The Ronan pioneer., 1917-07-27
M0NTANA'S MANY
RARE MINERALS
PAILJDJrN AND PLATINUM ARE
FOUND in MANY OLD
PLACER WORKINGS.
llmenite and Titanite exist in Guam
titles in Aleagher County; Pitch
blende and Potash; Samarskite; /;
Molybdenum Being Sent to Rein
cries; Other Metals.
BY Roy r. Heath.

Eleven minerals of rare variety
are known to exist in Montana. IL
menite and Titanite, the commercial
source for ferrotitanium steel, is
known to exist in vast deposits in the
central part Of Meagher county.
Many houses 'are built on founda
tions of ore containing as high as 40
per cent of titanium oxide.
Pitchblende and Potash are also
two of the latest discoveries which
have recently been discovered in
large quantities. Pitchblende is the
commercial source of radium, while
potassium salts are used in the man
ufacture of blasting powder, as a fer
tilzer. in the manufacture of soap
and in many other arts and sciences.
Samarskite is another of the rarer
varieties that will undoubtedly at
ract wide attention. It contains the
rare elements of Columbia and tan
talatum with smaller quantities of
uranium thorum and radium present.
It is used as crude source for ra-
dunn and uranium, and in the crys-
taline form as crystal for detectors
in wireless telegraphy.
UuVnuHl.
Molybdenum ore containing from
SIS to 20 per cent of Molybic acid has
been discovered in some of the old
mine workings of the state. The dis
covery was in the result of an argu-
ment betgeen an Irishman and
Scotchman. Casey claimed that
small grey colored str1nger was ar
senic while Happy Wilson claimed
that it was native silver. The ques-
ton was settled by having me make
an analysis and give report on the
sample. 1t contained 54 per cent of
molybic oxide with smaller quantities
of tungsten, copper and magnesium
present. Regular shipments are now
being made to eastern refineries.
Molybenum is used largely in the
manufacture of alloy steels, as a
chemical reagent and in the indus
trial arts.
Tellurium is another of the rare
elements found in the combined state
with gold and silver. 1t is recovered
as by-product from gold and silver
refining and is used in the manufac
ture of alloys.
Tungsten in Many Mines.
Tungsten is another of the miner
ais which the Treasure state can
claim. Many old foot and hanging
walls are tungsten carrying ore.
An old dump in South Butte, con-
tanned scheelite which carried over
Is per cent of tungstic acid. Small
stringers are found present with 9TH
er metallic ores. Many waste piles
carry high values in this metal.
Tungsten is used in the manufacture
of steel and alloys, in the electrical
world it is used for contact points
and lamp filament.
Phosphates suitable for fertilizing
purposes exists near Park county
While phosphates are not classed as
rare mineral, nevertheless, they are
of great commercial Importance.
A Source of Radium.
Vanadium in the form of crude
carnotite is another late discovery
showing the wonderful natural re-
sources of Montana. Carnotite is
probably the largest source for ra-
dium. Vandadium is also extracted
from the crude material, and is used
in the manufacture of alloy steel.
Antimony is also present in the
combined form with lead, in the
mineral "Binderheimer' 1t occurs
in small quantities but can be worked
with profgit owing to the basic met
ais that are present.
Barium is present in large num-
ber of the gypsum deposits of the
state. Small specimens of barite
have been discovered.
Palladium and platinum, two rare
metals which are closely associated
exist in many of the old placer work.
ings. With palladium at $50, and
platinum at 500 per ounce, hand
some profit can be reaped from
working many on old homely dump
pile.
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