Graphite.

The mineralized substance known as graphite—plumbago—black lead—consists of carbon in mechanical admixture, with siliceous matter, as clay, sand, or limestone, and in varying proportions, and is the ultimate product of vegetable remains, mineralized to the highest degree.

It has been found at Pakawau; in the vicinity of Wellington; and in the pure state embedded in marbles from the West Coast.

The pure amorphous variety is used for the manufacture of pencils, and for lubricants for machinery, while the impure siliceous or argillaceous graphites find extensive employment in the manufacture of crucibles, and for polishing material for ironwork.

Graphite of the first quality has not been found yet in any quantity in New Zealand, but there is an abundance of the less pure varieties. It has been found in greater quantity in the District of Nelson than elsewhere, but still many other localities yield this mineral in various states of purity, as at Malvern Hills, Canterbury, and Dunstan, Otago, where it is of fair average quality.

This specimen is of a very homogeneous character, and if, as is probable, large bands should be found, the discovery may prove of great value. The colour of the ash is reddish-white.