OCR Text |
Show PRODUCTION OF LITHIUM. Minerals of This Chiracter Are Not in Great Demand in This Country. A mistaken Impression prevailed In this country for several years that there was a largo demand for lithium minerals. The result was overproduction. overproduc-tion. In 1905, however, sharp re-, re-, tronchment occurred, and the produc tion fell to practically nothing. As reported by Mr. C. O. Hovoy, special agent of tho United States geological uurvey, it amounted to only 21 short tons, valued at $252. All ot it camo from San Diego county, Cal. In 1904 the output of lithium minerals In the United States had amounted to D77 short tons, valued at $5,155; In 1903 to 1,155 short tons, valued at 23,425 Thcro wore no Imports of lithium salts Into the United Stntcs during 1905. itf' Tho mlncs of Pennington county, S. VW D- which formerly produced tho great er part of the lithium oro consumed in tho United States, wero entirely idle during 1905. It is not likely that work on them will bo resumed before the stocks of ore now on hand have been considerably depleted. Practically tho only minerals which havo been mined as ores of lithium lmvo been amblygonlte, lopldollte, nnd spodumen. Amblygonlte has been ' ' found in commercial quantities only near I'aln, San Diego county, Cal This region Is also the only one in the country where lepldolite, or llthln mica la produced In commercial quantities. The spodunieno mines aro located In l'ennlugton county, S, D The principal use ofllthla ores Is for tho manufacture of tho carbonutc of lithium, which Is utilized in tho holld form and In solution for medicinal ', purpose, especlnlly for the inimtfac- 1 turo of so-called "llthla waters." Uth- liim raits aro uted alro to a small extent ex-tent In the minufacturo of compounds for th9 production ot colored fire The ' metal tinges u llamo with a beautiful ,. ., bhado of rort. |