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GRAPHITE, OR PLUMBAGO.

In the Central Mineral Region are deposits of limited extent of an impure graphite in shales and schists. In view of the larger deposits of pure material in other localities it is not probable that this will be of much value.

SOAPSTONE.

This highly infusible stone, which is used as firestone in stoves, hearths, and furnaces, is found in large quantities. One of the best exposures is about two miles south of west from Smoothing Iron Mountain, and the most favorable districts for its further occurrence are that between House and Smoothing Iron Mountain and the King Mountains, and to the west of that area in Llano and Mason counties; also southeast in Llano, Gillespie, and Blanco counties. As a lining for furnaces and other purposes which do not require a very firm texture this material is fully adequate, and it can be cut or sawed into blocks or masses of any desired shape, with a perfectly smooth surface if desired.

MICA.

While mica is a very abundant mineral in both the Central and Trans-Pecos regions, it is not commonly of such transparency and size as to be commercially valuable. Specimens are in the Museum, however, from both localities which combine these requisites, and it is entirely probable that workable deposits may be found. It is used in stove fronts, lanterns, etc., also in the manufacture of wall paper and as a lubricant.

ASBESTOS.

Asbestos has often been reported from the Central Region, and many specimens have been received bearing that name. Upon examination this is found to be fibrolite, and may answer for many purposes for which asbestos is used as refractory material, but not for the finer uses of the manufacture of cloth, etc.

ROAD MATERIALS.

Among the various materials suited for road making are the large gravel deposits which are found in many portions of the State; some of the quartzitic sandstones which occur in.the Fayette Beds; the eroded flints of the Cretaceous; some of the firmer limestones of the