Phosphate of Copper

These specimens are in the collection of the Count de Bournon; the upper one is from Peru, the under one from Thuringia.

This substance has so much the appearance of a variety of Arseniate of Copper, that it might in general have passed for such. Chemical examination, however, proves it to be a more rare species. Its lining the matrix and its dark green glassy lustre, might help the deception, but on nice examination the crystals seem to present a different form. Although it is difficult to ascertain the shape with certainty, they are so confused, yet we arc inclined to think them rectangular prisms, with vertical striæ; on their sides, and diagonal ones on their ends. Hereafter we may meet with more distinct specimens, and then discover modifications. There is the more chance in favour of future help, as the substance has been discovered already in two places. It is, however, at present very little known.

Before the blow-pipe it melts into a grey metallic globule. Dissolves in Nitric Acid without effervescence. Its colour is a very deep bright green, the surface of the crystals, and also that of the spiculæ, which compose the mass, sometimes approaches to nearly black, probably from a partial decomposition.