The Clifton clarion., 1886-04-07

l a mlNture or q lIVJZ, Iron d1I cop per, but as the hill is penetr ted the article improves in quality. The vein proper, or that whicn car- nes the larger percentage of alum, cuts through the mountain and is plainly visible from distancs. Tho trend of the vein or deposit is northwest and southeast, al- though no trace of the mineral is found on theeast side of the Creek. In many places the deposit closely resembles the carbonate beds which occur throughout Nevadl, especially in the Eureka District. Tho mass is solid where not ex- posed, and will require blasting. Pockets of the article are frequent ly found in almost Q pure state, and nearly up to the standard of Che marketable commodity: Sam ples tested here, of some showing copper, gave test ef five per cent. A quantity has been sent of to different sections of tho country for chemical analysis and com parison, but tho returns have not yet been received. Tho ledge crops out boldly fer nearly 600 feet along the canyon, and should it prove of value, the fortunes Of the lucky owners are assured,
 The entire bed as visible, is cap ped with q mass of iron and cop per, which of itsolf has some value. Immense chunks which have fallen from tho face Of the bluff, are en- eountered everywhere, and present 8 grand and beautiful appearance, showing all the variegatcd colors of the rainbow. Handsome spec1- mems for tue cabinet may be had varying from Q beautiful rose pink to pale blue or deep green, and occasionally a rich yellow tint. Nature has been lavish in her display of colors, and the sight presented to the eyo of one unuc- customed to its grandeur, is simply indescribable. Gorgeous crystals, sparkling in the sunlight like dia- monds, are common, whilst in other places, masses gre found reduced to an impalpable powder. In quantity the deposit is illinitable, and the only question to be decided is, will 1t pay to ship. Alum is Q whitish, astringent, saline sub stance, and is properly q double salt, being composed of sulphate of potash and salphate of alunina which along with a certain propor- ton of water, crystallizes into octohedrons or cubes. When hea- ted the crystals melt in tbeir waters of specialization, and when tho water is driven off by heat, a soft spongy white mass is left, which is anhydrous, or burnt alum. Alum is used for a variety of pur- poses, being extensively employed to give fixity III dyeing fabrics; it is also used in the preparation of leather, and Tn medicine, as q powerful astringent for arrasting bleeding and mucous discharges. II is also used in making bread, to give a white and pleasing consis- tency to poor flour. A majority of yeast or baking powders now on the market, are largely composed or alum. It's frequent use m thlS respect is dela:erious. It rarely occrrs in nature, except in few springs, and in some extinct vol- canoes, where it is formed by the sulphuric acid vapors upon fels- pathic rocks. The principal DOT ton of alum in use, is obtained by dissolving the crystals in wStar, and afterwards concentrating them LiviviaFion is also used, rriuci- pailY on the east c0a~t Of En~'and and at Civita Vaceh;a, Tn I.ely. Tho slower process ot sv,atilr or melting has boon abandoned. The market price huctuates according to tho demands of trade.