so many obstacles and
in which fire and iron employed to subdue
iron itself, dates from. period Of the highest
antiquity, even beyond the Deluge Gen. ~,
22), we are almost led to regard this admirable
art an inspiration emanating Immediately
from that Divine Power which has bestowed this
metal in such profusion to supply our wants
Not only does iron, in various states, enter into
the composition OF most OF the compound min
erals OF which the crust OF the earth is com
posed, but it forms a constituent part OF many
animal and vegetable substances; entering into
the composition OF the blood, and impartng
shades of color to many delicate flower.
Iron, when pure is of blush white color and
brilliant lustre, its specific gravity being 7.S,
it is lighter than most permanent metals, tin and
zinc being the the only abundant ones which
surpass it in this respect. AS regards malleabiity
it ranks after gold, silver, copper, tin platinum
lead and zinc, iron being the eighth in order
when these metals are arranged according to the
degree in which they possess this quality In
ductility it is only fourth, gold, silver and platinum
alone surpassing it. In tenacity it occupies the
first place. An iron wire one-tenth of an inch
in diameter Will support weight of 705 pounds,
while copper wire of the same diameter will sus-
tain only 385 pounds An iron rod one inch in
diameter, as formed at the iron works, will sup
port seventeen tons and three quarters without
breaking, and q rod the same size forged into
chain cables will support nineteen tons. and an
inch and half rod, forty-four tons. An inch
and quarter rod, two feet six inches long, will
sometimes stretch six inches, or twenty per cent,
before it breaks 1t is remarkable that pure
iron does not possess nor will it retain, magnetic
properties To render these permanent, it ap-
pears that tho metal must be combined with
either carbon sulphur or phosphorus, and espe
cially the former.
In st, Domingo island there is an immense
quantity of magnetic iron; the hill over which it
lies scattered being called Loadstone Mountain.
The hill rises about GO feet above the Savanna,
and is crowned on its summit by magnificent
palm tree, From north to south it extends 600
feet, its western side being bathed by the river
Yuma. Its northern part is covered with rugged
II r -. -
more or less magnetic. The effect of these masses
of ore upon magnetic needles are almost incredi-
BILE. When placed near the ground they whired
round with great rapidity before ultimately set
tlng with their north poles pointing to the
south. When placed on some of the blocks the
motions were less violent, but the poles were in
variably reversed. This ore has been examined
by German mineralogist who considered it
equal to the best of Dannemora, in Sweden.
But what can be done with it? Tropical lassi-
tude has tied the arms Of industry.
Metallic iron is found native only in small
quantities; but remarkable phenomenon con-
nected with this metal is, that masses OF it al
loyed with nickel and other substances have, at
different times fallen from the atmosphere on
earth These matters are called meteorites. The
records Of such events are numerous, from the
remotest ages. and independently of the occur
renee of the phenomena being absolutely wit
messed, masses of iron have been found, on the
surface, in various parts of the earth, which,
from their locality. and in their chemical consti-
eral, could only be derived from such a source.
1t is believed as the probable explanation Of the
origin of the singular productions that they are
fragments of some planetary body of our system
which has been destroyed, and these portions,
as projected into space have accidentally come
within the sphere of the earth's attraction and
consequently fallen upon its surface. OF course
no positive knowledge can ever be gained of their
true origin, although the fact of their falling
from the atmosphere is placed beyond a doubt,
small portion of iron combined with carbon
constitutes the valuable natural production, plum
bago, popularly, though very Improperly, called
back-l lead. This ore is found in France. Spain,
Germany and other parts of the world. The
most valuable mine of the mineral is, however,
at Borrowdale, in Cumberland, England. This
is situated at the head of valley, where the ore
is found in nodules imbedded at regular inter
walls in the branching veins of gray feldspar por-
phyry, the smaller ramifcations appearing in
some places at the surface.
1t is scarcely necessary to say that the chief
use of what is termed ''pure Cumberland lead, "
is for making the best kind of pencils. The
principal manufactory for these are at Keswick
near to the spot whence the mineral is procured
In one establishment at Keswick it is stated that
from fifteen to sixteen hundred dozen pencils ore
made daily. Inferior kinds of plumbago. being
mixed with sulphur, are used for making cheal
pencils. 1t is also employed to diminish friction
in machinery, and in the formation of crucibles
for chemical purposes.
AN article prepared against the organiza
ton of the new couaty of Donner is crowded