Ga

Billions of years before the present. AGI

gabbro

A group of dark-colored, basic intrusive igneous rocks composed

principally of basic plagioclase (commonly labradorite or bytownite) and
clinopyroxene (augite), with or without olivine and orthopyroxene; also,
any member of that group. It is the approximate intrusive equivalent of
basalt. Apatite and magnetite or ilmenite are common accessory minerals.
AGI

gabbroid

Said of a rock resembling gabbro. AGI

gable-bottom car

See:mine car

gabrielsonite

An orthorhombic mineral, PbFe(AsO4 )(OH) ; adelite group; forms

black adamantine lumps at Laangban, Sweden.

gad

A heavy steel wedge, 6 in or 8 in (15.2 cm or 20.3 cm) long, with a narrow

chisel point for cutting samples or breaking out pieces of loose rock.
Hess

gadder

In quarrying, a small car or platform carrying a drilling machine, so as

to make a straight line of holes along its course in getting out dimension
stone. Also called gadding car. Syn:gadding machine
Standard, 2

gadding machine

See:gadder

gadolinite

a. A monoclinic mineral, (Y,Ce,La,Nd)2 Be2 Si2 O (sub

10) ; further speciated according to the predominant rare-earth element;
weakly radioactive; occurs with fluorite, allanite, and beryl in granites
and granite pegmatites; with xenotime in biotite gneisses.
b. The mineral group bakerite, datolite, gadolinite-(Ce), gadolinite-(Y),
hingganite-(Ce), hingganite-(Y), hingganite-(Yb), homilite, and
minasgeraisite-(Y).

gagatite

Jetlike coalified plant material preserving cellular structures.

See also:gagatization

gagatization

In coal formation, the impregnation of wood fragments with dissolved

organic substances. See also:gagatite

gage

a. Spacing of tracks or wheels. Nichols, 1

b. The nominal size of an aggregate. It is the minimum size of sieve
through which at least 95% of an aggregate will pass. Also spelled gauge.
Taylor

gage cock

A small cock in a boiler at the water line, to determine the water level.

gage door

A wooden door fixed in an airway for regulating the supply of ventilation

necessary for a certain district or number of workers. Also called a
regulator.

gage factor

The percentage charge of resistance divided by the percentage strain. For

strain gages in common use, this amounts to about 2.2. Issacson

gage loss

The diametrical reduction in the size of a bit or reaming shell caused by

wear through use. Long

gager

In the iron and steel industry, one who determines whether iron or steel
bars, sheets, or wire are being rolled to plant specification, so that the
rolls may be adjusted to reduce the metal the desired amount for each
pass, using calipers to check the thickness (gage) of the various
products. DOT

gage size
The width of a drill bit along the cutting edge. Nichols, 1

gage stone

Any one of several diamonds set in the crown of a diamond bit in a plane
parallel with and projecting slightly beyond the inside and/or outside
walls of the bit. Syn:kicker; kicker stone; reaming diamond.
CF:cutting stones

gaging

A heap of rubbish placed at the entrance of a disused roadway underground.

CTD

gaging station

A particular site on a stream, canal, lake, or reservoir where systematic

observations of gage height, discharge, or water quality (or any
combination of these) are obtained. AGI

gahnite

An isometric mineral, ZnAl2 O4 ; spinel group; forms series

with spinel and with hercynite; Mohs hardness, 7-1/2; forms octahedra or
masses in schists, contact-metamorphosed limestones, granite pegmatites;
relatively common in replacement ores at Franklin, NJ, and Falun, Sweden.
Syn:zinc spinel

gahnospinel

A blue magnesian variety of gahnite used as a gem, from Sri Lanka.

gain

a. A cutting made in the side of a roadway underground to facilitate the

construction of a dam or air stopping. CTD
b. A crosscut in coal mining.
c. See:closed joint
d. A notch, mortise, or groove (as in a timber or wall) for a girder or
joist. Webster 3rd
e. The ratio of the output power, voltage, or current to the input power,
voltage, or current. Hunt

gaize

a. A siliceous rock containing some clay in the Ardennes and Meuse Valley,
France.
b. A porous fine-grained micaceous glauconitic sandstone containing much
soluble silica among the Cretaceous rocks of France and Belgium; a
calcareous sediment cemented by chert or flint.
Gal

A unit of acceleration, used in gravity measurements: 1 Gal = 1 cm/s

2
. The Earth's normal gravity is 980 Gal. The term is not an
abbrev.; it was invented to honor the memory of Galileo.
See also:milligal

galactite

a. A variety of natrolite found as colorless acicular crystals.

b. An obsolete syn. of novaculite.
c. An unidentified stone (possibly calcium nitrate) whose milky solution
gave rise to several medieval legends and superstitions.

galaxite

An isometric mineral, (Mn+2 ,Fe+2 ,Mg)(Al,Fe+3

)2 O4 ; spinel group; occurs as black grains in Galax,
Alleghany County, NC; Ioi Mine, Shiga Prefecture, and Oashi mine, Tochigi
Prefecture, Japan.

gale alidade

A lightweight compact alidade, with a low pillar and a reflecting prism

through which the ocular may be viewed from above. As used by some
geologists, it is commonly equipped with the Stebinger drum.
See also:Stebinger drum

galeite

A trigonal mineral, Na15 (SO4 )5 F4 Cl ;

occurs embedded in clay associated with gaylussite and northupite in drill
cores from Searles Lake, CA. CF:schairerite

galena

An isometric mineral, 4[PbS] ; cubic cleavage; forms cubes and octahedra,

also coarse- or fine-grained masses; sp gr, 7.6; occurs with sphalerite in
hydrothermal veins, also in sedimentary rocks as replacement deposits; an
important source of lead and silver. Also spelled galenite.
Syn:lead sulfide; galenite. See also:blue lead

galenite

See:galena

galenobismutite

An orthorhombic mineral, PbBi2 S4 ; soft; massive, or in

needlelike to lathlike crystals in radiating aggregates, commonly
intergrown with bismuthinite and other bismuth minerals; sp gr, 7.04 to
7.15; occurs in high-temperature replacement deposits or veins; may be
argentiferous (e.g., the variety alaskaite in Colorado) or selenian (e.g.,
the variety selenbleiwismuthglanz at Falun, Sweden); a source of bismuth.

gallatin

The heavy oil of coal tar used in the Bethell process for the preservation
of timber. Also called dead oil. Standard, 2

gallery

a. A mine level, drift, tunnel, or passage.

b. A large, more or less horizontal, passage in a cave.
c. A subsurface collector for intercepting ground water.
d. A horizontal or nearly horizontal underground passage, either natural
or artificial. Stokes
e. A subsidiary passage in a cave at a higher level than the main passage.
AGI
f. A drift or adit.
g. An underground conduit or reservoir. Seelye, 1
h. Underground road. Mason
i. A passageway, as in a dam. Seelye, 1

gallery of efflux

Eng. A drain tunnel or adit.

gallery testing

Testing conditions designed to resemble those existing underground as

closely as possible, and to reproduce what was considered to be the most
dangerous condition, namely, a blownout shot discharging into the most
easily ignited mixture of combustible gases and air.

galliard

A hard, smooth, close-grained, siliceous sandstone; a ganister. Also

spelled: calliard. AGI

galliard balls

Large ironstone concretions in sandstones, Yorkshire, U.K.

gallite

A tetragonal mineral, CuGaS2 ; chalcopyrite group; forms grains and

inclusions in germanite and renierite, and exsolution lamellae in
sphalerite and pyrite-sphalerite assemblages at Tsumeb, Namibia, and Shaba
Province, Zaire.
gallium arsenide

Dark gray; GaAs; isometric; melting point, 1,240 degrees C. Used in

microwave diodes and in high-temperature rectifiers and transistors.
Lee; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

gallium oxide

Ga2 O3 ; melting point, 1,795+ or -15 degrees C.

Dodd

Galloway stage

Multidecked platform suspended near bottom of shaft during sinking. It

carries part of the equipment in use and can be raised or lowered as
required during blasting, mucking, wall concreting, etc.
See also:pentice

gallows timber

A timber framework or set for roof support. CTD

galmei

See:calamine

galvanic cell

An electrolytic cell that is capable of producing electric energy by

electrochemical action. See also:cell

galvanic corrosion

a. Corrosion associated with the current of a galvanic cell consisting of

two dissimilar conductors in an electrolyte or two similar conductors in
dissimilar electrolytes. Where the two dissimilar metals are in contact,
the resulting reaction is referred to as couple action. ASM, 1
b. The corrosion above normal corrosion of a metal that is associated with
the flow of current to a less active metal in the same solution and in
contact with the more active metal. Hunt

galvanic electromagnetic methods

Electrical exploration methods in which electric current is introduced in

the ground by means of contact electrodes and in which one determines the
magnetic field that is associated with the current. Schieferdecker

galvanize

To coat with zinc. Fay

galvanizing

Immersion of clean steel or iron in bath of molten zinc for purpose of

forming a protective coating. Sherardizing is the process of heating iron
articles with zinc dust to a temperature at which a strong adherent
coating is formed. Electrolytic galvanizing is the electrodeposition of
zinc on the iron. See also:hot-dip coating

galvanoscope

An instrument employed for detecting an electric current and showing its

direction. It differs from a galvanometer in being only qualitative.
Standard, 2

galvanothermometer

An instrument for measuring the heat generated by an electric current or

for measuring the current by the heat that it generates.
Standard, 2

gamagarite

A monoclinic mineral, (Ba2 (Fe,Mn)(VO4 )2 (OH) ;

brackebuschite group; forms prismatic crystals and aggregates of needles
with diaspore, ephesite, and bixbyite in manganese ore at Gamagara ridge,
Postmasburg, Republic of South Africa.

gamella

Braz. A wooden bowl, about 2 ft (0.6 m) wide at the mouth, and 5 in or 6

in (12.7 cm or 15.2 cm) deep, used for washing gold out of the auriferous
material collected in sluices and in river sand. Syn:batea

gamma

a. In a biaxial crystal, the largest index of refraction. AGI

b. The interaxial angle between the a and b crystallographic axes.
CF:alpha; beta. AGI
c. The cgs unit of magnetic field intensity commonly used in magnetic
exploration. It is equal to 10-5 Oe (7.957747 X 10-4
A/m). Syn:nanotesla
d. adj. Of or relating to one of three or more closely related minerals
and specifying a particular physical structure (esp. a polymorphous
modification); specif. said of a mineral that is stable at a temperature
higher than those of its alpha and beta polymorphs (e.g., gamma quartz or
gamma -quartz). AGI

gamma-gamma log
A borehole measurement of gamma rays originating in a gamma-ray source in
the instrument and scattering back from the rock formation to a detector
shielded from the source. The amount of scattering is proportional to
electron density and, therefore, proportional to mass concentration so
that the measurement, after certain corrections, yields a density log of
the formation penetrated. AGI

gammagraphy

In the United States a term for inspection by gamma rays. Osborne

gamma iron

The face-centered cubic form of pure iron, which is stable from 1,670 to
2,550 degrees F (910 to 1,400 degrees C). ASM, 1

gamma radiation

Emission by radioactive substances of quanta of energy corresponding to

X-rays and visible light but with a much shorter wavelength than light.
May be detected by gamma-ray Geiger counters. AGI

gamma-ray probe

A gamma-ray counter device built into a watertight case small enough in

diameter to be lowered into a borehole. Long

gamma rays

High-energy, short-wavelength, electromagnetic radiation emitted by a

nucleus. Energies of gamma rays are usually between 0.010 and 10 million
eV. X-rays also occur in this energy range but are of nonnuclear origin.
Gamma radiation usually accompanies alpha and beta emissions and always
accompanies fission. Gamma rays are very penetrating and are best
attenuated by dense materials like lead and depleted uranium.
Lyman

gamma-ray spectrometer

An instrument for measuring the energy distribution, or spectrum, of gamma

rays, whether from natural or artificial sources. It is used in airborne
remote sensing for potassium, thorium, and uranium. AGI

gamma-ray spectrometer log

A log that measures the relative quantities of potassium, thorium, and

uranium present in the rocks penetrated by a borehole. Wyllie

gamma-ray well log

The radioactivity log curve of the intensity of broad-spectrum,
undifferentiated natural gamma radiation emitted from the rocks in a cased
or uncased borehole. It is used for correlation, and for distinguishing
shales (which are usually richer in naturally radioactive elements) from
sandstones, carbonates, and evaporites. CF:spectral gamma-ray log
See also:radioactivity log

gamma-ray well logging

A method of logging boreholes by observing the natural radioactivity of

the rocks through which the hole passes. It was developed for logging
holes that cannot be logged electrically because they are cased.
AGI

gamma sulfur

See:rosickyite

gamma zircon

A metamict variety of zircon that is nearly amorphous owing to radiation

damage; it has lower density than crystalline zircon.

gang

a. A train or set of mine cars or trams.

b. A mine.
c. A set of miners.
d. Gangue.

gang car

A car that may be loaded with a block of stone and placed beneath the
blades of a gang saw. It is a substitute for the stationary saw bed.
Fay

gang drill

A set of drills in the same machine operated together. Standard, 2

ganger

A work gang foreman. Webster 3rd

gang filler

In the stonework industry, one who attaches and detaches crane slings or
hooks to and from blocks or slabs of granite, marble, and stone in loading
the stone on gang saw cars or trucks and pulling them under the gang saws.
DOT
gang miner

In bituminous coal mining, one who works in a group that pools its
earnings regardless of the type of work performed (drilling, undercutting,
blasting, or loading coal). DOT

gangue

The valueless minerals in an ore; that part of an ore that is not

economically desirable but cannot be avoided in mining. It is separated
from the ore minerals during concentration. CF:ore mineral

gangway

a. A main haulage road underground. Frequently called entry.

Hudson
b. A passageway driven in the coal at a slight grade, forming the base
from which the other workings of the mine are begun. Korson
c. A passageway or avenue into or out of any enclosed place, as in a mine.
d. An elevated roadway. CTD
e. Pennsylvania. Generally confined to anthracite mines. Jones, 1
f. Newc. A wooden bridge.

gangway cable

A cable designed to be installed horizontally (or nearly so) for power

circuits in mine gangways and entries.

ganister

a. A hard, fine-grained quartzose sandstone or quartzite, used in the

manufacture of silica brick. It is composed of subangular quartz
particles, cemented with secondary silica, and possessing a characteristic
splintery fracture. Ganister is distinguished from chert by its more
granular texture and by the relatively small quantity of chalcedonic or
amorphous silica. AGI
b. A mixture of ground quartz and fireclay used as a furnace lining. Also
spelled gannister. AGI
c. See:quartzite

gannen

N. of Eng. A road (heading) down which coal is conveyed in cars running

upon rails. An inclined gangway in a coal mine. Fay; Standard, 2

gantlet

A narrowing of two single railway tracks almost into the space of one, as
on a bridge or in a tunnel, without breaking the continuity of either
track by a switch, the two tracks overlapping each other.
Standard, 2

gantry

a. A frame erected on a gold dredge for supporting different parts of the

machinery. Also spelled: gauntry; gauntree.
b. A bridge or platform carrying a traveling crane or winch and supported
by a pair of towers, trestles, or side frames running on parallel tracks.
Webster 3rd
c. An overhead structure that supports machines or operating parts.
Nichols, 1
d. An upward extension of a shovel revolving frame that holds the boom
line sheaves. Nichols, 1

Gantt chart

Construction program for major engineering works, set out in graphic form.
Down the vertical axis in sequence are set out the items concerned. The
abscissa shows the period covered in days, or weeks, and the period
allowed for each item marked by a horizontal line. The chart displays the
interrelation between the items, and aids in ensuring that no item is so
delayed as to impede progress on a later one that depends on it.
Pryor, 3

gap

In a fault, the horizontal component of separation measured parallel to

the strike of the strata, with the faulted bed absent from the measured
interval. AGI

gape

Maximum aperture at entry to a coarse crushing machine at which the

largest piece of rock fed to it can be gripped and acted on by the
breaking system. Pryor, 3

gap packing

A method of packing for road maintenance that consists of gate side packs
3 to 5 yd (2.7 to 4.6 m) wide, next a gap of at least the width of the
road, and finally a large pack 5 to 7 yd (4.6 to 6.4 m) wide. The waste
packs are made at least 2 yd (1.8 m) wide and not less in width than twice
the thickness of the seam. The gaps provided in strip packing are kept
clear of supports and allow the roof to break up and flow toward them.
This puts the strata in tension over the roads and reduces fracture and
crush. Mason

gap sensitivity
The maximum distance for propagation between standard cartridge sizes
separated by an air gap. CF:sympathetic detonation

gap test

The gap is the greatest distance at which, under certain given conditions,
a priming cartridge is capable of initiating a receiving cartridge
(receptor). The same explosive is usually used both as primer and
receptor, although the gap distance in such a case will also be affected
by any change in strength that may occur in the explosive. The gap test
can be carried out with the cartridges unconfined or confined, for
example, in tubes, in air, or in water. The test gives, for example,
information about changes in the explosive due to aging, moisture,
temperature, etc. Fraenkel

garbenschiefer

a. A type of spotted slate characterized by concretionary spots whose

shape resembles that of a caraway seed. Etymol: German.
CF:fleckschiefer; fruchtschiefer. AGI
b. See:feather amphibolite

Gardner crusher

A swing and hammer crusher, the hammers being pieces hung from trunnions
between two disks keyed to a shaft. When revolved, centrifugal force
throws the hammers out against the feed and a heavy anvil inside the
crusher housing. Liddell

gargarinite

A hexagonal mineral, NaCaY(F,Cl)6 ; in albitized granites and

associated quartz-microcline veins in Kazakhstan.

gargulho

A Brazilian term used in the plateau region of Bahia for a comparatively

coarse, clay-cemented, ferruginous conglomerate in which diamonds are
found. AGI

garland

a. A channel fixed around the lining within a shaft in order to catch the
water draining down the shaft walls and conduct it by pipes or water boxes
to a lower level. Also called water curb; water garland.
See also:water ring
b. A frame to heighten and increase content of a truck. CTD

garnet
a. A group of isometric minerals having the general formula A3 B
2 (SiO4 )3-2Dx (OH)4x in which A=(Ca,Fe,Mg,Mn)
and B=(Al,Cr,Fe,Mn,Si,Ti,V,Zr) with Si partly replaced by (Al,Fe).
b. The silicate minerals almandine, andradite, calderite, goldmanite,
grossular, hibshite, katoite, kimzeyite, knorringite, majorite, pyrope,
schlorlomite, spessartine, and uvarovite. Syn:granat

garnet doublet

a. A term applied to the most common doublet, that with a very thin top of
red garnet, regardless of the color of the doublet.
b. Any doublet of dark red color regardless of whether any portion of it
is garnet, more correctly called a garnet-top doublet.
c. A composite stone made with a garnet top on a glass base. Also called
garnet-top doublet, garnet-topped doublet.

garnetite

A metamorphic rock consisting chiefly of an aggregate of interlocking

garnet grains. CF:tactite

garnetization

Introduction of, or replacement by, garnet. This process is commonly

associated with contact metamorphism. AGI

garnet jade

A light-green variety of grossular garnet closely approaching fine jadeite

in appearance, esp. that in Transvaal, South Africa.

garnetoid

A group of nonsilicate minerals that are isostructural with garnet,

including the oxide yafsoanite, the arsenates berzeliite and
manganberzeliite, and the halide cryolithionite. CF:hydrogrossular;
hydrogarnet.

garnierite

A general term for hydrous nickel silicates. Syn:genthite; noumeite.

garrelsite

A monoclinic mineral, Ba3 NaSi2 B7 O16 (OH)

4 ; in colorless crystals associated with nahcolite and shortite in
core from an oil boring at Ouray, CO.

garronite
An orthorhombic mineral, Na2 Ca5 Al12 Si20 O
64 .27H2 O ; zeolite group; pseudotetragonal; forms radiating
aggregates in amygdules in basalts, commonly associated with other
zeolites, e.g., chabazite, thomsonite, and levyne; at the Garron Plateau,
County Antrim, Ireland, and 22 localities in eastern Iceland.

gas

a. Combustible gases (methane), a mixture of air and combustible gases, or

other explosive gaseous mixture encountered in mining.
b. A fluid of low density and of high compressibility. The specific
recognition of a gas as distinct from a liquid of the same composition
requires the simultaneous presence of both phases at equilibrium.
See also:fluid; vapor. AGI
c. In mining, a mixture of atmospheric air with combustible gases.
Standard, 2
d. The term normally used by miners to designate any impure air, esp.
explosive combinations. BCI
e. The term generally applied to denote combustible gases. BS, 8
f. Any aeriform liquid other than atmosphere air, such as gaseous carbon
dioxide (blackdamp), carbon monoxide (whitedamp), methane (combustible
gases), and the common combustible petroleum-product gases.
CF:acetylene
g. Abbrev. for gasoline. See also:manufactured gas; natural gas.
Long
h. A fluid (as air) that has neither independent shape nor volume but
tends to expand indefinitely. A substance at a temperature above its
critical temperature and therefore not liquefiable by pressure alone.
Webster 3rd
i. As a verb, to affect or to treat with gas. To subject to the action of
gas. Webster 3rd

gas alarm

Device or signal system that warns underground workers of dangerous

concentration of combustible gases. Pryor, 3

gas analysis

An analysis of mine air to give information regarding the oxygen content

of the air and the presence of explosive or otherwise undesirable gas or
gases. It is a valuable aid in following the changes in mine air during
fires and after explosions. Lewis

gas bubble

a. Round inclusion in glass, synthetic corundum, and spinel, which reveal

their difference from native corundum, spinel, and most other native
gemstones, in which inclusions are negative crystals.
Syn:glass enclosure; gas enclosure.
b. Relatively rare type of fluid inclusions created where a gas such as
carbon dioxide is trapped in minerals growing from gas-saturated or
boiling liquids, identified by their tubular gas-filled structures.

gas carburizing

The introduction of carbon into the surface layers of mild steel by

heating in a current of gas high in carbon--usually hydrocarbons or
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. CTD

gas centrifuge process

A method of isotope separation in which heavy atoms are separated from

light atoms by centrifugal force. Lyman

gas classification

The separation of powder into particle-size fractions by means of a gas

stream of controlled velocity. ASTM

gas concrete

Coke formed in gas retorts as distinguished from that made in a coke oven.
Webster 3rd

gas conductor

A pipe for leading combustion gases from the mouth of a blast furnace to a
hot-blast stove. Fay

gas detonation system

A system for initiating blasting caps in which the energy is transmitted

through the circuit by means of a gas detonation inside a hollow plastic
tube. See also:nonelectric blasting; shock tube system. Dick, 2

gas drain

a. Eng. A heading driven in a mine for the special purpose of carrying off
methane from any workings.
b. A tunnel or borehole for conducting gas away from old workings.
CTD

gas emission

The release of gas from the strata into the mine workings. BS, 8

gas-emission rate
The quantity of methane discharged from the strata and coal seams into the
ventilating air of a coal mine. The rate may be expressed on a time or
tonnage basis. Gas emission varies with (1) the rate of advance of the
workings; (2) the face operation such as cutting, blasting, loading, etc.;
and (3) the barometric reading. Nelson

gas enclosure

See:gas bubble

gaseous

a. Having the form of or being gas; of or relating to gases.

Webster 3rd
b. Lacking substance or solidity. Webster 3rd

gaseous diffusion

A method of isotope separation based on the fact that atoms or molecules

of different masses will diffuse through a porous barrier at different
rates. The method is used to enrich uranium with the uranium-235 isotope.
Lyman

gaseous dispersion pattern

A dispersion pattern that may be detected by analysis of soil, air, or gas

dissolved in underground water, or of gas condensed in the rocks and soil.
Gaseous dispersion patterns of interest include those of hydrocarbons and
some noble gases resulting from nuclear decay of radioactive elements, and
gaseous substances such as Hg, H2 , He, SO2 , CO2 ,
and CS2 . Hawkes, 2; Lewis

gaseous fuel

Includes natural gas and the prepared varieties, such as coal gas, oil
gas, and iron blast furnace gas, as well as producer gas, etc.
Newton, 1

gaseous place

A place that is likely to be dangerous from the presence of flammable gas.

Fay

gaseous transfer

Separation from a magma of a gaseous phase that moves relative to the

magma and releases dissolved substances, usually in the upper levels of
the magma, when it enters an area of reduced pressure. AGI

gas evolution
The liberation of gas in the form of bubbles during the solidification of
metals. It may be due to the fact that the solubility of a gas is less in
the solid and liquid metal respectively, as when hydrogen is evolved by
aluminum and its alloys, or to the promotion of a gas-forming reaction, as
when iron oxide and carbon in molten steel react to form carbon monoxide.
See also:blowhole; unsoundness. CTD

gas explosion

A major or minor explosion of combustible gases in a coal mine, in which

coal dust apparently did not play a significant part.
See also:coal-dust explosion

gas firing

The combustion of coal effected by burning in such a way as to produce a

combustible gas, which is then burned secondarily in the laboratory or the
furnace. Fay

gas-flame coal

Coal containing 35% to 40% volatiles (dry, ashless basis).

Tomkeieff

gas fluxing

a. The addition of gaseous materials as a flux to promote melting.

b. A rapid upward streaming of free juvenile gas through a column of
molten magma in the conduit of a volcano. The gas acts as a flux to
promote melting of the wall rocks. AGI

gas grooves

Hills and valleys in electrolytic deposits caused by streams of hydrogen

or other gas rising continuously along the surface of the deposit while it
is forming. Henderson

gash fracture

A small-scale tension fracture that occurs at an angle to a fault and

tends to remain open. AGI

gash vein

A nonpersistent vein that is wide above and narrow below, and that
terminates within the formation it traverses. The term was originally
applied to vein fillings in vertical solution joints in limestone.
AGI

gasification
Conversion of coal to gaseous fuel without leaving a combustible residue.
BS, 4

gas ignition

The setting on fire of a small or large accumulation of combustible gases

in a coal mine. The ignition may be caused by a safety lamp, electrical
machinery, explosives, frictional sparking, etc.
Syn:ignition of combustible gases

gas indicator

A pocket device for the rapid determination of the percentage of a

specific gas in the atmosphere of mines, boiler rooms, blast furnaces,
etc. Fay

gas-logged strata

Rock formations, usually in coal mines, that contain a relatively high

proportion of methane. In descensional ventilation, the buoyancy pressure
of the methane opposes the ventilating pressure, with a tendency for
cavities to contain combustible gases of high concentration. The same may
apply to waste cavities with no natural exit to the return. Nelson

gasman

An underground official who examines the mine for combustible gases and
has charge of their removal. See also:fire boss; gas watchman.
Hess

gas pipe

a. Mid. A short wooden pipe about 4 in by 4 in (10.2 cm by 10.2 cm)

inside, having its upper end open to the roof, and the lower end opening
into the bratticing so that any gas given off in the roof may be carried
away as formed. Fay
b. Any pipe for conveying gas. Fay

gas pocket

A cavity in the rocks containing gas, generally above an oil pocket.

Mersereau, 2

gas pore

A gas bubble in a mineral. Standard, 2

gas pressure
The forces generated from the expansion of gases formed from the reaction
of explosive materials after detonation; gas pressures produce the heaving
action during rock blasting. Syn:borehole pressure

gas producer

A furnace in which coal is burned for the manufacture of producer gas.

There are two types: (1) the step-grate, natural-draft generator, which is
but a development of the ordinary firebox; and (2) the shaft furnace, with
or without a grate and worked by a natural or forced draft. The latter
type is identical in many respects to a blast smelting furnace.
Fay

gas ratio

The ratio of the volume at atmospheric pressure of the gas developed by an

explosive to the volume of the solid from which it was formed. Many
commercial explosives have a gas ratio of about 8. Ammonium nitrate plus
fuel oil has a ratio of about 20. Leet, 2

gas reverser

In the iron and steel industry, one who reverses gas valves by
manipulating levers to throw hot combustion gases from one side of the
furnace to the other, to keep the furnace heat evenly distributed, and to
prevent burning out on one side. DOT

gas rig

A borehole drill, either rotary or churn-drill type, driven by a

combustion-type engine using a combustible liquid, such as gasoline, or a
combustible gas, such as bottle gas, as the source of the motivating
energy. Long

gassing

a. Absorption of gas by a metal. ASM, 1

b. Evolution of gas from a metal during melting operations or on
solidification. ASM, 1
c. The evolution of gas from an electrode during electrolysis.
ASM, 1

gassing of copper

A process that denotes the brittleness produced when copper containing

oxide is heated in an atmosphere containing hydrogen. The hydrogen
diffuses into the metal and combines with oxygen, forming steam that
cannot diffuse out. A high steam pressure is built up at the crystal
boundaries, and the cohesion is diminished. CTD
gas spectrum

a. The spectrum, consisting of bright lines or bands, obtained by

dispersing the light from a glowing gas or vapor. Webster 2nd
b. An absorption spectrum obtained by passing light through a gas or
vapor. Webster 2nd

gas streaming

A process of magmatic differentiation involving the formation of a gaseous

phase, usually during a late stage in consolidation of the magma, that
results in partial expulsion, by escaping gas bubbles, of residual liquid
from the crystal network. AGI

gassy

A mine is said to be gassy when it gives off methane or other gas in

quantities that must be diluted with pure air to prevent occurrence of
explosive mixtures. BCI

gas tracers

Slowly moving air currents can be directly observed by using smokes. These
may range from simple dust clouds, through various chemical smokes, to
more refined techniques employing gas and radioactive tracers. Various
chemicals have been used, including stannic chloride, titanium
tetrachloride, and pyrosulfuric acid. These materials give off white fumes
when their vapors come into contact with atmospheric moisture. The method
in common use is to carry the chemical in sealed glass ampules, which can
be broken when an observation is to be made. Roberts, 1

gas trap

One of many devices for separating and saving the gas from the flow and
lead lines of producing oil wells. The mixture of oil and gas is allowed
to flow through a chamber large enough to reduce the velocity of the
mixture to the point at which the oil and gas tend to separate. The gas,
seeking the top of the chamber, is drawn off free of oil, while the oil is
discharged at the bottom. Also called gas tank. Ash

gastrolith

A rounded stone or pebble, commonly highly polished, from the stomach of

some reptiles, esp. dinosaurs, plesiosaurs, and crocodilians. Gastroliths
are thought to have been used in grinding up food, but marine reptiles may
have used them to provide body stability while in the water. AGI

gastropod
Any mollusk belonging to the class Gastropoda, characterized by a distinct
head with eyes and tentacles and, in most, by a single calcareous shell
that is closed at the apex, sometimes spiralled, not chambered, and
generally asymmetrical; e.g., a snail. Range, Upper Cambrian to present.
AGI

gastunite

See:weeksite

gas watchman

In bituminous coal mining, person who makes morning examinations for gas
before workers enter the mine. See also:fireman; fire boss; gasman.
DOT

gas water

Water through which coal gas has been passed and which has absorbed the
impurities of the gas. Fay

gate

a. Eng. Gateway or gate road. A road or way underground for air, water, or
general passage; a gangway. See also:gate end
b. Eng. A road packed out in longwall goaf. When ripped in the waste to
provide packing material on a conveyor face, it is called a dummy gate.
Also called gate road; gateway; main brow; trail road. SMRB
c. The apparatus at the bottom of an ore chute for filling cars. Also
called a chute. Spalding
d. Syn:swivel head
diamond drill. Long
e. The closing piece in a stop valve. Standard, 2
f. A valve controlling the admission of water to a waterwheel or conduit.
Standard, 2

gate belt conveyor

Conveyor usually from 26 to 30 in (66.0 to 76.2 cm) wide and troughed so

as to centralize the load and minimize spillage. A scraper feeder,
consisting of an elevating chain conveyor driven by the gate belt, is
often used to transfer the coal from the face belt to the gate belt.
Mason

gate conveyor

A gate road conveyor that carries coal from one source or face only; i.e.,
from a single-unit or double-unit face. See also:conveyor;
face conveyor; gathering conveyor. Nelson
gate end

The coal face or inby end of a gate. See also:gate

gate-end box

A flameproof enclosure primarily for use at or near the coalface and

designed to line up with similar boxes to form a control board. A gate-end
box may contain bus bars, isolators, switches, contactors, transformers,
and protective devices, for the control of motors, lighting, and other
equipment. Syn:gate-end unit

gate-end feeder

A short conveyor that feeds the coal from the face conveyor onto the gate
conveyor. See also:feeder conveyor

gate-end loader

A short conveyor designed to receive the coal from the face conveyors and
elevate it to such a height as to be convenient for delivery into mine
cars. See also:feeder conveyor

gate-end switch

A flameproof motor-starting contactor for use with coal-face machinery.

The essential features are a flameproof casing divided into two separate
compartments, the smaller of which contains a hand-operated isolating
switch and the main bus bars. The isolating switch is interlocked with the
cover of the main compartment so that it cannot be removed unless the
switch is in the off position; or it may be fitted with contacts enabling
the mechanism to be earthed before work is undertaken on it. Mason

gate-end unit

See:gate-end box

gate interlock

A system designed to prevent shaft conveyances from being moved or action

signals from being transmitted, unless all shaft gates are closed.
BS, 13

gate road

a. Eng. A road connecting a stall with a main road. Standard, 2

b. A road through the goaf used for haulage of coal from longwall working.
Pryor, 3

gate road bunker

An appliance for the storage of coal from the face conveyors during peaks
of production or during a stoppage of the outby transport. It may consist
of a length of conveyor chain running in high-capacity pans arranged under
the delivery end of the gate conveyor. When the trunk conveyor cannot
handle the coal from the gate conveyor, the bunker chain is slowly drawn
back carrying about 1 st (0.9 t) of coal per yard of chain. The bunker is
later discharged by reversing the process. See also:underground bunker
Nelson

Gates canvas table

A large form of inclined canvas table in which the pulp is first

classified, then distributed along the upper edge of the table. The
concentrates are caught in the warp of the canvas; after this is full,
treatment must be stopped while the concentrates are swept or sluiced off.
Liddell

gate shutter

A paddlelike implement used to shut off the flow of metal from a mold and
divert it to other molds. Standard, 2

gate side pack

A pillar consisting of tightly rammed material enclosed in walls of stone,

built on each side of the gate road. See also:double packing
Nelson

gateway longwall

N. of Eng. A continuous coal face served by gateways (in Durham about 12

yd or 11 m apart). A small group works in each gateway down which the coal
is removed by tubs. Trist

gather

To assemble loaded cars from several production points and deliver them to
main haulage for transport to the surface or pit bottom. BCI

gathering arm loader

A machine for loading loose rock or coal. It has a tractor-mounted

chassis, carrying a chain conveyor the front end of which is built into a
wedge-shaped blade. Mounted on this blade are two arms, one on either side
of the chain conveyor, which gather the material from the muck pile and
feed it onto the loader conveyor. The tail or back end of the conveyor is
designed to swivel and elevate hydraulically so that the coal or stone can
be loaded into a car or on to another conveyor. See also:loader
Nelson
gathering conveyor

Any conveyor that is used to gather coal from other conveyors and deliver
it either into mine cars or onto another conveyor. The term is frequently
used with belt conveyors placed in entries where a number of room
conveyors deliver coal onto the belt. See also:gate conveyor;
trunk conveyor. Jones, 1

gathering ground

See:catchment area

gathering haulage

That portion of the haulage system immediately adjacent to the face. In

longwall mining, the face belt or tubs and track along the face constitute
the gathering haulage system. Wheeler, H.R.

gathering locomotive

See:gathering motor; electric gathering mine locomotive.

gathering mine locomotive

See:gathering motor; electric gathering mine locomotive.

gathering motor

A lightweight type of electric locomotive used to haul loaded cars from

the working places to the main haulage road and to replace them with
empties. Syn:gathering locomotive; gathering mine locomotive.
See also:electric gathering mine locomotive

gathering motorman

In bituminous coal mining, a person who operates a mine locomotive to haul

loaded mine cars from working places to sidings, for the formation of
larger trips (trains) to be handled by a haulage cable or a main-line
locomotive. Syn:relay motorman

gathering pumps

Portable or semiportable pumps that are required when water is encountered

while opening a new mine, for extending headings or entries in an
operating mine, for pumprooms or rib sections lying in the dip, for
collecting water from local pools, or for sinking a shaft. They discharge
water at an intermediate pumping station or into a drainage ditch or
tunnel carrying water outside a mine.

gatton
Scot. See:gauton

gaudefroyite

A hexagonal mineral, Ca4 Mn3 (BO3 )3 (CO (sub

3) )(O,OH)3 ; forms prisms associated with marokite, braunite, and
hasumannite in calcite from Tachgagalt, Morocco.

Gaudin's equation

An equation for the particle size distribution that can be expected when a
material is crushed in a ball mill or rod mill; it is of the form P =
100(x/D)m, where P is the percentage passing a sieve of aperture x, D is
the maximum size of particle, and m is a constant which is a measure of
dispersion. The equation holds good only if the ratio of size of feed to
size of balls is below a critical value.

gauge

See:gage

gault

Firm compact clay; brick clay. Also spelled galt, golt.

gauntree

See:gantry

gauslinite

A local name for burkeite. From Searles Lake, Calif. See also:burkeite
Syn:teepleite

gauss

Unit of magnetic induction in the electromagnetic and Gaussian systems of

units, equal to 1 Mx/cm2 (10 nWb/cm2 ), or 10-4
Wb/m2 . Also known as abtesla (abt). McGraw-Hill, 1

gaussian model

A function frequently used when fitting mathematical models to

experimental variograms, often in combination with a nugget model.

gauton

Scot. A watercourse cut in the floor of a mine or working. Syn:gatton

See also:hasson
gawl

An irregular or uneven line of coal face. CTD

gayet

a. French name for sapropelic coal, such as torbanite or cannel.

Tomkeieff
b. See:cannel coal

Gayley process

The process for the removal of moisture from the blast of an iron blast
furnace by reducing the temperature of the blast current so that the
moisture is deposited as snow. See also:cold blast
Webster 2nd; Fay

Gay-Lussac's law

When gases react, they do so in volumes that bear a simple ratio to one
another, and to the volumes of their products if these are gaseous,
temperature and pressure remaining constant. Also called law of gaseous
volumes. Cooper

Gay-Lussac's tower

In sulfuric acid making, a tower filled with pieces of coke over which
concentrated sulfuric acid trickles down. On meeting gas issuing from the
lead chambers, the coke absorbs nitrous anhydride, which otherwise would
be lost. CF:Glover's tower

gaylussite

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 Ca(CO3 )2 .5H2 O ;

soft; in flattened and elongated crystals in muds from playa lakes in the
Mohave Desert, CA, and the Gobi Desert, Mongolia.

geanticline

a. A mobile upwarping of the crust of the Earth, of regional extent. Ant:

geosyncline. AGI
b. More specif., an anticlinal structure that develops in geosynclinal
sediments, due to lateral compression. Var: geoanticline. AGI

gear

a. The moving parts or appliances collectively that constitute some

mechanical whole or set, linked meshing and fitted together, and serving
to transmit motion or change its rate or direction. Commonly used in the
plural. Hess
b. A gear wheel. Hess
c. See:feed gear
d. The accessory tools and equipment required to operate a drill.
Long
e. A set of enmeshing-toothed rotating parts or cogwheels designed to
transmit motion. Long
f. A toothed wheel, cone, or bar. Nichols, 1

gearksutite

A monoclinic mineral, CaAl(OH)F4 .H2 O ; occurs with

fluorite and barite in hydrothermally altered sedimentary and volcanic
rocks.

gearman

In beneficiation, smelting, and refining, one who tends a coarse or

primary crusher that breaks large lumps of ore into a smaller size so that
it may be run through smaller crushers or shipped to a plant for
extraction of the valuable metal or minerals. DOT

gear ratio

The relationship between the speeds of the first and last shafts,
respectively, of a train of gears. If a certain force drives a machine at
a given speed and the output shaft runs at one-tenth of the speed of the
input shaft, then the output force will be 10 times the input. If the gear
ratio of a motor-driven machine is 10 to 1, then the turning force of the
last shaft will be 10 times that of the motor, apart from force used up in
friction. Mason

gear set

A device that causes one shaft to turn another at reduced speed.

Nichols, 1

Gebhardt survey instrument

A borehole surveying instrument often used to test the verticality of the

freezing holes in shaft sinking. A vernier scale is used to determine the
positions of the pendulum points at successive points, and by summating
the results an accurate plan of the course of the borehole can be
prepared. Nelson

gedanite

A brittle wine-yellow variety of amber with very little succinic acid;

lacks the toughness and ability to take as high a polish as the succinic
acid-rich varieties; rarely used as a gem except for beads.
Syn:mellow amber
gediegen

See:zinn

gedrite

An orthorhombic mineral, (Mg,Fe)5 Al2 [Si6 Al2

O22 ](OH)2 ; amphibole group, with Mg/(Mg + Fe) = 0.1-0.89;
forms series with magnesiogedrite and ferrogedrite; common in schists,
gneisses, and metasomatic rocks.

geest

a. Alluvial material that is not of recent origin lying on the surface. An

example is the sandy region of the North Sea coast in Germany. AGI
b. See:saprolite

gehlenite

A tetragonal mineral, Ca2 Al(AlSi)O7 ; melilite group; forms

a series with akermanite; a common constituent of feldspathoidal rocks
formed by reaction of mafic magmas with carbonate rocks.
Syn:velardenite

Geiger counter

a. An ionization chamber that records the number of radioactive particles

impinging upon it per minute, thus detecting radioactive substances.
Bateman, 2
b. An instrument that detects gamma rays given off by radioactive
substances. AGI
c. An ionization chamber with its vacuum and its applied potential so
adjusted that a gamma ray or other ionizing particle passing through it
causes a momentary current to flow. The surge of current can be amplified
and counted so as to measure the intensity of radioactivity in the
vicinity of the chamber. AGI

Geiger-Mue#1.ller counter tube

A gas-filled chamber usually consisting of a hollow cylindrical cathode

and a fine wire anode along its axis. It is operated with a voltage high
enough so that a discharge triggered by a primary ionizing event will
spread over the entire anode until stopped by the reduction of the field
by space charge.

Geiger-Mueller counter

An instrument consisting of a Geiger-Mueller tube plus a voltage source

and the electronic equipment necessary to record the tube's electric
pulses. Also called Geiger counter. AGI
Geiger-Mueller probe

A Geiger-Mueller counter encased in a watertight container, which can be

lowered into a borehole and used to log the intensity of the gamma rays
emitted by the radioactive substances in the rock formations traversed.
Syn:Geiger probe
M(‹6”"6õ¹ä ' DICTIONARY TERMS:Geiger-Mueller tube A radiation detector consisting
[\B]Geiger-Mueller tube[\N]

Geiger probe

See:Geiger-Mueller probe

Geiger test

The act or process of using a Geiger-Mueller probe or counter to measure

the intensity of the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive substance
contained in rocks traversed by a borehole. Long

geikielite

A trigonal mineral, MgTiO3 ; ilmenite group; forms a series with

ilmenite; in highly metamorphosed magnesian marbles associated with
brucite, spinel, or diopside; in serpentinites with chromium-rich
chlorites, and in gem gravels of Sri Lanka.

Geissler tube

a. A sealed and partly evacuated glass tube containing electrodes. Used

for the study of electric discharges through gases. Standard, 2
b. A gas-filled discharge tube having various shapes and usually
containing a narrowly constricted portion in which the luminosity is
intensified. Webster 3rd

gel

a. A translucent to transparent, semisolid, apparently homogeneous

substance in a colloidal state, generally elastic and jellylike, offering
little resistance to liquid diffusion, and containing a dispersion or
network of fine particles that have coalesced to some degree. AGI
b. A nonhomogeneous gelatinous precipitate; e.g., a coagel. AGI
c. A liquefied mud, which became firm and then reabsorbed most of the
water released earlier. A gel is in a more solid form than a sol, and can
sustain limited shear stress. See also:thixotropy

Gelamite

Trademark for a semigelatin high explosive of relatively high weight

strength of 65%; very good water resistance. Used in underground mining,
in quarrying, in construction, and in general blasting. CCD, 2
gelatin

See:gelatin dynamite

gelatin borehole tube

A device used in borehole surveying. A tube, containing a compass floating

in molten gelatin, is lowered to the point in the borehole at which its
verticality is required. It is left in position until the gelatin sets and
is then withdrawn. The compass indicates the direction and a small plumb
bob shows the angle of dip. Nelson

gelatin dynamite

A type of highly water-resistant dynamite, characterized by its gelatinous

consistency, containing nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose; straight gelatin
dynamite is a series of gelatins that include sodium nitrate, while
ammonium gelatin dynamites use ammonium nitrate.
Syn:ammonia gelatin dynamite; gelatin.

gelatin extras

Explosives in which a portion of the nitroglycerin is replaced with

ammonium nitrate. The explosive velocity is reduced, but the substantial
resistance to water is retained. Less expensive than gelatin dynamites.
Carson, 1

gelatins

A general term relating to explosives in which a principal constituent,

nitroglycerin, is given a gelatinous consistency by mixing it with
nitrocotton. BS, 12

gelation

The formation of a gel from a sol, as by coagulation or by precipitation

with an electrolyte. AGI

gel cement

Cement to which a small percentage of bentonite has been added either dry
or mixed with water. Such an addition particularly adapts the slurry for
use in cementing casing and recovering lost circulation because it reduces
loss of slurry to the formation, makes for a more homogeneous mixture,
increases the water-cement ratio, reduces loss of water to the formation,
and sets in substantially the same volume as occupied when placed.
Brantly, 1

gelignite
A general term relating to explosives of the gelatin type in which there
is a proportion of wood, metal, and oxygen-containing salts.
BS, 12

gelose

The colloidal product of plant decay that becomes the principal

constituent of coal. See also:carbohumin

gelosite

Constituent of torbanite, consisting of birefringent pale yellow

microscopic crushed spheres. CF:humosite
matrosite; retinosite. Tomkeieff

gel strength

The ability or the measure of the ability of a colloid to form gels.

Brantly, 1

gem

A cut-and-polished stone that has intrinsic value and possesses the

necessary beauty, durability, rarity, and size for use in jewelry as an
ornament or for personal adornment; a jewel whose value is not derived
from its setting. Syn:cut stone

gem crystal

A crystal from which a gem can be cut.

gem gravel

A gravel placer containing an appreciable concentration of gem minerals.

AGI

gemmary

a. The science of gems. Syn:gemology

b. A collection of gems; gems considered collectively.
c. A house or receptacle for gems and jewels.

gem material

Any rough material, either natural or artificial, that can be fashioned

into a jewel. CF:gemstone

gem mineral
Any mineral species that yields varieties with sufficient beauty and
durability to be classed as gemstones.

Gemolite

An illuminator used to observe inclusions and other imperfections in

gemstones effectively. Employs either a monocular or a binocular
microscope.

gemologist

a. One who appraises gems. Also spelled gemmologist (U.K.).

b. One who has mastered gemology.

gemology

a. The science of gems. CF:gemmary

b. The study of fashioned minerals, their imitators and substitutes both
natural and synthetic, prized for their beauty and durability. It concerns
composition, structure, occurrence, origin, fashioning, and identification
of gems, some of which are minerals and some of organic origin, e.g.,
pearls. CF:descriptive gemology; determinative gemology.

gem pearl

a. A term used for those better qualities of fine pearl that possess a
rose or other particularly desirable orient. Does not include white pearl.
b. An iridescent pearl, perfectly spherical, with maximum luster of even
intensity, free from all visible blemishes, and of a decided and desirable
orient, such as pink rose.

gem stick

A stick on the end of which a gem is cemented while being cut.

Standard, 2

gemstone

a. A mineral or petrified material that, when cut and polished, can be

used in jewelry. Syn:precious stone
b. A term that includes pearl, amber, coral, jet, or any stone of any
variety of gem material, of sufficient beauty and durability for use as a
personal ornament. See also:decorative stone; gem material;
ornamental stone. Also spelled gem stone.

gem variety

The variety of a mineral species that yields gemstones.

general-crusher foreman
In beneficiation, smelting, and refining, one who directs and coordinates
all operations concerned with reducing ore to designated size. DOT

general soil survey

A general investigation of superficial deposits. The sampling procedure

may include augers, boreholes, and trial pits, and tests are made to cover
soil identification. This type of survey aims at establishing soil
profiles and locating areas requiring special investigation.
See also:detailed soil survey; preliminary soil survey. Nelson

generation

All the crystals of the same mineral species that appear to have
crystallized at essentially the same time; e.g., if there are olivine
phenocrysts in a groundmass containing olivine, there are said to be two
generations of olivine. AGI

generator

a. A source of electricity, esp. one that transforms heat or mechanical

work directly into electric energy, as opposed to a voltaic battery.
Standard, 2
b. A vessel, chamber or machine in which the generation of a gas is
effected, as by chemical action. Standard, 2

genesis

a. The origin or formation of a natural gem mineral.

b. In petrology, the origin and evolution of rocks based on field and
textural observation allied with laboratory analyses and experimental
studies. CF:petrogenesis
c. In mineralogy, the origin of stable phases in terms of pressure,
temperature, and composition of parent materials.
d. In ore deposits, determination of specific peculiar and exceptional
conditions under which economic minerals have been concentrated.
CF:metallogeny

genetic classification

Any classification based on manner of origin or line of descent. Genetic

classifications are set up to deal with fossils, rocks, and minerals.
Stokes

Geneva ruby

An artificial ruby. Fay

Genter filter
A filter utilized in coal-washing plants for the recovery of fine coal
particles.

Genter thickener

Cylindrical tank with obtuse conical base around which raking gear moves
slowly, pushing settled sludge to a central discharge. In the body of the
tank hang radially mounted tube frames covered with filter cloths (socks).
These are connected with a central valve and timing mechanism, so set that
vacuum is applied for 1 to 10 min to remove filtrate, after which the
gathered solids are displaced by a brief flushback so that they fall to
the raking zone. Pryor, 3

genthelvite

An isometric mineral, Zn4 Be3 (SiO4 )3 S ;

forms series with danalite and with helvite; in carbonatites and alkaline
pegmatites.

genthite

See:garnierite

gently inclined

Said of deposits and coal seams with a dip of from 5 degrees to 25 degrees.
Stoces

genus

A category in the hierarchy of plant and animal classification

intermediate in rank between family and species. Adj: generic. Plural:
genera. AGI

geo-

Prefix from the Greek "ge," meaning land, of the land, or Earth.
Pryor, 3

geobotanical indicators

Some plants develop peculiar diagnostic symptoms that can be interpreted

directly in terms of probable excesses of a particular element in the
soil. Geobotanical indicators are either plant species or characteristic
variations in the growth habits of plant species that are restricted in
their distribution to rocks or soils of definite physical or chemical
properties. They have been used in locating and mapping ground water,
saline deposits, hydrocarbons, and rock types, as well as ores.
Hawkes, 2
geobotanical prospecting

a. The visual study of plants, their morphology, and their distribution as

indicators of such things as soil composition and depth, bedrock
lithology, the possibility of orebodies, and climatic and ground-water
conditions. CF:biogeochemical prospecting
See also:botanical anomaly
b. Prospecting in which visual observation of plants is used as a guide to
finding buried ore. Whereas biogeochemical methods require chemical
analysis of plant organs, the geobotanical methods depend on direct
observations of plant morphology and the distribution of plant species.
Hawkes, 2

geobotany

The study of plants as related specif. to their geologic environment.

Hawkes, 2

geocerain

See:geocerite

geocerite

A white, flaky, waxlike resin of approximate composition C27 H (sub

53) O2 in brown coal. Also spelled geocerain, geocerin.
CF:geomyricite

geochemical anomaly

A concentration of one or more elements in rock, soil, sediment,

vegetation, or water that is markedly higher or lower than background. The
term may also be applied to hydrocarbon concentrations in soils.
See also:significant anomaly

geochemical coherence

The phenomenon of the intimate occurring together of certain chemical

elements in nature because of their similar chemical properties, as, for
example, the group of the lanthanides, zirconium-hafnium,
niobium-tantalum, etc. Schieferdecker

geochemical cycle

The sequence of stages in the migration of elements during geologic

changes. Rankama and Sahama distinguish a major or endogenous cycle,
proceeding from magma to igneous rocks to sediments to sedimentary rocks
to metamorphic rocks and possibly through migmatites back to magma, and a
minor or exogenic cycle proceeding from sediments to sedimentary rocks to
weathered material and back to sediments again. AGI
geochemical environment

Pressure, temperature, and the availability of the most abundant chemical

components are the parameters of the geochemical environment that
determine which mineral phases are stable. On the basis of these
variables, it is possible to classify all the natural geochemical
environments of the Earth into two major groups--primary and secondary.
The primary environment extends downward from the lower levels of
circulating meteoric water to the deepest level of the crust and may
extend into the mantle. It is an environment of high temperature and
pressure, restricted circulation of fluids, and relatively low free-oxygen
content. The secondary environment is the environment of weathering,
erosion, and sedimentation at the surface of the Earth. It is
characterized by low temperatures, nearly constant low pressure, free
movement of solutions, and abundant free oxygen, water, and carbon
dioxide.

geochemical exploration

The search for economic mineral deposits or petroleum by detection of

abnormal concentrations of elements or hydrocarbons in surficial materials
or organisms, usually accomplished by instrumental, spot-test, or quickie
techniques that may be applied in the field.
Syn:geochemical prospecting

geochemical landscape

The pattern, in any given area, in which the net effect of all the dynamic
forces concerned in the movement of earth materials will be reflected in
the overall pattern of distribution of the elements. Hawkes, 2

geochemical mapping

The systematic collection and processing of a very large number of samples

accompanied by the proper presentation and interpretation of the resulting
analytical data, usually with reference to a topographic map or other
geographic coordinate system. Hawkes, 2

geochemical prospecting

See:geochemical exploration

geochemical relief

A little-used term for the variation in metal values in varied geographic

settings. Geochemical contrast.

geochemical survey
A survey involving the chemical analysis of systematically collected
samples of rock, soil, stream sediments, plants, or water; this expression
may be further modified by indicating specif. the material sampled, as,
for example, geochemical soil survey. Hawkes, 1

geochemist

An individual who studies the chemistry of earth materials. May be

qualified by the term "inorganic" for the study of nonbiological
materials, "organic" for the study of plants and hydrocarbons, and
"isotope" for the study of nuclides of the elements. Generally, the
geochemist is concerned with the distribution of elements in exploration
application or with the cycles of elements in basic science.

geochemistry

The study of the relative and absolute abundances of the elements and
their nuclides (isotopes) in the Earth; the distribution and migration of
the individual elements or suites of elements in the various parts of the
Earth (the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, etc.), and in minerals
and rocks, and also the study of principles governing this distribution
and migration. Geochemistry may be defined very broadly to include all
parts of geology that involve chemical changes, or it may be focused more
narrowly on the distribution of the elements, as in Mason's definition;
the latter is commonly understood if the term is used without
qualification. AGI

geochronic

See:geochronologic

geochronite

A monoclinic mineral, Pb14 (Sb,As)6 S23 ; forms a

series with jordanite; soft; sp gr, 6.4 to 6.5; associated with galena,
jamesonite, and boulangerite; in lead ores in Bolivia, Germany, Sweden,
and the United States. Syn:kilbrickenite

geochronologic

Pertaining to geochronology.

geochronologic unit

A division of time traditionally distinguished on the basis of the rock

record as expressed by a time-stratigraphic unit. Geochronologic units in
order of decreasing rank are eon, era, period, epoch, and age. Names of
periods and units of lower rank are the same as those of the corresponding
time-stratigraphic units; the names of some eras and eons are
independently formed. Syn:geologic time unit
geochronology

The study of time in relationship to the history of the Earth, esp. by the
absolute age determination and relative dating systems developed for this
purpose. See also:absolute time
Syn:geologic chronology

geochronometry

Measurement of geologic time by geochronologic methods, esp. radiometric

dating. CF:geochronology

geochrony

An obsolete syn. of geochronology. AGI

geode

a. A hollow globular or subspherical body, from 2.5 to 30 cm or more in

diameter, found in certain limestone beds and rarely in shales; it is
characterized by a thin and sometimes incomplete outermost primary layer
of dense chalcedony, by a cavity that is partly filled by a drusy lining
of inward-projecting crystals (usually of quartz or calcite and sometimes
of barite, celestite, and various sulfides) deposited from solution on the
cavity walls. Unlike a druse, a geode is separable (by weathering) as a
discrete nodule or concretion from the rock in which it occurs and its
inner crystals are not of the same minerals as those of the enclosing
rock. AGI
b. The crystal-lined cavity in a geode. AGI
c. A term applied to a rock cavity and its lining of crystals that is not
separable as a discrete nodule from the enclosing rock. CF:vug
AGI

geodesy

a. The science concerned with the determination of the size and shape of
the Earth and the precise location of points on its surface. AGI
b. The determination of the gravitational field of the Earth and the study
of temporal variations such as Earth tides, polar motion, and rotation of
the Earth. Syn:geodetics

geodetic coordinates

Quantities defining the horizontal position of a point on an ellipsoid of

reference with respect to a specific geodetic datum, usually expressed as
latitude and longitude. These may be referred to as geodetic positions or
geographic coordinates. The elevation of a point is also a geodetic
coordinate and may be referred to as a height above sea level. AGI

geodetics
See:geodesy

geodetic surveying

Surveying in which account is taken of the figure and size of the Earth
and corrections are made for Earth curvature; the applied science of
geodesy. It is used where the areas or distances involved are so great
that results of desired accuracy and precision cannot be obtained by plane
surveying. AGI

geodimeter

Trade name of an electronic optical device that measures ground distances

precisely by electronic timing and phase comparison of modulated light
waves that travel from a master unit to a reflector and return to a
light-sensitive tube where an electric current is set up. It is normally
used at night and is effective with first-order accuracy up to distances
of 3 to 25 miles (5 to 40 km). Etymol: acronym for geodetic-distance
meter. CF:tellurometer

geodynamic

Pertaining to physical processes within the Earth as they affect the

features of the crust. AGI

geognosy

An 18th-century term for a science accounting for the origin,

distribution, and sequence of minerals and rocks in the Earth's crust. The
term was superseded by geology as early ideas were abandoned. It has
become restricted to absolute knowledge of the Earth, as distinct from the
theoretical and speculative reasoning of geology. AGI

geographical concentration

The ratio of face length (X) to length of main haulage roads (L) in the
same units; i.e., X/L. See also:concentration of output

geographic cycle

See:cycle of erosion

Geographic Information System

A computer system for managing spatial data. Abbrev. GIS. A GIS, e.g., can
provide a simultaneous consideration of geology, geophysics, geochemistry,
and mineral deposits in a region for the purposes of mineral exploration.
Bonham-Carter

geography
The study of all aspects of the Earth's surface including its natural and
political divisions, the distribution and differentiation of areas, and
often, people in relationship to their environment. AGI

geohydrology

A term, often used interchangeably with hydrogeology, referring to the

hydrologic or flow characteristics of subsurface waters. AGI

geoid

The figure of the Earth considered as a sea-level surface extended

continuously through the continents. It is a theoretically continuous
surface that is perpendicular at every point to the direction of gravity
(the plumb line). It is the reference for astronomical observations and
for geodetic leveling. See also:datum

geoisotherm

See:isogeotherm

geologic

See:geological

geologic age

a. The age of a fossil organism or of a particular geologic event or

feature referred to the geologic time scale and expressed in terms either
of time units (absolute age) or of comparison with the immediate
surroundings (relative age); an age datable by geologic methods.
AGI
b. The term is also used to emphasize the long-past periods of time in
geologic history, as distinct from present-day or historic times.
See also:age

geological

Pertaining to or related to geology. The choice between this term and

geologic is optional, and may be made according to the sound of a spoken
phrase or sentence. Geological is generally preferred in the names of
surveys and societies, and in English and Canadian usage. Syn:geologic
AGI

geological horizon

An interface that indicates a particular position in a stratigraphic

sequence. In practice it is commonly a very thin bed.

geological province
An area throughout which geological history has been essentially the same
or one that is characterized by particular structural or physiographic
features.

geological section

See:geologic section

geological survey

a. A systematic investigation of an area determining the distribution,

structure, composition, history, and interrelations of rock units. Its
purpose may be either purely scientific or economic with special attention
to the distribution, reserves, and potential recovery of mineral
resources. Syn:geologic survey
b. An organization engaged in making surveys; e.g., a state survey or the
U.S. Geological Survey.

geologic chronology

See:geochronology

geologic column

a. A composite diagram that shows in a single column the subdivisions of

part or all of geologic time or the sequence of stratigraphic units of a
given locality or region (the oldest at the bottom and the youngest at the
top, with dips adjusted to the horizontal) so arranged as to indicate
their relations to the subdivisions of geologic time and their relative
positions to each other. See also:columnar section
b. The vertical or chronologic arrangement or sequence of rock units
portrayed in a geologic column. See also:geologic section

geologic drilling

Drilling done primarily to obtain information from which the geology of

the formations penetrated can be determined. Long

geologic engineering

See:engineering geology

geologic formation

See:formation

geologic log

A written and/or graphic record of the geologic data obtained from

drillhole core and/or cuttings. In noncore drilling, the cuttings are
separated at depth intervals of about 1 m or 2 m and examined. In core
drilling, the core is kept in sequence and examined. The essential
description of core includes lithology, alteration, mineralization, and
structural discontinuities. CF:geotechnical log

geologic map

A map on which is recorded geologic information, such as the distribution,

nature, and age relationships of rock units (surficial deposits may or may
not be mapped separately), and the occurrence of structural features
(folds, faults, joints), mineral deposits, and fossil localities. It may
indicate geologic structure by means of formational outcrop patterns, by
conventional symbols giving the direction and amount of dip at certain
points, or by structure-contour lines. AGI

geologic mineralizer

Substance that promotes mineral concentration and crystallization during

solidification of rock-forming material, particularly in pegmatite dikes.
Syn:ore-forming fluid; mineralizer. Bennett

geologic section

Any sequence of rock units found in a given region either at the surface
or below it (as in a drilled well or mine shaft); a local geologic column.
Syn:geological section; stratigraphic section.
See also:geologic column

geologic survey

See:geological survey

geologic thermometer

See:geothermometer

geologic time

The period of time dealt with by historical geology, or the time extending
from the end of the formative period of the Earth as a separate planetary
body to the beginning of written or human history; the part of the Earth's
history that is represented by and recorded in the succession of rocks.
The term implies extremely long duration of remoteness in the past,
although no precise limits can be set. AGI

geologic time scale

An arbitrary chronologic arrangement or sequence of geologic events, used

as a measure of the relative or absolute duration or age of any part of
geologic time, and usually presented in the form of a chart showing the
names of the various rock-stratigraphic, time-stratigraphic, or
geologic-time units, as currently understood; e.g., the geologic time
scales published by Harland et al. (1982), Odin (1982), Palmer (1983), and
Salvador (1985). Syn:time scale

geologic time unit

The time unit corresponding with a time-stratigraphic unit; e.g., period,

epoch, or age. See also:geochronologic unit

geologist

One who is trained in and works in any of the geological sciences.

AGI

geologize

To participate in or talk about geology; to practice geology. AGI

geology

The study of the planet Earth--the materials of which it is made, the

processes that act on these materials, the products formed, and the
history of the planet and its life forms since its origin. Geology
considers the physical forces that act on the Earth, the chemistry of its
constituent materials, and the biology of its past inhabitants as revealed
by fossils. Clues on the origin of the planet are sought in a study of the
Moon and other extraterrestrial bodies. The knowledge thus obtained is
placed in the service of humans--to aid in discovery of minerals and fuels
of value in the Earth's crust, to identify geologically stable sites for
major structures, and to provide foreknowledge of some of the dangers
associated with the mobile forces of a dynamic Earth.
See also:historical geology; physical geology. AGI

geology system

a. The formal chronostratigraphic unit of rank next lower than "erathem"

and above "series". Rocks encompassed by a system represent a time span
and an episode of Earth history sufficiently great to serve as a worldwide
reference unit. The temporal equivalent of a system is a "period." The
system is the fundamental unit of chronostratigraphic classification of
Phanerozoic rocks, extended from a type area or region and correlated
mainly by its fossil content. System boundaries either have been ratified
by the International Union of Geological Sciences or are under review by a
working group of the International Commission on Stratigraphy. The
Proterozoic systems are related to geologic events with geochronologic
boundaries established by the Subcommission on Precambrian Stratigraphy.
b. Some systems initially established in Europe were later divided or
grouped elsewhere into units ranked as systems, but these are more
appropriately known as "subsystems" or "supersystems".
geomagnetician

One who sets up magnetic observatories and stations in order to chart the
Earth's magnetic field and applies data obtained to problems in the fields
of telephony, telegraphy, radio broadcasting, navigation, mapping, and
geophysical prospecting. Also called terrestrial magnetician. DOT

geomagnetic meridian

See:magnetic meridian

geomorphic

a. Pertaining to the form of the Earth or of its surface features; e.g., a

geomorphic province. AGI
b. Pertaining to geomorphology; geomorphologic. AGI

geomorphic cycle

See:cycle of erosion

geomorphogeny

That part of geomorphology that deals with the origin, development, and
changes of the Earth's surface features or landforms. AGI

geomorphology

a. The science that treats the general configuration of the Earth's

surface; specif., the study of the classification, description, nature,
origin, and development of present landforms and their relationships to
underlying structures, and of the history of geologic changes as recorded
by these surface features. In the United States, it has come to replace
the term "physiography" and is usually considered a branch of geology; in
Great Britain, it is usually regarded as a branch of geography.
AGI
b. Strictly, any study that deals with the form of the Earth (including
geodesy, and structural and dynamic geology). This usage is more common in
Europe, where the term has even been applied broadly to the science of the
Earth. AGI
c. The features dealt with in, or a treatise on, geomorphology; e.g., the
geomorphology of Texas. AGI

geomyricin

See:geomyricite

geomyricite
A white, waxy resin of approximate composition C32 H62 O
2 in brown coal. Syn:geomyricin

geophone

A seismic detector that produces a voltage proportional to the

displacement, velocity, or acceleration of ground motion, within a limited
frequency range. Syn:jug; seismometer; pickup. CF:seismograph;
transducer. AGI

geophysical exploration

Exploring for minerals or mineral fuels, or determining the nature of

Earth materials by measuring a physical property of the rocks and
interpreting the results in terms of geologic features or the economic
deposits sought. Physical measurements may be taken on the surface, in
boreholes, or from airborne or satellite platforms.
See also:geophysical prospecting

geophysical log

See:well log

geophysical prospecting

Exploring for minerals or mineral fuels, or determining the nature of

earth materials by measuring a physical property of the rocks, and
interpreting the results in terms of geologic features or the economic
deposits sought. Physical measurements may be taken on the surface, in
boreholes, or from airborne or satellite platforms.
See also:geophysical exploration

geophysical prospecting surveyor

Person who locates and marks sites selected for conducting geophysical
prospecting activities concerned with locating subsurface earth formations
likely to contain petroleum or mineral deposits. DOT

geophysical survey

The exploration of an area in which geophysical properties and

relationships unique to the area are mapped by one or more geophysical
methods. AGI

geophysicist

One who studies seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal, radiometric,

and/or magnetic phenomena to investigate geological phenomena, such as
structure and composition of the Earth, forces causing movement and
warping of surface, origin and activity of glaciers and volcanoes, and the
location and cause of earthquakes; charts ocean currents and tides; takes
measurements concerning shape and movements of Earth, and acoustic,
optical, and electrical phenomena in the atmosphere; and locates petroleum
and mineral deposits. DOT

geophysics

A branch of physics dealing with the Earth, including its atmosphere and
hydrosphere. It includes the use of seismic, gravitational, electrical,
thermal, radiometric, and magnetic phenomena to elucidate processes of
dynamical geology and physical geography, and makes use of geodesy,
geology, seismology, meteorology, oceanography, magnetism, and other Earth
sciences in collecting and interpreting Earth data. Geophysical methods
have been applied successfully to the identification of underground
structures in the Earth and to the search for structures of a particular
type, as, for example, those associated with oil-bearing sands.
AGI

georgiadesite

A monoclinic mineral, Pb16 (AsO4 )4 Cl14 (OH)

6 or Pb16 (AsO4 )4 Cl14 O (sub 2) (OH)
2 ; forms stubby tablets; sp gr, 7.1; associated with laurionite,
matlockite, and fiedlerite on altered slags at Laurium, Greece.

geosphere

The solid portion of the Earth, including water masses; the lithosphere
plus the hydrosphere. Above the geosphere lies the atmosphere, and at the
interface between these two regions is found almost all of the biosphere,
or zone of life. Hunt

http://www.maden.hacettepe.edu.tr/dmmrt/dmmrt496.html

geostatic pressure

See:rock pressure

geostatistics

A methodology for the analysis of spatially correlated data. The

characteristic feature is the use of variograms or related techniques to
quantify and model the spatial correlation structure. Also includes the
various techniques such as kriging, which utilize spatial correlation
models.

geosyncline

A mobile downwarping of the crust of the Earth, either elongate or

basinlike, measured in scores of kilometers, in which sedimentary and
volcanic rocks accumulate to thicknesses of thousands of meters. A
geosyncline may form in part of a tectonic cycle, in which orogeny
follows. Recognition of the plate structure of the lithosphere has led to
appreciation that nearly all geosynclinal phenomena are related to ocean
opening and closing. CF:mobile belt
geanticline. AGI

geotechnical log

A written and/or graphic record of the data obtained from drillhole core.
In addition to the data given in geologic logs, geotechnical logs require
more detail on discontinuities such as fractures, joints, bedding, rock
quality designation, and hydrologic conditions. CF:geologic log
Peters

geotechnics

The application of scientific methods and engineering principles to the

acquisition, interpretation, and use of knowledge of materials of the
Earth's crust for the solution of engineering problems; the applied
science of making the Earth more habitable. It embraces the fields of soil
mechanics and rock mechanics, and many of the engineering aspects of
geology, geophysics, hydrology, and related sciences. Syn:geotechnique
AGI

geotechnique

See:geotechnics

geotechnology

The application of scientific methods and engineering techniques to the

exploitation and use of natural resources. AGI

geotectonic

See:tectonic

geotectonics

See:tectonics

geotherm

See:isogeotherm

geothermal

Pertaining to the heat of the interior of the Earth. Syn:geothermic

AGI
geothermal gradient

The rate of increase of temperature in the Earth with depth. The gradient
differs from place to place depending on the heat flow in the region and
the thermal conductivity of the rocks. The average geothermal gradient in
the Earth's crust approximates 25 degrees C per kilometer of depth.
AGI

geothermic

See:geothermal

geothermic gradient

See:strata temperature

geothermometer

An indicator of the temperature at which some reaction took place or some

geologic process was active. Syn:geologic thermometer

geotomography

The adaptation of computer aided tomography (CAT) scan technology to

tomographic analysis of geologic features such as fractures and differing
rock types. In geotomography, the software analyzes the energy ray paths
between a transmitter and receiver that are placed in separate drill
holes, at various locations along a single drill hole, or along an
underground opening. Various types of energy waves, such as seismic,
acoustic, electromagnetic, or X-rays, can be analyzed by the computer
software to create an image. Jessop

gerasimovskite

An amorphous mineral, (Mn,Ca)2 (Nb,Ti)5 O12 .9H (sub

2) O(?) ; forms a series with manganbelyankinite; soft; in ussingite
pegmatites in the Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

gerhardite

A basic copper nitrate containing 52.9% copper. Crystallization,

orthorhombic. Cleavage, yields flexible laminae. Tenacity, fragile, and
sectile. Mohs hardness, 2; sp gr, 3.426; luster, vitreous, brilliant;
color, deep emerald-green; streak, light green; transparent; soluble in
dilute acids. From Jerome, AZ. Weed, 1

gerhardtite
An orthorhombic mineral, Cu2 (NO3 )(OH)3 ; dark to
emerald green; soft; occurs with atacamite, brochantite, malachite, and
azurite in oxidized zones of copper deposits in arid and semiarid regions.

german

A straw tube filled with gunpowder and used as a fuse. Not used in coal
mines. CTD

germanate-pyromorphite

Synthetic Pb5 (GeO4 )3 Cl ; forms apatite structure.

German cupellation

A method of cupellation using a large reverberatory furnace with a fixed

bed and a movable roof. The bullion to be cupelled is all charged at once,
and the silver is not refined in the same furnace where the cupellation is
carried on. Fay

German cut

See:pyramid cut

German gold

Archaic name for amber.

germanite

An isometric mineral, Cu26 Fe4 Ge4 S32 ;

associated with tennantite, sphalerite, enargite, pyrite, and bornite; at
the Tsumeb Mine in Namibia.

germanium

A grayish-white, metallic element occurring in argyrodite, a sulfide of

germanium and silver; and in germanite, zinc ores, and coal. Its presence
in coal ensures a large reserve of the element in the future. Symbol, Ge.
It is a very important semiconductor material. Also used as an alloying
agent, a phosphor, a catalyst, and for infrared detectors and optical
equipment. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

germanium dioxide (soluble)

GeO2 ; melting point, 1,115 degrees C. This oxide is a glass former

and provides some unique properties; e.g., greater dispersion, lower
melting temperature, and higher transmissivity for infrared radiation.
Some germanium oxide complexes and solid solutions have ferroelectric
properties. Colorless; sp gr, 4.228 (at 25 degrees C); hexagonal; soluble
in alkalies; and slightly soluble in acids and in water. Used as an
ingredient of special glass mixtures.
Lee; CCD, 2; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

germanium nitride

Ge3 N4 ; decomposes at 800 degrees C. A special

electroceramic of high resistivity. Dodd

German lapis

See:false lapis

German reduction process

This process consists in (1) roasting copper ore, (2) melting and
obtaining a matte with 30% to 40% copper called coarse metal, (3) roasting
the coarse metal, (4) melting and obtaining a matte with 60% to 70% copper
called fine metal, (5) roasting the fine metal, and (6) melting and
obtaining black copper. Fay

German steel

A metal made from charcoal iron obtained from bog iron or from sparry
carbonate of iron. Fay

gersdorffite

An isometric mineral, NiAsS ; cobaltite group; massive; sp gr, 5.9 to 6.0;

in sulfide veins intergrown with maucherite, nickeline, and chalcopyrite
at the Garson and Falconbridge Mines, Sudbury, ON, Can.; with cobaltite
and rammelsbergite in the silver-arsenide ores of Cobalt, ON, Can.; a
source of nickel.

Gerstenhofer furnace

A shaft furnace, filled with terraces or shelves, through which crushed

ore is caused to fall for roasting. Fay

gerstleyite

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 (Sb,As)8 S13 .2H2 O;

dark red; soft; in fine granular aggregates, groups of small plates, or
spherules in clay, with borates at the Baker Mine, Kramer district, Kern
County, CA.

get cleanup

Arkansas. To have an opportunity to load out all the coal a miner has
loosened. Fay
getter

Substance used to combine with the residual oxygen in an electric bulb or

tube. Its use is called gettering. Pryor, 3

getting

The actual process of digging clay, by hand or by excavator; getting and

transporting form the successive stages of winning. Dodd

geversite

An isometric mineral, Pt(Sb,Bi)2 ; pyrite group; forms tiny grains

intergrown with native platinum in concentrates at the Dreikop Mine,
eastern Transvaal, Republic of South Africa.

geyerite

See:loellingite

geyser basin

A valley or other area that contains numerous springs, geysers, and

steaming fissures fed by the same ground-water flow. AGI

geyserite

Syn:siliceous sinter
scaly, or filamentous incrustation of opaline silica deposited by
precipitation from the waters of a geyser. AGI

ghost crystal

See:phantom crystal

ghost reflection

In the seismic reflection method, a special type of multiple reflection.

This is the reflection that takes place when the energy traveling upward
from the shot is reflected downward by the base of the weathered zone or
by the Earth's surface. The reflected pulse follows the primary downgoing
pulse by a time interval determined by the depth of the shot below the
weathering (or the free surface) and the velocity of the material above
the shot. For normal shooting depths this interval will range from 0.010
to 0.020 s. Dobrin

giant
The nozzle of a pipe used to convey water for hydraulic mining and for the
purpose of distributing or properly applying and increasing the force of
the water. See also:hydraulic monitor

giant granite

See:pegmatite

giant powder

a. A blasting powder consisting of nitroglycerin, sodium nitrate, sulfur,

rosin, and sometimes kieselguhr. Webster 3rd
b. Nitroglycerin absorbed by an inert filler such as kieselguhr.
Pryor, 3

giant tender

See:nozzleman

gib

a. A temporary support at the face to prevent coal from falling before the
cut is complete. BCI
b. Scot. A sprag; a prop put in the holing of a seam while being undercut.
Fay

gibber

An Australian term for a pebble or boulder; esp. one of the wind-polished

or wind-sculptured stones that compose a desert pavement or the lag
gravels of an arid region. It is pronounced with a hard g. AGI

Gibbs adsorption theorem

A solute that lowers the surface tension of its solvent tends to

concentrate at the air-liquid interphase, and vice versa. Pryor, 3

gibbsite

A monoclinic mineral, 8[Al(OH)3 ] ; pisolitic; in micalike

crystals, or stalactitic and spheroidal forms; a constituent of bauxite
associated with boehmite and/or diaspore; formed by weathering of igneous
rocks, esp. nepheline syenite; also in veins; a source of aluminum and
synthetic abrasives. In emery deposits formed by thermal or regional
metamorphism of bauxites, gibbsite occurs as an alteration crust on
corundum. Syn:hydrargillite

Gibbs phase rule

See:phase rule
Gibraltar stone

A light-colored onyx at Gibraltar. See also:Mexican onyx

gieseckite

a. An aluminosilicate of magnesium and potassium, sometimes with

appreciable FeO. Hey, 1
b. Green fine-grained micaceous alteration of nepheline.

giessenite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb13 (Cu,Ag)(Bi,Sb)9 S28 (?);

forms soft, metallic, needles on galena associated with pyrite, rutile,
and tennantite; near Giessen in the Binn valley, Valais, Switzerland.

gig

a. A mine cage or skip. CTD

b. Gravity or self-acting haulage. Also called ginney. Mason

Gilbert

The unit of magnetomotive force in the electromagnetic system, equal to

the magnetomotive force of a closed loop of one turn in which there is a
current of 1/(4pi ) abamp. McGraw-Hill, 1

gild

To wash over or overlay thinly with gold; coat with gold, either in leaf
or powder, or by electroplating; as, to gild a chandelier. To overlay with
any other substance for the purpose of giving the appearance of gold.
Standard, 2

gillespite

A tetragonal mineral, BaFeSi4 O10 ; vitreous; red;

translucent; associated with sanbornite, celsian, taramellite, and
witherite at Dry Delta, AK, and Fresno and Mariposa Counties, CA.

Gilman heat-treating machine

Used for tempering and hardening of drill bits at the mine.

Syn:automatic heat-treating machine

gilsonite

See:uintaite

gim peg
A device used in faceting gems; a piece of wood containing a series of
holes into which a dop stick (gem stick) can be fixed at various angles,
thus regulating the angle of the facet being cut. Syn:jamb stick

gin

a. A pump worked by a windlass. Standard, 2

b. A pile-driving machine. Standard, 2
c. A drum framework and pulleys for hoisting mineral from a shallow shaft.
CTD
d. Horse gear for hoisting through a mine shaft. Pryor, 3
e. A small, hand-cranked hoist. Long
f. Eng. A drum and framework carrying pulleys, by which the ore and waste
are raised from a shallow pit; a whim. Also called horse gin. A
contraction of engine. Fay
g. An old form of hoisting engine. Mason

ginging

The process of lining a shaft with bricks or masonry; the lining itself.
CTD

ginney

A journey set or train of tubs, trams, or trucks, or a self-acting

incline, in a coal mine. CTD

ginney tender

A person working on an endless chain haulage. CTD

ginny carriage

Eng. A small railway truck for transporting constructive materials.

Standard, 2

ginorite

A monoclinic mineral, Ca2 B14 O23 .8H2 O ;

transparent to translucent; occurs as pellets embedded in a matrix of
sassolite and clay within colemanite-veined basalt at Death Valley, CA;
also as minute lozenge-shaped plates aggregated into masses with calcite
in veins in sandstone at Sasso Pisano, Tuscany, Italy.
CF:strontioginorite

gin pit

A shallow mine, the hoisting from which is done by a gin. Fay

gin race
The circular path that a gin horse travels. Syn:gin ring
Standard, 2; Fay

gin ring

See:gin race

gin wheel

The cylinder of a gin or winch. Standard, 2

giobertite

See:magnesite

gips plate

See:gypsum plate; accessory plate.

giraffe

a. A cagelike mine car esp. adapted for inclines, having the frame higher
at one end than at the other. Standard, 2
b. A mechanical appliance for receiving and tripping a car of ore, etc.,
when it arrives at the surface. Fay
c. A multiple-deck skip. Fay

girasol

a. A name applied to many gemstones with a girasol effect, e.g.,

moonstone; specif. a translucent variety of "fire opal" with reddish
reflections in bright light and a faint bluish-white floating light
emanating from the center of the stone.
b. adj. Said of any gem variety, e.g., sapphire, chrysoberyl, that
exhibits a billowy, gleaming round or elongated area of light that
"floats" or moves about as the stone is turned or as the light source is
moved.
c. A name for glass spheres used in the manufacture of imitation pearls.

girdle

a. A thin sandstone stratum. Standard, 2

b. Flattened lenticles or nodules of any hard stone in softer beds.
Sometimes extended also to beds. Arkell
c. In stratigraphy: (1) a thin stratum, particularly said of sandstone or
coal, esp. when exposed in a shaft or borehole or (2) flattened lenticles
or nodules of any hard stone in softer beds.
d. In gemology, the line that encompasses a cut gem parallel to the
horizon; or that determines the greatest horizontal expansion of the
stone.
e. In structural petrology, on an equal-area projection, a belt or
concentration of points representing orientations of fabric elements. If
this belt coincides approx. with a great circle of the projection, it is
referred to as a great-circle girdle. If the belt of concentration
coincides approx. with a small circle of the projection, it is called a
small-circle or "cleft girdle"

Girond process

In this process, fluorspar, soda ash, carbon, lime, and mill scale were
thrown on to the bottom of a hot ladle, and thus sintered. On tapping the
steel from the open hearth furnace into the ladle, the resulting boil
removed part of the phosphorus. Osborne

girth

a. A brace member running horizontally between the legs of a drill tripod

or derrick. Long
b. In square-set timbering, a horizontal brace running parallel to the
drift. Long

GIS

See:Geographic Information System

Gish-Rooney method

An artificial-current conductive direct-current method of measuring ground

resistivity which avoids polarization by continually reversing the current
with a set of commutators. AGI

gismondine

A monoclinic mineral, Ca2 Al4 Si4 O16 .9H (sub

2) O ; zeolite group; pseudotetragonal; vitreous, transparent to
translucent; in cavities in leucitic tephrites and related lavas; also
zeolite zones in basaltic lavas where it is associated with chabazite,
thomsonite, and phillipsite. Also spelled gismondite.

Gjer's soaking pit

A cavity lined with refractory material used in metal working to enclose

large ingots, in order to preserve them at a high temperature, and thus
avoid the necessity of reheating. Fay

glacial

a. Of or relating to the presence and activities of ice or glaciers, as

glacial erosion. AGI
b. Pertaining to distinctive features and materials produced by or derived
from glaciers and ice sheets, as glacial lakes. AGI
c. Pertaining to an ice age or region of glaciation. AGI
d. Suggestive of the extremely slow movement of glaciers. AGI
e. Used loosely as descriptive or suggestive of ice, or of below-freezing
temperature. AGI

glacial action

All processes due to the agency of glacier ice, such as erosion,

transportation, and deposition. The term sometimes includes the action of
meltwater streams derived from the ice. See also:glacial erosion
AGI

glacial deposits

See:glacial drift

glacial drift

Boulders, till, gravel, sand, or clay transported and deposited by a

glacier or its meltwater. See also:glacial overburden; drift.
Syn:glacial deposits

glacial epoch

Any part of geologic time, from Precambrian onward, in which the climate
was notably cold in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and
widespread glaciers moved toward the equator and covered a much larger
total area than those of the present day; specif. the latest of the
glacial epochs, known as the Pleistocene Epoch. Syn:glacial period;
drift epoch. AGI

glacial erosion

The grinding, scouring, plucking, gouging, grooving, scratching, and

polishing effected by the movement of glacier ice armed with rock
fragments frozen into it, together with the erosive action of meltwater
streams. See also:glacial action

Glacialite

Trade name for a white clay from Enid, OK., marketed as a fuller's earth.
English

glacial overburden

Glacial-drift materials overlying bedrock. See also:glacial drift

Long

glacial period
See:glacial epoch

glacial soil

Soil composed of boulder clays, moraines, etc., which were formed by the
action of ice during the Pleistocene age. Mining

glacial till

See:till

glaciated

Said of a formerly glacier-covered land surface, esp. one that has been
modified by the action of a glacier or an ice sheet, as a glaciated rock
knob. AGI

glaciation

a. The formation, movement, and recession of glaciers or ice sheets.

AGI
b. The covering of large land areas by glaciers or ice sheets. AGI
c. The geographic distribution of glaciers and ice sheets. AGI
d. A collective term for the geologic processes of glacial activity,
including erosion and deposition, and the resulting effects of such action
on the Earth's surface. AGI
e. Any of several minor parts of geologic time during which glaciers were
more extensive than at present; a glacial epoch, or a glacial stage.
AGI

glacier

A large mass of ice formed, at least in part, on land by the compaction

and recrystallization of snow, moving slowly by creep downslope or outward
in all directions due to the stress of its own weight, and surviving from
year to year. Included are small mountain glaciers as well as ice sheets
continental in size, and ice shelves that float on the ocean but are fed
in part by ice formed on land. AGI

glacier theory

The theory, first propounded about 1840 and now universally accepted, that
the drift was deposited through the agency of glaciers and ice sheets
moving slowly from higher to lower latitudes during the Pleistocene Epoch.
AGI

glaciofluvial

Pertaining to the meltwater streams flowing from wasting glacier ice and
esp. to the deposits and landforms produced by such streams, as kame
terraces and outwash plains; relating to the combined action of glaciers
and streams. Syn:fluvioglacial

glaciolacustrine

Pertaining to, derived from, or deposited in glacial lakes; esp. said of

the deposits and landforms composed of suspended material brought by
meltwater streams flowing into lakes bordering the glacier, such as
deltas, kame deltas, and varved sediments. AGI

glaciology

a. The study of all aspects of snow and ice; the science that treats
quantitatively the whole range of processes associated with all forms of
solid existing water. Syn:cryology
b. The study of existing glaciers and ice sheets, and of their physical
properties. This definition is not internationally accepted. AGI

glaciomarine

Of, or relating to, processes or deposits that involve the action of

glaciers and the sea, or the action of glaciers in the sea. Fay

gladite

An orthorhombic mineral, PbCuBi5 S9 ; occurs in soft,

metallic prismatic crystals; sp gr, 6.96; in lead-zinc ores at Gladhammar,
Kalmar, Sweden.

glady

a. A term used in Devon, England, for a variegated black and white clay
having a slippery or smooth texture and often associated with stoneware
clays. Also spelled: gladii. AGI
b. Said of a limestone-outcrop area having shallow soil. AGI

glance

a. A mineral having a splendant luster, e.g., chalcocite (copper glance).

b. Any of several sulfide minerals that are mostly dark colored, having a
metallic luster. Syn:lead sulfide

gland

a. The outer portion of a stuffing box, having a tubular projection

embracing the rod, extending into the bore of the box, and bearing against
the packing. Standard, 2
b. The fixed engaging part of a positive-driven clutch.
Standard, 2
glare

a. A visual sensation that can result in annoyance, discomfort, loss in

visual performance, or reduction of visibilty. There are three types of
glare: disability, discomfort, and reflected. Glare is a significant
factor in determining the design of underground coal mine illumination
systems.
b. See also:disability glare; discomfort glare.

glass

a. A state of matter intermediate between the close-packed, highly ordered

array of a crystal and the poorly packed, highly disordered array of a
gas. Most glasses are supercooled liquids, i.e., are metastable, but there
is no true break in the change in properties between the metastable and
stable states. The distinction between glass and liquid is made solely on
the basis of viscosity, and is not necessarily related, except indirectly,
to the difference between metastable and stable states. AGI
b. An amorphous product of the rapid cooling of a magma. It may constitute
the whole rock (e.g., obsidian) or only part of a groundmass.
CF:volcanic glass

glass-cloth screens

A device of clothlike material woven from glass fibers that is attached to

a metal frame to form a box- or basin-shaped receptacle, for filtering out
impurities from the incoming stream of molten aluminum before the metal
reaches the molds. Light Metal Age

glass electrode

A glass-membrane electrode used to measure pH or hydrogen-ion activity.

ASM, 1

glass enclosure

See:gas bubble

glassies

Octahedral diamond crystals (transparent). Hess

glass meteorite

See:moldavite

glass opal

See:hyalite
glass porphyry

See:vitrophyre

glass sand

A sand that is suitable for glassmaking because of its high silica content
(93% to 99%) and its low content of iron oxide, chromium, cobalt, and
other colorants. AGI

glass schorl

See:axinite

glass wool

See:mineral wool

glassy feldspar

Two varieties of potassium feldspar occur as transparent colorless

crystals, sanidine and adularia; also transparent yellow orthoclase and
transparent colorless albite. Syn:sanidine

glauberite

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 Ca(SO4 )2 ; slightly salty

tasting; in evaporite deposits and fumarolic crusts; a source of sodium
sulfate.

Glauber salt

See:mirabilite

glaucocerinite

A hexagonal mineral, (Zn,Cu)10 Al6 (SO4 )3

(OH)32 .18H2 O ; forms soft, blue, fibrous-botryoidal
coating on adamite; associated with malachite, smithsonite, and gypsum at
Laurium, Greece.

glaucochroite

An orthorhombic mineral, CaMnSiO4 ; occurs in prismatic crystals

associated with nasonite, willemite, garnet, axinite, and barite at
Franklin, NJ. CF:monticellite

glaucodot
An orthorhombic mineral, (Co,Fe)AsS ; pseudocubic, dimorphous with
alloclasite; in metallic prismatic crystals, or massive in cobalt ores
with cobaltite and pyrite. Also spelled glaukodot.

glaucolite

A blue or green variety of scapolite.

glauconite

a. A monoclinic mineral, 4[(K,Na)(Fe3+ ,Al,Mg)2 (Si,Al)

4 O10 (OH)2 ] ; mica group; basal cleavage; dull,
light to dark green; soft; a common authigenic mineral in marine
sediments, useful for radiometric ages for host rocks. Syn:greensand
b. A general term applied to green hydrous silicates of potassium and
iron. CF:celadonite

glauconitic sandstone

A sandstone containing sufficient grains of glauconite to impart a marked

greenish color to the rock; greensand. AGI

glaucophane

A monoclinic mineral, 2[Na2 (Mg,Fe)3 Al2 Si8 O

22 (OH)2 ] ; amphibole group with Mg/(Mg+Fe) = 0.5 to 1.0;
prismatic cleavage; bluish-gray to lavender blue; common in
low-temperature, high-pressure schists associated with lawsonite,
pumpellyite, or epidote. CF:crossite; riebeckite.

glaucophane schist

A type of amphibole schist in which glaucophane rather than hornblende is

an abundant mineral. Epidote frequently occurs, and there are quartz and
mica varieties. AGI

glaucopyrite

A variety of loellingite containing cobalt. See also:loellingite

Standard, 2

glazing barrel

A rotating barrel in which gunpowder is glazed with graphite.

Standard, 2

glebe
a. A tract of land containing mineral deposits or ore.
b. Obsolete term for a clod of earth, an ore, or an earthy mineral.
Arkell

Gleeds

A glowing coal or small coke such as that used in nailmaking. CTD

gleet

Slime, ooze, slimy alluvial deposit. Also spelled glet.

glessite

A brown variety of retinite; sp gr, 1.015 to 1.027; found on the shores of

the Baltic Sea.

gley soil

Soil developed under conditions of poor drainage, resulting in reduction

of iron and other elements and in gray colors and mottles. The term is
obsolete in the United States. AGI

glide

a. See:slip
b. A noncrystallographic shearing movement, as one grain over another.
ASM, 1
c. See:glide reflection

glide direction

a. The direction of gliding along glide planes in a mineral. AGI

b. The crystallographic direction of translation along a glide plane in a
space group; may be parallel to a crystallographic axis or along a
diagonal.
c. The crystallographic direction of slip along a slip plane in a single
crystal during plastic deformation. Syn:slip direction

glide plane

a. In single-crystal deformation, a plane on which translation- or

twin-gliding takes place without rupture during plastic deformation.
Syn:slip plane
b. The common plane of the two axes of a twin crystal. Hess
c. Slip plane or parting of mineral specimen. Direction along which slip
may occur under suitably directed pressure; due to weakness of bond in
crystalline structure along one of the three axes. Pryor, 3

glide reflection
See:glide

gliding

a. A change of form by differential movements along definite planes in

crystals without fracture. Fay
b. The formation of twin crystals. Hess
c. See:slip

gliding plane

See:slip plane

glimmer

See:mica

glimmerite

See:biotitite

glimmer plate

See:mica plate; accessory plate.

glimmerton

An early name for illite. Syn:illite

glinite

A group name for clay minerals from clay deposits. See also:chasovrite
AGI

glist

a. A gleam; sparkle. Fay

b. Eng. A dark, shining mineral resembling black tourmaline.
Standard, 2
c. An early name for mica (Cornish).

glistening

As applied to the degree of luster of a mineral, means those minerals

affording a general reflection from the surface, but no image, as talc or
chalcopyrite. Fay

Global Positioning System

A satellite-based navigational system permitting the determination of any
point on the Earth with high accuracy. Abbrev: GPS. GPS is used in
mapping, mineral exploration, and GIS data collection. The systems depend
on the Navigation Satellite Timing and Ranging (NAVSTAR) GPS developed and
operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, which consists of a network of
25 satellites in orbit about the Earth as well as ground operations
support. After all the satellites are deployed, GPS will provide
all-weather, worldwide, two- and three-dimensional (latitude, longitude,
and elevation) positioning capabilities over a 24-h period.
Leick; Bookhout

globe thermometer

A thermometer in a hollow spherical black globe, the readings from which

show a higher value, due to radiation, than those from a conventional
thermometer so that the globe device measures the effectual radiation
temperature. Strock, 2

globigerina ooze

A widespread, deep-sea deposit largely composed of the shells of

foraminifera, among which Globigerina is esp. abundant. Other calcareous
remains are present (about 10%), together with an inorganic residue (about
3% or 4%) having the composition of red clay. Holmes, 2

globular

See:spherulitic

globular powder

Particles having approx. spherical shape. Osborne

globulite

A tiny, spherical, incipient crystal visible in some volcanic glasses

examined in thin section under a polarized-light microscope.

glockerite

A cryptocrystalline variety of lepidocrocite; formed by oxidation of iron

sulfides as pale yellow to black crusts, stalactites, or earthy masses.
Syn:vitriol ocher

glomerocryst

Distinct clusters of megascopic crystals as in a glomerophorphyritic rock.

See also:polycrystal

glomeroporphyritic
See:cumulophyric

glomeroporphyry

A porphyry in which the phenocrysts are gathered in distinct clusters.

gloom

A stove for drying gunpowder; drying oven. Standard, 2

glory hole

a. A funnel-shaped excavation, the bottom of which is connected to a raise

driven from an underground haulage level. The ore is broken by drilling
and blasting in benches around the periphery of the funnel. This process
is also called milling, and the excavation is termed a mill hole or simply
a mill. Lewis
b. A vertical pit, material from which is fed by gravity to hauling units
in a shaft under the pit bottom. Nichols, 1
c. A combination opencast and underground mining system, in which quarried
material gravitates or is moved to a short shaft, from the bottom of which
it is delivered to an underground transport system. Pryor, 3
d. Can. Large open-pit excavation. Hoffman
e. An opening through which to observe the interior of a furnace.
Standard, 2

glory-hole system

A method of mining using a system of haulageways beneath the block of ore,

which has had its top surface exposed by the removal of the overburden.
Over the haulageways are chutes that extend up to the surface, and are
spaced at intervals of 50 ft (15.2 m) or at any other convenient distance.
The excavation of the ore begins at the top of the chute, and broken ore
is removed by loading it out from the chutes into cars on the haulage
level. The ore block is worked from the top down. The method is similar in
principle to underhand stoping. Also called milling system; chute system.

Glover's tower

In sulfuric acid works, a tower through which the acid from the Gay-Lussac
tower trickles and yields nitrous anhydride to the gases entering the lead
chambers, at the same time cooling them. CF:Gay-Lussac's tower
Standard, 2

glow

a. The incandescence of a heated substance, or the light from such a

substance; white or red heat. Standard, 2
b. The light from a phosphorescent mineral. Hess
glucine

CaBe4 (PO4 )2 (OH)4 .1/2H2 O , massive

and encrusting, with moraesite from a locality in the Urals. Named from
the alternative of beryllium-glucinum. Hey, 3; Fleischer

glushinskite

A monoclinic mineral, Mg(C2 O4 ).2H2 O ; forms on

serpentinite as a reaction between oxalic acid from the lichen Lecanora
atra and magnesium-rich serpentine minerals; in northeast Scotland.

glycerol

Clear; colorless or pale yellow; syrupy liquid; CH2 OHCHOHCH (sub

2) OH . Used in explosives, as a binder for cements and mixes, and as a
lubricant and a softener; used in the manufacture of munitions and as an
antifreeze liquid.
CCD, 2; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2; Crispin; Lee

glycerol trinitrate

See:nitroglycerin

glyptic

Of minerals, a natural resemblance to the carving or engraving on precious

stones.

glyptogenesis

The sculpture of the Earth's surface by erosion. AGI

glyptography

a. The art of engraving upon gems.

b. The descriptive science of engraved gems.

G.M.B.

Eng. Good merchantable brand, as applied to metal on the Metal Exchange.

Fay

gmelinite

A hexagonal mineral, (Na2 ,Ca)Al2 Si4 O12 .6H

2 O ; zeolite group; forms transparent to translucent, pyramidal or
tabular crystals, with other zeolites, in the amygdules of basaltic lava.

G-M tube
See:Geiger-Mueller tube.

gneiss

A foliated rock formed by regional metamorphism, in which bands or

lenticles of granular minerals alternate with bands or lenticles in which
minerals having flaky or elongate prismatic habits predominate. Generally
less than 50% of the minerals show preferred parallel orientation.
Although a gneiss is commonly feldspar- and quartz-rich, the mineral
composition is not an essential factor in its definition. Varieties are
distinguished by texture (e.g., augen gneiss), characteristic minerals
(e.g., hornblende gneiss), or general composition and/or origins (e.g.,
granite gneiss). AGI

gneissic structure

In a metamorphic rock, commonly gneiss, the coarse, textural lineation or

banding of the constituent minerals into alternating silicic and mafic
layers. Syn:gneissosity

gneissosity

See:gneissic structure

goaf

a. That part of a mine from which the coal has been worked away and the
space more or less filled up with caved rock. See also:cundy
Fay
b. The refuse or waste left in the mine. Fay

goaves

Old workings.

gob

a. A common term for goaf. Fay

b. To leave coal and other minerals that are not marketable in the mine.
Fay
c. To stow or pack any useless underground roadway with rubbish.
Fay
d. To store underground, as along one side of a working place, the rock
and refuse encountered in mining. Hudson
e. The space left by the extraction of a coal seam into which waste is
packed or the immediate roof caves. CTD
f. A pile of loose waste in a mine, or backfill waste packed in stopes to
support the roof. Ballard
g. Coal refuse left on the mine floor. Korson
h. The material so packed or stored underground. Hudson
i. To fill with goaf, or gob; to choke; as a furnace is gobbed, or gobs
up. See also:gobbing

gobber

a. Any device used for gobbing waste material. Jones, 1

b. A person employed to pack rubbish or waste into the gob. CTD

Gobber

Trade name for a cutting machine provided with a conveyor for gobbing the
unusable cuttings formed during the cutting operation. Jones, 1

gobbing

The act of stowing waste in a mine. Also called gobbing-up.

See also:gob

gobbing slate

A thick layer of slate between two seams of coal. The lower seam is mined
and the upper seam and the slate are shot down; the coal is loaded out and
then the slate is gobbed. Fay

gobbing the bone

Cleaning up slate. Korson

gob dump

See:gob pile

gob entry

A wide entry with a heap of refuse or gob along one side.

gob fire

a. Fire originating spontaneously from the heat of decomposing gob. Also

called breeding fire.
b. A fire occurring in a worked-out area, due to ignition of timber or
broken coal left in the gob. CTD
c. Fire caused by spontaneous heating of the coal itself, and which may be
wholly or partly concealed. See also:oxidation of coal;
spontaneous combustion. Mason

gob heading
a. A roadway driven through the gob after the filling has settled.
CTD
b. Gob road.

gob pile

An accumulation of waste material such as rock or bone, either on the

surface or underground. Syn:gob dump

gob-pile orator

A more or less unflattering term applied to a talkative miner, used much

in the same sense as "soapbox orator." BCI

gob road

Eng. A gallery or road extended through goaf or gob.

gob-road system

Eng. A form of the longwall system of working coal, in which all the main
and branch roadways are made and maintained in the goaves. Fay

gob room

Space left for stowing gob.

gob wall

A rough wall of flat stones built to prevent the piles of gob from
obstructing the passage of air.

go-devil

a. A device used to scrape and descale pipes carrying solids, pulps,

sludges, slurries, and other deposit-forming liquors. Pryor, 3
b. A rude sledge upon which one end of a log is borne, the other end
trailing on the ground; tieboy; also, a rough, strong wagon used in the
woods and about quarries. Standard, 2
c. An iron rod dropped down a well to explode a charge of nitroglycerin.
Mersereau, 2
d. See:bullet

go-devil plane

In the United States, a term for gravity haulage. Nelson

Godfrey furnace
A furnace with an annular hearth for roasting sulfide ores; used in Wales.
Fay

goethite

An orthorhombic mineral, alpha-Fe3+ O(OH) ; polymorphous with

akaganeite, feroxyhyte, and lepidocrocite; dull to adamantine, varicolored
with yellow ocher streak; a common weathering product of iron-bearing
minerals; precipitates in bogs and springs; a major constituent of
limonite and gossans, and a source of iron and a yellow ochre pigment. A
hydrous oxide mineral of iron. Also spelled goethite, gothite. Formerly
called allcharite; xanthosiderite. CF:bog iron

goffan

a. Corn. A surface working in which the material is thrown from one

platform to another. Hess
b. Corn. A long narrow surface working. See also:coffin

Gohi iron

Copper-bearing iron, very low in impurities and in carbon (0.02% maximum),

containing about 0.25% copper. Bennett

going

Scot. Working, for example, a going place. A room in the course of being
worked.

going bord

a. A roadway to the coal face in bord and pillar working. CTD

b. Eng. The bord or headway used as a main road for conveying the tubs to
and from the face to a flat. See also:flat
SMRB
c. N. of Eng. A bord (room) down which coal is trammed, or one along which
the coal from several working places is conveyed into the main haulage.
Fay

going headway

A headway or bord laid with rails, and used for conveying the coal cars to
and from the face. Zern

going in

The act or process of lowering the drill string, a string of pipe, or

casing into a borehole. Long

going off
A borehole, the course of which is deviating from that intended. Also
called drifting; walking; wandering. Long

going road

A working place in a coal mine which is being pushed forward, as distinct

from an old or disused place. CTD

Golconda

An ancient and famous group of diamond mines on the Kistna River, India,
where the Koh-i-noor and other world-famous diamonds were found.
Hess

gold

a. An isometric mineral, native 4[Au] ; commonly alloyed with silver or

copper, possibly with bismuth, mercury, or the platinum-group metals;
metallic yellow; soft and malleable; sp gr, 19.3 if pure; occurs in
hydrothermal veins with quartz and various sulfides; disseminated in
submarine massive effusives and in placers or nuggets, fines, and dust.
b. Found in nature as the free metal and in tellurides; very widely
distributed. Symbol: Au. Occurs in veins and alluvial deposits; often
separated from rocks and other minerals by sluicing and panning
operations. Good conductor of heat and electricity. Used in coinage,
jewelry, decoration, dental work, plating, and for coating certain space
satellites. It is a standard for monetary systems in many countries.
Syn:palladium gold

goldamalgam

A variety of native gold containing mercury and silver, with gold

averaging approx. 40%, commonly associated with platinum in
yellowish-white grains that crumble easily. CF:amalgam

gold amalgam

Former spelling of goldamalgam. See also:amalgam

gold argentide

See:electrum

goldbeaters' skin

The prepared outside membrane of the large intestine of cattle used for
separating the leaves of metal in goldbeating and sometimes as the
moisture-sensitive element in hygrometers. Webster 3rd

gold cupride
See:cuproauride; auricupride.

gold dust

Fine particles, flakes, or pellets of gold, e.g., as obtained in placer

mining.

golden beryl

A clear, golden-yellow or yellowish-green gem variety of beryl.

CF:heliodor

golden ocher

a. A native ocher. Standard, 2

b. A mixture of light yellow ocher, chrome yellow, and whiting.
Standard, 2

golden stone

Greenish-yellow peridot (olivine). Not to be confused with "goldstone."

gold fever

A mania for seeking gold; applied specif. to the excitement caused by the
discovery of gold in California in 1848-49. Standard, 2

goldfieldite

An isometric mineral, Cu12 (Te,Sb,As)4 S13 ;

tetrahedrite group; metallic; at the Mohawk Mine, Goldfield, NV.

goldfoil

Gold beaten or rolled out very thin; gold in sheets thicker than goldleaf.
Webster 3rd

gold glass

A term sometimes applied to goldstone. Also spelled gold fluss.

goldichite

A monoclinic mineral, KFe(SO4 )2 .4H2 O ; in soft,

pale-green radiating clusters of prismatic laths and fine-grained
crystalline crusts from decomposition of pyrite; associated with
coquimbite, halotrichite, and roemerite on Calf Mesa, San Rafael Swell,
UT.

Goldich's stability series

Mineral species differ widely in their resistance to weathering processes.
This series summarizes the relative resistance to weathering of the common
rock-forming silicates, and indicates that the minerals crystallized at
the highest temperatures, under the most anhydrous conditions, are more
readily weathered than those that crystallized last from the lower
temperature, more aqueous magmas. Hawkes, 2

goldleaf

Extremely fine layers of gold formed by beating or rolling between layers

of goldbeaters' skin; used for gilding works of art, fabrics, and books.
Bennett

goldmanite

An isometric mineral, Ca3 (V,Al,Fe)2 (SiO4 )3;

garnet group; forms dark-green dodecahedra and minute grains embedded in
vanadium-rich clay; at Laguna uranium mining district, NM.

gold matrix

Gold in a matrix of milky quartz. Syn:gold quartz

gold milling

A general term applied to the treating of ore to recover gold and silver
therefrom.

gold mine

A mine containing or yielding gold. It may be either in solid rock (quartz

mine) or in alluvial deposits (placer mine).

gold opal

A fire opal that exhibits only an overall color of golden yellow.

gold pan

See:pan

gold poachers

Roving and enterprising freelance miners and prospectors. Hoover

gold quartz

Milky quartz containing small inclusions of gold; may be cut and polished
for jewelry. Syn:gold matrix
gold-quartz ores

Gold-bearing ore from which the sulfides have been removed by the leaching
of ground waters so that the ore consists almost entirely of quartz
gangue, some iron oxides, and free gold. Newton, 1

gold sapphire

A misnomer for lapis lazuli containing flecks of pyrite. Not to be

confused with golden sapphire.

goldschmidtine

See:stephanite

goldschmidtite

See:sylvanite

Goldschmidt's phase rule

See:mineralogical phase rule

Goldschmidt's process

a. The thermite process of welding. Fay

b. The removal of tin from scrap tinplate by dry chlorine. Hess

goldstone

a. Aventurine spangled close and fine with particles of gold-colored

material. CF:aventurine
b. A translucent reddish-brown glass containing a multitude of tiny
tetrahedra or thin hexagonal platelets of metallic copper that exhibit
bright reflections, producing a popular but poor imitation of aventurine.
Syn:aventurine glass; fire agate. CF:sunstone

gold telluride

a. Minerals containing tellurium forming tellurides of gold and silver;

e.g., sylvanite, calaverite, and petzite.
Statistical Research Bureau
b. One of several natural tellurides of gold and silver, e.g., sylvanite,
(Au,Ag)2 Te4 ; calaverite, AuTe2 ; and petzite, Ag
3 AuTe2 .

gold topaz
a. A misnomer for heat-treated citrine.
b. A misnomer for naturally colored citrine. Syn:false topaz;
topaz-quartz.

goliath crane

A portal type of crane having a lifting capacity of 50 st (45 t) or more,

with the crab traveling along the horizontal beam.
See also:portal crane

Gommesson method

A specialized method of surveying a borehole, utilized when a magnetic

compass cannot be used because of local magnetism. The instrument used is
essentially a rigid tube, up to 30 ft (9.2 m) long, which is lowered into
a borehole. The tube fits the borehole closely and contains a fine wire
under tension. The difference between the arc of the tube, when bent at a
crook in the borehole, and the chord of the wire is indicated by a stylus
marking, which can be measured. The dip is read by etch tubes, and a
directional orientation taken at the surface is carried down the hole by
precise alignment of the tube and rods as they are lowered into the
borehole. Long

gondola

A railroad car with no top, flat bottom, fixed sides, and sometimes
demountable ends that is used chiefly for hauling heavy bulk materials.
CF:high side

gondola car

Type of open freight truck used in the United States for mineral
transport. Pryor, 3

gone off

A borehole that has deviated from the intended course. Long

goniometer

a. In crystallography, an instrument for measuring angles between crystal

faces. Types are contact, two-circle, and reflection.
See also:contact goniometer
b. The part of an X-ray diffractometer that rotates the sample and
detector through the Bragg angles of diffraction.
c. A specimen holder with three rotation axes for orientation of single
crystals relative to the X-ray beam in Laue and Wiessberg photography.
Syn:three-circle goniometer
universal stage.
gonnardite

An orthorhombic mineral, Na2 CaAl4 Si6 O20 .7H

2 O ; zeolite group; forms white, finely fibrous, radiating
spherules in cavities in basalt, and as an alteration of nepheline.

gonyerite

A possibly orthorhombic mineral, (Mn,Mg)5 Fe(Si3 Fe)O (sub

10) (OH)8 ; chlorite group; pseudohexagonal with basal cleavage;
soft; with barite, berzeliite, and garnet in small hydrothermal veinlets
cutting skarn at Laangban, Sweden.

good delivery

Under Metal Exchange rulings, description of metal delivered at an agreed

purity or of a defined quality. Pryor, 3

goodletite

The green-amphibole or green-pyroxene matrix rock in which rubies are

embedded; Australia and New Zealand.

Goodman duckbill loader

The duckbill assembly consists of five major units: (1) a shovel trough to
which is attached the shovel head fitting inside the feeder trough, (2) an
operating carrier that controls the connection or coupling between the
feeder and shovel troughs, (3) a sliding shoe that moves to and fro on the
floor of the seam, (4) a swivel trough, and (5) a pendulum jack. The
function of the duckbill is to gather the coal and load it into the shaker
conveyor pan column. The shovel is forced into the prepared coal by the
forward motion of the pan column. As the shovel is propelled forward, the
coal is conveyed back along the shovel trough and then to the pan column.
Mason

Goodman miner

A continuous miner designed for driving coal headings in medium to thick

seams. The machine is crawler-mounted and equipped with two triple-arm
rotating cutting units and a chain conveyor. The cut coal is discharged on
to the chain conveyor which delivers into shuttle or mine cars. Also
called Goodman-type 500 miner. See also:continuous miner
Nelson

goods

A trade term for a lot, parcel, or shipment of diamonds without regard to

quality, composition, or quantity. Chandler
good-shooting coal

Arkansas. Coal that can be shot "off the solid" with a large proportion of
lump coal and little slack. Fay

gooseberry stone

A yellowish-green variety of grossular.

goose dung ore

An inferior grade of iron sinter containing silver. Also called goose

silver ore. Fay

gooseneck

a. In drilling, the bent-tube part of a water swivel to which the water

hose is connected. Long
b. A T-shaped connection for supplying water to the top end of wash rods
in penetrating overburden. It is fitted with pipe handles by means of
which the wash rods may be turned. Long

goosing

In hydraulic mining, driving the gravel forward with the stream from the
giant. Opposite of drawing.

gopher

An irregular prospecting drift following or seeking the ore without regard

to maintenance of a regular grade or section. Also called gopher drift.
Fay

gopher hole

Horizontal opening in wall of quarry, perhaps chambered or tee-headed in

preparation for blasting. Also, an irregular pitting hole made when
prospecting. Gophering is random prospecting by such pits or by gopher
drift. Also called coyote hole. Pryor, 3

gopher hole blasting

Terms applied to the method of blasting in which large charges are fired
in small adits driven into the face of the quarry at the level of the
floor. See also:tunnel blasting

gophering

a. A method of breaking up a sandy, medium-hard overburden where

blastholes tend to cave in. A series of shallow holes are made by a bar,
and an explosive charge is fired in each. The debris is removed, and the
holes are deepened and further charges fired until the holes are deep
enough to take sufficient explosives to break the entire deposit.
Nelson
b. The haphazard working of the easiest and richest portions of an ore
deposit by miners with little or no capital. Nelson

gopherman

In metal mining, one who extracts ore located in pockets or other parts
not accessible for machine drilling in an open pit mine. DOT

gor

York. Sticky, dirty clay. Also spelled gore. Arkell

gorceixite

A monoclinic mineral, BaAl3 (PO4 )(PO3 OH)(OH) (sub

6) ; crandallite group; pseudotrigonal; forms spheroids in fractured
novaculite, Garland County, AR; and as rolled pebbles (favas) in the
diamantiferous sands of Brazil and Guyana.

gordonite

A triclinic mineral, MgAl2 (PO4 )2 (OH)2 .8H

2 O ; paravauxite group; in glassy lath-shaped crystals in crusts
with variscite; near Fairfield, UT.

Gordon's rule

A rule by which the capacity of hydraulic elevators is computed. It is as

follows: M = H x N/C, where M = cubic yards of material lifted per hour, H
= available head of water in feet, N = water flow in cubic feet per
second, C = the efficient working height of the elevator, taken as head H
in hundreds of feet multiplied by 15. Lewis

goergeyite

A monoclinic mineral, K2 Ca5 (SO4 )6 .H (sub

2) O ; forms small, tabular crystals with glauberite and minor halite in
salt deposits at Ischl, Austria. Syn:mikheevite

gorgulho

A diamond-bearing quartz and clay gravel of Brazil. Hess

gorse

A barrel or tub for carrying water underground. CTD

goshenite

A colorless, white, or bluish beryl from Goshen, MA. Schaller

goslarite

An orthorhombic mineral, ZnSO4 .7H2 O ; in acicular or

hairlike crystals, or massive; a decomposition product of sphalerite on
recent mine workings at Butte, MT, and Bingham Canyon, UT. Syn:copperas;
white copperas; zinc vitriol.

gossan

An iron-bearing weathered product overlying a sulfide deposit. It is

formed by the oxidation of sulfides and the leaching-out of the sulfur and
most metals, leaving hydrated iron oxides and rarely sulfates.
Syn:capping; iron hat; chapeau de fer. Also spelled gozzan.
CF:oxidized zone; false gossan. AGI

goth

Staff. Sudden bursting of coal from the face, owing to tension caused by
unequal pressure. The term "airblast" is sometimes used in metal mines,
esp. in South Africa. Zern; Fay

got-on-knobs

S. Staff. A system of working thick coal, being a kind of bord-and-pillar

plan, the main roadways being first driven to the boundary. Fay

gotten

a. An abandoned or exhausted mine. CTD

b. Coal ready to be filled underground into tubs or trains. CTD

gouge

a. A layer of soft, earthy or clayey, fault-comminuted rock material along

the wall of a vein, so named because a miner can "gouge" it out to
facilitate the mining of the vein itself. Syn:selvage; pug.
See also:gouge clay; hulk.
b. The clay or clayey material along a fault or shear zone. Also called
clay gouge. See:fault gouge
c. To work a mine without plan or system.

gouge angle

The angle at which the surface of a cutting edge in a drill bit is

inclined in relation to the surface of the material being cut.
See also:negative rake; positive rake. Long
gouge clay

Clay infillings in a mineral vein. CF:gouge

gouge rake

See:positive rake

gouging

a. In placer mining, an operation similar to ground sluicing. Also called

booming.
b. The formation of "crescentic gouges." AGI
c. The local basining of a bedrock surface by the action of glacier ice.
AGI
d. The working of a mine without plan or system, by which only the
high-grade ore is mined. Syn:high-grading

gouging shot

A gripping shot or opening shot used to make the first opening in a

straight-room face, or to start a breakthrough. See also:shot
Fay

goutwater

Forest of Dean. Mine water containing hydrogen sulfide, H2 S.

Gouy layer

Modification of the Helmholtz concept of the electrical double layer which

surrounds a particle immersed in an electrolyte. In Gouy's view there is
only one diffuse layer. The ionic atmosphere near the surface of the
particle is highly charged, but this ionization diminishes gradually
outward into the ambient liquid. Pryor, 3

gow caisson

A device for sinking shafts of small diameter through silt or clay without
excessive loss of ground. Hammond

gozzan

See:gossan

GPS

See:Global Positioning System

grab
An instrument for extricating broken boring tools from a borehole.
Fay

grabbing crane

An excavator consisting of a crane carrying a large grab or bucket in the

form of a pair of half-scoops, so hinged as to scoop or dig into the earth
as they are lifted. CTD

grab bucket

An underwater digging device which, in closing, bites into the sediment

and contains it inside the closed shell. The bucket and load are then
hoisted to the surface where the shell is opened to dump the load.
Includes clamshells, orangepeels, and other variations. Mero

grab-camera

An ocean floor sampling system incorporating a large sediment grab with a

deep-sea camera. Hunt

grab dredger

A dredging appliance consisting of a grab or grab bucket suspended from

the jib head of a crane, which does the necessary raising and lowering.
Also called a grapple dredger. See also:dredger

graben

An elongate, relatively depressed crustal unit or block that is bounded by

faults on its long sides. It is a structural form that may or may not be
geomorphologically expressed as a rift valley. Etymol: Ger., ditch.
CF:horst

grab equipment

A clamshell bucket fitted with teeth to assist digging. Nelson

grabhooks

Hooks used in lifting blocks of stone. They are used in pairs connected
with a chain, and are so constructed that the tension of the chain causes
them to adhere firmly to the rock.

grab iron

A short railing or handle on heavy equipment used to assist operators and

other personnel in climbing up or down.

grab sampler
An ocean-bottom sampler that commonly operates by enclosing material from
the seafloor between two jaws upon contact with the bottom.
See also:Petersen grab

grab sampling

Collection of specimens of ore more or less at random from a heap, scatter

pile, or passing load. Used in connection with examination of the
characteristic minerals in the deposit rather than for valuation.
Pryor, 3

gradall

Essentially a hydraulic backhoe equipped with an extensible boom that

performs the three separate functions of excavation, backfill, and
grading. Carson, 1

gradation

a. The leveling of the land, or the bringing of a land surface or area to

a uniform or nearly uniform grade or slope through erosion,
transportation, and deposition; specif. the bringing of a streambed to a
slope at which the water is just able to transport the material delivered
to it. See also:degradation; aggradation. AGI
b. The proportion of material of each particle size, or the frequency
distribution of various sizes, constituting a particulate material such as
a soil, sediment, or sedimentary rock. The limits of each size are chosen
arbitrarily. AGI

grade

a. A coal classification based on degree of purity, i.e., quantity of

inorganic material or ash left after burning. CF:type; rank.
AGI
b. The relative quantity or the percentage of ore-mineral or metal content
in an orebody. Syn:tenor
c. A degree of inclination, or a rate of ascent or descent, with respect
to the horizontal, of a road, railroad, embankment, conduit, or other
engineering structure; it is expressed as a ratio (vertical to
horizontal), a fraction (such as m/km or ft/mi), or a percentage (of
horizontal distance). CF:gradient
d. Height above sea level; actual elevation. Also, the elevation of the
finished surface of an engineering project (such as of a canal bed,
embankment top, or excavation bottom). AGI
e. A particular size (diameter), size range, or size class of particles of
a soil, sediment, or rock; a unit of a grade scale, such as clay grade,
silt grade, sand grade, or pebble grade. AGI
f. See:metamorphic grade
g. The classification of an ore according to the desired or worthless
material in it or according to value. Nelson
h. The degree of strength of a high explosive. Those above 40%
nitroglycerin are arbitrarily designated as high-grade dynamites, and
those below 40% nitroglycerin as low-grade dynamites.
i. In assaying, the percentage of the sought value or of each valuable
species in the ore. Pryor, 3
j. A term used to designate the extent to which metamorphism has advanced.
Found in such combinations as high- or low-grade metamorphism. CF:rank
Leet, 1
k. A particular occupational classification of employee in a mine.
Nelson
l. To sort and classify diamonds, such as drill diamonds, into quality
groupings, each group containing diamonds having somewhat similar
characteristics deemed to affect their fitness for use in a specific
manner; the least fit are considered as constituting the lowest quality of
grade. Long
m. See:rank

graded

a. Said of a surface or feature when neither degradation nor aggradation

is occurring, or when both erosion and deposition are so well balanced
that the general slope of equilibrium is maintained. Syn:at grade
AGI
b. A geologic term pertaining to an unconsolidated sediment or to a
cemented detrital rock consisting of particles of essentially uniform size
or of particles lying within the limits of a single grade. Syn:sorted
AGI
c. An engineering term pertaining to a soil or an unconsolidated sediment
consisting of particles of several or many sizes or having a uniform or
equable distribution of particles from coarse to fine; e.g., a graded sand
containing coarse, medium, and fine particle sizes. The term is rarely
used in geology to refer to the sorting of the sediment, although this is
common among engineers. Ant: nongraded. AGI

graded bedding

A type of bedding in which each layer displays a gradual and progressive

change in particle size, usually from coarse at the base of the bed to
fine at the top. It may form under conditions in which the velocity of the
prevailing current declined in a gradual manner, as by deposition from a
single short-lived turbidity current. CF:grading

graded coal

One of the three main size groups by which coal is sold by the National
Coal Board in Great Britain. It consists of coal screened between two
screens--with an upper and lower limit ranging from a top size of 1-1/2 to
2 in (38 to 51 mm) to a bottom size of 1/8 to 3/4 in (3.2 to 19 mm).
See also:large coal; smalls. Nelson
graded sand

A sand containing some coarse, fine, and medium particle sizes. It is not
a uniform sand. Hammond

graded stream

A stream in equilibrium, showing a balance between its transporting

capacity and the amount of material supplied to it, and thus between
degradation and aggradation in the stream channel. AGI

graded unconformity

See:blended unconformity

gradeline

a. The baseline from which elevations are measured.

b. A line defining the intended grade of a roadway that is being driven.
Such a line is used to control the gradient of a roadway. BS, 7

grader

a. A self-propelled or towed machine provided with a row of removing or

digging teeth and (behind) a blade to spread and level the material.
Syn:towed grader
b. A trommel-type airswept circular screen used in asbestos milling where
the fine rock and fiber dust are eliminated through medium-size perforated
plates. Arbiter
c. A machine with a centrally located blade that can be angled to cast to
either side, with independent hoist control on each side.
Nichols, 1

grade resistance

The force, due to gravity, that resists the movement of a vehicle up a

slope. Carson, 1

grade scale

A systematic, arbitrary division of an essentially continuous range of

particle sizes (of a soil, sediment, or rock) into a series of classes or
scale units (or grades) for the purposes of standardization of terms and
of statistical analysis; it is usually logarithmic. Examples include Udden
scale and Tyler Standard scale. See also:Udden grade scale;
Wentworth scale. AGI

grade stake
A stake indicating the amount of cut or fill required to bring the ground
to a specified level. Nichols, 1

gradient

The inclination of profile gradeline from the horizontal, expressed as a

percentage. Syn:rate of grade

gradienter

An attachment to a surveyor's transit with which an angle of inclination

is measured in terms of the tangent of the angle instead of in degrees and
minutes. It may be used as a telemeter in observing horizontal distances.
AGI

gradient of equal traction

The gradient at which the tractive force required to pull an empty tram
inby (slightly uphill) is equal to that required to pull a loaded tram
outby. This was formerly termed horse haulage gradient. In general,
haulage roads are graded about 0.5% in favor of the loaded trams.
Nelson

grading

a. The relative proportions of the variously sized particles in a batch,

or the process of screening and mixing to produce a batch with particle
sizes correctly proportioned.
b. The commercial operation of sorting coke between two screens such that
the ratio of the larger to the smaller screen aperture does not exceed 2.5
to 1; the coke which has been so sorted. BS, 3
c. The gradual reduction, upward in a sedimentary bed, of the upper
particle-size limit. It implies pulsatory turbulent-fluid deposition.
CF:graded bedding

grading test

See:screen analysis

Graf sea gravimeter

A balance-type gravity meter that is heavily damped in order to attenuate

shipboard vertical accelerations. It consists of a mass at the end of a
horizontal arm, supported by a torsion-spring rotational axis. The mass
rises and falls with gravity variation, but is restored to near its null
position by a horizontal reading spring, tensioned with a micrometer
screw. The difference between actual beam position and null position gives
indication of gravity value after the micrometer screw position has been
taken into account. See also:gravimeter
Graham pressure surveying apparatus

A barometric surveying instrument that is free from the many defects of

the aneroid barometer. The apparatus records the change in pressure of a
constant volume of air maintained at a constant temperature.

Graham ratio

The ratio of the amount of carbon monoxide produced over the oxygen
absorbed varies with the temperature of oxidation of coal and also with
the time of coal exposure to oxidation, thereby allowing this ratio to be
used as an index of the rate of oxidation in a mine. Roberts, 1

grail

Gravel or sand; anything in fine particles. Standard, 2

grain

a. A mineral or rock particle having a diameter of less than a few

millimeters and generally lacking well-developed crystal faces; e.g., a
sand grain. Also, a general term for sedimentary particles of all sizes
(from clay to boulders), as used in the expressions grain size,
fine-grained, and coarse-grained. AGI
b. A quarrymen's term for a plane of parting in slate that is
perpendicular to the flow cleavage; or for a direction of parting in
massive rock, e.g., granite, that is less pronounced than the rift and
usually at right angles to it. CF:rift
c. The second direction of easy splitting of a rock, less pronounced than
the rift, but more so than the hardway.
d. A unit of hardness of water, expressed in terms of equivalent CaCO (sub
3) . A hardness of 1 grain per U.S. gal (17.1 mg/L) equals 17.1 ppm by
weight as CaCO3 . See also:anthracite fines

grain boundary

An interface between two crystals putting all adjacent ions in an

irregular crystalline environment. CF:lineage

grainer medium salt

Grainer salt screened to give a mixture of coarse- and medium-size flakes,

excluding very coarse and very fine flakes. Kaufmann

grainers

Diamonds which in weight will correspond to fourths of a carat; a diamond

weighing one-half carat is a two-grainer; one weighing three quarters is a
three-grainer; a diamond of one carat in weight is a four-grainer.
Hess
grainer salt

Salt produced by the grainer process of surface evaporation from brine.

Product has a characteristic flaky shape consisting of hoppers and hopper
fragments. Kaufmann

grain gliding

Movement between individual mineral grains.

grain gold

Gold that has become granular in the process of heating. Fay

grain growth

The growth of a crystal, as from solution on the walls of a geode, in open

pore space, or in a magma chamber; crystal growth. AGI

grain size

a. A term relating to the size of mineral particles that make up a rock or

sediment. See also:particle size
b. For metals, a measure of the size of grains in a polycrystalline
material, usually expressed as an average when the individual sizes are
fairly uniform. Grain sizes are reported in terms of number of grains per
unit area or volume, as average diameter, or as a grain-size number
derived from area measurements. ASM, 1
c. The size or size distribution of refractory particles, which is usually
determined by sieve analysis. ARI

grain-size classification

A scheme of rock classification based upon the average size of certain

chosen components; thus, each clan comprises coarse-, medium-, and
fine-grained members. CTD

grain tin

a. The granular or nodular form of cassiterite, tin oxide, SnO2 ;

also known as stream tin. Henderson
b. Metallic tin of high grade obtained by charcoal reduction.
Henderson

graith

A set of tools, picks, shovels, wedges, hammers, etc., used for work
underground. CTD

gram-atom
The atomic weight of an element expressed in grams. Hackh

gram-centimeter

A unit of work; the work done in raising the weight of 1 g vertically 1

cm; 981 ergs. Standard, 2

gram-molecule

Molecular weight of a compound in grams, derived from that of hydrogen

which, though 2.016, is expressed as the whole number 2. The
gram-molecule, e.g., of H2 SO4 is 2 + 32 + (4 x 16) = 98.
Also called mole. Pryor, 3

grampus

The tongs with which bloomery loups and billets are handled. Fay

gram weight

Pull of gravitation on a mass of 1 g. This varies slightly with the

acceleration (g) due to gravity differences in various localities, but is
approx. 981 dyn. Pryor, 3

granat

See:garnet

Granby car

A type of automatically dumped car for hand- or power-shovel loading. In

this type of car, a wheel attached to the side of the car body engages an
inclined track at the dumping point. As the side wheel rides up and over
the inclined track, the car body is automatically raised and lowered,
activating a side door operating mechanism which raises the door,
permitting the car to shed its load. See also:mine car
Pit and Quarry

grandite

The grossular-andradite series of the garnet group.

granite

a. A plutonic rock in which quartz constitutes 10% to 50% of the felsic

components and in which the alkali feldspar/total feldspar ratio is
generally restricted to the range of 65% to 90%. Rocks in this range of
composition are scarce, and sentiment has been growing to expand the
definition to include rocks designated as adamellite or quartz monzonite,
which are abundant in the United States. AGI
b. Broadly applied, any holocrystalline, quartz-bearing plutonic rock.
Syn:granitic rock
c. Commercial granite. AGI

granite gneiss

a. A gneiss derived from a sedimentary or igneous rock and having the

mineral composition of a granite. AGI
b. A metamorphosed granite. AGI

granite porphyry

A hypabyssal rock differing from a quartz porphyry by the presence of

sparse phenocrysts of mica, amphibole, or pyroxene in a medium- to
fine-grained groundmass. AGI

granite tectonics

The study of the structural features, such as foliation, lineation, and

faults, in plutonic rock masses, and the reconstruction of the movements
that created them. AGI

granite wash

A driller's term for material eroded from outcrops of granitic rocks and
redeposited to form a rock having approx. the same major mineral
constituents as the original rock; e.g., an arkose consisting of granitic
detritus. AGI

granitic

Pertaining to or composed of granite. Syn:granitoid

See also:granular texture

granitic layer

See:sial

granitic rock

A term loosely applied to any light-colored, coarse-grained plutonic rock

containing quartz as an essential component, along with feldspar and mafic
minerals. Syn:granite

granitification

See:granitization

granitization
An essentially metamorphic process by which a solid rock is converted into
a granitic rock by the entry and exit of material, without passing through
a magmatic stage. Some authors include in this term all granitic rocks
formed from sediments by any process, regardless of the amount of melting
or evidence of movement. The precise mechanism, frequency, and magnitude
of the processes are still in dispute. Syn:granitification
CF:transfusion

granitizer

See:transformist

granitoid

See:granitic

granoblastic

Pertaining to a homeoblastic type of texture in a nonschistose metamorphic

rock upon which recrystallization formed essentially equidimensional
crystals with normally well sutured boundaries. Syn:granular
CF:crystalloblastic

granodiorite

A group of coarse-grained plutonic rocks intermediate in composition

between quartz diorite and quartz monzonite (U.S. usage), containing
quartz, plagioclase (oligoclase or andesine), and potassium feldspar, with
biotite, hornblende, or, more rarely, pyroxene, as the mafic components;
also, any member of that group; the approximate intrusive equivalent of
rhyodacite. The ratio of plagioclase to total feldspar is at least 2:1 but
less than 9:10. With less alkali feldspar it grades into quartz diorite,
and with more alkali feldspar, into granite or quartz monzonite.
AGI

granofels

A field name for a medium- to coarse-grained granoblastic metamorphic rock

with little or no foliation or lineation. AGI

granolith

An artificial stone of crushed granite and cement. Webster 3rd

granophyre

a. An irregular microscopic intergrowth of quartz and alkali feldspar.

AGI
b. A fine-grained granitic rock having a micrographic texture. AGI
c. A porphyritic rock of granitic composition characterized by a
crystalline-granular groundmass. CF:felsophyre; vitrophyre. AGI

granophyric

Of or pertaining to granophyre.

grant

Eng. A tract of land leased or ceded for mining purposes.

grantsite

A monoclinic mineral, NaCa(V5+ ,V4+ )6 O16

.4H2 O ; in silky, pearly, or subadamantine fibrous aggregates
coating fractures or forming thin seams in sandstone or limestone; near
Grants, NM, and in Montrose County, CO.

granular

Said of the texture of a rock that consists of mineral grains of approx.

equal size. The term may be applied to sedimentary rocks, e.g.,
sandstones, but is esp. used to describe holocrystalline igneous rocks
whose major-phase grain size ranges from 2 to 10 mm. The syn. granoblastic
is used for metamorphic rocks. AGI

granular chert

A compact, homogeneous, hard-to-soft chert, common in insoluble residues,

composed of distinguishable and relatively uniform-sized grains,
characterized by an uneven or rough fracture surface and by a dull to
glimmering luster; it may appear saccharoidal.
See also:granulated chert

granularity

The quality, state, or property of being granular; specif. one of the

component factors of the texture of a crystalline rock, including both
grain size and grain-size distribution. AGI

granular texture

A rock texture resulting from the aggregation of mineral grains of approx.

equal size. The term may be applied to a sedimentary or metamorphic rock,
but is esp. used to describe an equigranular, holocrystalline igneous rock
whose particles range in diameter from 0.05 to 10 mm.
See also:granitic

granular tonstein
This type of tonstein consists predominately of kaolinite grains of
lighter or darker shades, often surrounded by collinite. These grains show
a cryptocrystalline to finely crystalline structure; the cryptocrystalline
material is isotropic. Syn:Graupen tonstein

granulated blast-furnace slag

The glassy, granular material formed when molten blast-furnace slag is

rapidly chilled, as by immersion in water. ASTM

granulated chert

A type of granular chert composed of rough, irregular grains or granules

tightly or loosely held in small masses or fragments.
See also:granular chert

granulated slag

Molten slag broken up into granules and quick quenches. Three general
methods of granulation are: (1) running the molten slag into a pit of
water; (2) using a jet of high-pressure water to breakup the stream of
molten slag as it falls into the pit; and (3) using a mechanical revolving
device with relatively small amounts of water. See also:slag
Camp

granulated steel

Steel made from pig iron by a process in which the first step is the
granulation of the iron.

granulating machine

A device for reducing metal or slag in a liquid form to fine grain.

Fay

granulation

The act or process of being formed into grains, granules, or other small
particles; specif. the crushing of a rock under such conditions that no
visible openings result. Also, the state or condition of being granulated.
AGI

granulator

a. A rock breaker which converts large stone into small aggregate.

Hammond
b. A machine that produces body raw material in the form of grains with a
minimum of fines. ACSG, 2

granule
a. A rock fragment larger than a very coarse sand grain and smaller than a
pebble, having a diameter in the range of 2 to 4 mm. The term "very fine
pebble" has been used as a syn. AGI
b. A little grain or small particle, such as one of a number of the
generally round or oval, nonclastic (precipitated), internally
structureless grains of glauconite or other iron silicate in iron
formation; a pseudo-oolith. AGI

granule texture

A texture of iron formation in which precipitated or nonclastic granules

are separated by a fine-grained matrix. AGI

granulite

a. A metamorphic rock consisting of even-sized, interlocking mineral

grains less than 10% of which have any obvious preferred orientation.
AGI
b. A relatively coarse, granular rock formed at high pressures and
temperatures, which may exhibit a crude gneissic structure due to the
parallelism of flat lenses of quartz and/or feldspar. The texture is
typically granuloblastic. AGI

granulitic

Of, pertaining to, or composed of granulite. AGI

granulitization

In regional metamorphism, reduction of the components of a solid rock such

as a gneiss to grains. The extreme result of the process is the
development of mylonite. AGI

graphic

a. Said of the texture of an igneous rock that results from the regular
intergrowth of quartz and feldspar crystals. The quartz commonly occupies
triangular areas, producing the effect of cuneiform writing on a
background of feldspar. Similiar intergrowths of other minerals, e.g.,
ilmenite-pyroxene, are less common. AGI
b. A mineral intergrowth, e.g., alkali-feldspar and quartz, with angular
planar boundaries resembling cuneiform writing.

graphic gold

Crystals of naturally occurring sylvanite ore; a mixed gold-silver

telluride, occurring in regularity so as to give the appearance of written
symbols. Syn:graphic tellurium

graphic granite
a. An intergrowth of potash feldspar (orthoclase or microcline) and
quartz. Syn:corduroy spar
b. A pegmatite characterized by graphic intergrowths of quartz and alkali
feldspar. CF:intergrowth

graphic intergrowths

See:graphic granite

graphic ore

See:sylvanite

graphic section

A drawing that shows the sequence of strata. BS, 7

graphic tellurium

See:sylvanite; graphic gold.

graphite

A hexagonal and trigonal mineral, native carbon 4[C] , polymorphous with

chaoite, diamond, and lonsdaleite; scaly, soft, lustrous, metallic; greasy
feel; as crystals, flakes, scales, laminae, or grains in veins or bedded
masses or disseminations in carbonaceous metamorphic rocks; conducts
electricity well, is soft and unctuous; immune to most acids; extremely
refractory. Syn:plumbago; black lead.

graphitic carbon

The portion of the carbon in iron or steel that is present as graphite;

distinguished from combined carbon. Webster 3rd

graphitic steel

Alloy steel made so that part of the carbon is present as graphite.

ASM, 1

graphitite

A hard, coallike graphite rock interbedded with Precambrian schists.

Syn:graphitoid

graphitization

Formation of graphite in iron or steel. If graphite is formed during

solidification, the phenomenon is called primary graphitization; if formed
later by heat treatment, it is called secondary graphitization.
ASM, 1

graphitoid

a. Meteoritic graphite.
b. See:graphitite

grapple

A clamshell-type bucket having three or more jaws. Nichols, 1

grapple dredge

a. A dredge using an orangepeel bucket and operating on the clamshell

principle. Carson, 1
b. See:grab dredger

grass crop

Scot. The outcrop of a vein. Fay

Grassellis

High explosive; used in mines. Bennett

grasshopper conveyor

See:oscillating conveyor

grass roots

A miner's term equivalent to the surface. From grass roots down is from
the grass roots to the bedrock.

grass-roots deposit

The old fabulous deposit, discovered in surface croppings, easy of

exploitation, and capable of financing its own development as it went
along. Hoover

grass-roots mining

Inadequately financed operation, depending on hand-to-mouth existence.

Mining from surface down to bedrock. At grass; at surface. Also known as
mining on a shoestring. Pryor, 3

grate
a. A screen or sieve for use with stamp mortars for grading ore.
Webster 3rd
b. A frame, bed, or a kind of basket of iron bars for holding fuel while
burning. Webster 3rd

grate bar

a. A bar forming part of a fire grate. Standard, 2

b. One of the bars forming a coarse screen or grizzly. Fay

grate coal

Formerly, coal passing through bars 3-1/4 to 4-1/4 in (8.3 to 10.8 cm)
apart and over 2-1/4 in (6.7 cm) round holes. In Arkansas, the bars are 7
in (17.8 cm) apart and the holes are 3 to 3-1/4 in (7.6 to 8.3 cm) in
diameter. Fay

grater

A laborer who replaces grates on conveyors after roasted lead ore has been
dumped into cars, using hooks. Lead ore is loaded on grates and conveyed
through a furnace in which the sulfur is driven off by roasting prior to
the ore being melted to separate and recover the lead in another furnace.
DOT

graticule

a. A network of lines representing geographic parallels and meridians

forming a map projection.
b. A template divided into blocks or cells, for graphically integrating a
quantity such as gravity. Graticules are used in computing terrain
corrections and the gravitational or magnetic attraction of irregular
masses. AGI
c. An accessory to an optical instrument such as a microscope to aid in
measurement of the object under study; it is a thin glass disk bearing a
scale which is superimposed upon the object. AGI
d. The network of lines representing meridians of longitude and parallels
of latitude on a map or chart, upon which the map or chart was drawn. Not
to be confused with grid. AGI

grating

a. A coarse screen made of parallel or crossed bars to prevent passing of

oversized material.
b. A series of parallel and crossed bars used as platform or walkway
floors or as coverings for pits and trenches over which traffic can pass;
generally removable to permit access to conveying equipment for servicing.
c. A series of parallel and/or crossed bar units fastened to or propelled
by a conveying medium, used for carrying large lump-size bulk material or
objects. They usually permit passage of air for cooling or for heat to
maintain temperature.
d. The act of sorting ores by means of grates.

Graupen tonstein

See:granular tonstein

gravel

a. An unconsolidated, natural accumulation of rounded rock fragments

resulting from erosion, consisting predominantly of particles larger than
sand (diameter greater than 2 mm or 1/12 in), such as boulders, cobbles,
pebbles, granules, or any combination of these. See also:pebble
AGI
b. A popular term for a loose accumulation of rock fragments, such as a
detrital sediment associated esp. with streams or beaches, composed
predominantly of more or less rounded pebbles and small stones, and mixed
with sand that may compose 50% to 70% of the total mass. AGI
c. An engineering term for rounded fragments having a diameter in the
range of 1.87 in (47.5 mm) (retained on U.S. standard sieve No. 4) to 3 in
(76 mm). AGI

gravel bank

A natural mound or exposed face of gravel, particularly such a place from

which gravel is dug; a gravel pit. Hess

gravel deposit

See:alluvium

gravel mine

S. Afr. A mine extracting gold from sand or gravel; also called placer
mine. See also:gravel pit

gravel pit

A pit from which gravel is obtained. See also:gravel mine

Standard, 2

gravel plain placer

Placers along the coastal plain of the Seward Peninsula, AK.

gravel powder

Very coarse gunpowder. Standard, 2

gravel pump
A centrifugal pump with renewable impellers and lining, suitable for
pumping a mixture of gravel and water. Rubber is sometimes used as lining
to the pump and pipes owing to its high resistance to abrasion.
See also:sand pump

gravel pumping

A method of alluvial mining that consists of (1) excavating and breaking

up the gravel bank by using giants or monitors, (2) washing the
disintegrated material into a sump, excavated in the bedrock, (3)
elevating the mixture from the sump to an elevated line of sluices by
means of a gravel pump, and (4) sluicing the gravel for the recovery of
its mineral content. Griffith

grave wax

A natural paraffin. See also:hatchettite

gravimeter

a. An instrument to measure the value of gravity or for measuring

variations in the magnitude of the Earth's gravitational field.
Measurements of gravity are accomplished generally by one of three
methods: dropped ball, pendulum, or spring gravimeter. The latter type of
gravimeter, which is based upon the principle of the weighted
spring--where the length or measured variations in the length of the
spring are a function of the gravitational field at different locations,
is the type widely used today. See also:Graf sea gravimeter;
gravitational prospecting. Hunt
b. An instrument for determining specific gravities, particularly of
liquids. See also:hydrometer
c. An instrument that measures variations in the density of underlying
rocks. BS, 9
d. An instrument for measuring variations in the gravitational field,
generally by registering differences in the weight of a constant mass as
the gravimeter is moved from place to place. Syn:gravity meter
See also:astatic gravimeter

gravimetric analysis

Quantitative chemical analysis in which the different substances of a

compound are measured by weight. AGI

gravimetry

The measurement of gravity or gravitational acceleration, esp. as used in

geophysics and geodesy. AGI

gravitation
The mutual attraction between two masses. See also:law of gravitation
AGI

gravitational constant

The constant, gamma , in the law of universal gravitation. Its value is

6.672 X 10-11 m3 /kg X s2 . AGI

gravitational differentiation

See:crystal fractionation

gravitational method

A geophysical prospecting method that measures irregularities or anomalies

in gravity attraction produced by differences in the densities of rock
formations, and interprets the results in terms of lithology and
structure. Nelson

gravitational prospecting

A method of geophysical prospecting, that embraces the mapping of

variations in the Earth's gravitational field. See also:gravimeter
Hammond

gravity

a. The force by which substances are attracted to each other, or fall to

Earth. See also:law of gravitation
b. The effect on any body in the universe of the inverse-square-law
attraction between it and all other bodies and of any centrifugal force
that may act on the body because of its motion in an orbit. AGI
c. The force exerted by the Earth and by its rotation on unit mass, or the
acceleration imparted to a freely falling body in the absence of
frictional forces. AGI
d. A general term for API gravity or Baume gravity of crude oil.
AGI

gravity anomaly

The difference between the observed value of gravity at a point and the
theoretically calculated value. It is based on a simple gravity model,
usually modified in accordance with some generalized hypothesis of
variation in subsurface density as related to surface topography.
AGI

gravity balance
Sensitive weighing system in which a beam rides on a fulcrum, and supports
a load of unknown weight at one end which is counterbalanced by known
weights at the other end. Pryor, 3

gravity bar

A 5 ft (1.5 m) length of heavy half-round rod forming the link between the
wedge-orienting coupling and the drill-rod swivel coupling on an assembled
Thompson retrievable borehole-deflecting wedge. Long

gravity-bar screen

See:grizzly

gravity classifying

The grading of ores into different sorts and the separation of waste from
coal by the difference in the specific gravity of the minerals to be
separated. Stoces

gravity concentration

Separating grains of minerals by a concentration method operating by

virtue of the differences in density of various minerals; the greater the
difference in density between two minerals, the more easily they can be
separated by gravity methods. The laws of free and hindered settling are
important in the theory of gravity concentration. Newton, 1

gravity conveyor

Continuous belt, system of rollers, or inclined chute down which loaded

material gravitates without the application of power.
See also:roller conveyor; wheel conveyor. Pryor, 3

gravity corer

a. A sampling device capable of working even under moderately adverse sea

conditions. The corer weighs about 650 lb (294 kg) in air and consists
essentially of a shaft, weights, and coring tube. Hunt
b. An oceanographic corer that penetrates the ocean floor solely by its
own weight. It is less efficient than a piston corer. There are several
varieties, including the Phleger corer and the free corer. AGI

gravity-discharge conveyor elevator

A type of conveyor using gravity-discharge buckets attached between two

endless chains and which operate in suitable troughs and casings in
horizontal, inclined, and vertical paths over suitable drive, corner, and
takeup terminals. Syn:bucket elevator
See:V-bucket conveyor elevator
gravity-discharge conveyor-elevator bucket

An elevator bucket designed to contain material on vertical lifts and

scrape material along a trough on horizontal runs. Discharge is effected
by gravity.

gravity equipotential surface

See:equipotential surface

gravity fault

See:normal fault

gravity feed

Applicable when the weight of the drill rods is great enough to impose an
adequate pressure on a bit to make it cut properly. Long

gravity gradiometer

An instrument for measuring the gradient of gravity. AGI

gravity haulage

A system of haulage in which the set of full cars is lowered at the end of
a rope, and gravity force pulls up the empty cars, the rope being passed
around a sheave at the top of the incline. The speed of the haulage is
controlled by a band brake on the sheave. See also:brake incline;
underground haulage. Syn:jig haulage; self-act. Nelson

gravity inclines

Openings made in the direction of the dip of the deposit. The gradient of
the gravity incline is determined by the dip of the deposit. The ore mined
is transported through them, usually to the next lower level drive.
Stoces

gravity instruments

Devices for measuring the gravitational force or acceleration or its

gradient at any point. They are of three principal types: (1) a static
type in which a linear or angular displacement is observed or nulled by an
opposing force, (2) a dynamic type in which the period of oscillation is a
function of gravity and is the quantity directly observed, or (3) a
gradient-measuring type, for example, Eotvos torsion balance. AGI

gravity meter
a. Sensitive device for measuring gravitational variations.
Bennett
b. See:gravimeter

gravity plane

A tramline laid at such an angle that full skips running downhill will
pull up the empties. Fay

gravity plane rope haulage

See:self-acting rope haulage

gravity prospecting

Mapping the force of gravity at different places with a gravimeter

(gravity meter) to determine differences in specific gravity of rock
masses, and, through this, the distribution of masses of different
specific gravity. Leet, 1

gravity railroad

A railroad in which the cars descend by their own weight; an inclined

railroad. Standard, 2

gravity road

Any road on which cars will descend by gravity. Jones, 1

gravity roller conveyor

See:roller conveyor

gravity screen

A perforated steel plate, set at an angle, over which large coal or other
material slides by gravity to effect a primary classification.
Nelson

gravity separation

Separation of mineral particles, with the aid of water or air, according

to the differences in their specific gravities. AGI

gravity solution

A solution used to separate the different mineral constituents of rocks by

their specific gravities, as the solution of mercuric iodide in potassium
iodide having a maximum specific gravity of 3.19. Standard, 2
gravity stowing

A method of stowing in inclined conveyor faces, in which the material is

brought into the upper gate (usually the tailgate) and arranged to slide
down on trays which are moved forward as each track is filled.
Nelson

gravity takeup

See:belt tensioning device

gravity wheel conveyor

See:wheel conveyor

gray antimony

See:stibnite

grayband

A variety of sandstone for sidewalks; flagstone. See also:flagstone

Standard, 2

gray cast iron

A cast iron that gives a gray fracture due to the presence of flake
graphite; often called gray iron. See also:iron

gray cobalt

See:cobaltite; smaltite.

gray copper

See:tetrahedrite

gray copper ore

See:tennantite; tetrahedrite.

gray hematite

See:specularite

gray iron

a. Pig iron or cast iron in which nearly all the carbon not included in
pearlite is present as graphitic carbon. See also:mottled iron;
white iron. CTD
b. Iron that exhibits a gray fracture surface because fracture occurs
along the graphite plates (flakes); it is the result of stable
solidification. McGraw-Hill, 1

grayite

A thorium phosphate containing a little lead, calcium, and minor uranium

and rare earths; gives an X-ray pattern like that of rhabdophane, and when
heated above 850 degrees C, a monazite-type pattern.
Am. Mineral., 1

Gray-King test

Method of assessing the coking property of coal; 20 g is heated in a

silica tube to 600 degrees C and the residual product is compared with a
standard series ranging from noncoking (type A) to highly coking (G), all
of which have the same volume as the original. Cokes that expand (swell)
on coking receive a subscript indicating the degree of swelling.
Pryor, 3

gray manganese ore

See:manganite; pyrolusite.

graywacke

An old rock name that has been variously defined but is now generally
applied to a dark gray, firmly indurated, coarse-grained sandstone that
consists of poorly sorted, angular to subangular grains of quartz and
feldspar, with a variety of dark rock and mineral fragments embedded in a
compact clayey matrix having the general composition of slate and
containing an abundance of very fine-grained illite, sericite, and
chloritic minerals. Graywacke is abundant within the sedimentary section,
esp. in the older strata, usually occurring as thick, extensive bodies
with sole marks of various kinds and exhibiting massive or obscure
stratification in the thicker units but marked graded bedding in the
thinner layers. It generally reflects an environment in which erosion,
transportation, deposition, and burial were so rapid that complete
chemical weathering did not occur, as in an orogenic belt where sediments
derived from recently elevated source areas were poured into a
geosyncline. Graywackes are typically interbedded with marine shales or
slates, and associated with submarine lava flows and bedded cherts; they
are generally of marine origin and are believed to have been deposited by
submarine turbidity currents. CF:arkose; subgraywacke. Also spelled:
greywacke; grauwacke. AGI

graywether

One of numerous fragments or blocks of sandstone and conglomerate,

covering large tracts in Dorsetshire and Wiltshire, England, supposed to
be remnants of decomposed Tertiary strata. Also called druidical stone;
sarsen stone; saracen stone. Syn:sarsen stone

grease

a. A semisolid form of lubricant, composed of emulsified mineral oil and

soda or lime soap. Additives may be incorporated for special purposes, for
example, colloidal graphite.
b. This term should be applied only to fatty or oily matter of animal
origin, but mixtures of mineral oil with lime and soda soaps constitute
well-known lubricating greases.
c. Term used in the flotation process.
d. As used in engineering for lubrication or protection of metal surfaces,
grease is an emulsified oil or saturated fatty acid combined with a
suitable alkaline base to form a soap. Pryor, 3
e. Thick oil. Nichols, 1
f. A solid or semisolid mixture of oil with soap or other fillers.
Nichols, 1

greased-deck concentration

A process in which separation is based on selective adhesion of some

grains (diamonds) to quasi-solid grease with adhesion of other grains to
water. Gaudin, 1

greaser

a. A person who oils or greases the mine cars.

b. An automatic apparatus that greases the axles of skips as they pass.

grease stone

A name for steatite or soapstone.

grease table

An apparatus for concentrating minerals, such as diamonds, which adhere to

grease. It usually is a shaking table coated with grease or wax over which
an aqueous pulp is flowed.

greasing truck

An electrically driven service vehicle to transport greases and oil for

servicing the underground mine machinery. It may include a compressor, air
storage tank, and fittings to place lubricant at the proper points in the
mining machinery.

greasy
Applied to the luster of minerals. Having the luster of oily glass, as
elaeolite. Fay

greasy blaes

Scot. See:creeshy

greasy feel

Some minerals or rocks are greasy or soapy to the touch, e.g., talc,
graphite, steatite, or soapstone.

greasy gold

See:fine gold

greasy luster

As if covered with a thin film of oil or grease, e.g., nepheline, some

diamond crystals, and some varieties of serpentine.

greasy quartz

See:milky quartz

Great Falls converter

A pear-shaped vessel that resembles the Bessemer converter. It has been

largely supplanted by the cylindrical (Peirce-Smith) type converter.
Newton, 1

Greathead shield

A tunneling device invented by J. H. Greathead, first used in London in

1869, and still widely used today. His invention included a circular
cutting edge forced through the ground by hydraulic jacks, a cast-iron
lining assembled by bolts, and grouting behind the lining with the aid of
compressed air and a special mixer. Hammond

great salt

Salt in large lumps or crystals. Kaufmann

greave

See:ditch

green acids
Mixed sulfonation products from oil refinery cracking processes; used in
detergency and as main constituent of a series of flotation agents chiefly
concerned with the concentration of iron minerals. Also refers to the
initial solution generated from the acceleration of phosphate concentrate.
Pryor, 3

greenalite

A monoclinic mineral, (Fe2+ ,Fe3+ )2-3 Si2

O5 (OH)4 ; kaolinite-serpentine group; forms green granules
in the taconite of the Mesabi Range, MN, and the Gogebic iron formation of
northern Wisconsin.

greenalite rock

A dull, dark green rock, uniformly fine-grained with conchoidal fracture,

containing grains of greenalite in a matrix of chert, carbonate minerals,
and ferruginous amphiboles. AGI

Greenawalt process

A system of sintering powdery metalliferous ores. Osborne

Greenburg-Smith impinger

A dust-sampling apparatus evolved by the U.S. Bureau of Mines that makes

use of the principle of impingement of the dust-laden air at high velocity
on a wetted glass surface, together with that of bubbling the air through
a liquid medium. See also:midget impinger

green chalcedony

Usually some cryptocrystalline variety of quartz stained green. Also may

be chalcedony of natural green color. See also:chrysoprase

green charge

A mixture of ingredients for gunpowder before the intimate mixing in the

incorporating mill. Webster 3rd

green copperas

The mineral melanterite, hydrous ferrous sulfate, Fe2+ SO4

.7H2 O . Syn:green vitriol

green hole

A furnace taphole in which clay is not properly set, and through which the
drill may break and let iron out unexpectedly. Fay
green iron ore

See:dufrenite

greenlandite

See:columbite

Greenland spar

See:cryolite

green lead ore

See:pyromorphite

green marble

See:verde antique

green mud

A deep-sea terrigenous deposit characterized by the presence of a

considerable proportion of glauconite and CaCO3 in variable amounts
up to 50%. Holmes, 1

greenockite

A hexagonal mineral, 2[CdS] ; forms earthy incrustations and coatings on

sphalerite and other zinc ores; rarely in amygdules.
See also:xanthochroite

greenovite

A rose-colored variety of titanite (sphene) containing up to 3% MnO.

green roof

A miner's term for a roof that has not broken down or shows no sign of
taking weight. Fay

green salt

a. Uranium tetrafluoride. Lyman

b. A wood preservative consisting of copper, arsenic, and chromium
compounds. Bennett

greensand
a. An unconsolidated marine sediment consisting largely of dark greenish
grains of glauconite, often mingled with clay or sand (quartz may form the
dominant constituent), found between the low-water mark and the inner mud
line. The term is loosely applied to any glauconitic sediment. AGI
b. A sandstone consisting of greensand that is often little or not at all
cemented, having a greenish color when unweathered but an orange or yellow
color when weathered, and forming prominent deposits in Cretaceous and
Eocene beds (as in the Coastal Plain areas of New Jersey and Delaware);
specif. either or both of the Greensands (Lower and Upper) of the
Cretaceous System in England, whether containing glauconite or not.
Syn:glauconite; glauconitic sandstone. AGI

greensand marl

A marl containing sand-size grains of glauconite. AGI

greenschist

A schistose metamorphic rock whose green color is due to the presence of

chlorite, epidote, or actinolite. CF:greenstone

greenstone

a. A field term applied to any compact dark-green altered or metamorphosed

basic igneous rock (e.g., spilite, basalt, gabbro, diabase) that owes its
color to the presence of chlorite, actinolite, or epidote.
CF:greenschist
b. See:nephrite
c. An informal name for a greenish gemstone, such as fuchsite or
chiastolite. AGI
d. Compact, igneous rocks that have developed enough chlorite in
alteration to give them a green cast. They are mostly diabases and
diorites. Greenstone is partially synonymous with trap. It is often used
as a prefix to other rock names. The term is used frequently when no
accurate determination is possible.
e. Includes rocks that have been metamorphosed or otherwise so altered
that they have assumed a distinctive greenish color owing to the presence
of one or more of the following minerals: chlorite, epidote, or
actinolite.
f. Freshly quarried stone containing quarry water. Arkell
g. Can. Generalized name given to Precambrian lavas. Hoffman

green top

Freshly exposed roof that is unknown in quality. Kentucky

green vitriol

A ferrous sulfate; copperas. Also called martial vitriol.

See also:melanterite; green copperas. Standard, 2
Greenwell formula

A formula used for calculating the thickness of tubbing: T = 0.03 +

HD/50,000, where T is the required thickness of tubbing in feet, H is the
vertical depth in feet, D is the diameter of the shaft in feet, and 0.03
is an allowance for possible flaws or corrosion. Sinclair, 2

greet stone

A term used in Yorkshire, England, for a coarse-grained or gritty

sandstone. AGI

greigite

An isometric mineral, Fe2+ Fe3+2 S4 ;

linaeite group; in minute grains and crystals in clays in the Kramer-Four
Corners area, San Bernadino County, CA.

greisen

A pneumatolytically altered granitic rock composed largely of quartz,

mica, and topaz. The mica is usually muscovite or lepidolite. Tourmaline,
fluorite, rutile, cassiterite, and wolframite are common accessory
minerals. See also:greisenization

greisenization

A process of hydrothermal alteration in which feldspar and muscovite are

converted to an aggregate of quartz, topaz, tourmaline, and lepidolite
(i.e., greisen) by the action of water vapor containing fluorine.
AGI

grenatite

See:leucite; staurolite.

grenz

Horizons in coalbeds resulting from temporary halting of the accumulation

of vegetal material. They are frequently marked by a bed of clay or sand.
Raistrick

greve

A ditch or trench.

grid

a. Two sets of uniformly spaced parallel lines, intersecting at right

angles, by means of which the surface of an area is divided into squares
when a checkerboard placement of boreholes is desired. Elevations may be
taken at line intersections. CF:checkerboarded
b. In surveying, a triangulation scheme that covers its area with a
network of acute-angled triangles drawn between mutually visible points.
Pryor, 3
c. A grated opening, as in a mining sieve. Zern
d. A network composed of two sets of uniformly spaced parallel lines,
usually intersecting at right angles and forming squares, superimposed on
a map, chart, or aerial photograph, to permit identification of ground
locations by means of a system of coordinates and to facilitate
computation of direction and distance. The term is frequently used to
designate a plane-rectangular coordinate system superimposed on a map
projection, and usually carries the name of the projection; e.g., Lambert
grid. Not to be confused with graticule. AGI
e. A systematic array of points or lines; e.g., a rectangular pattern of
pits or boreholes used in alluvial sampling. AGI

gridaw

The framing at the top of a shaft for the pulley wheels or sheaves for the
hoisting rope. CTD

grid azimuth

The angle at a given point in the plane of a rectangular coordinate system

between the central meridian, or a line parallel to it, and a straight
line to the azimuth point. AGI

gridiron twinning

See:crossed twinning

Griffin mill

A grinding mill in which a vertically suspended rolling disk rotates, and

under the influence of centrifugal force be

griffithite

A ferroan variety of saponite.

Griffith's theory

Griffith's theory of failure is based on the assumption that the low order
of tensile strength in common materials is due to the presence of small
cracks or flaws. Actual stresses may occur around these flaws, which are
of the order of magnitude of molecular cohesion values, while the average
tensile strength may be quite low. Mohr's theory predicts that failure of
materials is due to failure in shear, whereas Griffith's theory postulates
that it is due to failure at crack tips. Lewis
grike

A joint fracture in limestone, widened by solution.

grindability

a. Grindability of coal, or the ease with which it may be ground fine

enough for use as pulverized fuel, is a composite physical property
embracing other specific properties, such as hardness, strength, tenacity,
and fracture. Mitchell
b. The effect produced on representative pieces of ore by applying
standard methods of comminution, assessed comparatively in terms of size
reduction and power used. Pryor, 4
c. Relative ease of grinding, analogous to machinability. ASM, 1

grindability index

A measure of the grindability of a material under specified grinding

conditions, expressed in terms of volume of material removed per unit
volume of wheel wear. ASM, 1

grinder-mill operator

a. In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, one who mixes raw materials,
such as bauxite, lime, soda ash, and starch, entering the
alumina-extraction process to produce a slurry of proper chemical
composition, using a ball mill. Also called ball mill operator.
DOT
b. In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, one who grinds ore and
separates fine particles from coarse particles in a ball mill and
classifier arranged in continuous series. DOT

grinders' asthma

Disease of the lungs consequent upon inhaling the metallic dust produced
in grinding operations. Also called grinders' rot; phthisis.
Standard, 2

grinding

a. Size reduction into fine particles; comminution.

See also:dry grinding; wet grinding.
b. The process of erosion by which rock fragments are worn down, crushed,
sharpened, or polished through the frictional effect of continued contact
and pressure by larger fragments. AGI
c. Abrasion by rock fragments embedded in a glacier and dragged along the
bedrock floor. AGI

grinding aid
An additive to the charge in a ball mill or rod mill to accelerate the
grinding process; the additive has surface-active or lubricating
properties. Grinding aids find particular use in the grinding of portland
cement clinker but, in the United Kingdom, their use is precluded by the
conditions laid down in British Standard 12. Dodd

grinding cycle

The sequence of operations in grinding a material, including, for example,

the screening of the primary product and the recirculation of the screen
overflow. BS, 5

grinding mill

A machine for the wet or dry fine crushing of ore or other material. The
three main types are the ball, rod, and tube mills. The mill consists of a
rotating cylindrical drum; the ore enters one hollow trunnion and the
finished product leaves the other. Modern practice indicates ball mill
feeds of 1/2 in, 3/4 in, and 1 in (1.27 cm, 1.91 cm, and 2.54 cm) for
hard, medium, and soft ores respectively and the products range from 35 to
200 mesh and finer. See also:open-circuit mill

grinding pebbles

Pebbles, usually of chert or quartz, used for grinding in mills where

contamination with iron must be avoided.

griotte marble

A French marble of a beautiful red color and often variegated with small
dashes of purple and spots or streaks of white, as in the variety locally
known as griotte oeil de perdrix from the French Pyrenees. Fay

gripe

A strap brake or ribbon brake on a hoisting apparatus. Standard, 2

gripping hole

One whose direction is inclined away from the adjacent free face, or may
be defined as one whose width is greater at the toe than at the heel.
Zern

gripping shot

A shot so placed that the point or inner end of the hole is considerably
farther from the face of the coal to be broken than is the heel or outer
end of the hole. See also:shot

grip the rib

When a cut is so made by a mining machine or a shot is so placed by a
miner that the cut or shot enters the coal beyond the proper line of the
rib, it is said to grip the rib. Zern

grisley

See:grizzly

grit

a. A coarse-grained sandstone, esp. one composed of angular particles;

e.g., a breccia composed of particles ranging in diameter from 2 to 4 mm.
AGI
b. A sand or sandstone made up of angular grains that may be coarse or
fine. The term has been applied to any sedimentary rock that looks or
feels gritty on account of the angularity of the grains. AGI
c. A sandstone composed of particles of conspicuously unequal sizes
(including small pebbles or gravel). AGI
d. A sandstone with a calcareous cement. The term has been applied
incorrectly to any nonquartzose rock resembling a grit; e.g., pea grit or
a calcareous grit. AGI
e. A small particle of a stone or rock; esp. a hard, angular granule of
sand. Also, an abrasive composed of such granules. AGI
f. The structure or grain of a stone that adapts it for grinding or
sharpening; the hold of a grinding substance. Also, the size of abrasive
particles, usually expressed as their mesh number. AGI
g. An obsolete term for sand or gravel, and for earth or soil. The term is
vague and has been applied widely with many different connotations.
Etymol: Old English greot, gravel, sand. AGI

grit collector

An adaptation of any of several types of conveyors used for removing heavy

solids from settling tanks or basins. See also:bucket elevator;
flight conveyor; reciprocating flight conveyor; screw conveyor.

grit number

See:mesh number

gritting

In quarrying, a process that gives a smoother surface than rubbing. It is

accomplished with silicon carbide or aluminum oxide abrasive bricks
attached to revolving buffer heads. AIME, 1

grizzly

a. A device comprised of fixed or moving bars, disks, or shaped tumblers

or rollers for the coarse screening or scalping of bulk materials.
See also:bar grizzly; grizzly chute; live roll grizzly. Syn:grisley;
gravity-bar screen.
b. A series of iron or steel bars spaced so as to size, sort, or separate
the bulk material as it falls into the ore chutes. Ricketts
c. A rugged screen for rough sizing at a comparatively large size (e.g., 6
in or 15.2 cm); it can comprise fixed or moving bars, disks, or shaped
tumblers or rollers. BS, 5

grizzly chute

A chute with a bar grizzly which separates the fine from the coarse
material as it passes through the chute. See also:grizzly

grizzly man

See:grizzly worker

grizzly worker

In metal mining, a laborer who works underground at a grizzly over a chute

or raise heading to a storage bin or haulage level, dumping ore from cars
through the grizzly, and breaking oversized lumps with a sledge hammer so
that they will pass through the grizzly. Also called draw man; grizzly
man. DOT

grog fire clay mortar

Raw fireclay mixed with calcined fireclay, or with broken fireclay brick,
or both, all ground to suitable fineness. ASTM

groove

a. The long, tapered, half-round slot in the deflection wedge that acts as
a guide in directing the bit to follow a new course in deflecting a
borehole. Any of the spiral depressions on a cylindrical object, such as
the spiral depression on the surface of fluted core or the rifling in a
gun barrel. Long
b. Derb. The place where a miner is working. See also:grove
Fay
c. A mine, from the German, grube. Fay

grooved drum

Drum having a grooved surface to support and guide a rope. Hammond

groover

N. of Eng. A miner. Standard, 2

groove sample
See:channel sample

groroilite

A nearly black earthy manganese or wad, streaked with dark red markings,
occurring in parts of Europe. Standard, 2

gross calorific value

a. The heat produced by combustion of unit quantity of a solid or liquid

fuel when burned at constant volume in an oxygen bomb calorimeter under
specified conditions, with the resulting water condensed to a liquid.
ASTM
b. The amount of heat liberated by the complete combustion of unit weight
of coal under specified conditions; the water vapor produced during
combustion is assumed to be completely condensed. BS, 4
c. At constant pressure, the number of heat units that would be liberated
if unit quantity of coal or coke was burned in oxygen at constant pressure
in such a way that the heat release was equal to the sum of the gross
calorific value at constant volume and the heat equivalent of the work
that would have been done by the atmosphere under isothermal conditions
had the pressure remained constant. BS, 1
d. At constant volume, the number of heat units measured as being
liberated per unit quantity of coal or coke burned in oxygen saturated
with water vapor in a bomb under standard conditions, the residual
materials in the bomb being taken (suitable corrections having been made)
as gaseous oxygen, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen, liquid water
in equilibrium with its vapor and saturated with carbon dioxide, and ash.
Syn:gross heat of combustion

gross cut

The total amount of excavation in a road or a road section, without regard

to fill requirements. Nichols, 1

gross heat of combustion

See:gross calorific value

gross recoverable value

The part of the total metal recovered multiplied by the price. The
proportion recovered varies with the ore and the method used.
See also:net unit value

gross ton

The long ton of 2,240 avoirdupois pounds. Webster 3rd

grossular
An isometric mineral, 8[Ca3 Al2 Si3 O12 ] ,
rarely pure; garnet group; crystallizes in dodecahedra and trapezohedra;
varicolored; in metamorphosed calcareous rocks and skarns. Formerly called
grossularite. Syn:cinnamon stone

gross unit value

The weight of metal per ton (long or short ton), as determined by assay or
analysis, multiplied by the market price of the metal.
See also:net unit value

grothite

A variety of titanite containing yttrium or cerium.

grouan

See:growan

ground

a. Rock at the side of a lode; country rock. Gordon

b. The mineralized deposit and the rocks in which it occurs, e.g.,
payground, payable reef; barren ground, rock without value. CTD
c. A ground is a conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental,
between an electrical circuit or equipment and either the Earth or some
conducting body serving in place of the Earth. Also called earth.

ground boss

a. A mine foreman. Hess

b. See:mine captain

ground control

a. Maintaining rock mass stability by controlling the movement of

excavations in the ground, which can be either rock or soil.
SME, 1
b. Accurate data on the horizontal and/or vertical positions of
identifiable ground points so that they may be recognized on aerial
photographs. AGI

grounded circuit

Electrical system earthed at key points to ensure a common potential and

eliminate danger to personnel. Pryor, 3

grounded power conductor

An insulated or bare cable that constitutes one side of a power circuit
and normally is connected to ground. It differs from a ground wire in that
a grounded power conductor normally carries the load current while the
equipment it serves is in operation.

ground fault

An electrical contact between part of the blasting circuit and earth.

Atlas

ground geophysical anomaly

A geophysical anomaly that is mapped instrumentally at the surface of the

ground. Hawkes, 2

grounding transformer

See:zigzag transformer

ground log

A device for determining the course and speed made good over the ground in
shallow water, consisting of a lead or weight attached to a line. The lead
is thrown overboard and allowed to rest on the bottom. The course being
made good is indicated by the direction the line tends, and the speed by
the amount of line paid out in unit time. Hunt

ground magnetometer

A magnetometer primarily suitable for making observations of magnetic

field intensity on the surface of the Earth. AGI

groundmass

a. The material between the phenocrysts of a porphyritic igneous rock. It

is relatively finer grained than the phenocrysts and may be crystalline,
glassy, or both. CF:mesostasis
b. A term sometimes used for the matrix of a sedimentary rock. AGI

ground movement

a. Subsidence due to the caving or collapse of underground workings.

Pryor, 3
b. Displacement of ground along a fault, bedding plane, or joint caused by
mining-induced stress.

ground noise

Seismic disturbance of the ground not caused by the shot.

Schieferdecker
ground plate

a. A bedplate supporting railroad sleepers or ties. Standard, 2

b. In electricity, a metal plate in the ground forming the earth
connection of a metallic circuit. Standard, 2

ground pressure

a. The pressure to which a rock formation is subjected by the weight of

the superimposed rock and rock material or by diastrophic forces created
by movements in the rocks forming the Earth's crust. Such pressures may be
great enough to cause rocks having a low compressional strength to deform
and be squeezed into and close a borehole or other underground opening not
adequately strengthened by an artificial support, such as casing or
timber. Also called rock pressure. CF:bottom-hole pressure
Long
b. The weight of a machine divided by the area in square inches of the
ground directly supporting it. Nichols, 1

ground prop

The puncheon between the lowest frame and a foot block in a timbered
excavation, used to support the weight of the timbering. Hammond

ground roll

a. Low-frequency, low-velocity interface waves encountered in seismic

prospecting commonly arising from the ground-air interface, in which case
they are known as Rayleigh waves. Ground roll can completely mask desired
signals, and means to minimize it commonly must be used. AGI
b. Seismic surface wave generated by the shot. See also:ground waves
Schieferdecker

ground sluice

a. A channel or trough in the ground through which auriferous earth is

sluiced for placer mining. Webster 3rd
b. To wash down a bank of earth with a stream of water.

ground sluicing

To strip ground downslope by means of a directed stream of water to

excavate placer material and transport it to a riffled trough in which the
valuable mineral is recovered. CF:hydraulicking

ground spears

Wooden rods (one on each side of the pump) by which a sinking pump is
suspended.
ground vibrations

See:blasting vibrations

ground water

a. That part of the subsurface water that is in the zone of saturation,

including underground streams. AGI
b. Loosely, all subsurface water as distinct from surface water. Also
spelled: groundwater; ground-water. Syn:subterranean water;
underground water. AGI

ground-water discharge

The return of ground water to the surface.

ground-water hydrology

See:geohydrology

ground-water level

a. See:water table
b. The elevation of the water table at a particular place or in a
particular area, as represented by the level of water in wells or other
natural or artificial openings or depressions communicating with the zone
of saturation. Syn:ground-water table

ground-water lowering

The process of lowering the water table so that an excavation can be

carried out in the dry. This is done by means of well points.
Hammond

ground-water province

An area or region in which geology and climate combine to produce

ground-water conditions consistent enough to permit useful
generalizations. AGI

ground-water surface

See:water table

ground-water table

See:water table; ground-water level.

ground-water tracers
The water seeping into shallow workings or shafts may be traced to the
surface source by means of tracer dyes or salts. These substances,
however, may be leached out of the water by the soil or strata. Some
radioactive isotopes are better tracers because of the high sensitivity
with which they can be detected. Tritium, an isotope of hydrogen, is
unique because it can be used to label the actual water molecule to be
traced and is not chemically removed by the strata. Nelson

ground waves

Vibrations of soil or rock. See also:ground roll

ground wire

A bare or insulated cable used to connect the metal frame of a piece of

equipment to the mine track or other effective grounding medium.
MSHA, 1

group

a. The lithostratigraphic unit next in rank above formation, consisting

partly or entirely of named formations. A group name combines a geographic
name with the term "group," and no lithic designation is included; e.g.,
San Rafael Group. AGI
b. A stratigraphic sequence that will probably be divided in whole or in
part into formations in the future. See also:analytic group
AGI
c. A general term for an assemblage or consecutive sequence of related
layers of rock, such as of igneous rocks or of sedimentary beds.
AGI
d. A more or less informally recognized succession of strata too thick or
inclusive to be considered a formation. AGI
e. A number of shots sufficiently close together to be treated in common
in respect to preparation for firing. BS, 12

group level

a. A main haulageway drive built in the solid rock underlying the group of
seams that it has to serve, or in the floor of a thick deposit. It is
preferable to construct the main haulageway as a subdeposit drive, because
drives in the deposit suffer from pressure as soon as mining has
progressed a certain distance. Stoces
b. Syn:subdeposit level

grout

a. A pumpable slurry of neat cement or a mixture of neat cement and fine

sand, commonly forced into boreholes or crevices in a rock to prevent
ground water from seeping or flowing into an excavation, to seal crevices
in a dam foundation, or to consolidate and cement together rock fragments
in a brecciated or fragmented formation. Also called cement grout.
Long
b. A cementitious component of high water-cement ratio, permitting it to
be poured or injected into spaces within masonry walls. It consists of
portland cement, lime, and aggregate, and is often formed by adding water
to mortar. ACSG, 2
c. The act or process of injecting a grout into a rock formation through a
borehole or crevice. Long
d. Applied to waste material of all sizes obtained in quarrying stone.
Fay
e. A coarse kind of plaster or cement usually studded with small stones
after application, sometimes used for coating walls of a building.
Webster 3rd

grout core

Core obtained by drilling into and through formations into which grout has
been injected and allowed to set. Long

grout curtain

An area into which grout has been injected to form a barrier around an
excavation or under a dam through which ground water cannot seep or flow.
Long

grouter

a. In the stonework industry, a laborer who maintains the floors,

equipment, machinery, and yard in a clean and unobstructed condition,
using shovels, brooms, buckets, and wheelbarrows to collect and remove
stone scraps, dirt, and debris to dump for disposal or to remove steel
shot from under gangsaws and store it in suitable containers to be washed
and reused. Also called mucker. DOT
b. See:box loader

grout hole

A borehole drilled for the express purpose of using it as a means by which

grout may be injected into the rock surrounding the borehole.
CF:consolidation hole

grouting

The injection of grout into fissured, jointed, or permeable rocks in order

to reduce their permeability or increase their strength. AGI

grout injection

An act or process of forcing grout into crevices in rock formations,

usually through a borehole, by pressure pumps. Long
grout injector

A machine that mixes the dry ingredients for a grout with water and
injects it, under pressure, into a grout hole. CF:grout machine
Long

groutite

An orthorhombic mineral, MnO(OH) ; trimorphous with manganite and

feitknechtite; in brilliant submetallic to adamantine wedge-shaped
crystals in the banded iron formations of the Cuyuna Range, MN.

grout machine

A mechanism by which grout may be pressure-injected into a grout hole.

CF:grout injector

grove

a. Eng. A drift or adit driven into a hillside from which coal is worked.
See also:groove
b. Corn. Mine; bal. Hess

grovesite

A former name for pennantite.

growan

a. An old English term for a coarse-grained granite, grit, or sandstone.

AGI
b. A grus developed by the disintegration of a granite. Syn:grouan
See:grus

growler board

A notched or fingered plank or light timber used to align ends of pipe

being screwed together, as when laying a waterline. Long

grow-on

Quarrymen's term to designate the place where the sheet structure dies
out, or the place where two sheets appear to grow onto one another.

growth

a. An increase in dimensions of a compact that may occur during sintering

(converse of shrinkage). ASTM
b. As applied to cast iron, the tendency to increase in volume when
repeatedly heated and cooled. CTD
c. See:make of water

grubbing

The removal of the root system incident to the surface growth.

Carson, 1

grube

Ger. A mine.

grub saw

A saw made from a coarsely notched blade of soft iron and provided with a
wooden back; it is used, with sand, for sawing stone by hand.
Standard, 2

grubstake

In the Western United States, supplies or funds furnished to a mining

prospector on promise of a share in his discoveries. So called because the
lender stakes or risks provisions so furnished. Webster 3rd

grubstake contract

An agreement between two or more persons to locate mines upon the public
domain by their joint aid, effort, labor, or expense, and each is to
acquire by virtue of the act of location such an interest in the mine as
agreed upon in the contract. Fay

grueso

Sp. Lump ore. The term is used at the mercury mines in California.

gruff

Eng. A pit or shaft.

grunching

Blasting coal out of the solid face as opposed to blasting coal that has
been undercut by hand or by coal cutter. Nelson

grundy

Granulated pig iron used in making granulated steel. Webster 2nd

grunerite
A monoclinic mineral, (Fe,Mg)7 Si8 O22 (OH)2 ;
amphibole group, with Mg/(Mg+Fe)=0-0.3 ; forms series with cummingtonite
and with magnesiocummingtonite; fibrous or needlelike, commonly in radial
aggregates; characteristic of iron formations in the Lake Superior and
Labrador Trough regions. Also spelled gruenerite.

grunter

A hooked rod to aid in supporting a crucible. Standard, 2

grus

The fragmental products of in situ granular disintegration of granite and

granitic rocks. Syn:grush; residual arkose; growan. Etymol: Ger. Grus,
grit, fine gravel, debris. Also spelled: gruss. AGI

grush

See:grus

G stone

A name which has been used for pyrophyllite. See also:pyrophyllite

Dodd

guag

Corn. A place from which the ore has been extracted. Syn:gunis
CTD

guardian angel

A warning device affixed to the roof or back of a mine that automatically

displays a visual indication when rock displacement begins.
See also:safety light

guard magnet

Permanent magnet or electromagnet used in crushing system to arrest or

remove tramp iron ahead of the crushing machinery. Pryor, 3

guardplate

A plate in front of an iron furnace, covering the taphole through which

the slag is drawn out. Standard, 2

guard screen

See:oversize control screen

gublin bat

A black, fissible substance, an iron ore, in which a bituminous shivery

earth abounds. Arkell

gudgeon

a. The bearing of a shaft, esp. when made of a separate piece.

Standard, 2
b. A metallic journal piece set into the end of a wooden shaft. A
reinforced bushing or a thrust-absorbing block.
Standard, 2; Nichols, 1

gudmundite

A silver-white to steel-gray sulfantimonide of iron, FeSbS. Isomorphous

with arsenopyrite; elongated crystals; orthorhombic. From Gudmundstrop,
Sweden. English

guest element

a. A trace element substituting a common element in a rock mineral.

b. See:trace element

gug

Som. A self-acting inclined plane underground; sometimes called a dip

incline.

gugiaite

A mineral, Ca2 BeSi2 O7 , tetragonal, in skarn rocks

near Gugia (presumably in China). A member of the melilite family near
meliphane but containing little sodium or fluorine; an unnecessary name.
Named from the locality. See also:meliphanite
Hey, 3; Fleischer

guhr

a. A white (sometimes red or yellow), loose, earthy, water-laid deposit of

a mixture of clay or ocher, occurring in the cavities of rocks.
AGI
b. See:diatomite

guide

a. A pulley to lead a driving belt or rope in a new direction or to keep

it from leaving its desired direction. Long
b. The tracts that support and determine the path of a skip bucket and
skip bucket bail.
guide core

See:dummy

guide fossil

Any fossil that has actual, potential, or supposed value in identifying

the age of the strata in which it is found or in indicating the conditions
under which it lived; a fossil used esp. as an index or guide in the local
correlation of strata. CF:index fossil

guide frame

A frame designed to be held rigidly in place by roof jacks or timbers, and

with provisions for attaching a shaker conveyor panline to the movable
portion of the frame, which can be used to prevent jumping or side
movement of the panline. Jones, 1

guide idler

An idler roll with its supporting structure so designed that when it is

mounted on the conveyor frame it guides the belt in a defined horizontal
path, usually by contact with the edge of the belt. NEMA, 1

guide pulley

A loose pulley used to guide a driving belt past an obstruction or to

divert its direction. CTD

guide rod

A heavy drill rod coupled to and having the same diameter as a core barrel
on which it is used. It gives additional rigidity to the core barrel and
helps to prevent deflection of the borehole. Also called core-barrel rod;
oversize rod. CF:drill collar

guide rope

See:cage guide

guide runner

A runner driven ahead of other runners to guide them. Hammond

guides

a. Wood, steel, or wire-rope conductors in a mine shaft, which are engaged

by shoes on the cage or skip so as to guide its movement.
b. Timber or metal tracks in a hoisting shaft, which are engaged by shoes
on the cage or skip so as to steady it in transit. In collieries rope
guides are sometimes used. Pryor, 3
c. The holes in a crossbeam through which the stems of the stamps in a
stamp mill rise and fall.
d. A pulley to lead a driving belt or rope in a new direction, or to keep
it from leaving its desired direction. Standard, 2

guillies

Corn. Worked-out cavities in a mine.

guillotine

A machine for breaking iron with a falling weight. Fay

guinea bed

War. The shelly, conglomeratic basement limestone bed of the Lower Lias.
So called because the stones, if dry, ring when struck. CF:sun bed
Arkell

guinea gold

Twenty-two carat gold, of which guineas were coined. Standard, 2

gulch

A term used esp. in the Western United States for a narrow, deep ravine
with steep sides, larger than a gully; esp. a short, precipitous cleft in
a hillside, formed and occupied by a torrent, and containing gold (as in
California). AGI

Gulf-type (Vacquier) magnetometer

A flux gate or saturable reactor type of recording magnetometer. Used

primarily in aircraft and there includes means for keeping the measuring
element aligned in the direction of maximum intensity (that is, total
field). In this case it records variations in the total field regardless
of variations in its direction. Sometimes used for establishing the
position of the aircraft as well as the magnetometer itself. AGI

gull

A structure formed by mass-movement processes, consisting of widened,

steeply inclined tension fissures or joints, resulting from lateral
displacement of a slide mass and filled with debris derived from above.
Primarily a British usage. AGI

gum
a. See:gummings
b. Small coal broken out by a coal cutter. See also:duff
Pryor, 3
c. Small coal, slack, or duff. CTD

gumbo

A term used locally in the United States for a clay soil that becomes
sticky, impervious, and plastic when wet. AGI

gumbrine

Same as fuller's earth, and similar to floridine from Gumbri, near Kutais,
Georgia, Transcaucasia, in the former U.S.S.R. Spencer, 3

gum copal

See:copal

gum dynamite

Explosive gelatin. Standard, 2

gummer

A person who clears the fine coal, gum, or dirt from the undercut made by
a coal-cutting machine. CTD

gummings

The small coal or dirt produced by the picks of a coal cutter. Syn:gum
Nelson

gummite

A mixture of yellow or orange secondary uranium oxides formed by

alteration of uraninite.

gummy

Applicable when rock or formation being drilled produces cuttings and

sludge, which tend to fill the waterways of a bit or to adhere massively
to the borehole walls or drill-stem equipment. CF:balling formation;
sticky. Long

gun

A borehole in which the charge of explosive has been fired with no other
effect than to blast off a small amount of material at the mouth of the
borehole; also called a bootleg or John Odges. See also:blown-out shot
Fay

gunboat

A self-dumping box on wheels, used for raising (or lowering) coal in

slopes; a monitor, a skip. Fay

gun drill

A drill, usually with one or more flutes and with coolant passages through
the drill body, used for deep-hole drilling. ASM, 1

gunis

See:guag

gunite

A mixture of portland cement, sand, and water applied by pneumatic

pressure through a specially adapted hose and used as a fireproofing agent
and as a sealing agent to prevent weathering of mine timbers and roadways.
Etymol: Gunite, a trademark. To apply gunite; to cement by spraying
gunite. See also:Aliva concrete sprayer
l+\(:µ*:ª¥8 (DICTIONARY TERMS:gunite gun See:cement gun
[\B]gunite gun[\N]

guniting

Pneumatically applied portland cement mortar, or gunite. The spraying of

mine openings with concrete to provide ground support, present a smooth
surface to the air current, and prevent weathering with the mortar.
See also:lining; timber preservation; Aliva concrete sprayer.
Nelson

gunk

a. See:rod dope
b. Any gummy substance that collects inside the working parts and hinders
the operation of a machine or other mechanical apparatus. Long
c. A permanent emulsion that forms in liquid-liquid extraction equipment,
often containing dust or other solid matter at the core of each globule.

gunned shot

Scot. See:blown-out shot

gunnie
a. Corn. In mining, measure of breadth or width, a single gunnie being 3
ft (0.91 m) wide. Standard, 2
b. Corn. The vacant space left where the lode has been removed; a crevice.
Plural: gunnies. Also spelled gunniss; gunnice. Syn:house

gunningite

A monoclinic mineral, (Zn,Mn)SO4 .H2 O ; kieserite group; as

efflorescences on sphalerite from the Keno Hill and Galena Hill area,
central Yukon Territory, Canada.

gunning the pits

Agitation of the drilling fluid in a pit by forcing a portion of the fluid

under pressure through a constricted tube or gun, jetting it into the main
body of fluid. Brantly, 1

gunniss

Corn. See:gunnie

gun-perforator loader

In petroleum production, one who loads explosive powder into gun

perforators used in shooting holes through tubings, casings, and earth
formations of oil or gas wells to aid in well drilling or producing
operations, working either in shop or at well site. Also called the
loader; perforator loader. See also:loader

gunpowder paper

Paper spread with an explosive compound. It is rolled up for use in

loading. Standard, 2

gunpowder press

A press for compacting meal powder before granulating into gunpowder.

Standard, 2

Gunter's chain

A surveyor's chain that is 66 ft (20 m) long, consisting of a series of

100 metal links each 7.92 in (20.1 cm) long and fastened together with
rings. It served as the legal unit of length for surveys of U.S. public
lands, but has been superseded by steel or metal tapes graduated in chains
and links. Named after Edmund Gunter (1581-1626), English mathematician
and astronomer, who invented the device about 1620. Syn:chain;
pole chain. AGI

gurhofite
A snow-white variety of dolomite, containing a large proportion of
calcium. Standard, 2

gurlet

a. A mason's pickax having one cutting edge and a point.

Standard, 2
b. A pickax having a sharply pointed peen and a bladed peen for cutting.
CTD

gurmy

A mine level; working. Standard, 2

guss

a. A rope used for drawing a basket of coal in a thin seam. CTD

b. Brist. A short piece of rope by which a boy draws a tram or sled in a
mine. Fay

gusset

A V-shaped cut in the face of a heading. Stauffer

Gusto multiplow

A number of small plows attached to a rope or chain which cut backward and
forward on the face. They operate in conjuction with an armored conveyor.
See also:multiplow

Gusto scraper box

An arrangement of scraper boxes with cutting knives attached to the face

side. See also:scraper box plow

gut

To rob, or extract, only the rich ore of a mine. Weed, 2

gutter

a. The lowest and usually richest portion of an alluvial placer. The term
is used in Australia for the dry bed of a buried Tertiary river containing
alluvial gold. Syn:bottom
b. A gob heading. Nelson
c. A drainage trench. Nelson
d. A small airway made through a goaf or gob. CTD
e. In deep lead mining, the lowest portion of a deep lead filled with
auriferous wash dirt. Eng. Min. J., 1
f. A channel or gully worn by running water. Webster 3rd
guttering

a. A channel cut along the side of a mine shaft to conduct the water back
into a lodge or sump.
b. A process of quarrying stone in which channels, several inches wide,
are cut by hand tools, and the stone block detached from the bed by pinch
bars.
c. The formation of more or less vertical breaks at or toward the
centerline of a roadway, as a consequence of which falls occur along the
groove or gutter. TIME

Gutzkow's process

A modification of the sulfuric acid parting process for bullion containing

large amounts of copper. A large excess of acid is used; the silver
sulfate is then reduced with charcoal, or, in the original process,
ferrous sulfate. Liddell

guy

a. A wire line or rope attached to the top of a drill derrick or pole and
extending obliquely to the ground, where it is fastened to a deadman or
guy anchor. See also:guy line
b. A rope that holds the end of a boom or spar in place. Syn:guy rope
See also:guy line

guy anchor

The object to which the lower end of a guy is attached. Also called
deadman. Long

guyed

Held upright and steadied by one or more guys. Long

guy line

A guy or several guys. See also:guy

guyot

A flat-topped submarine mountain rising from the floor of the ocean like a
volcano but planed off on top and covered by an appreciable depth of
water. Leet, 1

guy ring

A ring on the head block or top of a drill pole, derrick, or tripod to

which guys are attached. Long
guy rope

a. A rope holding a structure in a desired position. CTD

b. See:guy

gyprock

a. Massive rock gypsum.

b. A driller's term for a rock of any kind in which he has trouble in
making a hole. AGI
c. A rock composed chiefly of gypsum. AGI

gypsiferous

Containing gypsum. Also spelled gypseous.

gypsification

Development of, or conversion into, gypsum; e.g., the hydration of

anhydrite. AGI

gypsite

See:gypsum

gypsum

A monoclinic mineral, 8[CaSO4 .2H2 O] ; colorless to white

in crystals, but massive beds may range from red to yellow to brown, gray,
or black; the most common natural sulfate; defines 2 on the Mohs hardness
scale; commonly associated with rock salt (halite) and anhydrite; forms
beds and lenses interstratified with limestone, shale, and clay, esp. in
rocks of Permian to Triassic age; also in volcanic fumarolic deposits; an
accessory mineral in metalliferous veins. Syn:gypsite

gypsum plate

In polarized-light microscopy, an accessory plate of clear gypsum

(replaced by quartz of the appropriate thickness in modern instruments)
that gives a first-order red (approx. 1 lambda out of phase for 560 nm)
interference color with crossed polars when inserted in the tube with its
permitted electric vectors at 45 degrees to those of the polarizer and
analyzer. It is used to determine fast and slow directions (electric
vectors) of light polarization in crystals under view on the microscope
stage by increasing or decreasing retardation of the light. Also called a
sensitive-tint plate. CF:accessory plate; quartz wedge.
See also:selenite plate

gyrasphere crusher
Heavy-duty fixed path cone crusher; a variant from the standard cone
crusher. See also:Symon's cone crusher

gyratory

a. More or less eccentric, as certain rock crushers. von Bernewitz

b. A widely used form of rock breaker in which an inner cone rotates
eccentrically in a larger outer hollow cone. CTD

gyratory breaker

A primary crusher consisting of a vertical spindle, the foot of which is

mounted in an eccentric bearing within a conical shell. The top carries a
conical crushing head revolving eccentrically in a conical maw. There are
three types of gyratories--those that have the greatest movement on the
smallest lump, those that have equal movement for all lumps, and those
that have greatest movement on the largest lump. Syn:gyratory crusher
See also:cone crusher

gyratory crusher

See:gyratory breaker

gyrocompass

a. A north-seeking form of gyroscope used as a vehicle's or craft's

directional reference. Also known as gyroscopic compass.
McGraw-Hill, 1
b. The gyrocompass is used in underground and borehole surveying.
Syn:gyroscopic compass; gyrostatic compass. AGI

gyroscopic-clinograph method

A method for measuring borehole deviation that photographs time,

temperature, and inclination from the vertical on 16 mm film and can take
1,000 readings descending then ascending the hole as a check. The
gyroscope maintains the casing on a fixed bearing. Sinclair, 2

gyroscopic compass

a. See:gyrocompass
b. A magnetic compass whose equilibrium is maintained by the use of
gyroscopes. AGI

gyrostatic compass

See:gyrocompass

Haanel depth rule

A rule of thumb for estimating the depth of a magnetic body, which is
valid if the body may be regarded as magnetically equivalent to a single
pole. The depth of such a pole is equal to the horizontal distance from
the point of maximum vertical magnetic intensity to the points where the
intensity is one-third of the maximum value. AGI

Haarmann plow

See:scraper box plow

Haase furnace

A muffle furnace of the McDougall type, in which the hearths are separated
by suitable flues through which the products of combustion from the
fireplace pass.

Haase system

A system of shaft sinking through loose ground or quicksand by piles in

the form of iron tubes connected together by webs. Their downward movement
is facilitated by water under pressure that is forced down the tubes to
wash away the loose material from underneath their points. Nelson

habit

a. A general term for the outward appearance of a mineral or rock.

AGI
b. The characteristic or typical crystal form, combination of forms, or
other shape of a mineral, including irregularities.

hachure

One of a series of short, straight, evenly spaced, parallel lines used on

a topographic map for shading and for indicating surfaces in relief (such
as steepness of slopes), drawn perpendicular to the contour lines.
Hachures are short, broad (heavy), and close together for a steep slope,
and long, narrow (light), and widely spaced for a gentle slope, and they
enable minor details to be shown but do not indicate elevations above sea
level. Etymol: French. Syn:hatching; hatchure. v. To shade with or show
by hachures. AGI

hachure map

A map that represents the topographic relief by means of hachures.

hack hammer

A hammer resembling an adz, used in dressing stone. Webster 3rd

hackiron
A miner's pickax or hack. A chisel or similar tool for cutting metal, as
wire, into nails. Fay

hackly

The property shown by certain minerals or rocks of fracturing or breaking

along jagged surfaces, e.g., broken iron.

hackly fracture

A mineral's habit of breaking along jagged, irregular surfaces with sharp

edges. Leet, 1

hackmanite

A sulfur-rich variety of sodalite.

hacksaw structure

Irregular, saw-shaped terminations of crystals (such as of augite) or

grains due to intrastratal solution.

hade

The complement of the dip; the angle that a structural surface makes with
the vertical, measured perpendicular to the strike. It is little used.
See also:dip; rise. Syn:underlay
AGI

Hadsel mill

Early form of autogenous grinding mill, in which comminution resulted from

the fall of ore on ore during the rotation of a large-diameter horizontal
cylinder. Pryor, 3

Haenisch and Schroeder process

A method for the recovery of sulfur as liquid sulfurous anhydride from

furnace gases. Fay

hafnium silicate

A compound analogous to zircon, therefore, the suggested name hafnon. It

can be synthesized from the oxides at 1,550 degrees C. Thermal expansion
(150 to 1,300 degrees C), 3.6 X 10-6 . Dodd

hafnium titanate

Special refractory compositions have been made by sintering mixtures of

HfO2 and TiO2 in various proportions. The melting point of
these sintered bodies was approx. 2,200 degrees C; there appeared to be a
phase change at about 1,850 degrees C. Some of the compositions had
negative thermal expansions. Dodd

hag

a. To cut as with an ax; to cut down the coal with the pick. Fay
b. Scot. A cut; a notch. Fay
c. N. of Eng. A quagmire or pit in mossy ground; any broken ground in a
bog. Fay

haeggite

A monoclinic mineral, V2 O2 (OH)3 ; forms black

crystals in sandstone, Wyoming.

hag principle

The system under which a skilled miner employs an unskilled helper.

CTD

haiarn

In Wales, a term for iron.

hailstone bort

Variety of bort built of concentric shells of clouded diamond and

cementlike material. See also:bort

hair copper

See:chalcotrichite

hair pyrite

See:millerite

hair salt

Common name for efflorescences of hairlike, acicular, or fibrous crystals

of epsomite or other hydrous sulfates in caves and old mine workings.
See also:alunogen

hairstone

Quartz thickly penetrated with hairlike crystals of rutile, actinolite, or

some other mineral. CF:hedgehog stone

hair zeolite
May be natrolite, scolecite, or mesolite. Fay

half-and-half plane

Scot. In a direction midway between plane course and end course.

See also:half-course

half bearings

Bearings such as are used on railway cars where the load is constantly in
one direction and is sufficiently heavy to hold the journal against the
bearing. Crispin

half blinded

Scot. Two ends driven off a plane, one on each side and not opposite each
other by half their width. Fay

half-cell

An electrode immersed in a suitable electrolyte designed for measurements

of electrode potential. ASM, 1

half-course

A drift or opening driven at an angle of about 45 degrees to the strike

and in the plane of the seam. See also:half-and-half plane

half end

York. See:horn coal

half headers

Term applied to material that amounts to a large cap piece. They are used
by sawing a header in two and placing one or more timbers under the half
header on the same side of the track. Two timbers are generally placed
under the half header and the end allowed to extend out over the haulage.
The term half header should not be applied to regular cap pieces.
Kentucky

half-life

a. The time in which one-half of the atoms in a radioactive substance

disintegrate. Lyman
b. The time in which the quantity of a particular radioactive isotope is
reduced to one-half of its initial value. Syn:half-period

half-marrow
Newc. Youngsters, of whom two do the work of one loader. Fay

half-period

See:half-life

half-round nose

See:medium-round nose

half set

In mine timbering, one leg piece and a collar. Fay

half-value distance

The horizontal distance between the points of maximum and half-maximum

values in a symmetrical anomaly, usually either gravity or magnetic. It is
useful in estimating the depth of the geologic feature that causes the
anomaly. AGI

half-wave rectifier

A rectifier that changes single-phase alternating current into pulsating

unidirectional current, utilizing only one-half of each cycle.
Coal Age, 1

half width

Half the width of a simple anomaly (esp. a gravity or magnetic anomaly) at

the point of half its maximum value. For simple models the maximum depth
at which the body causing the anomaly can lie can be calculated from the
half width. AGI

halide

A fluoride, chloride, bromide, or iodide.

Halimond tube

Miniature pneumatic flotation cell, operated by hand. Widely used in ore

testing, for examination of small samples under closely controllable
conditions of flotation. Pryor, 3

halite

An isometric mineral, 4[NaCl] ; cubic cleavage; soft; salty tasting; forms

disseminated grains or crystals in sedimentary rocks, or aggregates of
large cubic crystals; granular to massive, the latter as extensive
sedimentary beds ranging in thickness from less than 1 mm to more than 50
m, also in convoluted masses called salt domes; a typical constituent of
playa lake deposits in arid regions. Syn:rock salt; common salt; salt.

halitic

Composed partly or wholly of halite; esp. said of a sedimentary rock

containing halite as cementing material, such as halitic sandstone.
AGI

haelleflinta

Sw. A dense, compact, metamorphic rock consisting of microscopic quartz

and feldspar crystals, with occasional phenocrysts and sometimes
hornblende, chlorite, magnetite, and hematite. It is associated with
gneisses, but is of obscure origin. See also:porcellanite

Hallett table

A table of the Wilfley type, except that the tops of the riffles are in
the same plane as the cleaning planes and the riffles are sloped toward
the wash-water side. Liddell

Hallinger shield

A tunneling shield of Hungarian design, successfully employed for

tunneling at Dortmund and under the Danube. It is valuable for working in
very soft ground. It incorporates a mechanical excavator and does not
entail the use of timbering to protect the miners. Hammond

halloysite

a. A monoclinic mineral, 2[Al4 Si4 (OH)8 O10 ];

kaolinite-serpentine group; made up of slender tubes as shown by
electron microscopy; a gangue mineral in veins. Syn:metahalloysite
b. Used as a group name to include natural "halloysite minerals" with
different levels of hydration, as well as those formed artificially.
See also:alum salt

Hall process

The first commercially successful method for manufacturing aluminum; the

purified oxide is dissolved in fused cryolite and then electrolyzed.
Syn:Heroult process

Hall-Rowe wedge

A tapered concave metal plug or wedge that can be set in a drill hole at a
predetermined depth and bearing to deflect or straighten an off-course
borehole. See also:wedge
halo

a. A circular or crescentic distribution pattern about the source or

origin of a mineral, ore, mineral association, or petrographic feature. It
is encountered principally in magnetic and geochemical surveys. Some halos
are primary, formed either at the same time as the host rock or at the
same time as associated mineral deposits, and some are secondary, formed
by surficial alteration of the associated mineral deposit. Syn:aureole
CF:dispersion pattern
b. Discoloration of a mineral, viewed in thin section, in the form of a
ring. Most halos of this sort are caused by radiation damage by alpha
particles emitted from uranium- and thorium-bearing mineral inclusions.

halocline

A steep ascendent of salinity. This has an effect on refraction of sound

waves, since sound velocity increases with increasing salinity. Hy

halokinesis

See:salt tectonics

halotrichite

a. A monoclinic mineral, 4[Fe2+ Al2 (SO4 )4

.22H2 O] ; forms a series with pickeringite in which magnesium
replaces ferrous iron; soft; a weathering product of pyritic rocks in
mines; also in arid regions and around fumaroles.
b. The mineral group apjohnite, bilinite, dietrichite, halotrichite,
pickeringite, and redingtonite. Syn:feather alum; iron alum.

haloxylin

A mixture of yellow prussiate of potash, niter, and charcoal used as an

explosive. Fay

hamburgite

An orthorhombic mineral, 8[Be2 (BO3 )(OH)] ; in alkali

pegmatites and in placers.

hammada

An extensive, nearly level, upland desert surface that is either bare

bedrock or bedrock thinly veneered by pebbles, smoothly scoured and
polished and generally swept clear of sand and dust by wind action; a rock
desert of the plateaus, esp. in the Sahara. The term is also used in other
regions, as in Western Australia and the Gobi Desert. Etymol: Arabic,
hammadah. AGI
hammer

a. Term for drive hammer, a heavy sleeve-shaped weight used for driving
drill pipe or casing into overburden or soft rock. Long
b. To pound or drive with pilehammerlike blows delivered by a drive
hammer. Long

hammer breaker

An impact type of breaker consisting of a number of swinging bars or steel

hammers hinged to a horizontal shaft that rotates at high speed.
Nelson

hammer drill

a. A light, mobile, and fast-cutting drill in which the bit does not
reciprocate but remains against the rock in the bottom of the hole,
rebounding slightly at each blow. There are three types of hammer drills;
drifter, sinker, and stoper. Lewis
b. A development of the piston drill in which the drill steel is not
attached to the piston but remains in the hole, the piston delivering a
rapid succession of light hammer blows. The drill steel is frequently
hollow so that air or water may be driven through to cool the bit and
clean the hole. Rotation of the bit is automatic. Also known as
jackhammer. Barger
c. A percussive drill. BS, 12
d. A rock drill powered by compressed air that reciprocates a free piston,
causing it to strike the shank of the drill steel. When of light
construction, a hand hammer drill, otherwise supported on a tripod or bar.
Pryor, 3

hammermill

a. A pulverizing unit consisting of a rotor, fitted with movable hammers,

that is revolved rapidly in a vertical plane within a closely fitting
steel casing. The hammers hit falling rock, which is fractured on impact,
or by collision with other rocks or with the casing. When sufficiently
reduced in size, the pulverized rock escapes through grids in the casing.
Syn:beater mill
b. Coal crusher in which the blow is induced with the aid of centrifugal
force. The coal is broken with the impact and usually dragged across grate
bars in the bottom of the unit. See also:ring crusher

hammerpick

A compressed-air-operated hand machine used by miners to break up the

harder rocks in a mine. It consists mainly of a pick and a hammer operated
by compressed air. The hammer driving the pick is set in a cylinder, where
the compressed air enters and presses the hammer, which in turn drives the
wedge-shaped edge of the pick into the rock in short sufficient shocks of
from 1,500 to 2,000 blows per minute. See also:poll pick
Stoces

hammochrysos

A stone, the appearance of which suggested sand veined with gold, perhaps
mottled jasper. Webster 2nd

hammock structure

The intersection of two vein or fracture systems at an acute angle.

AGI

hand

Measurement of height of mine haulage animals equivalent to 4 in (10.2

cm).

hand auger

A screwlike tool much like a large carpenters' bit or a short cylindrical

container with cutting lips attached to a rod and operated by hand and
used to bore shallow holes and obtain samples of soil and other relatively
unconsolidated near-surface materials. CF:auger

hand boring

The drilling of holes by hand for site investigations or for the

exploration of shallow mineral deposits. The hand drill is used for depths
of about 15 m and where the ground is loose or not too hard. CF:auger
Nelson

hand cable

A flexible cable used principally in making electrical connections between

a mining machine and a truck carrying a reel of portable cable. Also
called head cable; butt cable.

hand cleaning

The removal by hand of impurities from coal, or vice versa. BS, 5

hand cobbing

See:cobbing

hand drilling

A historical method of drilling blastholes in rock by hammer and a

hand-held steel or bit. Single-jack drilling was done by one miner. In
double-jack drilling, one miner held the steel for one or two strikers
with hammers. Peele

hand electric lamp

A hand lamp, with battery and fitments similar to a cap lamp except that
it forms a self-contained unit. Nelson

hand filling

a. Scot. Loading coal from face by hand. Pryor, 3

b. Eng. Loading coal from face by hand, but small coals are loaded
separately from large lumps. Pryor, 3
c. See:sublevel stoping

hand frame

An iron barrow used in a foundry. Fay

hand gear

The mechanism for opening the valves of a steam engine by hand in

starting. Standard, 2

hand hammer

Any hammer wielded by hand. A blacksmith's (or miner's) hammer used with
one hand as distinguished from a heavier hammer or sledge. Fay

hand hammer drill

An ordinary rock drill held in the hand and not mounted on a bar or
column. The air leg support is now widely used in tunnels and rock
drilling generally. Nelson

hand jig

Manually operated moving-screen jig used to treat small batches of ore.

The jig box is fixed to a rocking beam and moved up and down in a tank of
water. Pryor, 3

hand lamp

A portable battery-operated lamp incorporating a tungsten filament light

source within a glass of the dome or well-glass type and providing maximum
illumination in the horizontal plane. BS, 13

hand lead
A lead weight attached to a lead line of up to 100 fathoms (183 m), used
in hydrographic surveying. Hammond

handling plant

Equipment for the mechanical movement of dirt, ore, coal, or other

material either horizontally or up an incline, by some form of conveyor,
bucket, chain, or rope. Nelson

hand loader

A miner who loads coal by shovel rather than by machine.

See also:loader

hand mining

The working and winning of coal or mineral by hand and not by machines.
Broadly, hand coal mining would imply hand holing, shot firing, and hand
filling. Nelson

handpicked coal

Coal from which all stones and inferior coal have been picked out by hand;
large lumps. Fay

handpicking

Manual removal of selected fraction of coarse run-of-mine ore, usually

performed on picking belts (belt conveyors) after screening away small
material, perhaps washing off obscure dirt, and crushing pieces too large
for the worker to handle. Hard sorting (Rand) describes picking of banket
when up to 30% of waste rock is removed. See also:sorting
Pryor, 3

hand sampling

a. In prospecting, valuation, and control, use of manual methods for

detaching and reducing to an appropriate size representative samples of
ore. Pryor, 3
b. One of the major breakdowns in ore sampling that includes grab
sampling, trench or channel sampling, fractional selection, coning and
quartering, and pipe sampling. These methods are used in sampling small
batches of ore, etc. CF:mechanical sampling

hand scraper

See:stope scraper

hand selection
The selection by hand of pieces of coal with certain specific qualities
according to surface appearance. BS, 5

handset

A drilling bit in which the diamonds are set into holes drilled into a
malleable-steel bit blank and shaped to fit the diamonds. The hand method
has been almost completely superseded by mechanical setting methods.
CF:mechanical set

hand specimen

A piece of rock of a size that is convenient for megascopic study and for
preserving in a study collection. AGI

hand spraying

A method of dust prevention used in hand-won faces, or in conjunction with

wet cutting in thick seams. The sprays are controlled by the colliers who
wet the face and the broken coal before loading. Sprays must be connected
with the pipeline through the face by means of flexible hoses; one spray
for every 20 yd (18.3 m) of face is usually sufficient. Mason

hand tramming

Pushing of cars by manpower. It is limited to mines of small output, to

prospects, and to work where mechanical haulage would not be justified.
See also:manual haulage

hand whip

A counterpoised sweep for raising water from shallow pits.

handyman

A person employed to do various kinds of work. Fay

hang

a. To suspend casing or pipe in a borehole in a clamp resting on blocks at

the collar of the hole. Long
b. To suspend drill string or other downhole equipment in the drill
derrick or tripod either on the hoisting line or on hooks provided in the
crown block for that purpose. Long

hanger

a. See:hanging wall; hanging bolts.

b. Scot. The hook of a miner's lamp. Fay
c. Something that hangs, overhangs, or is suspended. Webster 3rd
d. A frame containing a bearing for a shafting. Standard, 2

hangfire

An explosive charge that is not properly detonated and burns and may
eventually result in a detonation at some nondetermined time.
See also:hung shot

hanging bolts

Rods of round iron, used in shaft construction to suspend wallplates. In

concrete-lined shafts hanging rods give reinforcement, the top set being
concreted into the shaft collar and others hooked on below, with periodic
consolidation in strong rock strata as the shaft is deepened. Sometimes
called hangers. Pryor, 3; Fay

hanging coal

A portion of the coal seam which, by undercutting, has had its natural
support removed. Fay

hanging deal

Aust. Planks used to suspend a lower curb from the one above it, in cases
where backing deals are necessary. Fay

hanging its water

Scot. The bucket is said to hang its water when it fails to pump on
account of a faulty valve, or air between the bucket and the valve, the
column of water above the bucket being sufficient to prevent the opening
of the bucket lids.

hanging-on

Eng. The pit bottom, level, or inset at which the cages are loaded.
Fay

hanging pulley

A small fenced pulley hung from the roof or side of a haulage road in
which the tail rope of a main-and-tail haulage is suspended. It keeps the
rope (which is not used for direct haulage of cars) clear of the roadway
and minimizes friction while in motion. The swinging of hanging pulleys
and ropes is a hazard to people traveling on the roadway. Nelson

hanging scaffold

Scot. A movable platform in a shaft attached to a winding rope.

hanging sets

Scot. Timbers from which cribs are suspended in working through soft
strata.

hanging wall

a. The overlying side of an orebody, fault, or mine working, esp. the wall
rock above an inclined vein or fault. See also:wall; walls; top wall.
Syn:hanger
b. Sticking or wedging of part of the charge in a blast furnace.
Fay

hanging wall drift

In the United States, a horizontal gallery driven in the hanging wall of a

vein. Nelson

hanging wall of a fault

The upper wall of an inclined fault plane. Ballard

hang-up

Underground, blockage of ore pass or chute by rock. Pryor, 3

haplite

See:aplite

hard

a. Containing certain mineral salts in solution, esp. calcium carbonate;

said of water having more than 8 to 10 grains/gal (137 to 171 mg/L) of
such matter to the gallon. Standard, 2
b. Solid; compact; difficult to break or scratch.
See also:hardness scale

hard bottom

A condition encountered in some open-cut mines wherein the rock

occasionally will not be broken down to grade because of an extra-hard
streak of ground or because not enough explosive is used. This is called a
"hard bottom"; it interferes with work and puts undue strain on a shovel.
Such unbroken ores usually are drilled with a jackhammer and blasted.

hard coal
a. All coal of higher rank than lignite. BS, 4
b. In the United States, the term is restricted to anthracite.
See also:anthracite

hard-coal plow

A plow type of cutter loader for cutting the harder coal seams. It
consists of stepped kerving bits that precut the coal, leaving the
unstressed coal to be cut by the following bits. The kerving bits may be
either rigid or swiveling. See also:rapid plow
Nelson

hardebank

Unaltered kimberlite below the zone of blue ground. CF:blue ground

AGI

hardened steel

Steel that has been hardened by quenching from or above the hardening
temperature. Fay

hardener

An alloy, rich in one or more alloying elements, added to a melt either to

permit closer composition control than is possible by addition of pure
metals or to introduce refractory elements not readily alloyed with the
base metal. ASM, 1

hardening

Metallurgical process in which iron or suitable alloy is quenched by

abrupt cooling from or through a critical temperature range.
See also:precipitation hardening

hardening media

Liquids into which steel is plunged in hardening. They include cold water,
various oils, and water containing sodium chloride or hydroxide to
increase the cooling power. CTD

hard ground

Rock that is difficult to work.

Hardgrove number

Empirical index of grindability of ores or minerals, reached as result of

comminution of a test sample under stated conditions of control.
Pryor, 3
Hardgrove test

This test utilizes a special grindability mill of the ring-and-ball type,

in which a 50-gm portion of closely sized coal is ground for 60
revolutions. This method is of the constant-work type; i.e., a fixed
amount of work is expended on each coal, and a grindability value is
determined from the size composition of the ground material.
Mitchell

hardhat

Slang term for a safety hat. BCI

hardhead

a. A hard knob or knot formed by extreme cementation of sandstone.

b. A large, smooth rounded stone found esp. in coarse gravel.
c. A tunnel in a coal mine driven through rock. Syn:hard heading
d. A hard, brittle, white residue obtained in refining tin by liquation,
containing, among other things, tin, iron, arsenic, and copper. Also, a
refractory lump or ore only partly smelted. ASM, 1

hard heading

A heading driven in rock. In S. Wales and elsewhere, men employed in hard

headings have suffered greatly from silicosis. Syn:hardhead
See also:stone drift

Hardinge mill

Cylindroconical ball mill, made in three sections--a flattish cone at feed

end followed by a cylindrical drum, and finishing with a steep cone
leading to the discharge trunnion. The tricone mill has wedge-shaped
liners in the drum section that turn this into a gentle conic frustrum
widest at the feed end. Pryor, 3

Hardinge thickener

A machine for removing the maximum amount of liquid from a mixture of

liquid and finally divided solids. The solids settle out on the bottom of
the thickener tank as a sludge, and the clear liquid overflows at the top
of the tank. It is used for processing chemical, metallurgical, and
coal-washing slurries. Nelson

hard kiln

A muffle kiln fired at a temperature between that of enamel and gloss

kilns. CTD

hard mica
Mica that, when slightly flexed or distorted with thumb pressure,
generally does not show any tendency to delaminate. Such mica, in thick
pieces, will give an almost metallic sound when tapped or dropped on a
hard surface. Skow

hard needles (or inclusions)

A term applied in the grading of quartz crystals to fairly large

needlelike inclusions or imperfections that appear to be hard.
Am. Mineral., 2

hardness

a. Quality of water based on the presence of dissolved calcium or

magnesium. See also:hard water
b. As used by individuals associated with the drilling and bit-setting
industry, the relative ability of a mineral to scratch another mineral or
to be penetrated by a Knoop indenter. See also:hardness test
Long
c. Of a brittle mineral, the resistance to scratching or abrasion by
another mineral, e.g., the Mohs scale of relative hardness, which ranges
from 1 (talc) to 10 (diamond), or the Povarennykh scale from 1 (talc
[001]) to 15 (bort diamond [111]). See also:hardness scale
d. Resistance of a metal to plastic deformation by indentors of various
shapes as defined by the Brinell, Knoop, Rockwell, and Vickers scales.

hardness gage

See:hardness points

hardness pencils

See:hardness points

hardness plates

A series of small pieces of minerals of differing hardness, polished flat,

and set side by side in cement, for testing hardness of another mineral,
which is drawn across one piece after another, beginning with the hardest,
until it scratches one.

hardness points

Small pieces of minerals of differing hardness, with one end pointed and
affixed to small handles of wood, metal, or plastic, to be held in hand
and used for testing hardness of another mineral, by ascertaining which
points will scratch it. Minerals of hardness 6 to 10 are usually used as
points for testing gem stones. Syn:hardness gage; hardness pencils.

hardness scale
a. The scale by which the hardness of a mineral is determined as compared
with a standard. The Mohs scale is as follows: talc, gypsum, calcite,
fluorite, apatite, orthoclase, quartz, topaz, corundum, and diamond. Also
called Mohs scale. See also:hard; hardness; hardness test. Fay
b. Quantitative units by means of which the relative hardness of minerals
and metals can be determined, which for convenience is expressed in Mohs,
Knoop, or scleroscope units for minerals and Vickers, Brinell, or Rockwell
units for metals. Long

hardness table

Any listing of substances as to their comparative hardness.

hardness test

A determination of the relative hardness of a mineral, such as scratch

hardness, as made on a specimen, using appropriate hardness-testing
apparatus and techniques. See also:hardness; hardness scale.
Long

hardness wheel

A hand instrument in which hardness points are set as equidistant spokes

of a rimless wheel, permitting a more rapid selection of points in testing
hardness.

hardpan

a. A layer of gravel encountered in the digging of a gold placer,

occurring 1 to 2 m below the ground surface and partly cemented with
limonite. AGI
b. A popular term used loosely to designate any relatively hard layer that
is difficult to excavate or drill; e.g., a thin resistant layer of
limestone interbedded with easily drilled soft shales. AGI
c. See:caliche

hard radiation

Ionizing radiation of short wavelength and high penetration. NCB

hard rock

a. A term used loosely for igneous or metamorphic rock, as distinguished

from sedimentary rock. AGI
b. A rock that is relatively resistant to erosion. AGI
c. Rock that requires drilling and blasting for its economical removal.
CF:soft rock

hard-rock drilling
Drilling done in dense

hard-rock geology

A colloquial term for geology of igneous and metamorphic rocks, as opposed

to soft-rock geology. AGI

hard-rock mine

A mine in hard rock; esp. one difficult to drill, blast, and square up.
Hess

hard-rock miner

A worker competent to mine in hard rock. Usually used to indicate an

expert miner as compared with one fit only to mine in soft rocks.
Hess

hard rock minerals

Solid minerals, as distinguished from oil and gas, esp. those solid
minerals found in hard rocks. Williams

hard-rock mining

Mining that takes place in igneous and metamorphic rock by means of

drilling and blasting to extract the ore. SME, 1

hard-rock phosphate

A term used in Florida for pebbles and boulders of a hard massive

homogeneous light-gray phosphorite, showing irregular cavities that are
usually lined with secondary mammillary incrustations of calcium
phosphate. It is essentially equivalent to the term "white-bedded
phosphate" that is used in Tennessee. AGI

hard-rock tunnel boring

A technique utilizing a machine called a boring machine to bore large

horizontal openings in rock or coal.

hards

a. A commercial term for the larger sizes of dull, hard coal, in contrast
to brights. BS, 4
b. See:durain
c. In the United States, this term is used for anthracite.
Tomkeieff

hard seat
See:seat earth

hard solder

Any solder that melts only at a red heat; used in soldering silver, etc.
Fay

hard sorting

See:handpicking

hard spar

A name applied to both corundum and andalusite. Fay

hard vector

Due to the arrangement of the molecules within some mineral crystals, such
as diamond, the substance is found to be harder in certain planes or
directions in relation to the axes of the mineral crystals. These hard
planes are referred to as hard vectors. CF:soft vector
Long

hard water

Water that does not lather readily when used with soap, and that forms a
scale in containers in which it has been allowed to evaporate; water with
more than 60 mg/L of hardness-forming constituents, expressed as CaCO (sub
3) equivalent. See also:hardness; total hardness of water;
temporary hardness of water. CF:soft water

hard way

a. A term used in slate quarrying to describe the third direction at right

angles to both slaty cleavage and rift, in which there is no tendency to
split. It is known as the hard way and designated locally as the sculp.
b. In granite quarrying, the direction at right angles to both rift and
run is called the hard way or head grain. See also:cutoff; tough way.
Sometimes spelled hardway. AIME, 1

hard white ore

Georgia bauxite containing less than 1% ferric oxide. Fay

Hardwick conveyor loader head

A dust collector for belt conveyors used at the loading station. The
delivery pulley of the main gate conveyor is used to drive a scraper
chain. The latter is arranged to run at half the belt speed by means of
chains and sprockets, and the scraper chain runs at the bottom of a long
hopper to the point where the coal is delivered into the trams. The
underbelt fines are collected on the scraper chain after having been
released from the belt by means of a snub pulley. The whole arrangement is
housed in a sheet-steel cover to which rubber flaps are attached. Side
spillage and the escape of dust over the side of the trams is prevented by
means of rubber flaps. Mason

hardypick drifting machine

A heavy electric rotary drilling machine for blasting work in mine

tunneling. It consists of a chassis mounted on continuous tracks,
turntable, boom, drilling machines, and various controls, and can be
operated by two people. Nelson

Harman process

A method for producing direct from ore an iron in the form of either
sinter or pig that is suitable for charging in steel furnaces. Ore,
limestone, and carbon in the form of coal, coke, or oil coke in the
proportions of 40:8:5 are dried, crushed to about 1/16 in (1.6 mm),
intimately mixed, and fed into the upper end of a sloping rotary kiln.
Osborne

harmful dust

Generally, any airborne particulate matter that is fibrogenic (harmful to

the respiratory system), carcinogenic (capable of causing cancer),
radioactive, or toxic. Hartman, 2

harmless depth theory

A hypothesis based largely on the dome theory, which states that there is
a certain harmless depth below which mining could be carried on without
risk of damage to the surface. Subsidence observations at present working
depths do not support this theory. Nelson

harmonic

A sinusoidal quantity having a frequency that is an integral multiple of

the frequency of a periodic quantity to which it is related. Hy

harmonic crystal

A crystal designed to oscillate at an integral multiple of its fundamental

frequency. Am. Mineral., 2

harmonic folding

Folding in which the strata remain parallel or concentric, without

structural discordances between them, and in which there are no sudden
changes in the form of the folds at depth. Ant: disharmonic folding.
AGI

harmotome

A monoclinic mineral, (Ba,K)1-2 (Si,Al)8 O16 .6H (sub

2) O ; zeolite group; in hydrothermal veins, vugs in igneous rocks,
manganese ores, saline lakes. Syn:cross-stone

harpolith

a. A large, sickle-shaped igneous intrusion that was injected into

previously deformed strata and was subsequently deformed with the host
rock by horizontal stretching or orogenic forces. AGI
b. Essentially a phacolith with a vertical axis. AGI

harrie

Scot. To rob; to take all the coal that can conveniently be mined without
attempting to systematically remove the whole. A variation of harry; to
strip; despoil; to rob. Fay

harriers

Trammers, putters, or drawers employed to convey trucks or tubs from the

working face. They may help load the trucks. CTD

harrisite

a. Chalcocite pseudomorphous after galena. Holmes, 2

b. A phanerocrystalline rock composed essentially of black, lustrous,
cleavable olivine with anorthite and a little augite. Holmes, 2

Harris process

Process for removing arsenic, antimony, tin, and zinc from virgin or
secondary lead by agitating the molten metal with molten caustic soda and
salt. All undesirable metals are oxidized, and the oxides are dissolved in
the caustic, with the exception of silver, which is removed in a
subsequent desilvering operation. CCD, 2

harrock

Hard chalk. Arkell

harrow

A pole with teeth in it, which revolves in a puddling trough to puddle

auriferous clay. Gordon
hartine

See:hartite

hartite

Hydrocarbon occurring in brown coal as transparent masses or small, waxy

triclinic crystals. Syn:hartine; josen. Tomkeieff

Hartley gravimeter

An early form (1932) of stable gravimeter consisting of a weight suspended

from a spiral spring, a hinged lever, and a compensating spring for
restoring the system to a null position. AGI

hartleyite

A variety of oil shale from Hartley, New South Wales. Tomkeieff

hartsalz

Hard salt, a mixture of sylvinite and kieserite, with some anhydrite,

found in the Stassfuert salt deposits Kaufmann

hartschiefer

A strongly banded and partly schistose rock; associated with other rocks
of mylonitic habit, in which the alternating bands have been produced from
ultramylonite by recrystallization and metamorphic differentiation.
Holmes, 2

Harvey process

Method of carburizing the surface layers of low-carbon steel, followed by

rapid chilling. Pryor, 3

harzburgite

A variety of peridotite that consists essentially of olivine and enstatite

or bronzite.

Harz jig

A jig in which pulsion is given intermittently with suction; the periods

devoted to them are about equal. See also:hodge jig; jig.
Liddell

Hasenclever turntable
This type of turntable is used as an alternative to the shunt-back or the
traverser for changing the direction of mine cars or tubs, either on the
surface or underground. A pulley driven by a creeper chain bringing along
the cars is on the same vertical axis as the turntable and is so disposed
that when a car is on the table two of its wheels rest on its central
pulley while the other two rest on the outer edge of the turntable.
Sinclair, 5

hassing

See:hasson

hasson

Scot. A vertical gutter between water rings in a shaft. Syn:hassing

See also:gauton

Hastings beds

A series of clay and sand deposits in the Lower Cretaceous of southeast

England; the Fairlight Clays at the base of these deposits have been used
for brickmaking near Hastings and Bexhill. Dodd

hatch conveyor

Any of several types of conveyors adapted to loading or unloading bulk

materials, packages, or objects to or from ships or barges.
See also:belt conveyor CF:portable conveyor

hatchet stake

A small anvil on which to bend sheet metal. Standard, 2

hatchettine

A yellowish-white, wax-yellow, or greenish-yellow paraffin wax usually

found inside ironstone nodules and geodes in coalbeds or limestone. It
melts at 55 to 65 degrees C, is sparingly soluble in boiling alcohol and
cold ether, and is decomposed by concentrated sulfuric acid.
Syn:mineral tallow

hatchettite

A naturally occurring soft paraffin wax; forms veinlike masses in

ironstone nodules associated with coal-bearing strata, South Wales; in
limestone cavities, France. Syn:adipocerite; adipocire;
mineral adipocire; mineral tallow. See also:grave wax
CF:ozocerite

hatchettolite
A former name for uran-pyrochlore.

hatching

a. Brist. An underground way or self-acting inclined plane, in a thin seam

of coal, extending from 60 to 80 yd (55 to 73 m) to the rise. Fay
b. See:hachure

hatchure

See:hachure

Hatfield process

Dielectric separation process. Pryor, 3

hat rollers

Hat-shaped metal guides for ropeways around bends. Pryor, 3

hauchecornite

The mineral group arsenohauchecornite, bismutohauchecornite,

hauchecornite, tellurohauchecornite, and tucekite.

haul

a. The distance from the coal face to pit bottom or surface; the distance
quarry or opencast products must be moved to the treatment plant or
construction site; the distance from the shaft or opencast pit to spoil
dump. Nelson
b. Average haul; the average distance a grading material is moved from cut
to fill. Nichols, 1
c. In the construction of an embankment by depositing material from a
cutting, the haul is the sum of the products of each load by its haul
distance. CTD

haulabout

A steel barge with large hatchways and coal transporters used for coaling
ships. Webster 3rd

haulage

a. The drawing or conveying, in cars or otherwise, or movement of workers,

supplies, ore, and waste both underground and on the surface.
Lewis
b. In dividing the transportation system according to the area served
there is (1) primary or face haulage, (2) secondary haulage, and (3)
main-line haulage. See also:transport; intermediate haulage;
relay haulage; locomotive haulage; underground haulage. Kentucky
c. Applied generally to track mining as opposed to conveyor mining,
although belt conveyor systems are sometimes referred to as belt haulage.
BCI
d. The system of hauling coal out of a mine. Korson
e. S. Afr. A drive used for mechanical transport. Beerman

haulage boss

In bituminous coal mining, a foreperson who supervises mine haulage

operations underground or at the surface. DOT

haulage brake

See:brake

haulage cars

Rail haulage cars for surface or mine shaft operations that are used to
carry ore and equipment to and from the digging site. Best, 1

haulage chain

In the early days chains were used in haulage in and around mines. Wire
rope has displaced them. Korson

haulage clip

A device to effect a secure attachment of tub to the haulage top, chiefly

with endless rope haulage. The usual type attains the grip on the rope by
two jaws that may be tightened by either a screw or a lever movement. The
connection of the clip to the tub is usually made to the drawbar by a hook
or link. The clip must maintain a sure grip on the rope and be capable of
easy and quick manipulation. See also:automatic clip; clip.
Nelson

haulage conveyor

Generally 500 to 3,000 ft (152 to 915 m) in length. It is used to

transport material between the gathering conveyor and the outside. Haulage
conveyors are commonly classified as either intermediate or main haulage
conveyors. See also:underground mine conveyor

haulage curve

A bend in a haulage road, which may be horizontal, vertical, or both. On

main haulage roads, curves may be 100 ft (30.5 m) in radius or more. With
a good rail track and smooth curves, haulage speeds up to 20 mph (32.2
km/h) can be maintained. A useful rule for determining the minimum radius
of curvature for tramming is R = 12 to 15 x W; for locomotive haulage R =
20 to 25 x W, where W is the maximum wheel base of the rolling stock or
locomotive. Nelson

haulage drum

A large cylinder on to which the steel haulage rope is coiled. The rope is
attached to the drum by passing it inside and looping it about the drum
shaft, and securing the loose end to the rope by rope clamps. The excess
length of rope is coiled around the drum to provide for recapping during
its useful life. Nelson

haulage hand

A worker fully employed on the haulage system in a mine. Nelson

haulage mine locomotive

See:electric haulage mine locomotive

haulage plant

A mechanical installation for the tramming of rock, ore, or coal; operated

by ropes, compressed air, or electricity. Weed, 2

haulage rope

a. A rope used for haulage purposes. Zern

b. A wire rope composed of six strands of seven wires each. Lewis

haulage stage

A mine roadway along which a load is moved by a single form of haulage

without coupling or uncoupling of cars and without transfer from one form
of haulage to another. Nelson

haulageway

The gangway, entry, or tunnel through which loaded or empty mine cars are
hauled by animal or mechanical power. Fay

haulaway

An excavation method that involves hauling the spoil away from the hole.
Nichols, 1

haulback mining

Method of surface mining in which the overburden is hauled from over the
ore or coal in trucks to a holding area and hauled back after the ore or
coal has been removed. SME, 1
haul-cycle time

The time it takes the scraper or truck to haul a load to the dumping area
and return to position in the loading area.

haul distance

The distance measured along the center line or most direct practical route
between the center of the mass of excavation and the center of mass of the
fill as finally placed. It is the distance material is moved.
Nichols, 1

hauling

The drawing or conveying of the product of the mine from the working
places to the bottom of the hoisting shaft, or slope. Zern

hauling engine

An engine employed to move tubs on an underground engine plane.

Peel

haul road

A road built to carry heavily loaded trucks at a good speed. The grade is
limited on this type of road and usually kept to less than 17% of climb in
direction of load movement.

haunt

Coal sold at the pithead. Nelson

hausmannite

a. A mineral, Mn2+ Mn23+ O4 . In

tetragonal octahedrons and twins; also granular massive, particles
strongly coherent. Luster submetallic. Color, brownish-black.
Syn:black manganese
b. A tetragonal mineral, Mn2+ Mn3+2 O4 ;
pseudocubic; in submetallic, commonly twinned crystals in high-temperature
hydrothermal veins, contact metamorphic deposits associated with felsic
igneous rocks; also an alteration product of manganese ores by meteoric
waters; associated with psilomelane in the Batesville district, Arkansas.

hauyne

An isometric mineral, [(Na,Ca)4-8 Al6 Si6 (O,S) (sub

24) (SO4 ,Cl)1-2D2 ] ; sodalite group; crystallizes in
dodecahedra and octahedra with dodecahedral cleavage; an accessory mineral
in alkaline igneous rocks, esp. extrusives, commonly associated with
nepheline or leucite. Also spelled haueyne, hauynite.

hauynite

A blue feldspathoid, crystallizing in the cubic system, consisting

essentially of silicate of aluminum and sodium with sodium sulfate,
(Na,Ca)4-8 Al6 Si6 (O,S)24 (SO4 ,Cl)
1-2 . Also spelled haueynite. Also called hauyne. Syn:sapphirine
Dana, 4

haueynitite

A plutonic or hypabyssal rock composed chiefly of hauyne and pyroxene,

usually titanaugite. Small amounts of feldspathoids and sometimes
plagioclase and/or olivine are present. Apatite, sphene, and opaque oxides
occur as accessories. See also:haueynophyre

haueynophyre

An extrusive rock similar in composition to a leucitophyre but containing

haueyne in place of some of the leucite. Other possible phases include
nepheline, augite, magnetite, apatite, melilite, and mica. A partial syn.
of haueynitite; some rocks are called haueynophyre when haueyne is a
conspicuous mineral but not necessarily a major constituent.
See also:haueynitite

Hauy's law

Every crystal of precise chemical structure and purity has a specific and
characteristic shape. Pryor, 3

Hauzeur furnace

A double furnace for the distillation of zinc wherein waste heat from one
set of retorts is utilized for heating the second set. Fay

Hawaiian peridot

A gem-quality variety of olivine (forsterite) in Hawaii; forms phenocrysts

in basalt; also in derived sands.

hawaiite

a. A gem variety of olivine from the lavas of the Hawaiian Islands. It

contains little iron and is pale green.
b. As defined by Iddings in 1913, an olivine basalt with andesine as the
normative plagioclase (thus differing from true basalt, in which the
normative plagioclase is more calcic). It generally, but not always, lacks
normative quartz, and commonly contains normative and modal olivine.
Hawaiite is intermediate in composition between alkali olivine basalt and
mugearite, and grades into both. See also:mugearite; trachybasalt.
AGI

hawk's-eye

A transparent colorless quartz containing closely packed, parallel fibers

of crocidolite that impart to it a blue color. In form and sheen, it
resembles tigereye to which it alters geologically. Differs from sapphire
quartz, in which fibers are not parallel. Also spelled hawkeye.
CF:tiger's-eye

hawleyite

An isometric mineral, CdS ; sphalerite group; dimorphous with greenockite;

occurs as yellow powder on sphalerite.

hawser

A large rope, varying from 5 to 24 in (12.7 to 61.0 cm) in circumference,

of 6 to 9 strands and left-handed twist. Standard, 2

hawser laid

a. Of fiber rope, one with three strands of yarn twisted left-handed,

these strands being laid up right-handed. Pryor, 3
b. If wire rope, it is called cable laid. Pryor, 3

Hayden process

A series method of electrolytic refining. Unrefined copper anodes are

suspended in an acid electrolyte; one side of each then acts as an anode
and the other as a cathode. Pryor, 3

Hay mist projector

This projector can be made at any colliery workshop from a few short
pieces of piping and an old oil drum. It may be fixed in the drum or in an
open tank of larger capacity placed 12 to 15 yd (11.0 to 13.7 m) back from
the face of the hard heading. To the water in the drum, powdered washing
soda is added at the ratio of 4 oz (113.4 g) to 5 gal (18.9 L) of water.
About 2 min before firing, compressed air is turned on and ejections of
water in the form of a coarse mist fill the heading. This continues for a
period of 6 min after the firing. In this manner, the heading is filled
with a mist of droplets that outnumber the dust particles; the latter are
effectively wetted or become attached to the droplets, with the result
that the dust rapidly settles out of the air. This mist projector has a
high efficiency, particularly where the ventilation current is low.
Mason
hazel

N. of Eng. In coal mining, a tough mixture of sandstone and shale; also,

freestone, flagstone, or chert.

Hazelett process

A method for casting liquid metal or steel continuously into rolls for
sheet or plate. The steel is poured on to the outer surface of a broad
steel cylinder of very large diameter (up to 6 m) that is supported and
revolved by a roller turning inside it. The molten steel is carried a
short distance to a roller revolving above the ring, which rolls the
almost solidified steel into a thin plate or strip. Osborne

head

a. Any road, level, or other passage driven in coal, etc., for the purpose
of proving and working the mine.
b. The top portion of a seam in the coal face. CTD
c. The whole falling unit in a stamp battery, or merely the weight at the
end of the stem. CTD
d. The top end of the boring rods above the surface.
e. Core-barrel head.
f. In gravity separation of a feed, the heads are the concentrates.
Opposite of tail. Pryor, 3
g. Variously used as a syn. for core-barrel head; drill head; swivel head.
Long
h. The attitude or direction in a massive crystalline rock along which
fracture is most difficult. It is normal to the grain and rift.
i. The difference in air pressure producing ventilation. CTD
j. In mineral processing, the mill head, or grade of ore, accepted by the
mill for treatment. Commonly used in the plural.
k. The height of water above any point or plane of reference. Used also in
various compounds, such as energy head, entrance head, friction head,
static head, pressure head, lost head, etc. Seelye, 1
l. A unit of pressure intensity usually given in inches or feet
(millimeters or meters) of a column of the fluid under consideration.
Thus, 1 ft (or m) of water head is the pressure from a column of water 1
ft (or m) high. Strock, 2
m. The upper bend of a fold or structural terrace. CF:foot
Syn:upper break
n. An advance main roadway driven in solid coal. CTD
o. Development openings in a coal seam. Pryor, 3
p. Total head (th). Also called head on pump.
q. So. Staff. A shift or day's work by the stint in heading-out, or
driving of dead work. Fay
r. To cut or otherwise form a narrow passage or head. Fay
s. A lift. Fay
t. As applied to rock, natural planes of cleavage at right angles to the
grain and the rift of the rock. Stauffer
u. Rubble drift on the cliffs of southern England. Standard, 2

headache post

A timber set under the walking beam to prevent it from falling on members
of the drilling crew when it is disconnected. Williams

headblock

a. A stop at the head of a slope or shaft to stop cars from going down the
shaft or slope. Fay
b. A cap piece. Fay
c. A heavy obstruction placed end-on across the rail to prevent the
passage of a runaway mine car. Hudson
d. The crosstie that supports the toes of the switch. Zern
e. Commonly used as a syn. for crown block; sheave wheel. Long

headboard

a. A wedge of wood placed against the hanging wall, and against which one
end of the stull is jammed. Zern
b. A horizontal board in the roof of a heading, touching the earth above
and supported by a headtree at each side. Hammond

headbox

A device for distributing a suspension of solids in water to a machine at

a constant rate, or for retarding the rate of flow, as to a top-feed
filter or for eliminating by overflow some of the finest particles.
BS, 5

head coal

Scot. Formerly, the stratum of a coal next to the roof. More usually now,
the top portion of a coal seam when left unworked, either permanently or
afterwards taken down; the top coal on a loaded wagon. Fay

head end

a. Usually the ultimate delivery end of a conveyor.

b. That part of a mining belt conveyor that includes the head section, a
power unit, and, if required, the connecting section and a belt takeup.
NEMA, 2

header

a. Pieces of plank--longer than a cap--extending over more of the roof and

supported by two props, one at each end. Ricketts
b. An entry-boring machine, called a road header, which bores the entire
section of the entry in one operation. Fay
c. The person in charge of driving a heading. CTD
d. A rock that heads off or delays progress. Fay
e. A blasthole at or above the head. Fay
f. A masonry unit laid flat with its greatest dimension perpendicular to
the face of the wall; generally used to tie two wythes of masonry
together. ACSG, 1
g. A large pipe into which one set of boilers is connected by suitable
nozzles or tees, or similar large pipes from which a number of smaller
ones lead to consuming points. Headers are essentially branch pipes with
many outlets, which are usually parallel. Strock, 1

head flat trimmer

In bituminous coal mining, a foreman who is in charge of workers picking

impurities from coal as it is dumped into railroad cars at the mine
surface. DOT

headframe

a. The steel or timber frame at the top of a shaft, which carries the
sheave or pulley for the hoisting rope and serves various other purposes.
Also called gallows frame; hoist frame; head stocks. CTD; Hess
b. The shaft frame, sheaves, hoisting arrangements, dumping gear, and
connected works at the top of a shaft or pit. Also called headgear.
Pryor, 3
c. Includes all the raised structure around the shaft that is used for
loading and unloading cages. Mason
d. Can. Gallows over the shaft to which cable for hoisting is attached.
Hoffman

headgear

a. See:headframe
b. That portion of the winding machinery attached to the headframe, or the
headframe and its auxiliary machinery. Fay

head grain

See:hard way

headhouse

a. The house or building that encloses the headframe. Fay

b. The structure on a hillside to control the lowering of coal to the
tipple. BCI

heading
a. A passage leading from the gangway, commonly at right angles in a coal
mine. Korson
b. A smaller excavation driven in advance of the full-size section; it may
also be driven laterally, as a cross heading or side drift. A heading may
be driven at the top or the bottom of the full-size face. Stauffer
c. The vein above a drift. Fay
d. An interior level or airway driven in a mine. Fay
e. A road in the solid strata but also in the seam; a road in solid coal.
Mason
f. In a tunnel, a digging face and its work area; the end of a drift or
gallery that is being advanced by the mining operation. Nichols, 1
g. A gangway, entry, or airway. Hudson
h. The gravel bank above a sluice in a placer. Standard, 2
i. A continuous passage between two rooms, breasts, or other working
places. Fay
j. A collection of close joints. Fay
k. Sometimes applied to the preliminary drift or pioneer bench in tunnel
driving. Fay

heading-and-bench

A method of tunneling in hard rock. The heading is in the upper part of

the section and is driven only a round or two in advance of the lower part
or bench. Fraenkel

heading-and-bench mining

A stoping method used in thicker ore where it is customary first to take

out a slice or heading 7 to 8 ft (2.1 to 2.4 m) high directly under the
top of the ore and then to bench or stope down the ore between the bottom
of the heading and the bottom of the ore or floor of the level. The
heading is kept a short distance in advance of the bench or stope.
Syn:heading-and-stope mining

heading and stall

See:room-and-pillar

heading-and-stope mining

See:heading-and-bench mining

heading blast

A method of quarry blasting in which the explosive is confined in small

tunnel chambers inside the quarry face. The charges are placed at suitable
intervals according to the burden to be blasted. In large blasts, several
tunnels and cross tunnels may be employed. See also:chamber
Syn:tunnel blast
heading-overhand bench

The heading is the lower part of the section and is driven at least a
round or two in advance of the upper part, which is taken out by overhand
excavating. Syn:inverted heading and bench

headings

a. Coarse gravel or drift overlying placer deposits. Fay

b. The portion of a vein that is above a level.
c. Highly jointed parts of granite. Arkell
d. In ore beneficiation, the purest ore obtained by washing, as opposed to
middlings and tailings. Also called concentrates. See also:heads

heading seam

See:joint

heading side

See:footwall

heading wall

See:footwall

headline

In dredging, the line that holds the dredge up to its digging front. This
line is anchored well ahead of the dredge pond or paddock and attached to
a winch on the dredge. Lateral movement is controlled by sidelines
similarly led from winches to land anchorages, usually two on each side.
See also:sideline

head motion

Vibrator of shaking table that imparts reciprocating motion to the deck.

Pryor, 3

head-of-hollow fill

A fill structure consisting of any materials, other than a coal processing

waste or organic material, placed in the uppermost reaches of a hollow
where side slopes of the existing hollow measured at the steepest point
are greater than 20 degrees , or the average slope of the profile of the
hollow from the toe of the fill to the top of the fill is greater than 10
degrees . In fills with less than 250,000 yd3 (191,000 m (super
3) ) of material, associated with steep slope mining, the top surface of
the fill will be at the elevation of the coal seam. In all other
head-of-hollow fills, the top surface is the fill, which when completed,
is at approx. the same elevation as the adjacent ridge line, and no
significant area of natural drainage occurs above the fill draining into
the fill areas.

head piles

The top poling boards in a heading. Stauffer

head pulley

a. The discharge pulley of the conveyor. It may be either an idler pulley

or a drive pulley. A head pulley that is mounted on a boom is termed an
extended head pulley; a head pulley that is separately mounted is termed a
detached head pulley. NEMA, 2
b. The crowned pulley or idler mounted at the extreme front end or
delivery point of a belt conveyor. The belt, after passing around this
pulley, begins its travel toward the tail end or foot section of the
conveyor. Jones, 1

head-pulley-drive conveyor

A conveyor in which the belt is driven by the head pulley without a snub
pulley. NEMA, 2

head-pulley-snub-drive conveyor

A conveyor in which the belt is driven by the head pulley with a snub
pulley. NEMA, 2

headrace

Sluice aqueduct, leat, or launder that leads water to head of operation or

to waterwheel. A forebay. Pryor, 3

headroom

Height between the floor and the roof in a mine opening. Long

headrope

In any system of rope haulage, the rope that is used to pull the loaded
transportation device toward the discharge point. In scraper loader work,
the headrope pulls the loaded scoop from the face to the dumping point.
Jones, 1

heads

a. In ore dressing, the feed to a concentrating system. CF:tails

b. Low-grade material overlying an alluvial placer. AGI
c. In New York and Pennsylvania, a local term applied by bluestone
quarrymen to the open joints that run north and south.
d. See:headings
e. Scot. Large top coal on a loaded hutch.
f. Aust. Small faults.
g. Low-grade wash overlying the wash proper. Nelson
h. Can. Material taken from ore in treatment plant and containing the
valuable metallic constituents. Opposite of tails. Hoffman

head section

A term used in both belt and chain conveyor work to designate that portion
of the conveyor used for discharging the coal. Jones, 1

head shaft

The shaft mounted at the delivery end of a chain conveyor, on which is

mounted a sprocket that drives the drag chain. The shaft, in turn, is
driven by means of a drive chain from the speed reducer of the power unit
through a sprocket mounted on the shaft end. Jones, 1

head sheave

Pulley in headgear of the winding shaft over which the hoisting rope runs.
See also:winding sheave

head side

N. Staff. The rise side of a heading driven on the strike.

headsticks

See:headgear; headframe.

headstocks

See:headframe

headsword

Corn. Water discharged through the adit level.

head tank

Any tank or vessel in the water circuit that is used to control the
delivery pressure of the water to the washing units. BS, 5

headtree
a. The horizontal timber at each side of a rectangular heading that
supports the headboard. See also:side trees
b. The cap piece of a heading set. Stauffer

head value

The assay value of the heads or mill feed. Nelson

headwall

a. Retaining wall at both ends of a culvert or similar structure.

Hammond
b. A culvert sidewall; sometimes only the upstream wall.
Nichols, 1

headway

The second set of excavations in post-and-stall work.

See also:crossheading

headwork

a. Arkansas. The cutting and other work done at the face of an entry.
Fay
b. The headframe with the headgear. Webster 2nd

heap

a. Scot. To load up a tub (car) or truck above the top of the sides.
Fay
b. The soil carried above the sides of a body or bucket.
Nichols, 1
c. Newc. The refuse at the pit's mouth.

heap closure

See:heap decommissioning

heap decommissioning

Legal closure of a heap leaching operation. Depends on individual State

regulations, but includes requirements for physical stability and chemical
effluent requirements for metals and pH. A monitoring period is included.
Syn:heap closure

heaped capacity

In scraper or truck loading, a term used to describe the volume of

material the scraper will hold when the material is heaped. Frequently,
sideboards are added to increase the heaped capacity. Heaped capacity will
exceed struck capacity by approx. one-third, depending upon the heaping
condition assumed. CF:struck capacity

heap leaching

A process used for the recovery of copper, uranium, and precious metals
from weathered low-grade ore. The crushed material is laid on a slightly
sloping, impervious pad and uniformly leached by the percolation of the
leach liquor trickling through the beds by gravity to ponds. The metals
are recovered by conventional methods from the solution.

heap matte

Matte produced by heap roasting. Fay

heap rinsing

Method used to remove soluble constituents remaining within a heap leach

pile after the metals concentration decreases to levels below economic
limits. Simple water rinsing, chemical, or biological techniques or
combinations thereof may be employed. Van Zyl

heap roasting

Removal of sulfur from pyritic ore by burning in heaps, perhaps with aid
of fuel. Pryor, 3

heap sampling

Method of reducing a large sample of ore to yield a representative sample.

A conical heap is made by shoveling the material accurately on to the apex
so that it runs down equally all around. The heap can then be flattened
somewhat by rubbing with a spade, and is shoveled into four equal heaps,
the same amount being taken from the base of the cone each time the worker
goes around. Of the four smaller heaps thus formed, two are discarded and
two retained. These may now be crushed to improve the ease of thorough
mixing, and are then formed into another cone in the same way as the
first. The process is repeated, with periodic size reduction of the
retained portions, until the required small sample has been produced.
Pryor, 3

heapstead

The buildings and surface works around a colliery shaft. CTD

hearth

a. The bottom portion of certain furnaces, such as a blast furnace, air

furnace, and reverberatory furnace, in which molten metal is collected or
held. ASM, 1
b. The part of a furnace in which heat is developed for the purpose of
melting glass. CTD
c. A plate or table upon which cylinder glass is flattened.
Standard, 2

hearth and bosh brick

Fireclay brick for use in lining the hearth walls and bosh sections of a
blast furnace. ARI

hearth furnaces

Furnaces in which the charge rests on the hearth or kiln wall and is
heated by hot gases passing over it. Even though hearth furnaces such as
the multiple-hearth roasting furnace and rotary kilns operate on the same
basis as reverberatory furnaces, they bear little resemblance to them.
Newton, 1

hearthplate

A cast-iron plate serving as a sole for a refiner's furnace.

Standard, 2

hearth roasting

A roasting process in which the ore or concentrate enters at the top of a

multiple hearth roaster and drops from hearth to hearth in succession
until it is discharged at the bottom. In the downward progress of the ore,
the sulfide particles are roasted as they come in contact with the heated
air. Newton, 1

heart joint

Scot. A particular form of attachment joint between the bucket rod and the
foot rod of a pump.

heat

a. One operation in a furnace not operating continuously.

Fay; Newton, 1
b. The energy a body possesses because of the motion of its molecules.
Jones, 2
c. Energy in transit from a higher temperature system to a lower
temperature system. The process ends in thermal equilibrium. AGI
d. The material heated, melted, etc., at one time; as, the foundry runs
three heats a day. Standard, 2
e. Form of energy generated or transferred by combustion, chemical
reaction, mechanical means, or passage of electricity, and measurable by
its thermal effects. Pryor, 3
heat balance

a. In furnaces, heat engines, etc., the distribution of the known input of

energy (as heat); also, the method of determining, or the graphical or
tabular record of, such distribution.
b. In fluidization roasting, the thermodynamic calculation used to control
addition or removal of heat in order to maintain the desired temperature
in the reacting vessel. Pryor, 3
c. Equilibrium that exists on the average between the radiation received
by the Earth and its atmosphere from the Sun and that emitted by the Earth
and its atmosphere. That the equilibrium does exist in the mean is
demonstrated by the observed long-term constancy of the Earth's surface
temperature. On the average, regions of the Earth nearer the equator than
about 35 degrees latitude receive more energy from the Sun than they are
able to radiate, whereas latitudes higher than 35 degrees receive less.
The excess of heat is carried from low latitudes to higher latitudes by
atmospheric and oceanic circulations and is reradiated. AGI

heat capacity

That quantity of heat required to increase the temperature of a system by

1 degrees at constant pressure and volume. It is usually expressed in
calories per degree Celsius. Syn:thermal capacity

heat conductivity

See:thermal conductivity

heated stone

A stone that has been artificially heated to the proper temperature with
the intention of improving or completely altering its color. The induced
color is permanent in varieties, such as hyacinth, burnt amethyst, etc.;
less permanent in blue zircon. See also:fired stone
Syn:heat-treated stone; burnt stone. CF:stained stone

heat energy

Energy in the form of heat. Standard, 2

heat engine

A mechanism (as an external-combustion or an internal-combustion engine)

for converting heat energy into mechanical energy. Webster 3rd

heater

In the coke products industry, one who regulates the temperature of

heating flues and combustion of fuel gas used to heat coal in a byproduct
coke oven. DOT
heater drain pump

Self-regulating pumps capable of dealing with water at fairly high

temperatures and pressures. They are used to return heater condensate to
the feed line instead of to waste. Sinclair, 4

heat exchanger

Any device that transfers heat from one medium to another or to the
environment. Lyman

heating back

A chamber back of a forge in which the air intended for the blast is
heated. Standard, 2

heating medium

A fluid used for conveying heat from a heat source to heat-dissipating

devices; includes air, water, and steam. Strock, 2

heatings

The heat generated before an actual mine fire occurs. Heatings, or

incipient fires, are detected in mines by smell and by analysis of air
samples. In mines liable to spontaneous combustion, trained officials and
workers are employed to detect and deal with heatings and fires and they
become expert in these duties. Sinclair, 1

heating surface

a. That surface in a steam boiler or similar apparatus from which heat

passes to the liquid to be evaporated or heated; the fire surface.
Standard, 2
b. Broadly, the area intended for transferring heat. Strock, 2

heating tendency

The ability of a coal to fire spontaneously. This phenomenon can occur

whenever the heat generated from oxidation reactions in a coal exceeds the
heat dissipated. This characteristic varies for different types of coals
and even for coals of the same classification but of different origin.
Smith

heat of combustion

The heat of reaction resulting from the complete burning of a substance

and expressed variously (as in calories per gram or per mole, or esp. for
fuels in British thermal units per pound or per cubic foot).
Webster 3rd
heat of compression

As air passes down shafts and along inclined workings, it is compressed.

Heat is always generated when air is compressed, and although the reverse
process of decompression and cooling takes place as the air ascends the
upcast shaft, the net effect is to raise the air temperature underground.
Mason

heat of crystallization

Heat evolved when unit weight of a salt crystallizes from a large amount
of a saturated solution. Osborne

heat of hydration

The quantity of heat liberated or consumed when a substance takes up

water. Osborne

heat of ionization

The quantity of heat that is absorbed when 1 g equivalent of a substance

is broken up completely into positive and negative ions. Osborne

heat of mixture

That quantity of heat evolved when two liquids that do not react together
are mixed. It is calculated from the temperature change and the specific
heat of the mixture, and expressed in gram-calories per gram of mixture.
Osborne

heat of reaction

The quantity of heat consumed or liberated in a chemical reaction as heat

of combustion, heat of neutralization, or heat of formation. For example,
the number of calories of heat absorbed when 1 g at wt of carbon reacts
with 1 g mol wt of oxygen to form 1 g mol wt of carbon dioxide.
Hackh; Newton, 1

heat of transformation

The quantity of heat accompanying a constitutional change in a solid

chemical compound or metal, e.g., the change from gamma to alpha iron. The
temperature at which one crystalline form of a substance is converted into
another solid modification is known as the transition point or transition
temperature. Osborne

heat of wetting

Heat evolved or absorbed when a liquid and a solid surface are placed in
contact. Osborne
heat pump

A mechanical refrigerating system used for air cooling in the warm season
of the year, which, when the evaporator and condenser effects are
reversed, absorbs heat from the outside air or water in the cold season of
the year and raises it to a higher potential so that it also can be used
for heating. Strock, 2

heat recuperation

The recovery of heat from waste gases. Fay

heat sensitivity

A test that determines the flammability of explosives brought into contact

with flame or heat.

heat transmission coefficient

See:coefficient of heat transmission

heat-treated stone

A (gem) stone that has been artificially heated to change its color.
Syn:heated stone; burnt stone.

heat unit

A unit of quantity of heat; the heat required to raise the unit mass of
water through 1 degree of temperature. CF:calorie;
British thermal unit. Standard, 2; Fay

heat value

The amount of heat obtainable from a fuel and expressed, for example, in
British thermal units per pound. Shell

heave

a. A rising of the floor of a mine caused by its being too soft to resist
the weight on the pillars. See also:creep
b. Upward movement of soil caused by expansion or displacement resulting
from such phenomena as moisture absorption, removal of overburden, driving
of piles, and frost action.
c. Horizontal displacement of strata or other rocks along a fault, as
opposed to the throw or vertical displacement. Arkell
d. The horizontal component of the slip, measured at right angles to the
strike of the fault. Used by J.E. Spurr and A. Geikie for offset. Used by
Jukes Brown for strike slip. Fay
e. CF:upthrow
f. Displacement of mineral vein by faulting. Lifting of floor of
underground working through rock pressure. Pryor, 3
g. Fault or throw in a lode. See also:throw

heavily watered

Scot. Said of a colliery when the escape of water from the strata into the
shaft or workings is abundant, requiring powerful pumping machinery.

heaving

Refers to the rising of the bottom after removal of the coal.

See also:creep

heaving shale

An incompetent or hydrating shale that runs, falls, swells, or squeezes

into a borehole. AGI

heavy crop

Gr. Brit. Collectively, the heavy minerals of a sedimentary rock.

AGI

heavy gold

Gold occurring as large particles. CF:nugget

heavy ground

a. Closing or squeezing ground.

b. Dangerous hanging wall, which sounds hollow when rapped, indicating the
possibility of a rock fall. Pryor, 3

heavy joist

Timber over 4 in (10.2 cm) and less than 6 in (15.2 cm) in thickness and 8
in (20.3 cm) or over in width. Crispin

heavy liquid separation

Separation of ore particles by allowing them to settle through, or float

above, a fluid of intermediate density. Pryor, 3

heavy-media ore

See:natural ore

heavy-media separation
A series of patented processes originally developed for the concentration
of ore, but finding increased usage in coal cleaning. Suspension of
magnetite (sp gr, 5.0) and ferrosilicon (sp gr, 6.7) are usually used for
ore concentration; suspensions of magnetite for coal. The basic features
of these processes as applied to coal are in the methods used for handling
the magnetic medium. Specifications for magnetite should be somewhat as
follows: l00% -100 mesh, 65% to 75% -325 mesh, 85% magnetics, and
wet-ground in a ball or rod mill. See also:dense-media separation
Mitchell

heavy metals

In exploration geochemistry, principally zinc, copper, cobalt, and lead,

but under special conditions including one or more of the following
metals: bismuth, cadmium, gold, indium, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel,
palladium, platinum, silver, thallium, and tin.

heavy mineral

a. An accessory detrital mineral of a sedimentary rock, of high specific

gravity, e.g., magnetite, ilmenite, zircon, rutile. CF:light mineral
b. In igneous petrology, a mafic mineral.
c. Resistant minerals that can be concentrated in the panning of alluvium
and used as mineralogical and geochemical guides in prospecting.
Peters

heavy soil

A fine-grained soil, made up largely of clay or silt. Nichols, 1

heavy spar

See:barite

heavy tiff

Barite in southeast Missouri. Fay

heavy water

Deuterium oxide, D2 O , in which D is the symbol for deuterium

(heavy hydrogen or hydrogen 2). Water in which ordinary hydrogen atoms
have been replaced by deuterium atoms. Natural water contains 1
heavy-water molecule per 6,500 ordinary water molecules. Deuterium oxide
has a low neutron absorption cross section; hence, it is used as a
moderator in some nuclear reactors. Lyman

hecatolite

See:moonstone
hectare

A metric unit of land area equal to 10,000 m2 , 100 ares, or

2.471 acres. Abbrev. ha. AGI

hectorite

A monoclinic mineral, Na0.3 (Mg,Li)3 Si4 O10

(F,OH)2 ; smectite group. CF:montmorillonite

hedenbergite

A monoclinic mineral, 4[CaFeSi2 O6 ] ; pyroxene group; forms

series with diopside and johannsenite; a common rock-forming mineral in
iron-rich metamorphic rocks, limestone skarns, and fayalite-bearing
plutonic rocks.

hedgehog stone

Quartz crystals containing needles of goethite or some other iron oxide.

CF:hairstone

hedging

The establishment of an opposite position on a futures market from that

held and priced in the physical commodity. Without hedging, the physical
position would be at risk to price fluctuations. Wolff

hedyphane

A hexagonal mineral, Pb3 Ca2 (AsO4 )3 Cl ;

apatite group; yellowish-white; at Franklin, NJ, and various localities in
Sweden. CF:mimetite

heel

a. A small body of coal left under a larger body as a support. Known also
as heel of coal. BCI
b. The mouth or collar of a borehole.
c. The fixed jaw on an adjustable-wrench safety clamp or on a rock
crusher. Long
d. A floor brace or socket for wall-bracing timbers. Nichols, 1
e. The trailing edge of an angled blade. Nichols, 1
f. Any material remaining in a vessel after removal of the main portion of
the contents.

heeling in

Temporary planting of trees and shrubs. Nichols, 1

heel of a shot

a. In blasting, the face of a shot farthest away from the charge.

Stauffer
b. The distance from the mouth of the drill hole to the corner of the
nearest free face; or that portion of the hole that is filled with the
tamping; or that portion of the coal to be broken that is entirely outside
the powder. Zern

heep stead

The entire surface plant of the mine. Gordon

height of instrument

A surveying term used in spirit leveling for the height of the line of
sight of a leveling instrument above the adopted datum, in trigonometric
leveling for the height of the center of the theodolite above the ground
or station mark, in stadia surveying for the height of the center of the
telescope of the transit or telescopic alidade above the ground or station
mark, and in differential leveling for the height of the line of sight of
the telescope at the leveling instrument when the instrument is level.
Abbrev. HI. AGI

heinrichite

The arsenic analogue of uranocircite, Ba(UO2 )2 (PO4

)2 .12H2 O and its dehydration product with Ba(UO2 )
2 (AsO4 )2 .8H2 O (metaheinrichite); occur near
Lakeview, OR, and in the Black Forest, Germany.
See also:arsenuranocircite; metaheinrichite. Hey, 2

heintzite

A hydrous borate of magnesium and potassium, colorless to white. Occurs in

small crystals sometimes aggregated. From Stassfurt, Germany.
Syn:hintzeite; kaliborite. Fay

helenite

A wax near ozocerite but elastic like caoutchouc; yellow; sp gr, 0.915. It
occurs at Ropa in Galicia. Syn:mineral caoutchouc

helical bag conveyor

See:double helical bag conveyor

helical conveyor
A conveyor for handling coal, grain, cement, or similar bulk materials. It
comprises a horizontal shaft, with helical paddles or ribbons, which turn
on its center line inside a stationary tube filled with the material.
See also:worm conveyor

helical steel support

A continuous screw-shaped steel joist lining for staple shafts. The lining
is fixed to the ground by strata bolts rigidly fixed every 120 degrees
without any yielding device. Developed in Germany and its use is claimed
to effect considerable overall savings. Nelson

helicitic

Pertaining to a metamorphic-rock texture consisting of bands of inclusions

that indicate original bedding or schistosity of the parent rock and cut
through later-formed crystals of the metamorphic rock. The relict
inclusions commonly occur in porphyroblasts as curved and contorted
strings. The term was originally, but is no longer, confined to
microscopic texture. Also spelled: helizitic. CF:poikiloblastic
AGI

helictite

A distorted twiglike lateral projection of calcium carbonate, found in

caves, etc. CF:stalactite; stalagmite. See:anemolite
Standard, 2

heliodor

A clear yellow variety of beryl found near Rossing, Namibia, and prized as
a gemstone. Also spelled helidor. CF:golden beryl

heliolite

A whitish to reddish-gray aventurine oligoclase with internal yellowish or

reddish firelike reflections. Syn:sunstone

heliotrope

a. A red-spotted, deep-green variety of chalcedony (cryptocrystalline

quartz) used as a semiprecious stone. Syn:bloodstone
b. An instrument used in geodetic surveying to aid in making long-distance
(as much as 320 km) observations; composed of one or more plane mirrors so
mounted and arranged that a beam of sunlight is reflected toward a distant
survey station where it is observed with a theodolite.

helium
An inert, monatomic, colorless, odorless element, the lightest of the rare
gases. Except for hydrogen, helium is the most abundant element found in
the universe. The bulk of the world's supply is obtained from wells.
Symbol, He. Widely used in cryogenic research; vital in the study of
superconductivity. Helium is used for arc welding, as a cooling medium for
nuclear reactors, and as a gas for supersonic wind tunnels; extensively
used for filling balloons as it is much safer than hydrogen. One of the
recent largest uses for helium has been for pressuring liquid fuel
rockets. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

helizitic

See:helicitic

helks

a. Large detached crags; a confused pile or range of rocks. Arkell

b. Bare tracts of limestone. Arkell

hellyerite

A triclinic mineral, NiCO3 .6H2 O ; occurs with zaratite at

the Lord Brassey nickel mine, Heazlewood, Tasmania.

Helmholtz coil

A pair of similar coaxial coils with their distance apart equal to their
radius, which permits an accurate calculation of the magnetic field
between the coils. Used in calibration of magnetometers. AGI

helper-up

See:pig tailer

helvite

An isometric mineral, 2[Mn4 Be3 (SiO4 )3 S] ;

manganese may be replaced by iron toward danalite, or by Zn toward
genthelvite; forms tetrahedra; Mohs hardness, 6 to 6-1/2; in veins with
quartz, hornblende, and iron oxide; in pegmatites, and some alkaline
igneous rocks.

hemafibrite

A brownish-red to garnet-red, transparent to translucent, hydrous

manganese arsenate, Mn3 (AsO4 )(OH)3 .H2 O ;
soon turns black; Mohs hardness, 3; sp gr, 3.50 to 3.65; rare; from
Nordmark, Sweden. Syn:aimafibrite

Hematine
A copyrighted, confusing name for an imitation of hematite. Usually in the
form of an imitation cuvette. Apparently an artificially processed friable
mineral or other substance. Breaks easily. Mohs hardness, about 6.5; sp
gr, 4.8; streak, black.

hematite

a. A trigonal mineral, alpha -Fe2 O3 ; red if earthy,

reddish to bluish gray if massive, or bright metallic steel-gray in thin
tablets or micalike flakes (specular hematite); invariably has red ocher
streak. Kidney ore is massive reniform hematite. Commonly associated with
quartz, oxyhydroxides such as goethite or limonite, and magnetite, after
which it may be pseudomorphic; nonmagnetic when pure, but may appear
magnetic due to residual or included magnetite or maghemite; the most
widely mined ore of iron; in sedimentary rocks, Precambrian banded iron
formations (including their metamorphosed equivalents), oolitic
ironstones, contact-metamorphic deposits, commonly by alteration of
magnetite; may be of secondary origin, having formed by oxidation and
decomposition of iron silicates and carbonates; also occurs as a primary
mineral in veins and replacement deposits associated with igneous
intrusions, and in fumarolic deposits from volcanic gases.
See also:iron ore; specularite. Syn:specular iron ore; oligist;
oligist iron.
b. The mineral group corundum, eskolite, hematite, and karelianite.

hematite schist

See:itabirite

hemetite

Any synthetic imitation of hematite.

hemi-

A prefix meaning half.

hemicrystalline

See:hyalocrystalline

hemidome

The upper or lower two faces of a dome resulting from symmetry lower than
that required for a dome in orthorhombic or monoclinic crystal systems.

hemihedral
In crystallography, having lower symmetry, resulting in forms with half
the number of faces as the holohedral point group. CF:holohedral;
merohedral.

hemimorphic

In crystallography, having no transverse plane of symmetry and no center

of symmetry, and composed of forms belonging to only one end of the axis
of symmetry. Fay

hemimorphism

In crystallography, refers to minerals in crystal classes with merohedral

symmetry such that crystal forms are different at opposite ends of the
crystallographic axes, thus permitting polar crystal properties; e.g.,
hemimorphite, zincite.

hemiopal

See:semiopal

hemipelagic

Sharing neritic and pelagic qualities. AGI

hemipelagic-abyssal

Refers to sediments of the deep sea that contain terrestrial detritus.

AGI

hemiprism

A triclinic crystal form of two parallel faces with intercepts on two

crystallographic axes.

hemipyramid

A monoclinic crystal form of two parallel faces with intercepts on three

crystallographic axes. See also:pyramid

hemitropic

Crystals that appear as if composed of two halves of a crystal turned

partly round and united. Examples of this structure may often be found in
feldspar and cassiterite crystals. Fay

hemloite

A triclinic mineral, (As,Sb)2 (Ti,V,Fe)12 O23 (OH) ;

metallic to submetallic black; in drill core samples associated with
rutile, pyrite, molybdenite, and arsenopyrite at the Hemlo gold deposit,
ON, Can.

hendersonite

An orthorhombic mineral, Ca3 V12 O32 .12H2 O ;

in black fibrous crystals in Montrose County, CA, and San Juan County, NM.

Henderson process

The treatment of copper sulfide ores by roasting with salt to form

chlorides, which are then leached out and precipitated. Fay

hengleinite

A steel-gray iron sulfide with about 20% cobalt and nickel, (CoNiFe)S (sub
2) . Minute pyritohedral crystals; isometric. Probably a mixture of
siegenite and pyrite. Formerly called cobaltnickelpyrite. From Musen,
Westphalia, Germany. Syn:cobalt-nickel pyrite

henry

Unit of electrical induction. With an electromotive force of 1 V and

current of 1 A/s, one henry (H) = 109 electromagnetic unit.
Symbol H. Pryor, 3

henryite

An isometric mineral, Cu4 Ag3 Te4 ; pale blue;

associated with hessite, petzite, sylvanite, altaite, rickardite, and
pyrite at Bisbee, AZ.

hepatic cinnabar

A mixture of cinnabar, bituminous material, and clay; liver-brown; may be

flammable.

hepatic pyrite

a. See:marcasite
b. See:pyrite

hepatin

An amorphous limonite, of a liver-brown color, and containing a small

percentage of copper. Fay

hepatite
A variety of barite, so called from the fetid odor it exhales when heated.
Standard, 2

heptaphyllite

Dioctahedral clay mineral. CF:octaphyllite

heptavalent

Having a valence of 7. Also called septavalent; septivalent.

Webster 3rd

hercularc lining

A German method of lining roadways subjected to heavy pressures. It

consists of a closed circular arch of specially shaped precast concrete
blocks. The blocks, which are wedge-shaped, are made in two sizes for each
lining and erected in such a way that alternate blocks offer their wedge
action in opposite directions--the larger blocks toward the center of the
roadway and the smaller outward. This arrangement gives a double-wedge
effect so that part of the lateral pressure exerted by the strata on the
lining is diverted axially along the roadway. Nelson

Hercules powder

Weak form of dynamite, based on nitroglycerin and a semiactive carrying

dope. Pryor, 3

Hercules stone

See:lodestone

hercynite

An isometric mineral, 8[Fe2+ Al2 O4 ] ; spinel

group; forms series with magnesian spinel, with gahnite, and with
chromite; massive or fine grained; Mohs hardness, 7.5 to 8; in
metamorphosed argillaceous sediments with andalusite, sillimanite, or
garnet; also in contact metamorphic deposits in limestone or marble; in
some eruptive mafic rocks; may occur with corundum to form emery.
Syn:ferrospinel

herderite

A monoclinic mineral, 4[CaBe(PO4 )F] , with OH replacing F toward

hydroxylherderite; pseudo-orthorhombic prismatic crystals or radiated
fibrous aggregates; in late-stage pegmatites.

Herkimer diamond
Small, exceptionally clear, commonly doubly terminated quartz crystals in
Herkimer County, NY; in cavities in sandstone and in loose earth or clay;
also in mid-Atlantic beaches. Syn:Lake George diamond

Heroult process

See:Hall process

herrerite

Copper-stained blue and green smithsonite from Albarradon, Mexico.

Herreshoff furnace

A mechanical, cylindrical, multiple-deck muffle furnace of the McDougall

type for smelting ores. Fay

herringbone roller conveyor

A roller conveyor consisting of two parallel series of rolls having one or

both series skewed. See also:roller conveyor

herringbone stoping

Method used in flattish Rand stope panels 500 to 1,000 ft (152 to 305 m)
long for breaking and moving ore. Stope is divided into 20-ft (6.1-m)
panels, each worked by its own gang. A light tramming system delivers
severed rock to a central scraper system. Pryor, 3

herringbone table

See:herringbone roller conveyor

herringbone texture

In mineral deposits, a pattern of alternating rows of parallel crystals,

each row in a reverse direction from the adjacent one. It resembles the
herringbone textile fabric. AGI

hertz

A syn. for "cycles per second." Abbrev. Hz.

hess

S. Staff. Clinker from furnace boilers. Fay

hessite
A monoclinic mineral, 4[Ag2 Te] , with gold replacing silver toward
petzite; soft; metallic gray; fine grained, massive, or compact; sp gr,
8.24 to 8.45; in hydrothermal veins associated with quartz, pyrite, and
native gold; a source of silver in California, Colorado, Ontario, Mexico,
Chile, Romania, and Zimbabwe.

hessonite

An orange to yellow-brown gem variety of grossular. Syn:essonite;

cinnamon stone.

hetaerolite

a. A very rare double oxide of zinc and manganese, ZnMn23+

O4 , occurring in ore deposits as black tetragonal and fibrous
crystals; hausmannite family. CMD; Hey, 1
b. A tetragonal mineral, ZnMn2 O4 ; forms bipyramids; may be
fibrous; with zinc ores at Franklin, NJ, and near Leadville, CO. Also
spelled heterolite.

hetero-

A prefix signifying various, or of more than one kind or form.

heteroblastic

Pertaining to a type of crystalloblastic texture in a metamorphic rock in

which the essential mineral constituents are of two or more distinct
sizes. CF:crystalloblastic; homeoblastic. AGI

heterogeneous

a. Having more than one constituent or phase, thus exhibiting different

properties in different portions. Pryor, 3
b. A term describing metals and alloys with structures composed of more
than one constituent. Rolfe
c. Unlike in character, quality, structure, or composition; consisting of
dissimilar elements or ingredients of different kinds; not homogeneous.
Standard, 2

heterogenite

a. A cobalt mineral, Co3+ O(OH) , containing up to 4% CuO.

Syn:stainierite
b. Name suggested for all cobaltocobaltic hydroxides of varying purity.
English

heterogranular
a. Said of the texture of a rock having crystals of significantly
different sizes.
b. Said of a rock having such a texture. Syn:inequigranular
c. See:anisodesmic

heteromorphic

Said of igneous rocks having similar chemical composition but different

mineralogic composition. AGI

heteromorphism

The crystallization of two magmas of nearly identical chemical composition

into two different mineral aggregates as a result of different cooling
histories. AGI

heteropic

Said of sedimentary rocks of different facies, or said of facies

characterized by different rock types. The rocks may be formed
contemporaneously or in juxtaposition in the same sedimentation area or
both, but the lithologies are different; e.g., facies that replace one
another laterally in deposits of the same age. Also, said of a map
depicting heteropic facies or rocks. CF:isopic

heterothrausmatic

A descriptive term applied to igneous rocks with an orbicular texture in

which the nuclei of the orbicules are composed of various kinds of rock or
mineral fragments. CF:crystallothrausmatic; isothrausmatic;
homeothrausmatic. AGI

heterotomous

Having a cleavage unlike that characteristic of the mineral in its

ordinary form, as a variety of feldspar. Standard, 2

heugh

a. Scot. A place where coal or other mineral is worked; a pit or shaft.

Also spelled heuch.
b. The steep face of a quarry or other excavation.
c. A glen with rugged sides; a crag. Standard, 2
d. An old English term for coal seams or coal workings. Tomkeieff

heulandite

A monoclinic mineral, (Na, Ca)2-3 Al3 (Al, Si)2 Si

13 O36 .12H2 O] ; zeolite group, with extensive
substitution of NaSi for CaAl and K predominant over Na; forms in cavities
in basalt and andesite, as skarn druses, as diagenetic product in silicic
vitreous tuffs, in bentonitic clays, and as authigenic mineral in
limestone or sandstone.

hewer

a. Eng. In the Newcastle coalfield, one who undercuts the coal with a
pick. A coal miner. Fay
b. N. of Eng. One who may use a hand pick but usually uses a pneumatic
(windy) pick to win coal. Task consists of breaking in or making a
nicking, digging out the coal, and filling onto a conveyor belt or into
tubs. Trist

hewettite

A monoclinic mineral, CaV6 O16 .9H2 O ; forms deep

red microscopic needles in vanadium deposits near Cerro de Pasco, Peru,
and Paradox Valley, CO.

hewing

a. Eng. In the Newcastle coalfield, undercutting or mining the coal.

Syn:breaking in
b. The dressing of timber by chopping or by blows from an edged tool.
Crispin

hewing double

Eng. See:double working

hexad

A crystallographic axis of rotation of 60 degrees , a sixfold axis.

CF:axis of symmetry

hexagonal

a. A geometrical form of six sides; e.g., hexagonal prism, hexagonal

pyramid.
b. The crystal system characterized by a unique hexad (sixfold axis of
rotation.) CF:crystal systems

hexagonal close-packed crystals

Crystals having atoms at the corners of the hexagonal unit cells that are
right prisms with rhombic bases, and at the corners of those (isosceles)
triangular prisms that are similarly located halves of the hexagonal unit
cells. The two sets of atoms are not crystallographically equivalent.
Henderson
hexagonal system

In crystallography, that system of crystals in which the faces are

referred to four axes--a principal or vertical axis and three lateral axes
perpendicular to the vertical axis and intersecting at mutual angles of 60
degrees . CF:trigonal; trigonal system. Fay

hexagonite

A lavender variety of manganoan tremolite.

hexahydrite

The mineral group bianchite, ferrohexahydrite, hexahydrite, moorhouseite,

and nickel-hexahydrite.

hexavalent

a. Having a valence of 6. Webster 3rd

b. Having six valences; e.g., manganese with valences of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6,
and 7. Webster 3rd; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

Hexhlet sampler

A selective mine dust-sampling instrument. It collects the airborne dust

sample in two components. The fraction larger than 5 mu m in size is
separated from the total cloud in a size selector. The instrument collects
some grams of respirable dust by filtration of the mine air through a fine
pore ceramic thimble. See also:thermal precipitator

Heyn's reagent

An etching reagent containing 10% copper ammonium chloride in water.

Osborne

hiatal

a. Said of the texture of an igneous rock in which the sizes of the

crystals are not in a continuous series but are broken by hiatuses, or in
which there are grains of two or more markedly different sizes, as in
porphyritic rocks. CF:seriate
b. Pertaining to or involving a stratigraphic hiatus. AGI

hiatus

a. A break or interruption in the continuity of the geologic record, such

as the absence in a stratigraphic sequence of rocks that would normally be
present but either were never deposited or were eroded before deposition
of the overlying beds. AGI
b. A lapse in time, such as the time interval not represented by rocks at
an unconformity; the time value of an episode of nondeposition or of
nondeposition and erosion together. AGI

Hicks' hydrometer

An instrument consisting of a series of colored glass beads of different

densities contained in a glass tube for testing the specific gravity of
electrolytes. Osborne

hiddenite

An emerald-green to yellow-green gem variety of spodumene.

See also:spodumene

hide salt

Coarse sizes of rock salt, usually No. 2 or No. 1. Kaufmann

high

a. The crest or culmination of a structure, such as a dome or an

anticline. CF:low
b. Name for the coal of a thick seam. Fay
c. A geophysical anomaly with values greater than normal; e.g., a gravity
maximum or a geothermal maximum. AGI

high-alumina refractories

Alumina-silica refractories containing 45% or more alumina.

Harbison-Walker

high-angle fault

A fault with a dip greater than 45 degrees . CF:low-angle fault

Billings

high-carbon steel

Carbon steel that contains more than 0.5% carbon. Hammond

high-conductivity copper

Metal of high purity, having an electrical conductivity not much below

that of the international standard, which is a resistance of 0.15328 Omega
for a wire 1 m long and weighing 1 g. CTD

high doors

Scot. An upper landing in a shaft. Fay

high-expansion foam

A method of fighting underground fires developed in the United States, and

somewhat similar to the British foam plug. It involves the formation of a
high-expansion noncombustible foam. Large volumes of the foam are drawn or
blown over and around the fire until it can no longer be sustained due to
lack of oxygen. The foam is made from ammonium lauryl sulfate and 1 gal
(3.8 L) of solution is used for each 250 to 300 ft3 /min (7.1 to
8.5 m3 /min) of air passing through the net. Nelson

high explosive

An explosive that is capable of detonating. There are two main types: (1)
primary explosives, which detonate no matter what type of stimulus is
given--these usually are very sensitive and (2) secondary explosives,
which detonate normally only when the stimulus is a strong shock--under
other types of stimulus they may merely deflagrate.

high feed

See:fast gear

high furnace

The ordinary blast furnace. Fay

high-grade

a. Said of an ore with a relatively high ore-mineral content.

CF:low-grade
b. To steal rich or specimen ore. AGI
c. An arbitrary designation for dynamite of 40% strength or over.
See also:grade

high-grade mill

A plant for treating high-grade ores.

high-grading

Theft of valuable pieces of ore. See also:gouging

high-level placer

A placer on an alluvial terrace.

highmoor peat

Peat occurring on high moors and formed predominantly of moss, such as

sphagnum. Its moisture content is derived from rain water rather than from
ground water and is acidic. Mineral matter and nitrogen content are low,
and cellulose content is high. Syn:moorland peat; moor peat; moss peat.
AGI

high-phosphorus ores

Ores containing from 0.18% to 1.0% phosphorus. Newton, 1

high pillar

See:shaft pillar

high quartz

Phase of quartz stable from 867 to 1,470 degrees C. Also called beta
quartz. See also:quartz

high-raise miner

See:miner

high-rank coals

Coals containing less than 4% of moisture in the air-dried coal or more

than 84% of carbon (dry ash-free coal). All other coals are considered as
low-rank coals. BCI

high-rank metamorphism

Metamorphism accomplished under conditions of high temperature and

pressure. See also:metamorphic grade

high-ratio resistance controller

This controller gives a high ratio of maximum to minimum resistance,

6,000:1. A high resistance is thus available for reverse-current braking,
but the design ensures that there is an ample volume of electrolyte
between the electrodes when starting at twice full-load torque. It is
similar to the swinging-electrode controller. Sinclair, 5

high reef

The bedrock or reef rising from the lowest and richest part of an alluvial
placer and forming the slopes of the ancient valley.

high-reef wash

Deposits of wash dirt upon the high reef.

high-resolution seismic technique

A seismic prospecting technique in which a special recording system yields
readable reflections from layers less than 10 ft (3 m) thick at depths as
little as 100 ft (30 m). Dobrin

high seas

The entire world's oceans except for the portion lying shoreward of the
outer limit of the territorial seas. United Nations

high side

A deep coal-mine car, i.e., one with high sides. CF:gondola

Fay

high-silica ore

See:natural ore

high sintering

Synonymous with advanced sintering at high temperatures, usually the final

sintering close to the melting point of the material. Osborne

high-temperature bonding mortar

A mixture of refractory materials, either raw or calcined, to which other

materials not classified as refractory materials have been added for the
purpose of increasing the plasticity, giving air-setting properties, and
lowering the temperature at which the bond develops. Henderson

high-tensile steel

A type of structural steel having a maximum yield point of 23 st/in (super

2) as compared with 15.25 st/in2 for mild steel.
See also:yield stress

high-tension line

A high-voltage transmission line.

high-tension separation

In mineral processing, the use of high-voltage direct current at between

18,000 V and 80,000 V to charge small particles of dry material as they
fall through its field (emanating as a spray or a point discharge). These
are then sorted into relatively charge-retaining and charge-losing
minerals in accordance with their conducting power. Also called
electrostatic separation. Pryor, 3

high velocity
See:velocity

high volatile A bituminous coal

The rank of coal, within the bituminous class of the Classification D 388,
such that on the dry and mineral-matter-free basis, the volatile matter
content of the coal is greater than 31% (or the fixed carbon content is
less than 69%), and its gross calorific value is equal to or greater than
14,000 Btu/lb (32.54 MJ/kg) of coal on the moist, mineral-matter-free
basis, and the coal is commonly agglomerating. ASTM

high volatile B bituminous coal

The rank of coal, within the bituminous class of Classification D 388,

such that, on the moist mineral-matter-free basis, the gross calorific
value of the coal in British thermal units per pound is equal to greater
than 13,000 (30.24 MJ/kg) but less than 14,000 (32.54 MJ/kg) and the coal
commonly agglomerates. ASTM

high volatile C bituminous coal

The rank of coal, within the bituminous class of Classification D 388,

such that, on the moist, mineral-matter-free basis, the gross calorific
value of the coal in British thermal units per pound is equal to or
greater than 11,500 (26.75 MJ/kg) but less than 13,000 (30.24 MJ/kg) and
the coal commonly agglomerates, or equal to or greater than 10,500 (24.42
MJ/kg) but less than 11,500 (26.75 MJ/kg) and the coal agglomerates.
ASTM

high-volatile coals

Coals containing over 32% volatile matter with a coal rank code No. 400 to
900. See also:coal classification

high voltage

a. A high electrical pressure or electromotive force.

b. In coal mining, voltages above 1,000 V. CF:low voltage;
medium voltage. Federal Mine Safety

highwall

The unexcavated face of exposed overburden and coal or ore in an opencast

mine, or the face or bank on the uphill side of a contour strip mine
excavation.

high-water level

The plane of high water. Schieferdecker

highwoodite

A dark-colored intrusive rock composed of alkali feldspar, labradorite,

pyroxene, biotite, iron oxides, apatite, and possibly a small amount of
nepheline. It is essentially a monzonite. Its name, given by Johannsen in
1938, is derived from the Highwood Mountains, MT. Not recommended usage.
AGI

hilgardite

Hydrated chloroborate of calcium, Ca2 B5 O9 Cl.H (sub

2) O , as colorless monoclinic-domatic crystals in the rock salt of
Louisiana. See also:parahilgardite

hill

a. An arch or high place in a mine. Fay

b. Scot. The surface at a mine. Fay
c. N. of Eng.; Mid. An underground inclined plane. Fay
d. A natural elevation of land of local area and well-defined outline.
Webster 3rd

hill-and-dale formation

Applied to the ridges and hollows along the surface of dumped material
(usually overburden) at an opencast mine. The undulations are leveled out
when the land is restored. Nelson

hillock

A small, low hill; a mound. Adj: hillocky. AGI

hill peat

Peat formed in mountainous districts and characterized by the presence of

Sphagnum, Andromeda, heath, pine trees, etc. Tomkeieff

hillside

a. Used to describe quarries when located in high slopes.

CF:terrain slope
b. A part of a hill between its crest and the drainage line at the foot of
the hill. Syn:hillslope

hillside placers

Gravel deposits intermediate between the creek and bench gravels; their
bedrock is slightly above the creek bed, and the surface topography shows
no indication of benching.
hillside quarry

A quarry cut into and along the hillside; may comprise a single face or a
series of benches. If the depth of face is not more than about 30 ft (9 m)
it can be worked in one cut, but deeper faces are usually worked in two or
more benches. See also:pit quarry

hillslope

See:hillside

Hilt's law

A generalization that states that, in a vertical sequence at any given

point in the coalfield, the rank of the coal of the successive seams rises
with increasing depth. Although this statement is generally true, there
are numerous departures from it. Tomkeieff; Nelson

hindered settling

a. In classification, when the minerals settle in a thick pulp, as opposed

to free settling in which the free particles fall through fluid media.
Newton, 1
b. Settlement of particles through a crowded zone, usually in a hydraulic
column through which their fall is opposed by rising water.
Pryor, 2

hindered-settling ratio

The ratio of the apparent specific gravities of the mineral against the
suspension (not against the liquid) raised to a power between one-half and
unity. Gaudin, 1

hindostan

A fine-grained sandstone used extensively in the manufacture of very cheap

sharpening stones, esp. axstones. Found in Indiana. Fay

hinge

The locus of maximum curvature or bending in a folded surface, usually a

line. Syn:flexure

hinged apron

See:apron conveyor

hinged apron pan

An apron pan that is made with a hinge construction along each edge so
that it may be joined to companion pans by a hinge pin or through a rod.

hinged bar

Steel bars placed in contact with the roof and at right angles to the
longwall face. They are usually supported by yielding steel props. The bar
can be extended to support newly exposed roof by adding another bar, which
can be locked onto it by a simple wedge or pin arrangement. The hinged bar
is widely used on conveyor faces in continuous mining. Nelson

hinged-hammer crusher

See:Williams' hinged-hammer crusher

hinge fault

A fault on which the movement of one side hinges about an axis

perpendicular to the fault plane; displacement increases with distance
from the hinge. It is a questionable term. CF:scissor fault;
rotational fault. AGI

hinterland

a. A subjective term referring to the relatively undisturbed terrain on

the back of a folded mountain range; i.e., the side away from which the
thrusting and folding appears to have taken place.
b. The land that lies behind a seaport or seaboard and supplies the bulk
of its exports and absorbs the bulk of its imports.

hintzeite

See:heintzite

hircite

A yellowish-brown, amorphous hydrocarbon found in Burma, which emits a bad

smell on burning. Tomkeieff

Hirschback method

A method for draining combustible gases from coal seams in which

superjacent entries are developed over the coal seam being mined. The
entries are located from about 80 to 138 ft (24 to 42 m) above the seams
to be mined and are often supplemented with up or down boreholes drilled
perpendicular to the walls of the entries. Also known as the superjacent
roadway system. Virginia Polytechnic

hisingerite
A monoclinic mineral, Fe2 Si2 O5 (OH)4 .2H
2 O ; fine-grained to cryptocrystalline or fibrous; at Hibbing, MN;
Blaine County, ID; and in Canada, Greenland, Finland, and Sweden.

histogram

A vertical-bar graph representing a frequency distribution, in which the

height of bars is proportional to frequency of occurrence within each
class interval and, due to the subdivision of the x-axis into adjacent
class intervals, there are no empty spaces between bars when all classes
are represented in a sample so graphed. Histograms are used to depict
particle-size distribution in sediments. AGI

historical geology

A major branch of geology that is concerned with the evolution of the

Earth and its life forms from its origins to the present day. The study of
historical geology therefore involves investigations into stratigraphy,
paleontology, and geochronology, as well as the consideration of
paleoenvironments, glacial periods, and plate-tectonic motions. It is
complementary to physical geology. Not to be confused with history of
geology. See also:geology

hit

Eng. To find, prove, or cut into a coal seam or fault. Fay

hitch

a. Step cut in rock face to hold timber support in underground working.

Syn:stip
b. N. of Eng. A minor geological fault or roll in the coal seam.
Trist
c. Scot.; Eng. A minor dislocation of a vein or stratum not exceeding in
extent the thickness of the vein or stratum. Fay
d. A hole cut in the side rock, when this is solid enough to hold the cap
of a set of timbers permitting the leg to be dispensed with. Fay
e. A fault. Fractures and dislocations of strata common in coal measures,
accompanied by more or less displacement. Raistrick
f. A connection between two machines. Nichols, 1
g. To attach trams to hauling ropes by short chains. Fay
h. A sudden stoppage of pumping machinery. Standard, 2
i. To dig or pick holes or places to receive the ends of timbers.
Standard, 2

hitch-and-step

a. S. Wales. A system of regulating the distance between the faces of

stalls in longwall work. Fay
b. See:stepped longwall
hitch cutter

A miner who cuts places in the coal, ore, or wall in which to rest or
place timbers to prevent rock from falling. Fay

hitcher

a. The person who runs trams into or out of the cages, gives the signals,
and attends at the shaft when miners are riding in the cage.
See also:cager
b. One who works at the bottom of a haulage slope or plane, engaging the
clips or grips by means of which mine cars are attached to a hoisting
cable or chain used for haulage up a steep incline to the mine surface.
Also called hitcher-on. See also:hitcher-on; onsetter. DOT

hitcher-on

The person employed at the bottom of a shaft or slope to put loaded cars
on, and take empty cars off the cage. See also:hitcher

hitch timbering

Installing bars in hitches either cut or drilled in the rib, thereby

eliminating the need for legs. Hitch holes may be provided for each
individual bar. Coal Age, 3

Hi-Velocity gelatin

Explosive containing low-density gelatin; used for submarine blasting.

Bennett

hjelmite

A former name for yttromicrolite.

hod

a. Forest of Dean. A cart or sled for conveying coal in the stalls of thin
seams. Fay
b. A tray or trough with a pole handle that is borne on the shoulder, for
carrying mortar, brick, or similar load. Webster 3rd

hodge jig

Variation on Harz jig in which the plunger (piston) has differential

motion. See also:Harz jig

hoedown

See:breakdown
hoegbomite

See:hoegbomite

hoelite

An orthorhombic mineral, C14 H8 O2 ; forms delicate

yellow needles associated with chlorides and sulfur deposited by gases at
a burning coalbed on Spitzbergen Island (anthraquinone).

hoernesite

A monoclinic mineral, (Mg3 (AsO4 )2 .8H2 O);

vivianite group, with Mg replaced by Co toward erythrite; in white
crystals resembling gypsum; also columnar; a secondary mineral formed by
alteration of arsenate minerals. Syn:hoernesite

Hoesch process

A method of working the open-hearth furnace in the duplex process so as to

reduce as much as possible the amount of manganese lost in the slag in the
production of manganese steels. Osborne

hoe scraper

In mining, scraper-loader used to gather and transport severed rock.

Cables pull a box-sided hoe over the loose ore, which is gathered and
dragged (slushed) to the delivery point. Pryor, 3

Hoganas process

A method for the production of sponge iron that consists of charging

fireclay pots with flat briquettes of a concentrate of iron ore
interspersed with layers of carbon, prepared by mixing coal with coke
breeze; the pots are charged in batches in a long pit furnace where they
are heated to about 1,200 degrees C. Osborne

hogback

a. Any ridge with a sharp summit and steep slopes of nearly equal
inclination on both flanks, and resembling in outline the back of a hog;
specif. a sharp-crested ridge formed by the outcropping edges of steeply
inclined resistant rocks, and produced by differential erosion. The term
is usually restricted to ridges carved from beds dipping at angles greater
than 20 degrees . CF:cuesta
b. A term applied in New England to a drumlin (western Massachusetts) and
to a horseback or esker (Maine). AGI
c. The name given by geologists to the ridgy structure of certain
districts, which consist of alternate ridges and ravines, occasioned
either by the sharp undulations of the subjacent rocks, or more frequently
by the erosive action of mountain torrents that cut out the ravines and
leave the ridges or "hog's-backs" standing between. This structure occurs
most abundantly on the lower slopes and flanks of mountain ranges.
AGI
d. A sharp anticlinal, decreasing in height at both ends until it runs
out. AGI
e. A ridge produced by highly tilted strata. AGI
f. Local term for drumlins in western Massachusetts. AGI
g. A name applied in the Rocky Mountain Region to a sharp-crested ridge
formed by a hard bed of rock that digs rather steeply downward.
h. A ridge or lines of high hills with sharp summits and steeply sloping
sides. Long
i. Eng. A sharp rise in the floor of a coal seam. Fay

hoegbomite

A trigonal and hexagonal mineral, (Mg,Fe)2 (Al,Ti)5 O (sub

10) ; metallic black with imperfect cleavage and conchoidal fracture; with
magnetite, ilmenite, corundum, or ferroan spinel in iron ore at Redstand,
Norway, and in emery at Whittles, VA. Also spelled hoegbomite.

hoggan

Corn. The food carried by the miner to the mine. Fay

hogger

Scot. A leather or canvas delivery pipe at the top of a sinking set of

pumps.

hogger pipe

N. of Eng. The upper terminal pipe with delivery hose from the mining
pump. Fay

hogger pump

The topmost pump in a shaft. Fay

hoggin

A material composed of screenings or siftings of gravel or a mixture of

loam, coarse sand, and fine gravel, used in making filter beds, as a
binder, etc. Webster 2nd

hogging moment

A bending moment that tends to cause hog. See also:sagging moment

Hammond
hohmannite

Probably amarantite. See also:metahohmannite

hoist

a. The windlass mechanism incorporated as an integral part of a

power-driven drilling machine used to handle, hoist, and lower
drill-string equipment, casing, pipe, etc., while drilling, or to snake
the drill from place to place. Long
b. The act or process of lifting drill string, casing, or pipe out of a
borehole. Long
c. A power-driven windlass for raising ore, rock, or other material from a
mine and for lowering or raising people and material. Also called hoister.
Syn:mine hoist
d. The mechanism by which a bucket or blade is lifted, or the process of
lifting it. Nichols, 1
e. A drum on which hoisting rope is wound in the engine house, as the cage
or skip is raised in the hoisting shaft. Pryor, 3
f. An engine with a drum, used for winding up a load from a shaft.
See also:winding engine
g. The amount of ore, coal, etc., hoisted during a shift. Fay
h. See:draw works; elevator.

hoist back-out switch

A switch that permits operation of the hoist only in the reverse direction
in case of overwind. Syn:back-out switch

hoist boy

In bituminous coal mining for Arkansas and Oklahoma, a general term

applied to a hoisting engineer who operates a small hoisting engine, or an
oiler who lubricates and cleans the engine. DOT

hoist engineer

See:hoistman

hoist engineman

See:hoistman

hoister

A machine used in hoisting the product. Zern

hoisting
a. Winding in a mine. Nelson
b. In power-shovel nomenclature, hoisting is a term applied to two
operations: (1) the raising or lowering of the boom, and (2) the lifting
or dropping of the dipper stick in relation to the boom. Carson, 1

hoisting block

a. The lower block of a block and fall, bearing the hoisting hook.
Standard, 2
b. Used incorrectly as a syn. for sheave wheel. Long
c. A traveling block or sheave. Long

hoisting compartment

The section of a mine shaft used for hoisting the mineral to the surface.
Stoces

hoisting crab

A crab, winch, or windlass for hoisting. Standard, 2

hoisting cycle

The periods of acceleration, uniform speed, retardation, and rest. The

deeper the shaft, the greater is the ratio of the time of full-speed
hoisting to the total hoisting cycle. For shallow shafts there may be very
little time at full speed, retardation beginning almost at the end of the
accelerating period. Lewis

hoisting drum

The flanged cylindrical part of a windlass around and on which the hoist
rope or cable is wound. Also called spool. Long

hoisting engineer

One who operates a hoisting engine, esp. at a mine or quarry. Also called
engineman. See also:hoistman

hoisting jack

A device for applying hand power to lift an object by means of a screw or

lever, or by hydraulic power. Fay

hoisting plug

A pin-thread heavy-bodied coupling provided with a swivel-mounted eye in

the end opposite the pin-thread end. When attached to the hook on the
drill-hoist line, the pin-thread end can be screwed into the rods to hoist
and otherwise handle drill-string equipment when making borehole round
trips. Also called swivel plug. See also:plug
Long

hoisting power

The capacity of the hoisting mechanism on a drill machine. May be

expressed in terms of the number of lineal feet of a specific-size drill
rod a hoist can lift on a single line or in terms of the total weight it
can handle, figured in pounds or tons. Long

hoisting rope

A rope composed of a sufficient number of wires and strands to ensure

strength and flexibility. Such ropes are used in shafts, elevators,
quarries, etc. Zern

hoisting sheave

See:winding sheave

hoistman

In mining, a person who operates steam or electric hoisting machinery used

to lower cages (elevators) and skips (large, metal, boxlike containers)
into a mine and to raise them to the surface from different levels. May be
designated according to type of power used, as electric-hoist person or
steamhoist person. Also called cageman; cage runner; hoist engineer; hoist
engineman; hoisting engineer; hoisting engineman; hoist operator;
operating engineer; shaft driver; shaft engineer; shaft-hoist engineer;
shaft hoistman. DOT

hoist operator

a. In petroleum production, one who lowers and raises surveying,

servicing, or testing instruments in and out of oil or gas wells on
electrical conductor cables, using truck-mounted hoisting equipment. Also
called winch operator. DOT
b. See:hoistman

hoist overspeed device

A device that can be set to prevent the operation of a mine hoist at

speeds greater than predetermined values and usually causes an emergency
brake application when the predetermined speed is exceeded.

hoist overwind device

A device that can be set to cause an emergency brake application when a

cage or skip travels beyond a predetermined point into a danger zone.
hoist signal code

Prescribed signals for indicating to the hoist operator the desired

direction of travel and whether people or materials are to be hoisted or
lowered in mines.

hoist signal system

A system whereby signals can be transmitted to the hoist operator (and in

some instances by the operator to the cager) for control of mine hoisting
operations.

hoist slack brake switch

A device for automatically cutting off the power from the hoist motor and
causing the brake to be set in case the links in the brake rigging require
tightening or the brakes require relining.

hoist trip recorder

A device that graphically records information such as the time and number
of hoists made as well as the delays of idle periods between hoists.
Syn:trip recorder

holdback

On an inclined belt conveyor system, a brake that comes automatically into

use in the event of power failure, thus preventing the loaded belt from
running downward and piling up rock. Pryor, 3

Holdcroft thermoscope bar

Temperature indicator that consists of a series of small bars placed

horizontally on a refractory stand. On heating, some bars are bent to
varying degrees, while others are unaffected. The temperature is indicated
by the bar that is just beginning to sag. The bars are numbered 1 to 40,
the temperature range being 600 to 1,550 degrees C.
See also:thermoscopic bar

holdenite

An orthorhombic mineral, (Mn,Mg)6 Zn3 (AsO4 )2

(SiO4 )(OH)8 ; in zinc deposits at Franklin, NJ.

holdfast

Temporary anchorage for guy ropes. Hammond

holding
a. See:take
b. Also Syn:mining claim
May 10, 1872; 17 Stat. 91) See also:undercut

holding-down bolt

See:anchor bolt

holding rope

Support rope for suspension of a grab used for excavating or handling bulk
material. Hammond

hold out!

Derb. An exclamation by the banksperson down a shaft to the bottomer, when

workers are about to descend the shaft, to let them know that they are not
to send up a load of coal, but merely the empty rope or chain. Fay

hole

a. In Joplin, Missouri, a local term for a mine shaft. Fay

b. A drill hole, borehole, or well. See also:borehole
c. To undercut a seam of coal by hand or machine. Fay
d. To make a communication from one part of a mine to another. Fay
e. To pick out the soft clay beneath a lode or seam of coal preparatory to
wedging or blasting the mass out. Gordon
f. A perforation through the laminae. Skow

hole curvature

The amount, expressed in degrees, that a borehole has diverged from its
intended course in a distance of 100 ft (30 m). Syn:hole deviation
Long

hole deviation

See:hole curvature

hole-in

To start drilling a borehole. Also called collar; spud; spud-in.

Long

hole layout

In quarrying, an arrangement consisting of a combination of vertical and

horizontal holes. Streefkerk

holeman
Pennsylvania. Person who loads holes with explosives; a charger.
Fay

holers

The workers employed in the operation of holing the coal. Peel

hole system

A system of contract work underground by which the pointing of the holes

and blasting are done by company personnel and the rest of the work by the
miners. Fay

hole through

Successful meeting of two approaching tunnel heads, or of winze and raise.

Pryor, 3

holing

a. Cutting. Mason
b. The working of a lower part of a bed of coal for bringing down the
upper mass. Fay
c. The final act of connecting two workings underground.
See also:holing-through
d. The meeting of two roadways driven expressly to intersect each other.
Syn:thirling
e. Eng. Shale partings in which the first charges were inserted for
blasting, Wenlock limestone, Dudley. Arkell
f. See:undercutting
g. Eng. See:kirving

holing about

Eng. The operation of establishing an air current between the downcast and
upcast shafts. Fay

holing nog

A kerf wedge. Nelson

holing pick

A pick used in holing coal. Standard, 2

holings

Eng. Holing dirt or small coal made by kirving with a coal-cutting

machine. Also called scuffings. Syn:cuttings
holing shovel

S. Staff. A short-handled, round-bladed shovel. Fay

holing-through

Driving a passage through to make connection with another part of the same
workings, or with those in an adjacent mine. See also:holing
Fay

Holland-Gaddy formula

A coal pillar design formula that predicts the strength of coal pillars
based on laboratory tests of coal cube strength combined with pillar
height and width specifications. The Holland-Gaddy formula is generally
considered to be overly conservative for large pillar width-to-height
ratios (over 5). SME, 1

hollandite

A monoclinic mineral, BaMn8 O16 ; cryptomelane group;

pseudotetragonal; massive, botryoidal, stalactitic, or prismatic with
deeply striated faces; commonly associated with pyrolusite.
CF:romanechite

hollow dam

A dam built of reinforced concrete, mass concrete, or masonry in which the

water pressure is resisted by a sloping slab or vault carried by
buttresses. Hammond

hollow-plunger pump

A pump used for mining and quarrying, as in muddy and gritty water.
Standard, 2

hollow quoin

Recessed masonry that carries the heel post of a lock gate.

Hammond

hollow-rod churn drill

A churn drill in which hollow rods replace the steel wire rope. The
drilling fluid is pumped down the inside of the rods, and the chipping and
fluid return to the surface on the outside. Nelson

hollows

Eng. Old abandoned workings. Fay

Holman Airleg

A drill support consisting of a cylinder of about 2-in (5.1-cm) bore in

which the piston is actuated by compressed air controlled by a twist-grip
control valve. This valve is also used to release the air pressure to
allow the piston to be lowered. The control valve also regulates the
feeding pressure on the drill. The length of feed of the Holman Airleg is
39 in (99 cm), overall length 57 in (145 cm), and weight 25 lb (11.4 kg).
A vent hole near the top of the cylinder allows the air to escape when the
piston travels past it, so as to warn the operator that the limit of feed
has been reached. The leg is then readjusted for drilling to be resumed.
The leg gives good support to the drill at all heights within reasonable
limits, and one person can comfortably handle a drill when mounted in this
way. Mason

Holman counterbalanced drill rig

A drill rig consisting of a rail-track carriage on which is mounted a

counterbalanced boom 10 ft (3 m) in length. For two-drill mounting, a
crossbar is attached to the boom, and drill cradles can be fixed over or
under the bar by swinging it through 180 degrees . For a four-drill
mounting, two additional vertical columns are used; these are jacked to
the floor and the drill carriage clamped to the track. The crossbars can
be clamped to any required position on the vertical columns. Mason

Holman dust extractor

A dust trap in which the dust and chippings created during percussive
drilling are drawn back through the hollow drill rod and out through the
rear of the machine and along a hose to a metal container with filter
elements. The appliance requires a special type of drilling machine, rods,
and bits. See also:dust trap

Holmberg system

A method of sintering iron ore. Sintering is carried out in a series of

pans, 11 ft 6 in (3.5 m) square, with robust chromium vanadium steel grate
bars, which have a life of 5 to 6 years. Advantages include low fuel
consumption and absence of moving parts in the sintering zones.
Osborne

Holme mud sampler

A device that takes samples with a scoop rotating on an axle mounted on a

heavy frame that rests firmly on the bottom. The device is lowered open
with the entire weight taken by a shackle on a balanced arm. Closure is
not effected on touching bottom. On hoisting, the pressure of water on a
vane attached to the balanced arm tips a lever allowing a pin to slip out,
releasing the shackle. The weight is then transferred to a rope rotating
around a large drum. This in turn rotates a small pulley and drags the
sampling hemisphere through the bottom via a second pulley to which it is
attached by a light wire. The maximum volume of the sample is 5« L, and in
practice, usually about 3 to 4 L are collected. Hunt

Holme suction grab

A sampling device using force provided by a vacuum chamber (containing air

at atmospheric pressure) to suck in a sediment sample. On striking the
bottom, the chamber is put into communication with the outside. Water
pressure forces the sample into the collecting tube. The pressure chamber
itself is a strong brass tube closed at the upper end by a lid and held
firmly in position by a clamp. A sampling tube is fixed below the chamber
and extends upward into it. Between the upper and lower parts of the
central tube is a plug held in position by retaining hooks through slots
in the wall of the lower tube. When the device strikes the bottom, a mouth
tube rises, disengaging the plug, which flies up the tube. The water then
forces material up into the collecting tube. Hunt

holmquistite

An orthorhombic mineral, Li2 (Fe,Mg)3 Al2 Si8

O22 (OH)2 ; amphibole group, with Mg/(Mg+Fe2+ ) =
0.1 to 0.89 ; in granite pegmatites.

Holocene

An epoch of the Quaternary period, from the end of the Pleistocene,

approx. 10,000 years ago, to the present time; also, the corresponding
series of rocks and deposits. When the Quaternary is designated as an era,
the Holocene is considered to be a period. Syn:Recent

holocrystalline

Said of the texture of an igneous rock composed entirely of crystals,

i.e., having no glassy part. Also, said of a rock with such a texture.
AGI

holohedral

The point group with the highest symmetry of its crystal system.
CF:hemihedral; merohedral; crystallographic system.

holohyaline

Said of an igneous rock that is composed entirely of glass. AGI

hololeims

Coalified remains of entire plants. Tomkeieff

holystone

a. A soft sandstone used to scrub a ship's decks. Webster 3rd

b. To scrub with a holystone. Webster 3rd
c. Eng. Limestone full of holes, white limestones of the Great Oolite near
Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, used for megalithic monuments.
Arkell
d. Pumice or friable sandstone used to scrub a ship's deck.

home

N. of Eng. In the direction of, or toward, the shaft, as in an underground

mine. Outby. Fay

homeoblastic

Pertaining to a type of crystalloblastic texture in a metamorphic rock in

which the essential mineral constituents are approx. of equal size.
CF:crystalloblastic; heteroblastic. AGI

homeothrausmatic

A genetic term applied to igneous rocks with an orbicular texture in which

the nuclei of the orbicules are formed of inclusions of the same
generation as the groundmass. CF:isothrausmatic; heterothrausmatic;
crystallothrausmatic. AGI

homocline

A general term for a series of rock strata having the same dip, e.g., one
limb of a fold, a tilted fault block, or an isocline. CF:monocline
Adj: homoclinal. AGI

homoeomorphism

A near similarity of crystalline forms between unlike chemical compounds.

Fay

homogeneity

In geochemical prospecting, the homogeneity of a geochemical anomaly is a

measure of the smoothness, or absence of strong local variations, in the
distribution of the indicator element. Hawkes, 1

homogeneous

Made up of similar parts or elements; of the same composition or structure

throughout; uniform. Opposite of heterogeneous. Standard, 2

homogeneous mass
A mass that exhibits essentially the same physical properties at every
point throughout the mass. ASCE

homopolar crystal

A crystal characterized by covalent bonding--the type of atomic bonding

resulting from the sharing of electrons by neighboring atoms.
ASM, 1

homoseismal line

Line on the Earth's surface connecting points where the seismic wave
arrives, generated by an earthquake, at the same time.
Schieferdecker

homotropal ventilation

Ventilation by a current of air traveling in the same direction as the

flow of mineral out of a mine. See also:descensional ventilation;
ascensional ventilation; antitropal ventilation. BS, 8

hondurasite

Formerly called selen-tellurium (Se,Te) , a variety of the trigonal

mineral form of tellurium, Te .

honeycomb

Any substance, as cast iron, worm-eaten wood, etc., having cells

suggesting a honeycomb; also applied to certain rock structures.
Webster 2nd; Fay

honeycomb structure

An arrangement of soil particles having a comparatively loose, stable

structure resembling a honeycomb. See also:soil structure;
flocculent structure; single-grained structure. ASCE

honeycomb weathering

A type of chemical weathering in which innumerable pits are produced on a

rock exposure. The pitted surface resembles an enlarged honeycomb and is
characteristic of finely granular rocks, such as tuffs and sandstones, in
an arid region. AGI

honey stone

A mellate of aluminum, Al2 [C6 (COO)6 ].16H2) O , of

yellowish or reddish color, and a resinous aspect, crystallizing in
octahedrons with a square base. See also:mellite
Fay; Tomkeieff

Honigmann process

A continental method of shaft sinking through sand that is water bearing.

The shaft is formed by boring in stages, increasing in size from the pilot
hole of about 4 ft (1.2 m) in diameter to the final excavation size. Once
the shaft is bored, mud flush circulation continues while the lining is
lowered. The lining consists of two steel cylinders, one within the other,
and the annular space is filled with concrete. The cylinders are lowered
into the shaft, and 10-ft (3-m) lengths are added and welded in position
at the shaft top. Nelson

hoodoo

A fantastic column, pinnacle, or pillar of rock produced in a region of

sporadic heavy rainfall by differential weathering or erosion of
horizontal strata, facilitated by joints and by layers of varying
hardness, and occurring in varied and often eccentric or grotesque forms.
Syn:rock pillar

hook block

The lower sheave or block, on a crane hoist, to which a swivel hook is

attached. Fay

Hooke's law

A statement of elastic deformation, that the strain is linearly

proportional to the applied stress. See also:elasticity

hook forward method

A method of lashing on to the rope in which the chain, after lapping two
to five times around the rope, depending on the load and the inclination,
is brought forward across the laps and threaded through the hook at the
front. This method keeps the last lap tight and prevents the laps from
spreading. Sinclair, 5

hook-on

The worker who adjusts cables or chains about objects to be lifted; places
hook of crane block in bucket bails, and hooks winches to objects to be
moved, etc. Fay

hook tender

In bituminous coal mining, a laborer who attaches the hook at the end of a
hoisting cable to the link of the leading or near car of a trip of cars to
be hauled up or lowered down an incline in the mine or at the surface.
Also called rope cutter. DOT

Hoolamite indicator

A carbon monoxide detector consisting essentially of a small glass tube

filled with a powdered chemical; when air is drawn through it, if any of
the gas is present, the powder will change color, its degree of change
depending upon the amount of carbon monoxide present. This device is very
sensitive and will detect gas as low as 0.01%. Kentucky

Hooper jig

Pneumatic jig, used in regions where water is scarce, or where the ore
must be kept dry, to concentrate values from sands. Pryor, 3

Hoope's process

An electrolytic process of aluminum refining that utilizes three liquid

layers in the reduction cell. An anode of aluminum-copper alloy is used in
a fused fluoride bath. The lighter aluminum, about 99.99% purity, collects
at the cathode above the fused bath. Henderson

Hopcalite

Catalytic granules consisting of finely divided manganese dioxide mixed

with copper oxide and a small quantity of silver oxide, and used in gas
mask cannisters to remove carbon monoxide by oxidizing it to carbon
dioxide. With the development of Hopcalite, the problem of providing
adequate protection against carbon monoxide poisoning was solved.
McAdam, 1

hopeite

An orthorhombic mineral, Zn3 (PO4 )2 .4H2 O ;

dimorphous with parahopeite; in minute grayish-white crystals with zinc
ores, esp. at Broken Hill, Zimbabwe.

Hopfner process

A process for the recovery of copper in which a solution of cuprous

chloride in sodium or calcium chloride is used to dissolve copper
sulfides. The solution is then electrolyzed in tanks with diaphragms. The
anodes are impure copper; the cathodes, pure copper. Copper is deposited
from the cuprous chloride solution, and cupric chloride is regenerated.
Liddell

Hopkinson chain machine

An electrically driven chain coal cutter designed and manufactured by
Mather and Platt in 1901 with provision for slewing the jib. A large
number of these machines were built. For many years the Hopkinson was the
only chain coal cutter built in the United Kingdom. Nelson

hopper

a. A vessel into which materials are fed, usually constructed in the form
of an inverted pyramid or cone terminating in an opening through which the
materials are discharged (not primarily intended for storage).
BS, 5
b. Surge bin placed at discharge end of intermittent transporting system
that handles dry ore or rock; used to smooth out and regulate delivery
from that point. A hopper car is one with bottom discharge gear and
insloping side walls. Pryor, 3
c. A storage bin or a funnel that is loaded from the top and discharges
through a door or chute in the bottom. Nichols, 1
d. A container or bin for broken ore. CTD
e. A place of deposit for coal or ore. Fay

hopper car

A car for coal, gravel, etc., shaped like a hopper, with an opening to
discharge the contents. Standard, 2

hopper crystal

A crystal with edges grown beyond face centers. CF:skeletal crystal

hopper dredge

A hydraulic dredge that operates in cycles, alternately filling at a

dredge site and traveling to and from a disposal or offloading site.

hopperings

In gold washing, gravel retained in the hopper of a cradle.

hoppers

Pockets at the bottom of a breaker through which the processed coal falls
as it is loaded into railroad cars; also the cars. Korson

hopper salt

Grainer or solar salt produced in characteristic hollow-faced cubes by

surface evaporation. Kaufmann

hopper table
Early type of pneumatic table used in ore treatment. Pryor, 3

hoppet

A vessel for measuring ore. Standard, 2

hoppit

A large bucket used in shaft sinking for hoisting men, rock, materials,
and tools. Since about 1955, hoppit sizes have increased to about 80 ft
3
(2.3 m3 ) and in some cases to 110 ft3 (2.5 m
3
) and surface tipping facilities have been brought to a high
degree of efficiency to cope with large-diameter shafts and fast sinking
rates. See also:cactus grab

horadiam

a. The drilling of a number of horizontal boreholes radiating outward from

a common center; a single drill site or drill setup. Long
b. See:horizontal-ring drilling

horizon

a. An interface indicative of a particular position in a stratigraphic

sequence. In practice it is commonly a distinctive, very thin bed or
marker. See also:marker bed
b. One of several lines or planes used as reference for observation and
measurement relative to a given location on the Earth's surface and
referred generally to a horizontal direction (Huschke, 1959); esp.
apparent horizon. The term is also frequently applied to artificial
horizon. AGI
c. One of the layers of the soil profile, distinguished principally by its
texture, color, structure, and chemical content, designated as A-horizon;
B-horizon; C-horizon. ASCE
d. An identifiable rock stratum regionally known to contain or be
associated with rock containing valuable minerals. CF:marker;
marker bed. Long
e. See:soil horizon

horizon mining

A system of mine development that is suitable for inclined, and perhaps

faulted, coal seams. Main stone headings are driven, at predetermined
levels, from the winding shaft to intersect and gain access to the seams
to be developed. The stone headings, or horizons, are from 100 to 200 yd
(91.44 to 182.88 m) vertically apart, depending on the seams available and
their inclination. The life of each horizon ranges from 10 to 30 years.
Connections between horizons at inby points are by staple shafts or
drivages in the coal. Also called horizontal mining; continental mining.
See also:lateral
horizontal auger

A rotary drill, mechanically driven, for drilling horizontal blasting

holes in quarries and opencast pits. See also:auger;
vertical auger drill. Nelson

horizontal balance

A magnetic-field balance instrument much less commonly used than the

vertical type. It is quite similar to it in construction except that the
magnet points approx. vertically instead of horizontally. Dobrin

horizontal borer

A machine, making holes from 2 to 6 in (5.08 to 15.24 cm) in diameter,

used for drilling overburden at opencut coal mines. Bits are of the auger
or winged types. Lewis

horizontal circle

The circular horizontal plate of a theodolite, accurately divided so that

horizontal angles can be precisely measured. Hammond

horizontal crosscut

See:horizontal drive

horizontal cut

See:drag cut

horizontal-cut underhand

See:underhand stoping

horizontal departure

The amount, expressed in feet or degrees, a borehole has digressed

horizontally from the intended target. Long

horizontal dip slip

See:horizontal slip

horizontal displacement

a. A term used by Tolman to designate strike slip. AGI

b. The distance two formerly adjacent points moved horizontally.
c. See:strike slip
horizontal drive

An opening with a small inclination (about 2 to 4 mm for 1 m in length) in

the direction toward the shaft for draining the water and to facilitate
hauling of the full cars to the shaft. Syn:horizontal crosscut
Stoces

horizontal fault

A fault in the Earth's crust with no vertical displacement.

Webster 3rd

horizontal intensity

a. The intensity of the horizontal component of the magnetic field in the

plane of the magnetic meridian. Hy
b. The horizontal component of the vector magnetic-field intensity; it is
one of the magnetic elements, and is symbolized by H.
CF:vertical intensity

horizontal load-bearing test

See:load-bearing test

horizontal pendulum

A pendulum whose mass is constrained to move horizontally.

Schieferdecker

horizontal prism

See:macrodome

horizontal-ring drilling

See:horadiam

horizontal screens

Shaking screens with the plates supported in an essentially horizontal

position that have been developed to obtain the advantages of low head
room requirement. Mitchell

horizontal separation

In faulting, the distance between the two parts of a disrupted unit (e.g.,
bed, vein, or dike), measured in any specified horizontal direction.
CF:vertical separation

horizontal slip
In a fault, the horizontal component of the net slip. CF:vertical slip
Syn:horizontal dip slip

horizontal takeup

A mechanism in which the takeup or movable pulley travels in an approx.

horizontal plane. NEMA, 2

horizontal throw

The heave of a fault. Hess

hornblende granite

A felsic plutonic rock, generally adamellite or granodiorite, containing

an amphibole (often hornblende) as an essential dark-colored constituent;
with decreasing quartz it grades through tonalite into normal diorite.

hornblende schist

A schistose metamorphic rock consisting principally of hornblende, with

little or no quartz. Unlike amphibolite, it does not need to contain
plagioclase. AGI

horn coal

a. Eng. Coal worked partly end-on and partly face-on. Fay

b. A variety of cannel coal from South Wales. Fay
c. A coal that emits an odor when burning like that of burnt horn.
Fay
d. Term in use in Saxony, Germany, for a variety of pitch coal similar to
cannel coal. Syn:half end

horn coral

Solitary coral. AGI

hoernesite

See:hoernesite

hornfels

A fine-grained rock composed of a mosaic of equidimensional grains without

preferred orientation and typically formed by contact metamorphism.
Porphyroblasts or relict phenocrysts may be present in the granoblastic
matrix. See also:calc-silicate hornfels; pelitic hornfels;
magnesian hornfels. AGI

horn lead
See:phosgenite

horn quicksilver

See:calomel

Hornsey process

A method for the low-temperature reduction of iron ore by means of a

series of rotary kilns. The kilns are each about 5 ft (1.5 m) in diameter
and 30 ft (9.1 m) in length. The first is used for preheating, the second
for reduction, and the third for cooling the product. Pulverized coal is
used, which makes it readily possible to control the combustion and to
maintain constant temperature. Osborne

horn silver

See:chlorargyrite; embolite.

horn socket

A fishing tool specially designed to recover lost collared drill rods or

drill pipe. It consists of a smooth-wall, tapered socket, the larger end
down, equipped with a spring latch, which grips the drill rod under the
collar when it is slid down over the top of the lost drill rod. When the
socket is equipped with a flaring (bell-shaped) mouth, it is called a
bell-mouth socket. Long

horn tiff

In Missouri, calcite stained with carbonaceous material; sometimes dark

enough to be mistaken for sphalerite. Fay

horse

a. Any irregularity cutting out a portion of the vein.

See also:rock fault
b. To split into branches, as a vein of ore in a mine. Standard, 2
c. Rock occupying a channel cut into a coalbed. See also:horseback
AGI
d. A body of sandstone or shale occupying a channel in a coal seam.
See also:horseback
e. In structure, a large block of displaced wall rock caught along a
fault, particularly a high-angle normal fault. AGI
f. A mass of country rock lying within a vein. See also:internal waste

horseback

a. See:cutout; swell.
b. A bank or ridge of foreign matter in a coal seam. AGI
c. A large roll in a coal seam. AGI
d. A clay vein in a coal seam. Syn:kettleback
symon fault; washout; slip. AGI
e. A name applied by some writers to floor rolls in coal mines.
AGI
f. Applied in some areas to clay veins; i.e., intrusions of clay into
coalbeds. See also:clay vein; sandstone dike. AGI
g. Eng. A mass of stone with a slippery surface in the roof. In shape, it
resembles a horse's back. SMRB
h. Natural channels cut or washed away by water in a coal seam and filled
up with shale and sandstone. Sometimes, a bank or ridge of foreign matter
in a coal seam. Fay
i. A portion of the roof or floor that bulges or intrudes into the coal.
Fay
j. A mass of country rock lying within a vein or bed. Fay
k. A piece of slate, flat underneath, thick in the middle, and running out
to a thin edge upon each side. See also:kettle bottom
l. Eng. A tree branch that has been horizontally embedded, carbonized, and
compressed into lenticular shape in shale immediately above a coalbed.
Chem. Indust.
m. A term used in Maine for a low and somewhat sharp ridge of sand or
gravel; also, but not generally, a ridge of rock that rises for a short
distance with a sharp edge. A hogback. Fay

horseback excavator

In bituminous coal mining, one who excavates horseback (banks or ridges of

dirt or rock in the coal seam) in a strip mine with a power shovel.
DOT

horseflesh ore

See:bornite

horse gear

Bar pulled around by draft animal to actuate winding capstan.

Syn:whim gin

horsepower applied

See:power upon the air

horsepower-hour

The work performed or the energy consumed by working at the rate of 1 hp

for 1 h (2.68 MJ), being equal to 1,980,000 ft.lbf (2.68 X 106
N.m). Abbrev., hp.h. Webster 3rd

horsepower of ventilation
The work done in ventilating a mine or part of a mine is measured by the
quantity circulated multiplied by the ventilating pressure required, the
quantity being measured in cubic feet per minute (cubic meters per minute)
and the pressure in pounds per square foot (kilograms per square meter).
The horsepower required is, therefore, this product divided by 33,000.
Sinclair, 1

horsepower pull

The effort necessary to maintain the normal operating speed of a conveyor

under a rated capacity load. To this must be added the effort of
acceleration, drive losses, etc., to arrive at a final driving effort.
Horsepower pull may be referred to in terms such as effective tension,
chain pull, turning effort, gear tooth pressure, etc.
See also:effective belt tension

horsetail

Said of a major vein dividing or fraying into smaller fissures; also, said
of an ore comprising a series of such veins. AGI

horsetail ore

Ore in fractures that diverge from a major fracture.

horse transport

An old method of transportation in mines in which horses were used to pull

the mine cars along the roadways. Stables were installed underground in
order for the horses to be kept permanently in the mine. Horse
transportation has been replaced today by mechanical transport.
Stoces

horse whim

A device used for raising ore or water from mines, provided with radiating
beams to which horses, oxen, or camels may be yoked. Sandstrom

horsfordite

A possibly isometric mineral, Cu3 Sb ; silver-white; sp gr, 8.8;

reported from Lesbos Island, Greece.

horst

An elongate, relatively uplifted crustal unit or block that is bounded by

faults on its long sides. It is a structural form and may or may not be
expressed geomorphologically. Etymol: German: no direct English
equivalent. CF:graben
hortonolite

A magnesian variety of fayalite.

hose coupling

A joint between a hose and a steel pipe, or between two lengths of hose.
Hammond

hoshiite

A nickeloan variety of magnesite.

Hoskold formula

Two-rate valuation formula, once much used to determine present value (Vp)
of mining properties or shares, with redemption of capital invested.
Largely replaced by Morkill's formula. Pryor, 3

host

A rock or mineral that is older than rocks or minerals introduced into it

or formed within or adjacent to it, such as a host rock, or a large
crystal with inclusions of smaller crystals of a different mineral
species; a palasome. Ant: guest. AGI

host element

A common element that is substituted by a trace element in a rock mineral.

host rock

A body of rock serving as a host for other rocks or for mineral deposits;
e.g., a pluton containing xenoliths, or any rock in which ore deposits
occur. It is a somewhat more specific term than country rock. AGI

hot

Applied to a mine or part of a mine that generates methane in considerable

quantities. Fay

hotbed

An area, adjacent to the runout table, where hot rolled metal is placed to
cool. Sometimes called the cooling table. ASM, 1

hot blast

Air forced into a furnace after having been heated. Fay

hot-blast man

A stove tender at blast furnaces. Fay

hot-blast system

The plenum system of ventilation. Webster 2nd

hot-carbonate process

A process developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in which a hot solution of

potassium carbonate is used to absorb impurities from gases and is then
regenerated for reuse in a continuous cycle with maximum efficiency and
minimum wasted heat. Also called hot-potash process; Benfield process.

hot cell

A heavily shielded enclosure in which radioactive materials can be handled

remotely through the use of manipulators and viewed through shielded
windows so that there is no danger to personnel. Lyman

Hotchkiss superdip

Much more sensitive than the common dip needle. The instrument consists of
a magnetic needle free to rotate about a horizontal axis and a nonmagnetic
bar with a counterweight at the end which is attached to the needle at its
pivot, the two axes making an angle that can be varied. It measures
changes in the total field and can be used to measure variations in the
vertical field if its plane is oriented in a direction perpendicular to
the magnetic meridian. See also:dip needle

hot crushing strength

Compressive strength of brick at high temperature.

hot-dip coating

The process of dipping metal components in molten tin or zinc to protect

them against corrosion. See also:galvanizing

hot-dip galvanizing

Immersion of iron or steel articles in a bath of melted spelter, to

produce a zinc coating. Pryor, 3

hot-drawn

Elongation of metal wire, tube, or rod by drawing it while heated through

a constricting orifice. Opposite of cold-drawn. Pryor, 3
hot forming

Working operations such as bending, drawing, forging, piercing, pressing,

and heading performed above the recrystallization temperature of the
metal. ASM, 1

hot laboratory

A laboratory designed for the safe handling of radioactive materials.

Usually contains one or more hot cells. Lyman

hot-laid type

A bituminous pavement that is mixed and laid at relatively high

temperatures, generally above 250 degrees F (121 degrees C). The highest
type pavement that can be laid, it has greater durability and lower
maintenance than any other type. Pit and Quarry

hot material

Any material that, at the time of charging, is at a temperature of 70

degrees C or higher.

hot-metal ladle

A ladle for the transfer of molten iron from a blast furnace to a mixer
furnace and from there to a steel furnace; alternatively, the ladle may
transfer molten pig iron direct from blast furnace to steel furnace. Such
ladles are generally lined with fire clay refractories, but for severe
conditions high-alumina and basic refractories have been tried with some
success. Dodd

hot-metal mixer

A large holding furnace for molten pig iron. The capacity of these
furnaces, which are of the tilting type, is up to 1,400 st (1,270 t). Hot
metal mixers may be active (that is, the pig iron is partially refined
while in the furnace) or inactive (that is, the pig iron is merely kept
molten until it is required for transfer to a steelmaking furnace). In
either case, the bottom and walls of the furnace are made of magnesite
refractories and the roof of silica refractories. Dodd

hot miller

A tool operated by compressed air, fitted with cutting wheels that mill
the hot cutting edges or rock drill bits to the required angle.
See also:detachable bit

hot-quenching
Quenching in a medium at an elevated temperature. ASM, 1

hot rolling

The passing of hot steel bars through pairs of steel rolls to form
rolled-steel sections. The final dimension of the product is approached in
stages by adjusting the height of the rolls. Nelson

hot shortness

Embrittlement of steel or wrought iron when hot, usually due to excessive

sulfur content. Pryor, 3

hot spot

a. A small portion of a furnace shell that is warmer than the rest. It

indicates a thin lining. Fay
b. The zone of highest temperature within a glass-melting furnace.
ASTM

Hot Springs diamonds

Quartz crystals found near Hot Springs, AR.

hot top

A refractory-lined steel or iron casting inserted into the tip of a mold

and supported at various heights to feed an ingot as it solidifies.
ASM, 1

hot-wire anemometer

Instrument particularly suited to the measurement of very low air

velocities and the fluctuating velocities that occur in turbulent flow.
Basically, it consists of a wire or wires, usually platinum, supported in
a frame and heated electrically. When exposed to an air current, the
heated wire cools, and as a result, its electrical resistance alters. The
heated wire forms one arm of a Wheatstone-bridge-type circuit, and
measurements of resistance change may be correlated with the velocity of
airflow that caused that change. Roberts, 1

hot working

Deforming metal plastically at such a temperature and rate that strain

hardening does not occur. The low limit of temperature is the
recrystallization temperature. ASM, 1

hourglass structure
A type of zoning, esp. common in clinopyroxenes and chloritoids, in which
a core, distinguished from the outer part by a difference of color or
optical properties, has a cross section resembling that of an hourglass.
AGI

house

a. Corn. A large mass of rich tin ore. Also called a carbona.

Arkell
b. Eng. See:gunnie; turnhouse.

house coal

Coal for use around colliery in miners' houses and for local sale.
BCI

house of water

Corn. A cavity or space filled with water.

hove

a. Scot. Past participle of heave. The floor of a mine working is said to

heave or rise. Fay
b. A lode is hove or thrown in a certain direction by a fault.
Gordon

hovel

A large conical or conoidal brick structure within which a firing kiln is

built. Webster 3rd

howell

The upper stage in a porcelain furnace. Standard, 2

howlite

A monoclinic mineral, Ca2 B5 SiO9 (OH)5 ;

white; earthy or in small nodules; in the Mojave Desert region of
California.

H-piece

That part of a plunger lift in which the valves or clacks are fixed.
Fay

HQ
A letter name specifying the dimensions of bits, core barrels, and drill
rods in the H-size and Q-group wireline diamond drilling system having a
core diameter of 63.5 mm and a hole diameter of 96 mm. Cumming, 2

hsianghualite

An isometric mineral, Ca3 Li2 Be3 (SiO4 ) (sub

3) F2 ; occurs with taaffeite in metamorphosed limestone in Hunan
Province, China.

huanghoite

A trigonal mineral, BaCe(CO3 )2 F ; as yellow platy masses

in hydrothermal deposits near the Huang-Ho River, China. Also spelled
huangeite-(Ce).

huascolite

A variety of galena in which part of the lead is replaced by zinc.

Standard, 2

hub

A survey point marked with a stake or metal pin and used as a reference
point for locating a specific spot in a predetermined direction.
Long

hub-and-groove diameter

The outside diameter of the hub, or the diameter at the base of a groove
cut in the hub to provide clearance for the link plates.
Jackson, 1

Hubbard distributor

A continuous distributor consisting of a steel open-topped box filled with

stone dust. Resting on the surface of the stone dust is a steel plate 1/4
in (0.64 cm) in thickness fitting loosely into the box and perforated with
holes 3/16 in (0.48 cm) in diameter. The plate is connected by a series of
chains and levers to a lever between the rails on either the loaded or
empty side of the roadway. Each tub passing along depresses the lever and
causes the steel plate to be lifted. A counterweight restores the track
lever to vertical and the plate falls, causing a puff of stone dust to be
ejected through each hole into the ventilating current. Thus stone dusting
keeps pace with output. Sinclair, 1

huebnerite

A monoclinic mineral, 2[MnWO4 ] , with Mn replaced by Fe toward

ferberite in the series commonly known as wolframite; one perfect
cleavage; resinous; sp gr, 7.12; in granitic rocks, including pegmatites;
in high-temperature quartz veins, and in placers; may be alone or
associated with cassiterite, or with sulfides of iron, lead, or zinc. Also
spelled huebernite. See also:sanmartinite; huebnerite.

hudge

a. A small box or tram without wheels, running on timber slides, drawn by

a boy, in thin and steep seams. Fay
b. An iron bucket for hoisting ore or coal. See:bowk

huebnerite

A brownish-red tungstate of manganese, Mn+2 WO4 , one of

the end-members of a variable series, commonly known as wolfram or
wolframite, (Fe, Mn)WO4 ; monoclinic. Syn:huebnerite;
wolframite. CMD

huel

Corn. A mine; a variant of wheal. Fay

Huff separator

Type of electrostatic separator used in ore treatment. Pryor, 3

hugger

a. N. of Eng. In coal mining, a back or cleat. Fay

b. Northumb. The principal cleat in coal. See also:backs
Arkell

hugger belt conveyor

Two belt conveyors whose conveying surfaces combine to convey loads up

steep inclines or vertically.

hugger drive

A drive employing an auxiliary belt that bears against the surface of the
conveying belt as it passes around the drive pulley to increase the
pressure between the conveyor belt and the drive pulley.

hulk

a. Corn. To take down and remove the softer part of a lode, before
removing the harder part. See also:gouge
b. The removal of the soft gouge.
c. The excavation made by this operation.
Hull cell

A special electrodeposition cell giving a range of known current densities

for test work. ASM, 1

hulsite

A monoclinic mineral, (Fe,Mg)2 (Fe,Sn)BO5 ; forms small

black crystals or tabular masses at the contact of granite and
metamorphosed limestone.

humacite

A group name for bitumens that vary from gelatinous to hard resinous or
elastic. Believed to represent an emulsion of highly acidic (humic acids)
hydrocarbons with a varying amount of water (as high as 90%). Insoluble in
organic solvents. Tomkeieff

humboldtine

A hydrous ferrous oxalate, Fe2+ C2 O4 2H2 O

, occurring in capillary or botryoidal forms and black shale.
Syn:humboltite; oxalite. Tomkeieff

humboldtite

See:datolite; humboldtine.

Humboldt jig

Movable-screen type of ore jig. Pryor, 3

humboltite

See:datolite; humboldtine.

humic acid

Black acidic organic matter extracted from soils, low-rank coals, and
other decayed plant substances by alkalis. It is insoluble in acids and
organic solvents. AGI

humic coals

a. A group of coals, including the ordinary bituminous varieties, that

have been formed from accumulations of vegetable debris that have
maintained their morphological organization with little decay. The
majority of them are banded and have a tendency to develop jointing or
cleat. Chemically, humic coals are characterized by hydrogen varying
between 4% to 6%. Tomkeieff
b. Coals in which the attritus may be composed predominately of
transparent humic degradation matter. AGI
c. Introduced in 1906 by H. Potonie to describe coals, the original
organic matter of which underwent change chiefly by humification; i.e.,
through the process of peat formation in the presence of oxygen. Most
seams of coal consist principally of humic coal and the technological
properties vary with their rank, with their petrographic composition, and
with the manner of distribution of mineral inclusions. IHCP

humic degradation matter

Finely comminuted degradation matter in coal, largely but not altogether

derived from the woody tissues of plants, and like anthraxylon, largely
derived from lignin. AGI

humid heat

Ratio of the increase in total heat per kilogram of dry air to the rise in
temperature, with constant pressure and humidity ratio.

humidifying effect

The quantity of water evaporated per unit of time (usually 1 h) times the
latent heat of vaporization at the evaporating temperature.
Strock, 2

humidity

The water-vapor content of the atmosphere. The unmodified term often

signifies relative humidity. See also:absolute humidity;
specific humidity. AGI

humidostat

An instrument for regulating the humidity in the atmosphere.

Syn:hygrostat

humins

In coal, amorphous brown to black substances formed by natural

decomposition from vegetable substances; insoluble in alkali carbonates,
water, and benzol. Hess

humite

The mineral group alleghanyite, chondrodite, clinohumite, humite,

jerrygibbsite, leucophoenicite, manganhumite, norbergite, ribbeite, and
sonolite; monoclinic and orthorhombic fluosilicates of magnesium, iron,
and/or manganese, with hydroxyl commonly replacing fluorine; similar
physical properties, and structures closely related to those of the
olivines; in metamorphosed dolomitic limestones, or skarns associated with
ore deposits; commonly as chondrodite and clinohumite; at the Tilly Foster
iron mine near Brewster and at Franklin, NJ.

humite group

A group of isomorphous minerals consisting of olivine, chondrodite,

humite, and clinohumite, and closely resembling one another in chemical
composition, physical properties, and crystallization. Webster 3rd

Hummer screen

Screen used to size moderately small material, vibrated electrically by

solenoid action. Pryor, 3

humocoll

Peat derived from humic material and in rank corresponding to saprocoll.

Tomkeieff

humonigritite

A type of nigritite that occurs in sediments. CF:polynigritite;

keronigritite. AGI

humopel

An organic mud composed of humic material corresponding in rank to

sapropel. Tomkeieff

humosite

A microscopical constituent of torbanite; translucent; dark brownish-red;

isotropic. See also:gelosite; matrosite; retinosite. Tomkeieff

humper

See:booster conveyor

Humphrey's spiral

A concentrating device that exploits differential densities of coal and

its associated impurities by a combination of sluicing and centrifugal
action. The material gravitates down through a stationary spiral trough
with six turns (five for ore treatment) of mean radius 8 in (20.32 cm)
with a fall per turn of 11 in (27.94 cm). Heavy particles stay on the
inside, the lightest ones climb to the outside, and the resulting bands
are separated at convenient points.

humus
Dark-colored, organic, well-decomposed soil material consisting of the
residues of plant and animal materials together with synthesized cell
substances of soil organisms and various inorganic elements.
Stokes

humus coal

a. Coal composed of anthraxylon in varying proportions and of varying

thicknesses, associated with transparent attritus. AGI
b. Amorphous brown to black coal formed from vegetable matter and
insoluble under continuous boiling in caustic alkalies; also insoluble in
water and benzol. Hess

hundredweight

A weight commonly reckoned in the United States, and for many articles in
England, at 100 avoirdupois lb, but commonly in England, and formerly in
the United States, at 112 avoirdupois lb. There is also an older
hundredweight, called the long hundredweight, of 120 avoirdupois lb.
Abbrev., cwt. Standard, 2

Hungarian cat's eye

An inferior greenish cat's eye obtained in the Fichtelgebirge in Bavaria.

No such stone occurs in Hungary. CMD

Hungarian mill

A rotating, grinding mill used in Hungary for removing small portions of

gold from quartz by mixing with mercury; one of the many forms of pan
amalgamators.

Hungarian opal

a. A white opal, with a fine color play; found in Slovakia.

b. A name used by the importing trade for any white opal regardless of
origin.

Hungarian riffles

Riffles used in undercurrents that are small angle irons or pieces of wood
shod with iron. Syn:transverse riffles

hung fire

Delay in a blasting explosion caused by dampness of the powder or by too

slow combustion of the fuse. Korson

hungry
a. Said of a rock, lode, or belt of country that is barren of ore minerals
or of geologic indications of ore, or that contains very low-grade ore.
Ant: likely. AGI
b. Said of a soil that is poor or not fertile. AGI

hung shot

a. A shot that does not explode immediately upon detonation or ignition.

See also:hangfire
b. A delayed shot. Hudson

Hunt and Douglas process

Consists of roasting matte carrying copper, lead, gold, and silver at a

very low temperature, forming copper sulfate and oxide, but not silver
sulfate. This product is leached with dilute sulfuric acid for copper. The
resulting solution is treated with calcium chloride, and the copper is
precipitated as subchloride by passing SO2 through the solution.
The cuprous chloride is then reduced to cuprous oxide by milk of lime,
regenerating calcium chloride, and the cuprous oxide is smelted.
Liddell

huntilite

A silver arsenide occurring with native silver at Silver Islet, Lake

Superior, MI. Fay

hunting

a. Unstable conditions occur with all fans when they are working against
too high a resistance, and with forward-bladed radial-flow fans over most
of their range, including the point of maximum efficiency. In these
conditions, a drop in volume causes only a slight rise in fan pressure and
conditions are only slowly restored to normal. This leads to continual and
heavy fluctuations in load, a phenomenon known as "hunting." In extreme
cases, a fan may hunt to the point where there is no rise in pressure with
decreasing volume. It can then lose its load entirely and never recover
it. Roberts, 1
b. Abnormal time lag in automatic control system, in which a corrective
change is so much exceeded that overmodulation ensues, the result being
oscillation above and below the desired norm. Also called cycling;
oscillation. Pryor, 3

hunting coal

York. Ribs and posts of coal left for second working. Fay

Huntington-Heberlein process
A sink-float process employing a galena medium and utilizing froth
flotation as the means of medium recovery. Chem. Eng.

Huntington mill

A cylindrical vertical tub from 3-1/2 to 6 ft (1.07 to 1.83 m) in

diameter, with screen-guarded peripheral apertures through which ore pulp
can be discharged after passing through the comminuting zone. Grinding is
done by four rolling mullers, which hang inside from a yoke and which
press outward when rotating, thus bearing an ore caught between them and
the inner wall of the tub. Syn:pendulum mill

hunting tooth

Extra tooth designed for driven wheel so that its total number of teeth is
not a multiple of those of the driving pinion. Pryor, 3

huntite

A trigonal mineral, CaMg3 (CO3 )4 ; in white chalky

masses in caves; as a weathering product in vugs and veins in
magnesium-rich rocks; in magnesite deposits in Nevada.

Hunt's process

Treatment of precious metal ores containing copper or zinc, using an

ammoniacal cyanide solution and recovering ammonia by boiling.
Liddell

hurdle

A temporary screen or curtain to deflect the air upwards against the roof
to disperse gas. BS, 8

hurdle screen

a. Scot. A temporary screen or curtain for clearing gas out of a pit. Used
esp. where gas has collected in potholes or caves in the roof. Fay
b. Scot. A screen used in underground firefighting that pushes the smoke
back toward the fire and allows the firefighting team to advance within
striking distance of the fire. McAdam, 1

hurdle sheet

A screen of brattice cloth erected across a roadway below a roof cavity or

at the ripping lip to divert the air current upwards to dilute and remove
an accumulation of combustible gases. See also:pocket of gas
Nelson

hurdy-gurdy
a. See:hurdy-gurdy wheel
b. A dance house in a mining camp. Standard, 2

hurdy-gurdy drill

A hand auger used to drill boreholes in soft rock or rock material, such
as soil, clay, coal, etc. Long

hurdy-gurdy wheel

A water wheel operated by the direct impact of a stream upon its radialIy
placed paddles. Syn:hurdy-gurdy

hureaulite

A monoclinic mineral, Mn5 (PO4 )2 [PO3 (OH)]

2 .4H2 O ; in pegmatites.

hurlbarrow

Scot. A wheelbarrow. Standard, 2

hurricane air stemmer

A mechanical device for the rapid stemming of shotholes. It consists of a

sand funnel connected by a T-piece to the charge tube, one end of which is
provided with a valve and fittings to the compressed air column. The
funnel is filled with sand, which is held uppermost, and the charge tube
is inserted into the shothole. The sand is injected by the compressed air,
and the tube is gradually withdrawn as the hole is being filled.
Nelson

hurry

a. Scot. A screen or sieve.

b. To haul, pull, or push cars of coal in a mine. Fay
c. A chute, slide, or pass as for ore in a mine, or for coal discharged
from cars into vessels. Webster 2nd
d. Gr. Brit. A wooden staging on a navigable river from which to load
vessels with coal. Standard, 2

hurry gum

Scot. The fine material that passes through a screen or sieve.

hush

Eng. To clear away (soil) from ore with a rush of water.

Standard, 2
hushing

See:hydraulic prospecting; booming. AGI

hutch

a. Corn. A cistern or box for washing ore. See also:jig

Syn:washing hutch
b. Scot. A basket for coal. Standard, 2
c. The bottom compartment of a coal or ore-dressing jig.
Webster 3rd
d. The part of a jig below the screen plate, in which the washbox rests
and the pulsating movement of the water takes place. BS, 5
e. A car on low wheels in which coal is drawn and hoisted out of a mine
pit. Webster 3rd
f. To wash ore in a box or jig.
g. A basket for measurement and transport of coal.
h. A small train or wagon for removing coal or ore from a mine.
i. An old and varying English measure, as (for coal) 2 Winchester bushels
(70.5 L). Webster 2nd
j. Scot. Two hundredweight (91 kg or 96 kg) of pyrites.
Standard, 2
k. The bottom compartment of an ore-dressing jig and/or the mineral
product that collects there. Webster 3rd
l. The part of a washbox situated below the screenplate in which the
controlled pulsating movement of the water takes place. BS, 5

hutch cleading

The boards that form the sides, bottom, and ends of a mine car, or hutch.
Standard, 2

hutcher

One who runs hutches. Webster 2nd

hutching

N. of Eng. Term used for tramming. Nelson

hutch mender

A repairer of tubs or hutches broken in a mine. CTD

hutch mounting

Scot. The ironwork on the frame and box of a wooden hutch. Fay

hutch product
The fine, heavy materials that pass through the meshes of the screen in a
jig. Newton, 1

hutch road

a. A road through a mine. Standard, 2

b. Scot. A hutch tramway. Fay

hutchwork

In mineral processing, the concentrates passing down through the ore jig
into the hutch. Pryor, 3

huttonite

A very rare, strongly radioactive, colorless to pale cream, monoclinic

mineral, ThSiO4 , found in sands and gravels with scheelite,
cassiterite, uranothorite, zircon, ilmenite, and gold. Crosby

Huwood loader

This machine comprises a number of horizontal rotating flight bars working

near the floor of the seam and driven through gearing by an electric
motor. These bars push into the coal in their extended position and are
almost completely concealed inside the loader casing in their retracted
position. They push prepared coal up a ramp on to a low, bottom-loaded
conveyor belt. The machine is hauled along the face by means of two steel
ropes wound on separate drums on the loader; one rope passes up the front
of the coal and is held by means of an anchor prop; the other rope is
threaded under the cut coal by means of a threader pipe attached to the
rear of the coal cutter. Lengths of rope equal to the drum capacity are
joined by figure-8 links and are detached and unwound from the drum as the
loader proceeds along the face. Mason

Huwood slicer

A cutter-loader based on the plow principle and designed to cut coal that
is too hard for the ordinary plow. Two vertical blades, fitted one at each
end of the machine, carry cutting picks that shear the coal from the face
by an oscillating motion. The machine is hauled backward and forward along
the face by a chain haulage mounted on the tail end of the conveyor. The
conveyor and slicer are held up to the coal by pneumatic rams spaced along
the goaf side of the conveyor. The sheared coal is forced from the face by
the wedge shape of the machine and is loaded on to the armored conveyor by
means of specially shaped ramps. The machine has been designed for seams
with a minimum thickness of 4 ft (1.22 m) and has a maximum cutting depth
of 14 in (35.56 cm). Syn:activated plow

Huygen's principle
A very general principle applying to all forms of wave motion that states
that every point on the instantaneous position of an advancing phase front
(wave front) may be regarded as a source of secondary spherical wavelets.
The position of the phase front a moment later is then determined as the
envelope of all of the secondary wavelets (ad infinitum). This principle
is useful in understanding effects due to refraction, reflection,
diffraction, and scattering, of all types of radiation, including sonic
radiation as well as electromagnetic radiation, and applying also to ocean
wave propagation. Hunt

HW

Letter name specifying the dimensions of bits, core barrels, and drill
rods in the H-size and W-group wireline diamond drilling system having a
core diameter of 76.2 mm and a hole diameter of 99.2 mm. Syn:HX
Cumming, 2

H wave

See:hydrodynamic wave

HX

Letter name specifying the dimensions of core, core barrels, and casing in
the H-size and X-series wireline diamond drilling system having a core
diameter of 76.2 mm and a hole diameter of 99.2 mm. The HX designation for
coring bits has been replaced by the HW designation. Syn:HW
Cumming, 2

hyacinth

A red-orange variety of zircon; also applied to similarly colored garnet,

quartz, and other minerals. Syn:cinnamon stone; essonite; jacinth.

hyaline

a. Sometimes used as a prefix ("hyalo-") to names of volcanic rocks with a

glassy texture, e.g., hyalobasalt. AGI
b. Said of a mineral that is amorphous. AGI

hyalite

A variety of globular or botryoidal opal that shows greenish-yellow

fluorescence under ultraviolet light and can be mistaken for
uranium-bearing minerals such as autunite. Syn:glass opal; water opal.

hyalo-

A prefix meaning glassy. AGI

hyalocrystalline

Said of the texture of a porphyritic igneous rock in which crystals and

glassy groundmass are equal or nearly equal in volumetric proportions, the
ratio of phenocrysts to groundmass being between 5:3 and 3:5.
Syn:semicrystalline; hemicrystalline. AGI

hyalophane

A monoclinic or triclinic mineral, 4[(K,Ba)Al(Si,Al)3 O8 ] ;

feldspar group, intermediate in the series orthoclase-celsian; prismatic
cleavage; in manganese ore deposits, or veins and pegmatites.

hyalophitic

Said of the texture of an igneous rock in which the mesostasis is glassy

and makes up a proportion of the rock intermediate in texture between
hyalophilitic and hyalocrystalline. CF:intersertal

Hybinette process

A process used for refining of crude nickel anodes. These are placed in
reinforced concrete tanks lined with asphalt. The nickel anodes are
dissolved electrochemically and the impurities, such as copper and iron,
pass into solution. The cathodes are surrounded by bags of closely woven
canvas duck, fastened on wooden frames, and pure nickel electrolyte is
passed continuously into them to maintain a higher solution level inside
the cathode compartment than outside. By this means, the pure solution
flows through the pores of the bags, thus preventing the ions of copper,
etc., in the solution in the anode compartment from migrating into the
cathode compartment, depositing on the cathode, and preventing the
refining process from taking place. The electrolyte in the anode
compartments is drawn off continuously and is purified in the copper
cementation and iron precipitation departments before being returned to
the cathode compartments of the nickel deposition tanks. Osborne

hybrid

a. Pertaining to a rock whose chemical composition is the result of

assimilation. AGI
b. A rock whose composition is the result of assimilation.
See also:hybridization

hybridization

The process whereby rocks of different composition from that of the parent
magma are formed, by assimilation. See also:hybrid; assimilation;
contamination. AGI

hydatogenesis
The crystallization or precipitation of salts from normal aqueous
solutions; the formation of an evaporite. AGI

hydatogenic

Derived from or modified by substances in a liquid condition; said of the

genesis of ores and other minerals; opposite of pneumatogenic.
CF:hydatopneumatogenic

hydatopneumatogenic

Said of a rock or mineral deposit formed by both aqueous and gaseous

agents. CF:hydatogenic; pneumatogenic. AGI

hydrabrake retarder

A mine car retarder, based on the principle of the dashpot, consists of

individual braking units that can be fastened to the rails at spacings
according to need over any desired distance. The unit offers no resistance
to motion at very low car speeds, but as the speed increases, the braking
force exerted upon it increases accordingly, following the usual oil
dashpot characteristic. See also:dashpot

hydrargillite

See:gibbsite

hydrate

a. A compound or complex ion formed by the union of water with some other
substance and represented as actually containing water.
Webster 3rd
b. A hydroxide, such as calcium hydrate (hydrated lime).
Webster 3rd

hydrated lime

A dry powder, Ca(OH)2 , obtained by hydrating quicklime.

hydration

a. The chemical combination of water with another substance. AGI

b. The process of adding water, or the elements of water (oxygen and
hydrogen combined in the hydroxyl radical), to any substance.

hydraulic

a. Conveyed, operated, effected, or moved by means of water or other

fluids, such as a hydraulic dredge, using a centrifugal pump to draw
sediments from a river channel. AGI
b. Pertaining to a fluid in motion, or to movement or action caused by
water. AGI
c. Hardening or setting under water; e.g., hydraulic lime or hydraulic
cement. AGI

hydraulic action

The mechanical loosening and removal of weakly resistant material solely

by the pressure and hydraulic force of flowing water, as by a stream
surging into rock cracks or impinging against the bank on the outside of a
bend, or by a jet of water impacting a gravel bank. AGI

hydraulic blasting

Fracture using a hydraulic cartridge, a ram-operated device used to split

coal. Pryor, 3

hydraulic cartridge

a. A device used in mining to split coal, rock, etc., having 8 to 12 small

hydraulic rams in the sides of a steel cylinder. Fay
b. See:coal burster

hydraulic cement

A cement that can set and harden under water.

hydraulic cementing

A borehole-cementing operation using a downhole cement injector.

Long

hydraulic chock

A steel face support structure consisting of from one to four hydraulic

legs or uprights. The four-leg chock is mounted in a strong fabricated
steel frame with a large head and base plate. It is controlled by a
central valve system that operates either on the four legs simultaneously
or on the front and rear pairs separately. See also:chock;
yielding prop; self-advancing supports. Nelson

hydraulic chuck

A diamond-drill rod chuck having jaws with clamping and unclamping

movements actuated hydraulically instead of by hand-turned setscrews.
Long

hydraulic circulating system

A method used to drill a borehole wherein water or a mud-laden liquid is
circulated through the drill string during drilling.
See also:diamond drill

hydraulic classifier

Tank into which ore pulp is fed steadily and subjected to the sorting
effect of a stream of hydraulic water that rises at controlled rate.
Heavier or coarser equal settling particles gravitate down and away via a
bottom discharge, while lighter ones are carried up and out.
Syn:hydrosizer

hydraulic conveying

Use of flowing water or slow settling fluids based on water mixed with
suitable heavy minerals to convey rock, coal, etc., in pipes.
Pryor, 3

hydraulic conveyor

A type of conveyor in which water jets form the conveying medium for bulk
materials through pipes or troughs.

hydraulic cylinder

As applied to a diamond drill, a syn. for feed cylinder. Long

hydraulic discharge

The direct discharge of ground water from the zone of saturation, as via
springs, wells, or infiltration ditches or tunnels.

hydraulic dredge

a. A dredge consisting of a hull on which is mounted a suction pipe and

support, a pump with motors and controls, and a discharge line. Commonly
used in dredging canals and in providing fill for the creation of land in
near-shore or low-lying areas and in sand and gravel dredging operations.
Mero
b. A floating pump that sucks up a mixture of water and soil, and usually
discharges it on land through pipes. Nichols, 1

hydraulic dredger

A suction dredger. CTD

hydraulic drill

A hand-held or machine-mounted rotary drill for boring shot-firing holes

in coal or rock and operated by hydraulic fluid. The drill outfit includes
a skid-mounted powerpack comprising a 5-hp (3.73-kW) flameproof electric
motor, pump, and tank. The coal drill weighs about 32 lb (14.5 kg).
Nelson

hydraulic elevator

An arrangement for lifting gravel and sand up to the drainage level. A jet
of water is used to create a powerful suction in a hopper, and the water
and gravel are carried up a pipeline and then run down the sluice boxes.
This appliance was widely used in various goldfields toward the end of the
19th century. Nelson

hydraulic excavation

Excavation by means of a high-pressure jet of water, the resulting

waterborne excavated material being conducted through flumes to the
desired dumping point. Hammond

hydraulic extraction

A term that has been given to the processes of excavating and transporting
coal or other material by water energy. Also called hydroextraction or
hydraulic mining. See also:hydromechanization

hydraulic feed

A method of imparting longitudinal movement to the drill rods on a diamond

or other rotary-type drill by a hydraulic mechanism instead of
mechanically by gearing. Long

hydraulic fill

Waste material transported underground and flushed into place by use of

water. Syn:mine fill

hydraulic-fill dam

A dam composed of earth, sand, gravel, etc., sluiced into place; generally
the fines are washed toward the center for greater imperviousness.
Seelye, 1

hydraulic filling

Washing waste material, such as mill tailings and ground waste rock, into
stopes with water to prevent failure of rock walls and subsidence.
Problems involved in its use are stope preparation, choice and mixing of
material, its particle size distribution, wear on pipe, and removal of
water that transports the material into the mine. Compressed air may be
used to force the filling through pipes. Lewis
hydraulic fluid

A fluid supplied for use in hydraulic systems. Low viscosity, low rate of
change of viscosity with temperature, and low pour point are desirable
characteristics. Hydraulic fluids may be of petroleum or nonpetroleum
origin. Hammond

hydraulic fluid coupling

A hydraulic fluid coupling transmits power from the driving member to the
driven member through oil. A rotating impeller attached to the drive shaft
throws oil directly against a turbine converter, which always delivers the
same torque as the engine or motor produces. Fluid couplings are
particularly advantageous in starting heavy loads since the motor or
engine is permitted to run at high efficient speeds while the coupling
output shaft gradually accelerates the load to running speed.
Pit and Quarry

hydraulic flume transport

The transport of coal, pulp, or mineral by the energy of flowing water in

semicircular or rectangular channels. The gradient should not be less than
3 degrees . Coal movement in flumes commences at a water velocity of about
3 ft/s (0.9 m/s), but in practice a velocity of at least 6 ft/s (1.8 m/s)
is arranged. See also:hydromechanization

hydraulic flushing

See:hydraulic stowing

hydraulic friction

The resistance to flow exerted on the perimeter or contact surface between

a stream and its containing conduit, due to the roughness characteristic
of the confining surface, which induces a loss of energy. Energy losses
arising from excessive turbulence, impact at obstructions, curves, eddies,
and pronounced channel changes are not ordinarily ascribed to hydraulic
friction. AGI

hydraulic giants

Used for working large placer deposits. Also called hydraulic monitors and
water cannons. Lewis

hydraulic gradeline

In a closed conduit, a line joining the elevations to which water could

stand in risers. In an open conduit, the hydraulic gradeline is the water
surface. Seelye, 1
hydraulic gradient

a. A line joining the points of highest elevation of water in a series of

vertical, open pipes rising from a pipeline in which water flows under
pressure. Webster 3rd
b. Loss of hydraulic head per unit distance of flow. ASCE
c. The slope of the hydraulic grade-line. The slope of the surface of
water flowing in an open conduit. Seelye, 1

hydraulic gravel-pump mining

Consists of the use of high-pressure water jets to disintegrate

ore-bearing ground, together with gravel pumps to elevate the spoil to a
treatment plant. Initial mining operations consist of the establishment of
the mine hole or paddock. This is achieved by sinking or cutting downwards
with monitors and removing the spoil by pumping, the pump being lowered as
the hole deepens. Mining

hydraulic hoisting

See:hydraulic transport

hydraulic jack

A jack in which the lifting head is carried on a plunger working in a

cylinder, to which oil or water is supplied under pressure from a small
hand-operated pump. See also:hydrostatic press

hydraulic jack operator

See:track-moving machine operator

hydraulic jump

In fluid flow, a change in flow conditions accompanied by a stationary,

abrupt turbulent rise in water level in the direction of flow. It is a
type of stationary wave. AGI

hydraulicking

Excavating alluvial or other mineral deposits by means of high-pressure

water jets. See also:hydraulic mining; hydromechanization; monitor.
CF:ground sluicing

hydraulic lime

Lime that is combined with silica, alumina, and iron oxide and will set
and harden underwater.

hydraulic limestone
An impure limestone that contains silica and alumina (usually as clay) in
varying proportions and that yields, upon calcining, a cement that will
harden underwater. See also:cement rock

hydraulic load cell

A safety device developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for sensing pressure
changes, thereby warning in advance of bumps. The cells are embedded in
the walls and roofs of coal mines.

hydraulic loading

The flushing or slicing of coal or other material broken down by water

jets along the floor and into flumes. Coal will flow back toward the flume
if sufficient water is available and the gradient is not less than 6
degrees to 7 degrees in favor of the flow. Flexible low-pressure hoses
(150 to 200 psi or 1.0 to 1.4 MPa) are sometimes used to assist in the
flushing operations. See also:hydromechanization

hydraulic machine

A borehole-drilling machine on which the bit-feeding mechanism is

hydraulically actuated. Long

hydraulic main

A main (pipe) for collecting and condensing the volatile matter given off
in carbonization of coal in the coking process. Mersereau, 2

hydraulic mean depth

The cross section of water flowing through a channel or pipe divided by

the wetted perimeter of the conduit. Syn:hydraulic radius
Hammond

hydraulic mine filling

Filling a mine with material transported by water. CF:silting; slush.

See:flush

hydraulic miner

In metal mining, one who tends riffles, sluices, and does other work in
connection with the hydraulic placer mining of gold. In this type of
mining, gold bearing gravel, usually in a bank, is excavated by the
erosive action of a high-pressure stream of water being directed at the
bank through a nozzle. The gravel is then forced into sluices where the
gold particles sink and are caught by riffles (cleats) along the sluice
bottom. DOT
hydraulic mining

a. Mining by washing sand and dirt away with water that leaves the desired
mineral. See also:hydraulicking
b. The process by which a bank of gold-bearing earth and rock is excavated
by a jet of water, discharged through the converging nozzle of a pipe
under great pressure, the earth or debris being carried away by the same
water, through sluices, and discharged on lower levels into the natural
streams and watercourses below; where the gravel or other material of the
bank is cemented, or where the bank is composed of masses of pipe clay, it
is shattered by blasting with powder. Also used for other ores, earth,
anthracite culm, etc. Made unlawful and prohibited in certain river
systems where it obstructs navigation and injures adjoining landowners.
See also:placer mining
c. In underground hydraulic mining, the extraction of coal by
high-velocity water jets, directed at the seam from a monitor or powerful
jet, which can withstand high water pressures. The jets are also used to
impel the broken coal along the floor to the point of collection.
See also:hydromechanization; jet-assisted cutting. Nelson

hydraulic monitor

A device for directing a high-pressure jet of water in hydraulicking. It

is essentially a swivel-mounted, counterweighted nozzle attached to a
tripod or other type of stand and so designed that one person can easily
control and direct the vertical and lateral movements of the nozzle.
See also:giant; monitor.

hydraulic motor

A multicylinder reciprocating engine, generally of radial type, driven by

water under pressure. CTD

hydraulic permeability

The ability of a rock or soil to transmit water under pressure. It may

vary according to direction. AGI

hydraulic pipe transport

The conveyance of coal by means of water flowing in pipes. Coal may be

pumped to the surface in shallow mines, but beyond 150 ft (46 m) or so of
depth, there are technical difficulties. Solids handling pumps rarely
deliver against heads exceeding about 200 ft (61 m). Two such pumps,
placed in series, have been used in Trelewis Drift, Wales, to pump out
slurry. See also:hydromechanization; transport.

hydraulic power
The use of pressure oil or soluble oil and water for operating face
machines and steel supports. The fluid is supplied by rotary pumps driven
by electricity located at points near the face. Hydraulic power has an
advantage in that the space required is considerably less than that for
conventional drives. See also:power pack

hydraulic pressure

The total thrust, expressed in pounds or tons, that the hydraulic-feed

mechanism on a drill can impose on a drill string; also, the pressure of
the fluid within the hydraulic cylinders, generally expressed in pounds
per square inch. Long

hydraulic profile

A vertical section of the potentiometric surface of an aquifer.

AGI

hydraulic prop

A prop consisting of two telescoping steel cylinders that are extended by

hydraulic pressure that may be provided by a hand-operated pump built into
the prop. The prop holds about half a gallon of mineral oil and is fitted
with a yield valve that relieves the pressure when the load exceeds that
for which the prop is set. A hydraulic prop enables quicker setting and
uniform initial loading, and it can be withdrawn from a remote, safe
position. The hydraulic prop was first used in a British coal mine in
1947. See also:steel prop

hydraulic prospecting

The use of water to clear away superficial deposits and debris to expose
outcrops, for the purpose of exploring for mineral deposits.
Syn:hushing

hydraulic radius

In a stream, the ratio of the area of its cross section to its wetted
perimeter. Symbol: R. Syn:hydraulic mean depth

hydraulic ram

a. A pump that forces running water to a higher level by utilizing the

kinetic energy of flow, only a small portion of the water being so lifted
by the velocity head of a much larger portion when the latter is suddenly
checked by the closing of a valve. Also called ram. Webster 3rd
b. A device for lifting water by the water hammer produced by checking the
flow periodically. Seelye, 1
c. The plunger of a hydraulic press. CTD
d. A device whereby the pressure head produced when a moving column of
water is brought to rest is caused to deliver some of the water under
pressure. CTD

hydraulic rotary drilling

Method of drilling that uses rotating bits lubricated by a stream of mud.

Mersereau, 2

hydraulics

A branch of science that deals with practical applications, such as the

transmission of energy or the effects of flow of water or other liquid in
motion. Webster 3rd

hydraulic set

The set obtained by the addition of water to hydraulic setting materials.

hydraulic sluicing

The process of moving materials by water; colloquially, hydraulicking.

Seelye, 1

hydraulic stowing

The filling of the waste in mines by waterborne material by pipeline.

See also:pneumatic stowing

hydraulic stowing pipe

A steel or iron pipe used for transporting the material in hydraulic

stowing. Ordinary pipes wear very rapidly owing to the chippings in the
water; therefore, they are lined with abrasion-resistant material. This
lining gives a very much longer life to the pipe. Nelson

hydraulic stripping

The excavation and removal of overburden by hydraulicking. Nelson

hydraulic transport

Movement of ore by water flowing through pipelines. Includes hydraulic

hoisting. See also:pipeline transport

hydraulic underreamer

An underreamer with cutting lugs that can be expanded or retracted by a

hydraulically actuated device. See also:underreamer

hydraulic valve
A valve for regulating the distribution of water in the cylinders of
hydraulic elevators, cranes, etc. Crispin

Hydrik process

A commercial process for the production of hydrogen by reaction of caustic

soda on aluminum. Osborne

hydrite

Denotes a very common microlithotype in Japanese Tertiary coal. It

consists of the macerals vitrinite, degradinite, and exinite. The dull
bands of many Japanese Tertiary humic coals consist largely of hydrite and
generally occurs alternating with vitrite as microfine bands, one or the
other predominating.

hydrobarometer

An instrument for determining the depth of sea water by its pressure.

Crispin

hydrobiotite

A monoclinic mineral, 1:1 interstratified biotite and vermiculite; in

clay.

hydrocarbon

Any organic compound, gaseous, liquid, or solid, consisting solely of

carbon and hydrogen. They are divided into groups of which those of
special interest to geologists are the paraffin, cycloparaffin, olefin,
and aromatic groups. Crude oil is essentially a complex mixture of
hydrocarbons. AGI

hydrocarbon anomaly

Very weak oil or gas seeps, so weak that the deposition of material at the
surface cannot be recognized without chemical analysis. Hawkes, 2

hydrocerussite

A basic carbonate of lead, Pb3 (CO3 )2 (OH)2 .

It occurs as a secondary mineral found associated with leadhillite,
matlockite, cerussite, mendipite, and paralaurionite. Dana, 2

hydrochemical anomaly

Anomalous patterns of elements contained in ground or surface water.

See:anomaly
hydrochemical prospecting

See:hydrogeochemical prospecting

hydrocyanic acid

Unstable; volatile; colorless; extremely poisonous; gas or liquid; HCN;

soluble in water, in alcohol, and in ether; only slightly dissociated with
water; and an odor resembling that of bitter almonds. Formed by
decomposing metallic cyanides with hydrochloric acid.
Syn:hydrogen cyanide; prussic acid.
Standard, 2; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

hydrocyclone

A cyclone separator in which a spray of water is used. ASM, 1

hydrodynamic computer codes

Computer codes or models that compute the properties or predicted behavior

of explosives or materials subjected to supersonic (dynamic) forces.

hydrodynamics

The aspect of hydromechanics that deals with forces that produce motion.
CF:hydrostatics

hydrodynamic wave

An obsolete term for a type of surface wave that is similar to a Rayleigh

wave but has an opposite particle motion. Syn:H wave

hydrodynamometer

An instrument for determining the velocity of a fluid in motion by its

pressure. Standard, 2

hydroextraction

See:hydraulic extraction

hydroextractor

See:centrifuge

hydrofranklinite

See:chalcophanite

hydrogarnet
A member of the garnet group having SiO4 partly replaced by (OH)
4 . CF:hydrogrossular; garnetoid.

hydrogenation of coal

See:coal liquefaction

hydrogen cyanide

See:hydrocyanic acid

hydrogen embrittlement

A condition of low ductility in metals resulting from the absorption of

hydrogen. ASM, 1

hydrogen ion

The stripped (naked) proton of hydrogen, H+, or the proton combined with
one or more molecules of water, as H3 O+ or H(H2 O)
+
. The latter is sometimes called oxonium, hydroxonium, or
hydronium ion. H+ is usually spoken of as the proton. H-ion concentration
is the pH value. Pryor, 3

hydrogenous

a. Said of coals high in moisture, such as brown coals. AGI

b. Said of coals high in volatiles, such as sapropelic coals. AGI

hydrogen sulfide

Colorless; flammable; gas; H2 S . It is readily decomposed. Reacts

with bases forming sulfides and with some metals to produce metal sulfides
and to liberate hydrogen. Poisonous. Syn:hydrosulfuric acid
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

hydrogeochemical prospecting

Prospecting guided by the composition of ground or surface water.

Syn:hydrochemical prospecting

hydrograph

A graph showing stage, flow, velocity, or other characteristics of water

with respect to time. A stream hydrograph commonly shows rate of flow; a
ground-water hydrograph, water level or head. AGI

hydrography
a. The science that deals with the physical aspects of all waters on the
Earth's surface, esp. the compilation of navigational charts of bodies of
water. AGI
b. The body of facts encompassed by hydrography. AGI

hydrogrossular

A group name for the series of hydrogarnets encompassing the series

hibschite, katoite, and grossular. Water content ranges from about 1.5% in
hibschite to 13% in katoite; grossular is anhydrous. Syn:hydrogarnet
CF:garnetoid; hydrogarnet.

hydrohematite

A mineral, Fe2 O3 .nH2 O , probably a mixture of the

two minerals haematite and goethite, the former being in excess. It is
fibrous and red in mass, with an orange tint when powdered. Also called
turgite. See also:turgite

hydrologic cycle

The constant circulation of water from the sea, through the atmosphere, to
the land, and its eventual return to the atmosphere by way of
transpiration and evaporation from the sea and the land surfaces.
Syn:water cycle

hydrology

a. The science that deals with global water (both liquid and solid), its
properties, circulation, and distribution, on and under the Earth's
surface and in the atmosphere, from the moment of its precipitation until
it is returned to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration or is
discharged into the ocean. In recent years, the scope of hydrology has
been expanded to include environmental and economic aspects. AGI
b. The sum of the factors studied in hydrology; the hydrology of an area
or district. AGI

hydrolysis

a. The formation of an acid and a base from a salt by interaction with

water, caused by the ionic dissociation of water. CTD
b. The decomposition of organic compounds by interaction with water;
either cold, or on heating alone, or in the presence of acids or alkalies.
CTD

hydromagnesite

A monoclinic mineral, Mg5 (CO3 )4 (OH)2 .4H

2 O; pseudo-orthorhombic; in low-temperature veins in serpentinite.
hydromechanics

The mechanics of fluids, including hydrostatics, hydrodynamics,

hydrokinetics, and pneumatics. Standard, 2

hydromechanization

A term applied to hydraulic methods of excavating and transporting coal

and other products underground. See also:hydraulic extraction;
hydraulic flume transport; hydraulic loading; hydraulic mining;
hydraulic pipe transport; hydraulicking. Nelson

hydrometallurgy

The treatment of ores, concentrates, and other metal-bearing materials by

wet processes, usually involving the solution of some component, and its
subsequent recovery from the solution. Syn:wet metallurgy

hydrometamorphism

Alteration of rock by material that is added, removed, or exchanged by

water solutions, without the influence of high temperature and pressure.
Syn:hydrometasomation; hydrometasomatism. CF:pyrometamorphism
AGI

hydrometasomation

See:hydrometamorphism

hydrometasomatism

See:hydrometamorphism

hydrometer

An instrument used for determining the density or specific gravity of

fluids, such as drilling mud or oil, by the principle of buoyancy.
See also:gravimeter; Marsh funnel; specific-gravity hydrometer.
Long

hydrometer method

The method employed for the determination of the apparent specific gravity
of coal and coke. Kentucky

hydrometrograph

An instrument for determining and recording the quantity of water

discharged from a pipe, orifice, etc., in a given time. Osborne
hydromica

a. See:illite
b. A general term for brammallite, hydrobiotite, and illite.

hydromorphic anomaly

An anomaly where the dynamic agents are aqueous solutions, which brought
the elements to the site of deposition.

hydromuscovite

See:illite

hydronium jarosite

A trigonal mineral, (H3 O)Fe3 (SO4 )2 (OH)

6 ; alunite group.

hydrophilic

a. Of, relating to, having, or denoting a strong affinity for water.

Webster 3rd
b. Applied to such easily dispersed colloidal clay minerals as
montmorillonite that swell in water as the result of water attraction and
hydration and that are not easily coagulated.
c. Substance attracted to a water phase rather than to air in an airwater
interphase. A group tending to bind water is hydrophilic (opposite of
hydrophobic). The hydroxyl (OH) groups in hydroxides are typical, and
their hydrophilic solutions in water are hydrosols. See also:lyophilic
Pryor, 3
q/6[?._?‹
ì ÌDICTIONARY TERMS:hydrophobic a. Lacking a strong affinity for water.
[\B]hydrophobic[\N]

hydrophone

A pressure-sensitive detector that responds to sound transmitted through

water. It is used in marine seismic surveying, or as a seismometer in a
well. Syn:pressure detector

hydrophotometer

A sensitive instrument used in water transparency and light absorption

measurements at sea. The instrument, which contains its own light source,
can measure fine graduations of transparency of an individual water mass.
Hunt

hydroscope
An instrument for detecting moisture, esp. in the air. Standard, 2

hydroseparator

Essentially, a shallow tank, usually cylindrical, which is kept agitated

by hydraulic water and/or stirring devices. Pulp fed to the tank is
separately discharged as a free-settling fraction containing the coarser
and heavier particles and an overflowing fraction containing the finer,
lighter material. Pryor, 3

hydrosizer

See:hydraulic classifier

hydrosphere

The waters of the Earth, as distinguished from the rocks (lithosphere),

living things (biosphere), and the air (atmosphere). Includes the waters
of the ocean; rivers, lakes, and other bodies of surface water in liquid
form on the continents; snow, ice, and glaciers; and liquid water, ice,
and water vapor in both the unsaturated and saturated zones below the land
surface. Included by some, but excluded by others, is water in the
atmosphere, which includes water vapor, clouds, and all forms of
precipitation while still in the atmosphere. AGI

hydrostat

A contrivance or apparatus to prevent the explosion of steam boilers.

Webster 2nd

hydrostatic

Relating to the pressure or equilibrium of fluids.

hydrostatic balance

A balance for weighing a substance in water to ascertain its specific

gravity. Webster 3rd

hydrostatic head

The height of a vertical column of water whose weight, if of unit cross

section, is equal to the hydrostatic pressure at a given point; static
head as applied to water. See also:static head

hydrostatic joint

Used in large water mains, in which sheet lead is forced tightly into the
bell of a pipe by means of the hydrostatic pressure of a liquid.
Strock, 1
hydrostatic press

A large ram, the surface of which is acted on by liquid in contact with a

small ram. See also:hydraulic jack

hydrostatic pressure

a. Stress that is uniform in all directions, e.g., beneath a homogeneous

fluid, and causes dilation rather than distortion in isotropic materials.
AGI
b. The pressure exerted by the water at any given point in a body of water
at rest. The hydrostatic pressure of ground water is generally due to the
weight of water at higher levels in the zone of saturation. AGI

hydrostatic roller conveyor

A section of roller conveyor having rolls suitably weighted with liquid to

control the velocity of the moving objects. See also:roller conveyor

hydrostatics

A branch of physics that deals with the characteristics of fluids at rest

and esp. with the pressure in a fluid or exerted by a fluid on an immersed
body. CF:hydrodynamics

hydrostatic stress

A state of stress in which the normal stresses acting on any plane are
equal and where shearing stresses do not exist in the material.
AGI

hydrostatic test

On a boiler, the closing of all openings and pumping water into the boiler
at a pressure (such as 50%) greater than the normal operating pressure.
The purpose is to locate leaks or prove that there are no leaks.
Strock, 2

hydrosulfuric acid

See:hydrogen sulfide

hydrotalcite

The mineral group desautelsite, hydrotalcite, pryoaurite, reevesite,

stichtite, and takovite.

hydrotasimeter
An electrically operated apparatus showing at a distance the exact level
of water, as in a reservoir; an electric high- and low-water indicator.
Standard, 2

hydrotator

A coal washer of the classifier type whose agitator or rotator consists of

hollow arms radiating from a central distributing manifold or center head.
There may be four or more of these radiating arms, each with one or more
downwardly inclined nozzles. When water is discharged from these nozzles,
the impulse has the effect of rotating the agitator in a manner similar to
a lawn sprinkler. This agitator is suspended in a cylindrical tank and
water is pumped through it under pressure, thereby creating a controlled
upward current uniform over the entire area of the tank. Mitchell

hydrothermal

Of or pertaining to hot water, to the action of hot water, or to the

products of this action, such as a mineral deposit precipitated from a hot
aqueous solution, with or without demonstrable association with igneous
processes; also, said of the solution itself. Hydrothermal is generally
used for any hot water but has been restricted by some to water of
magmatic origin. AGI

hydrothermal alteration

Alteration of rocks or minerals by the reaction of hydrothermal water with

preexisting solid phases. AGI

hydrothermal deposit

A mineral deposit that originated from hot, ascending aqueous solutions

derived from a magma. CF:hypothermal deposit

hydrothermal solution

A hot-water solution originating within the Earth and carrying dissolved

mineral substances. Syn:ore-bearing fluid; ore-forming fluid.
AGI

hydrothermal stage

That stage in the cooling of a magma during which the residual fluid is
strongly enriched in water and other volatiles. The exact limits of the
stage are variously defined by different authors, in terms of phase
assemblage, temperature, composition, and/or vapor pressure; most
definitions consider it as the last stage of igneous activity, coming at a
later time, and hence at a lower temperature, than the pegmatitic stage.
AGI
hydrothermal synthesis

Mineral synthesis in the presence of water at elevated temperatures.

AGI

hydrous

a. Containing water; watery; specif., hydrated. Webster 3rd

b. Minerals that contain water chemically combined. Gordon

hydrous salts

Salts containing water of crystallization.

Hydrox

A permitted device, used in some English coal mines, that resembles Cardox
in that a steel cylinder with a thin shearing disk is used. However, the
charge is not liquid carbon dioxide but rather a powder composed chiefly
of ammonium chloride and sodium nitrate. It is proportioned to give water,
nitrogen, and salt as the products of combustion. On being ignited, this
powder is gasified and shears the steel disk, with the gas escaping into
the hole. Lewis

Hydrox steel tube

An alternative to explosives for breaking down coal in safety lamp mines.

The gasification of the Hydrox charge generates sufficient pressure within
the shothole to break down the coal. The original plastic disc attached to
the charge has been replaced by a metal disc separately seated. The
gaseous products from the Hydrox charge are mainly carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, and water vapor. The tubes can be recharged underground. The
method gives a high yield of +2 in (5.1 cm) in size of coal.
Nelson

hydroxybenzene

See:phenol

hydroxyl

OH; the characteristic radical of bases, consisting of one atom of

hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. The valence of this radical or anion is
-1. Crispin

hydroxylapatite

A hexagonal mineral, Ca5 (PO4 )3 (OH) ; apatite

group; an uncommon apatite in which hydroxyl predominates over fluorine
and chlorine. Formerly spelled hydroxyapatite.
hydrozincite

A monoclinic mineral, 2[Zn5 (CO3 )2 (OH)6 ] ;

forms massive, fibrous, earthy, or compact encrustations with blue
luminescence; a secondary mineral in weathered zones of zinc deposits
commonly associated with smithsonite or sphalerite; a source of zinc.
Syn:zinc bloom

hyetometer

See:rain gage

hygrometer

Any of several instruments for measuring the humidity of the atmosphere.

See also:psychrometer

hygrometry

Measurement of atmospheric humidity.

hygroscopic water content

The water content of an air-dried soil. ASCE

hygrostat

A device sensitive to humidity changes and arranged to actuate other

equipments when a predetermined humidity is attained. Syn:humidostat
Strock, 2

hypabyssal

Pertaining to an igneous intrusion, or to the rock of that intrusion,

whose depth is intermediate between that of abyssal or plutonic and the
surface. This distinction is not considered relevant by some petrologists.
CF:abyssal; plutonic. Syn:subvolcanic

hypabyssal rock

An igneous rock that has risen from the depths as magma but solidified
mainly as such minor intrusions as dikes and sills.

hyper-

A prefix from the Greek meaning over, above, or abnormally great.

hyperfusible
Any substance capable of lowering the melting ranges in end-stage magmatic
fluids. AGI

hypermelanic

Said of igneous rocks that consist of 90% to 100% mafic minerals.

CF:melanocratic; ultramafic. AGI

hyperon

A class of short-lived elementary nuclear particles with masses greater

than that of the neutron. Lyman

hypersthene

An orthorhombic mineral series, 8[(Mg,Fe)2 Si2 O6 ] ;

pyroxene group, intermediate between enstatite and ferrosilite; prismatic
cleavage; a common rock-forming mineral in intermediate to mafic igneous
rocks and high-grade metamorphosed iron formations of the Lake Superior
type; abundant in host rocks of copper-nickel ores of Sudbury, ON, Canada,
and of chromite deposits of the Bushveld complex, South Africa.
See also:pyroxene

hypersthenite

Originally defined as a syn. of norite, but now commonly used to mean a

rock composed entirely of hypersthene; an orthopyroxenite. Not recommended
usage. AGI

hypidiomorphic

See:subhedral

hypidiomorphic texture

A texture of igneous rocks in which the greater proportion of the

crystallized minerals have subhedral forms. Hess

hypnum peat

Peat composed mostly of disintegrated plants of hypnum, often associated

with other mosses and with intermingled rootlets of sedges and other
flowing plants. It is formed chiefly in areas where the ground is only
slightly acid, neutral, or slightly alkaline; it is brownish or drab,
light, spongy, and matted, and often laminated and porous. USBM, 5

hypobatholithic deposit

A mineral deposit found in a deeply eroded mass of intrusive rock with few
roof pendants remaining.
hypocenter

See:focus

hypocrystalline

Said of the texture of an igneous rock that has crystalline components in

a glassy groundmass, the ratio of crystals to glass being between 7:1 and
5:3. Syn:merocrystalline

hypogeal

See:hypogene

hypogeic

See:hypogene

hypogene

a. Said of a geologic process, and of its resultant features, occurring

within and below the crust of the Earth. CF:epigene; endogenetic.
Syn:hypogenic; hypogeal; hypogeic. AGI
b. Said of a mineral deposit formed by ascending solutions; also, said of
those solutions and of that environment. CF:supergene; mesogene.
AGI
c. A rarely used syn. of plutonic. AGI

hypogene ore

Ore deposited from ascending hydrothermal solutions of magmatic origin.

hypogene rock

A rock that was formed deep within the Earth under the influence of heat
and pressure. Hess

hypogenic

See:hypogene

hypohyaline

Said of the texture of an igneous rock that has crystalline components in

a glassy groundmass, with a ratio of crystals to glass between 3:5 and
1:7. CF:hypocrystalline

hypothermal deposit
Said of a hydrothermal mineral deposit formed at high temperatures and
pressures. CF:epithermal; hydrothermal deposit; leptothermal;
mesothermal; telethermal; xenothermal.

hypothesis

A conception or proposition that is tentatively assumed, and then tested

for validity by comparison with observed facts and by experimentation;
e.g., the planetesimal hypothesis to explain the evolution of the planets.
It is less firmly founded than a theory. AGI

hypothetical resources

Undiscovered resources that are similar to known mineral bodies that may
be reasonably expected to exist in the same producing district or region
under analogous geologic conditions. If exploration confirms their
existence and reveals enough information about their quality, grade, and
quantity, they will be reclassified as identified resources.
USGS, 2

hypsometer

An instrument for measuring the elevation above sea level by determining

the atmospheric pressure through observing the boiling point of water.
Standard, 2

hypsometric map

Any map showing relief by means of contours, hachures, shading, tinting,

or any other convention. AGI

hypsometry

The science of determining, by any method, elevations on the Earth's

surface with reference to sea level; e.g., barometric hypsometry in which
elevations are determined by means of mercurial or aneroid barometers.
AGI

hysteresis

a. A lag in the return of an elastically deformed body to its original

shape after the load has been removed. AGI
b. The property that a rock is said to exhibit when its magnetization is
nonreversible. Syn:magnetic hysteresis
c. A phase lag of dielectric displacement behind electric-field intensity,
due to energy dissipation in polarization processes. AGI

hysteresis loop
Entire pattern of magnetization showing how a body with magnetic
susceptibility can remain polarized after the disappearance of the
original magnetizing force.

hysteretic repulsion

Separation by alternating current that depends on magnetic properties of

coercive force and remanence.

ianthinite

An orthorhombic mineral, (UO2 )6 O2 (OH)8 .6H

2 O ; acicular with perfect basal cleavage; in cavities, as an
alteration product of uraninite at Kasolo, Congo, and Wolsendorf, Bavaria.

ice

Water in the solid state; specif. the dense substance formed in nature by
the freezing of liquid water, by the condensation of water vapor directly
into ice crystals, or by the recrystallization or compaction of fallen
snow. It is colorless to pale blue or greenish blue, usually white from
included gas bubbles. At standard atmospheric pressure, it is formed at
and has a melting point of 0 degrees C; in freezing it expands about one
eleventh in volume. Ice commonly occurs in hexagonal crystals, and in
large masses is classed as a rock. AGI

iceberg

A large, massive piece of floating or stranded glacier ice of any shape,

detached (calved) from the front of a glacier into a body of water. An
iceberg extends more than 5 m above sea level and has the greater part of
its mass (four-fifths to eight-ninths) below sea level. It may reach a
length of more than 80 km. AGI

ice concrete

A dense frozen mixture of sand, rock fragments, and ice. AGI

ice-laid drift

See:till

Iceland agate

See:obsidian

Iceland crystal

See:Iceland spar
Iceland spar

A transparent, pure, optically clear variety of calcite principally in

Iceland in vugs and cavities in basalt; formerly used in optical
instruments such as nicol prisms, but has been replaced by artificial
materials such as polaroid plates. Syn:Iceland crystal;
optical calcite.

ice period

The period of time from freezeup to breakup of ice. AGI

ice plug

An ice obstruction formed by a circulation medium freezing inside the

drill-rod couplings while the rods are racked up or standing in the drill
derrick or tripod in extremely cold weather. Such plugs may loosen when
rods are lowered into the borehole and may be ejected from the open end of
the rod with enough force to injure drill crewmembers severely.
Long

ice run

See:debacle

ice sheet

A glacier of considerable thickness and more than 50,000 km2 in

area, forming a continuous cover of ice and snow over a land surface,
spreading outward in all directions and not confined by the underlying
topography; a continental glacier. Ice sheets are now confined to polar
regions (as on Greenland and Antarctica), but during the Pleistocene Epoch
they covered large parts of North America and northern Europe. AGI

ice spar

A white transparent variety of orthoclase. Syn:sanidine

ice stone

See:cryolite

icositetrahedron

See:trapezohedron

idaite
A hexagonal mineral, Cu3 FeS4 (?) ; soft; metallic copper
red to brown; a decomposition product of bornite or chalcopyrite at the
Ida Mine, Kahn, Namibia.

iddingsite

An outdated term for a reddish-brown mixture of the kaolinite-serpentine

group and iron oxides formed by the alteration of olivine.

ideal gas

The nonexistent norm of a gas, which perfectly obeys Boyle's law of gases,
in which the pressure of the gas times its volume equals a constant.

ideal section

A geologic cross section that combines observed evidence on stratigraphy

and/or structure with interpretation of what is not present. It may be the
summation or average of several successive cross sections. AGI

identified resources

Resources whose location, grade, quality, and quantity are known or

estimated from specific geologic evidence. Identified resources include
economic, marginally economic, and subeconomic components. To reflect
varying degrees of geologic certainty, these economic divisions can be
subdivided into measured resources, indicated resources, and inferred
resources. USGS, 2

identity

a. In X-ray crystallography, the distance along a crystallographic between

like points in a lattice.
b. In geometrical crystallography, the completion of a sequence of
symmetry operations, e.g., four rotations of 90 degrees each about a
tetrad.

idioblast

A mineral constituent of a metamorphic rock formed by recrystallization

and bounded by its own crystal faces. It is a type of crystalloblast. The
term was originated by Becke in 1903. CF:xenoblast

idioblastic

Pertaining to an idioblast of a metamorphic rock. It is analogous to the

term idiomorphic in igneous rocks. AGI

idiochromatic
Minerals in which a specific coloring agent is an essential constituent,
e.g., copper in malachite, iron in olivine, manganese in rhodochrosite.
CF:allochromatic

idiochromatic mineral

Mineral in which the color is due to some essential constitutent of the

stone, for example, malachite, peridot, and almandine. In contrast to
allochromatic minerals, idiochromatic minerals have a limited range of
color. See also:allochromatic mineral

idiogenite

Suggested by Posepny for those ore deposits that are contemporaneous in

origin with the wall rock. The word means of the same origin.

idiomorphic

A syn. of automorphic, originally proposed by Rosenbusch in 1887 to

describe individual euhedral crystals. Though the term lacks priority, it
is now commonly applied to the igneous-rock texture characterized by such
euhedral crystals, esp. in U.S. usage. AGI

idler disk

A device used for holding the belt in proper position on certain types of
boxcar loaders. See also:boxcar loader

idler gear

a. A gear meshed with two other gears that does not transmit power to its
shaft; used to reverse direction of rotation in a transmission.
Nichols, 1
b. Same as neutral gear. Long

idle wheel

a. A wheel interposed in a gear train, either to reverse rotation or to

obtain the required spacing of centers, without affecting the ratio of the
drive. Also called idler. CTD
b. A pulley to guide a driving belt, to increase its tension, or to
increase its arc of contact on one of the working pulleys.
Standard, 2

idocrase

See:vesuvianite

idrialite
An orthorhombic hydrocarbon mineral, 4[C22 H14 ] ; soft;
greenish yellow to light brown with bluish fluorescence; mixed with clay,
pyrite, and gypsum associated with cinnabar in the Idria region,
Yugoslavia. Its combustibility gave rise to the term "inflammable
cinnabar." Syn:inflammable cinnabar

igdloite

See:lueshite

Igewsky's reagent

A solution consisting of 5% picric acid in absolute alcohol used as an

etching reagent for carbon steels. Osborne

igneous

Said of a rock or mineral that solidified from molten or partly molten

material, i.e., from a magma; also, applied to processes leading to,
related to, or resulting from the formation of such rocks. Igneous rocks
constitute one of the three main classes into which rocks are divided, the
others being metamorphic and sedimentary. Etymol: Latin ignis, fire.
See also:magmatic; plutonic; pyrogenic; hypabyssal; extrusive.
AGI

igneous breccia

a. A breccia that is composed of fragments of igneous rock. AGI

b. Any breccia produced by igneous processes; e.g., volcanic breccia,
intrusion breccia. AGI

igneous complex

An assemblage of intimately associated and roughly contemporaneous igneous

rocks differing in form or in petrographic type; it may consist of
plutonic rocks, volcanic rocks, or both. See also:complex

igneous cycle

The sequence of events in which volcanic activity is followed by major

plutonic intrusions, and then minor intrusions (e.g., dikes). AGI

igneous metamorphism

A high-temperature metamorphic process that includes the effects of magma

on adjacent rocks as well as those due to injection pegmatitization
(Lindgren, 1933). The term is no longer in common use.
CF:pyrometamorphism

igneous rock
Rock formed by the solidification of molten material that originated
within the earth.

igneous-rock series

An assemblage of temporally and spatially related igneous rocks of the

same general form of occurrence (plutonic, hypabyssal, or volcanic),
characterized by possessing in common certain chemical, mineralogic, and
textural features or properties so that the rocks together exhibit a
continuous variation from one extremity of the series to the other.
Syn:rock series

ignescent

Applied to a mineral that sparks when struck with steel or iron; e.g.,
pyrite.

ignimbrite

The rock formed by the widespread deposition and consolidation of ash

flows and neues ardentes. CF:trass; welded tuff. AGI

ignitability

An assessment of the ease with which a coal can be ignited. BS, 4

ignitability (dust cloud)

The relative ignitability of a dust cloud may be defined as the degree of

ease with which it can be ignited. Sinclair, 1

igniter

a. A blasting fuse or other contrivance used to fire an explosive charge.

CTD
b. In mining, a metal cylinder that connects a main fuse with separate
fuses that are only limited by the number of blasts to be fired.
Standard, 2
c. A device to relight safety lamps internally by friction. One type uses
a waxed strip with igniting matches at intervals, while another type has a
small burred wheel operating against a piece of cerium or something of a
similar nature. Electrical devices are sometimes employed. Fay
d. One that ignites as (1) a charge, usually of black gunpowder, used to
facilitate the ignition of a propelling charge and sometimes of a bursting
charge; (2) a device for igniting fuel mixture (as in an internal
combustion engine, a jet engine, or a rocket engine); (3) a separately
energized electrode used for restriking the arc in an ignitron.
Webster 3rd

igniter cord
a. A cord that passes an intense flame along its length at a uniform rate
to light safety fuses in succession. BS, 12
b. Two types are manufactured: a fast cord having a nominal burning speed
of 1 s/ft (3.3 s/m) and a slow cord having a nominal burning speed of 10
s/ft (33 s/m). The burning speeds are reliable and consistent even under
adverse conditions, as, e.g., when burning underwater or in a direction
opposite to a strong wind. McAdam, 2

ignition

a. Percussion material or detonating powder. Standard, 2

b. The firing of an explosive mixture of gases, vapors, or other
substances by means of an electrical or frictional spark. CTD
c. An outburst or fire or an explosion. Mason
d. The act of igniting, or the state of being ignited; specif., in
mechanics, the act of exploding the charge of gases in the cylinder of an
internal combustion engine. Standard, 2

ignition arch

A flat or curved refractory roof over a furnace at the point of fuel

entrance that promotes ignition by reflection of heat. AISI

ignition charge

A small charge, usually of black powder, used to facilitate the ignition

of the main charge. Webster 3rd

ignition delay

Time interval between contact of an oxidant and a combustible and

ignition. Van Dolah

ignition of combustible gases

See:gas ignition

ignition point

a. Of solids and liquids, the minimum temperature at which combustion can

occur, but at which it is not necessarily continuous. Pryor, 3
b. Of combustible gases, the flashpoint. Pryor, 3

ignition temperature

a. The ignition temperature of a substance is the temperature at which

that substance starts to burn. The temperature of ignition varies greatly
with different substances. All solid fuels must be heated to their
ignition temperature before they will burn continuously by the process
known as combustion. Morris; Nelson
b. The temperature required to effect ignition of a combustible-oxidant
system at a specified pressure; in general, the minimum temperature is
implied. Van Dolah

ignition tube

A heavy-walled test tube of hard glass for examining the behavior of

heated substances. Webster 3rd

ihleite

See:copiapite

ijolite

A series of plutonic rocks containing nepheline and 30% to 60% mafic

minerals, generally clinopyroxene, and including sphene, apatite, and
melanite; also, any rock of that series. Melteigite and jacupirangite are
more mafic members of the series; urtite is a type rich in nepheline.
Named by Ramsay in 1891 for Ijola (Iivaara), Finland. AGI

A trigonal mineral, Bi4 (S,Se)3 ; the selenium-rich analog

of laitakarite, similar to jose#1.ite but containing no tellurium; at the
Ikuno Mine, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

ilesite

A monoclinic mineral, (Mn,Zn,Fe)SO4 .4H2 O ; rozenite group;

a green, friable crystalline aggregate in Hall Valley, Park County, CO.

ilesmannite

An amorphous mineral, Mo3 O8 .nH2 O(?) .

Ilgner flywheel

A heavy flywheel used in the Ward-Leonard control of winding engines in

mine hoists. It is mounted on the shaft of a motor generator, which draws
on this source of energy as the hoist starts to move. Pryor, 3

Ilgner system

A modification of the Ward-Leonard system of speed control, in which a

heavy flywheel is carried on the motor-generator shaft to smooth out peak
loads, which would otherwise be taken from the power supply. The system is
used on mine winding engines, etc. See also:Ward-Leonard control
Nelson

ill air
Scot. Noxious gas, as from underground fires or chokedamp; a stagnant
state of the atmosphere underground. Fay

illegal mine

A mine that has not obtained the necessary permits and licenses from the
appropriate State and Federal agencies before commencement of mining.

illinition

A thin extraneous crust formed on minerals. Standard, 2

illiquation

a. Melting or infusing. Webster 2nd

b. Mixture of metallic and earthen substances. Webster 2nd

illite

A general term for a group of three-layer (14Aa), micalike clays (K,H (sub
3) O)(Al,Mg,Fe)2 (Si,Al)4 O10 [(OH)2 ,H (sub
2) O] ; widely distributed in argillaceous sediments and derived soils;
intermediate in composition and structure between muscovite and
montmorillonite; contains less potassium and more water than muscovite,
but more potassium than kaolinite or montmorillonite; potassium is
generally replaced by calcium and/or magnesium; named from studies by
Grimm of shales and clays in Illinois. See also:muscovite
CF:pholidoide; phyllite. Syn:hydromica; hydromuscovite; glimmerton.

ilmenite

a. A trigonal mineral, FeTiO3 ; ilmenite group; forms two series

with geikielite and with pyrophanite. Iron-black. Also called menaccanite;
titanic iron ore. See also:zircon group
b. The mineral group geikielite, ilmenite, and pyrophanite.
See also:basonomelane

ilmenitite

A hypabyssal rock composed almost entirely of ilmenite, with accessory

pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, hypersthene, and labradorite.
CF:nelsonite

ilmenorutile

A tetragonal mineral, (Ti,Nb,Fe)3 O6 ; forms a series with

strueverite in which tantalum substitutes for niobium; black; sp gr, 5.14.
Syn:iserine

ilvaite
An orthorhombic and monoclinic mineral, CaFe2 FeSi2 O (sub
7) O(OH) ; in prisms with vertically striated faces; compact, massive, or
fibrous; in some magnetite orebodies, in zinc and copper ores, in contact
deposits in dolomitic limestone, and in sodalite syenite near Julianehaab,
Greenland. Syn:elbaite; lievrite.

imandrite

A rock composed of quartz and albite, formed by interaction between a

nepheline-syenite magma and graywacke. Holmes, 2

imbibition

a. Formation of feldspathic minerals by penetration of alkaline solutions

of magmatic origin into aluminum-rich metamorphic rocks. AGI
b. The absorption of a fluid, usually water, by a granular rock or any
other porous material, under the force of capillary attraction, and in the
absence of pressure. AGI

imbricate structure

a. A sedimentary structure characterized by imbrication of pebbles all

tilted in the same direction, with their flat sides commonly displaying an
upstream dip. Syn:shingle structure
b. A tectonic structure displayed by a series of nearly parallel and
overlapping minor thrust faults, high-angle reverse faults, or slides, and
characterized by rock slices, sheets, plates, blocks, or wedges that are
approx. equidistant and have the same displacement and that are all
steeply inclined in the same direction (toward the source of stress).
AGI

imitation

See:synthetic stone; assembled stone.

Imlay table

See:end-bump table

immediate roof

Lowest layer or layers of rock immediately above an underground opening.

See also:roof; nether roof.

immersion cup

An accessory for a gemological microscope containing a liquid of high

refractive index and designed to eliminate reflections from highly
polished facets and thus to expedite the observation of determinative
inclusions, growth lines, etc.
immersion method

In optical mineralogy, the determination of the refractive indices of a

mineral by matching them with liquids of known refractive index.
See also:index of refraction

immersion objective

Oil-immersion lens used in microscopy to help concentrate light on the

object under examination. Pryor, 3

imminent danger

The existence of any condition or practice that could reasonably be

expected to cause death or serious physical harm before such condition or
practice can be abated.

immiscible

Said of two or more phases that, at mutual equilibrium, cannot dissolve

completely in one another; e.g., oil and water. AGI

impact

Collision between bodies, the velocity of one or both being changed. In

direct impact, the velocity of the moving bodies is perpendicular to the
bodies at the point of contact. The impact coefficient, known as the
coefficient of restriction, is the ratio of the differences of velocities
of the two bodies after impact to the same differences before impact.
Hammond

impact breakers

The impact breaker or double impeller breaker uses the energy contained in
falling stone, plus the power imparted by the massive impellers for
complete stone reduction. Pit and Quarry

impact cast

Cast of marking produced by object striking the mud bottom. The steeply
raised end of impact casts are always oriented downcurrent.
Syn:prod mark; prod cast. See also:bounce cast

impact crusher

Machine in which material is broken by sharp blows.

See also:hammermill

impact factor
The factor of from 1 to 2 by which the weight of a moving load is
multiplied to calculate its full effect on the structural design of a
floor or bridge. Hammond

impact glass

See:impactite

impact grinding

Shattering of particles by direct fall upon them of crushing bodies or the

use of a device that vibrates a metal object such as a shutter box.

impactite

a. A vesicular, glassy to finely crystalline material produced by fusion

or partial fusion of target rock by the heat generated from the impact of
a large meteorite, and occurring in and around the resulting crater,
typically as individual bodies composed of mixtures of melt and rock
fragments, often with traces of meteoritic material; a rock from a
presumed impact site. Syn:impact slag; impact glass. AGI
b. A term used incorrectly for any shock-metamorphosed rock. AGI

impact loss

The head lost as a result of the impact of particles of water; included in

and scarcely distinguishable from eddy loss. Seelye, 1

impact mill

A crushing unit in which a rapidly moving rotor projects the charged

material against steel plates; impact mills find use in the size reduction
of such materials as coal, feldspar, perlite, etc. CF:disintegrator;
hammermill. Dodd

impact screen

One in which the loaded screen is so suspended that it can be caused to

swing or rock forward until it is abruptly checked on hitting a stop.
Pryor, 3

impact sensitivity

Sensitivity of an explosive to detonate when impacted.

See:fallhammer test

impact slag

Glassy material produced mainly by the melting of local sediment or rock

where a meteorite has struck the earth. See also:impactite
impalpable

Extremely fine, so that no grains or grit can be felt. Webster 3rd

impedance

The complex ratio of voltage to current in an electrical circuit, or the

complex ratio of electric-field intensity to magnetic-field intensity in
an electromagnetic field. It is the reciprocal of admittance.
See also:acoustic impedance

imperfect combustion

A term meaning that not all of the fuel is oxidized to its highest degree;
e.g., if carbon monoxide is formed instead of carbon dioxide.
CF:incomplete combustion

imperial jade

A high-quality, semitransparent variety of jadeite. Hess

Imperial screen

An oscillating or vibrating screen on which the ore is thrown upward, as

well as moved forward on the screen. Liddell

impermeable

Said of a rock that does not permit the passage of fluids under the
pressure conditions ordinarily found in the subsurface. Ant: permeable.
Syn:impervious

impervious

See:impermeable

impinger

Dust-sampling apparatus into which a measured volume of dusty mine air is

drawn through a jet in such a way as to strike a wetted glass plate, to
which dust particles adhere. Pryor, 3

implosion

A bursting inward; sudden collapse; opposite of explosion.

Standard, 2

impound
a. A reservoir for impounding. Used in connection with the storage of
tailings from ore-dressing plants and hydraulic mines. Webster 3rd
b. To collect in a reservoir or sump provided near a borehole the water,
drill cuttings, etc., ejected therefrom. Long

impounding dam

One in which tailings are collected and settled; also, a water-storage

dam. Pryor, 3

impregnated

a. Said of a mineral deposit (esp. of metals) in which the minerals are

epigenetic and diffused in the host rock. CF:interstitial
b. Said of timber that has been soaked in various fluids to enable it
better to resist the decomposing influences of the atmosphere.
Crispin
c. A metallic material in which fragments of diamond or other hard
substances (in unflocculated distribution) are intermixed and embedded.
See also:impregnated bit

impregnated bit

A sintered, powder-metal matrix bit with fragmented bort or whole diamonds

of selected screen sizes uniformly distributed throughout the entire crown
section. As the matrix wears down, new, sharp diamond points are exposed;
hence, the bit is used until the crown is consumed entirely.
CF:multilayer bit

impregnated timber

Timber that has been treated either to make it flame resistant or to

protect it from destruction by fungi and insects. Cover boards used with
steel arches are often vacuum-pressure impregnated with a flame-retardant
preservative for safety and to comply with the flame-proofing requirements
covering escape roadways. Nelson

impression block

A bell-shaped or hollow, tubular device filled with wax or other

water-resistant plastic materials, which is lowered onto an article
resting on the bottom of a borehole. The plastic material molds itself
about the lost article, and by inspecting the impression so formed, the
driller can determine which fishing tool is best fitted to recover the
lost article. Long

improper
In crystallography, any element or operation of symmetry involving a
mirror or inversion resulting in a change of chirality of an asymmetric
unit. CF:chirality; proper.

improved dial

A miner's dial in which a telescope replaces the usual sighting vanes.

BS, 7

Improved paragon

Trade name for nonrotating wire rope of 18 by 4 over 3 by 24 construction.

Hammond

impulse turbine

a. A water turbine, such as the Pelton wheel, in which the driving force
is provided more by the speed of the water than by a fall in its pressure.
See also:Pelton wheel
b. A turbine in which the steam is expanded in a series of stationary
nozzles that it leaves at a very high velocity, perhaps 4,000 ft/s (1.2
km/s), and then gives up its kinetic energy to blades or buckets attached
to the revolving disk that furnishes the power. Mason

impurity

Any undesirable substance not normally present in air, water, coal, or

other materials or present in an excessive amount. Syn:contaminant

inby

a. Eng. Toward the working face, or interior, of the mine; away from the
shaft or entrance; from Newcastle coalfield. Also called in-over; inbye;
inbyeside. Fay
b. In a direction toward the face of the entry from the point indicated as
the base or starting point. Rice, 1
c. The direction from a haulage way to a working face. CTD
d. Opposite of outby. BCI

incandescent

Made luminous by heat; white or glowing with heat. Standard, 2

incarbonization

See:coalification

incendivity
The property of an igniting agent (e.g., spark, flame, or hot solid)
whereby the agent can cause ignition. Atlas

inches of pressure

The height in inches of a column of water or of mercury as a measure of

hydrostatic pressure. Standard, 2

inching starter

In one form, electrical gear that allows power to be applied gently to a

stationary ball mill so as to avoid a high starting strain. The mill is
said to be inched over as it begins slowly to rotate. Pryor, 3

inch of water

A unit of pressure equivalent to 0.036136 psi (248.84 Pa).

Hartman, 1

inch pennyweights

In valuation of gold lodes, the product of the width of the exposure of

ore, measured normal to the containing host rock, and the assay value in
pennyweights of a true sample of the ore, cut evenly along the measured
line. In evaluation of ore tonnages in base-metal mining, the equivalent
measurement is the assay-foot or similar convenient combination across the
exposed lode. Abbrev., in. dwt. Pryor, 3

inch-pound

The work done in raising 1 lb, 1 in (0.179 kg, 1 cm); a unit of work or of
energy. Abbrev., in.lb. Standard, 2

incidence rate

a. The rate of occurrence of accidents as determined by multiplying the

actual number of injuries in any given period by 200,000 and dividing the
product by the number of man-hours exposure. Syn:frequency rate
CFR, 1
b. A statistic used by the mining industries to measure safety performance
and compare the performance of different groups or employers. The formula
for determining the rate is: the number of injuries or illesses times
200,000 h divided by employee hours worked. The 200,000 hours represents
100 employees working 40 h/wk and 50 wk/yr. This number keeps the value
that results from the formula small. The number of employee hours comes
from company records. They represent hours worked; not vacation, sick
leave, or holiday time. Brauer

incidental vein
A vein discovered after the original vein on which a claim is based.
AGI

inclination

a. The angular dip of a vein, a bed, etc., measured in degrees from the
horizontal plane. Fay
b. Angle between the direction of the magnetic field and the horizontal
plane. Syn:declination

inclinator

Instrument to determine the inclination of the magnetic field.

Schieferdecker

incline

a. A shaft not vertical; usually on the dip of a vein. See also:slope

Fay
b. Any inclined plane, whether above or beneath the surface; usually
applied to self-acting planes above ground, as in the bituminous
coalfields. Fay
c. In mines, an inclined drift driven upwards at an angle from the
horizontal. Fraenkel
d. A sloping tunnel along which rails are laid from one level to another;
a mechanically worked inclined haulageway in a coal mine. CTD
e. A slanting shaft. Gordon
f. An opening driven up or down the pitch. Syn:inclined shaft
Hudson

incline bogie

Scot. A wheeled carriage for inclines, constructed with a horizontal

platform so that cars can be run on it and be conveyed up and down the
incline or slope. Fay

inclined bedded formation

Any bedded formation of rock where the dip of the bedding planes is
greater than 10 degrees .

inclined bedding

A type of bedding appearing commonly in sandy deposits; the strata,

essentially intraformational, dip in the direction of the current flow.
Syn:crossbedding; cross lamination; current bedding. AGI

inclined borehole
A borehole drilled at an angle from the vertical not exceeding 45 degrees.
The drilling technique is called angle drilling. Nelson

inclined cableway

A monocable cableway in which the track cable has a slope of about 1 in 4

over its whole length, sufficiently steep to allow the carrier to run down
under its own weight. Hammond

inclined drilling

Drilling blastholes at an angle from the vertical. Also called angle

drilling. Woodruff

inclined extinction

Alignment of optical extinction at some angle other than 0 degrees , 45

degrees , or 90 degrees to a crystal face or cleavage trace.
CF:extinction; extinction angle.

inclined fold

A fold, the axial plane of which is not vertical. AGI

inclined gage

A common type of gage used with the pitot tube. A straight glass tube with
connections at each end is mounted in an inclined position on an aluminum
frame, and a scale is placed under the tube. In place of water, a colored
oil is used, and the scale is graduated to read directly in inches of
water. Lewis

inclined magnetic polarization

The inclination angle of the geomagnetic field.

inclined plane

a. A natural or artificial slope used for facilitating the ascent,

descent, or transfer from one level to another of vehicles or other
objects. See also:incline
b. A slope used to change the direction and speed-power ratio of a force.
Nichols, 1

inclined polarization

Polarization that is inclined to the linear dimensions of a magnetized

body, or to the plumb line or the horizon. AGI

inclined railroad operator

See:inclined railway operator

inclined railway operator

In metal mining, one who operates the machinery that drives the haulage
cable along a power incline railway used for hauling cars, supplies,
workers, and materials to and from one level to another on a steep slope.
Also called inclined railroad operator; tramway operator. DOT

inclined shaft

See:incline

inclined traverser

A traverser that moves mine cars laterally and vertically by traveling on

an inclined plane. It is sometimes used at the pit bottom for the transfer
of cars from a higher decking level to a lower decking level on the
opposite side rail track. The cars are held upright in a frame and can
handle loaded or empty cars to and from the two levels.
See also:traverser

inclined water gage

A sensitive form of water gage, giving readings of greater accuracy. It is

used mainly for ventilation surveys. See also:water gage
Nelson

incline engine

A stationary haulage engine at the top of an incline. CTD

incline hole

See:angle hole

incline man

In mining, a laborer who controls the movement of cars on a self-acting

incline (loaded car going down one track pulls empty cars up on other),
hooking cable to loaded or empty cars, starting them down the incline, and
applying brake to cable drum by a lever to control their speed of descent.
Also called dilly boy; drum runner; monitor operator; plane man; wheel
runner; jinnier. DOT

incline repairman

In mining, a person who oils, greases, repairs, and replaces pulleys or

rollers which support the cable on a haulage slope or plane (incline)
underground and at the mine surface. Also called rolley man.
Syn:incline trackman

incline shaft

A shaft sunk at an inclination from the vertical, usually following the

dip of a lode. See also:turned vertical shaft; underlay shaft.
Nelson

incline trackman

See:incline repairman

inclinometer

a. An instrument for measuring the inclination or slope, as of the ground,

Syn:clinometer
b. Any of various instruments for measuring the departure of a drill hole
from the vertical; a driftmeter. AGI
c. An instrument that measures magnetic inclination. AGI

included angle

Either of the two angles formed at the station by the intersection of the
two survey lines. Mason

inclusion

a. Any size fragment of another rock enclosed in an igneous rock.

Syn:xenolith
b. A particle of nonmetallic material retained in a solid metal or alloy.
Such inclusions are generally oxides, sulfides, or silicates of the host
metal, but may also be particles of refractory materials picked up from a
furnace or ladle lining.
c. A crystal, aggregate, or minute cavity filled with one or two fluid
phases and with or without a crystal phase enclosed in a host crystal.
See also:fluid inclusion; three-phase inclusion; negative crystal.

inclusions

a. A term applied to crystals and anhedra of one mineral involved in

another; and to fragments of one rock inclosed in another, as when a
volcanic flow picks up portions of its conduit.
b. Particles of foreign matter, solid, liquid, or gaseous, enclosed within
a gem stone. The nature of such inclusions provides a powerful clue to the
origin of a stone and enables natural stones to be distinguished from
their synthetic counterparts. Anderson

incoalation
a. The process of coal formation that begins after peat formation is
completed without there being any sharp boundary between the two
processes. From the German inkohlung. AGI
b. See:coalification

incoherent

a. Said of a rock or deposit that is loose or unconsolidated. AGI

b. Said of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) having a broad spectrum of
frequencies; e.g., incoherent (sunlight) EMR vs. coherent (laser) EMR.
AGI

incombustible

a. Applies to substances that will not burn. Mersereau, 2

b. Any building material that contains no matter subject to rapid
oxidation within the temperature limits of a standard fire test of not
less than 2«-h duration. Materials that continue to burn after this time
period are termed combustible. ACSG, 1
c. See:noncombustible

incompetent

a. Applied to strata, a formation, a rock, or a rock structure not

combining sufficient firmness and flexibility to transmit a thrust and to
lift a load by bending; consequently, admitting only the deformation of
flowage. See also:competent
b. Soft or fragmented rocks in which an opening, such as a borehole or an
underground working place, cannot be maintained unless artificially
supported by casing, cementing, or timbering. Long

incompetent bed

A bed that, in a particular case of folding, has yielded to the lateral

pressure by plastic adjustment and flow. This may result in the bedding
being thrown into complex structures or in the development of more regular
internal structures, particularly drag folds and fracture cleavage. The
bed tends to thicken toward the hinges, and to thin in the limbs, of the
folds. See also:competent bed

incompetent folding

See:flow folding

incomplete combustion

A term applied to combustion in which all of the fuel is not burned; e.g.,
leaving unburned carbon in ashes. CF:imperfect combustion
Newton, 1
incongruent melting

a. Melting accompanied by decomposition or by reaction with the liquid, so

that one solid phase is converted into another; melting to give a liquid
different in composition from the original solid. An example is orthoclase
melting incongruently to give leucite and a liquid richer in silica than
the original orthoclase. CF:congruent melting
b. A crystalline compound that dissociates into another compound and a
melt of different composition upon heating. CF:congruent melting

incorporation

A process by which material contributing to coal formation responds to

diagenetic and metamorphic agencies of coalification and becomes a part of
the coal without undergoing any material modification.
See also:coalification

increment

The quantity of coal or coke taken by a single sweep of the sampling

instrument. BS, 2

incrop

A former outcrop concealed by or buried beneath younger unconformable

strata. AGI

incrustation

See:encrustation

independent subsidence

The condition in sedimentation in which each floc or particle settles

freely; i.e., its movement is not influenced in any way by other flocs or
particles in suspension. Mitchell

independent wire rope core

This core may be 6 by 7, 7 by 7, 6 by 19, or 7 by 19 (number of strands

laid together and ropes twisted together) construction, and the individual
wires shall be of an appropriate grade of steel in accordance with the
best practice and design, either bright (uncoated), galvanized, or drawn
galvanized wire. See also:wire-strand core

inderborite

Hydrous calcium and magnesium borate mineral, CaMg[B3 O3

(OH)5 ]2 .6H2 O , as monoclinic crystals from the
Inder borate deposits, Kazakhstan. Named from locality.
See also:metahydroboracite

inderite

A monoclinic mineral, MgB3 O3 (OH)5 .5H2 O ;

forms nodular aggregates or acicular crystals; named from the locality,
Inder, Kazakhstan.

index bed

See:key bed

index contour

A contour line shown on a map in a distinctive manner for ease of

identification, being printed more heavily than other contour lines and
generally labeled with a value (such as figure of elevation) along its
course. It appears at regular intervals, such as every fifth or sometimes
every fourth contour line (depending on the contour interval).
Syn:accented contour

index fossil

A fossil that, because of its wide geographic distribution and restricted

time range, can be used to identify and date the strata in which it
occurs. CF:guide fossil

index horizon

A structural surface used as a reference in analyzing the geologic

structure of an area. AGI

index mineral

A mineral developed under a particular set of temperature and pressure

conditions, thus characterizing a particular degree of metamorphism. When
dealing with progressive metamorphism, it is a mineral whose first
appearance (in passing from low to higher grades of metamorphism) marks
the outer limit of the zone in question. CF:typomorphic mineral
AGI

index of liquidity

This is found by the formula: water content of test sample-water content

at plastic limit/index of plasticity. This gives a value of 100% for clay
at the liquid limit, and zero at the plastic limit, and is the reverse of
the consistency index. Hammond

index of plasticity
The difference between the water content of clay at its liquid and plastic
limits, showing the range of water contents over which the clay is
plastic. Hammond

index of refraction

A number n found by dividing the velocity of light in a vacuum c by the

velocity of light in a transparent substance. Isometric crystals are
isotropic and have one index of refraction; all other symmetries are
anisotropic. Hexagonal, trigonal, and tetragonal crystals have two
principal indices; orthorhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic crystals have
three principal indices. Determination of indices of refraction of a
mineral is a major means of mineral identification. See also:dispersion;
interference. Syn:immersion method; optical mineralogy;
refractive index. CF:transmitted light

index properties

Properties that can be used to identify the soil type. The properties are
of two kinds: (1) soil grain properties and (2) soil aggregate properties.
Nelson

index property tests

Tests to determine index properties that in turn serve to identify the

soil type and indicate its consistency. Nelson

indialite

A hexagonal mineral, Mg2 Al4 Si5 O18 ; the

high-temperature polymorph of cordierite; in sediments fused by a burning
coal seam in India. Named for the locality.

Indian-cut

A style of diamond cutting, usually of Indian or other Oriental origin, in

which the table is usually double the size of the culet; such stones are
generally recut for European or American requirements. Hess

Indian jade

Aventurine quartz containing inclusions of chromian muscovite.

Syn:regal jade

Indian title

An Indian's right to occupancy of land, and that right recognized by the

United States, constitutes Indian title. Ricketts

India steel
A fine natural steel from southern India made directly from the ore;
wootz.

indicated ore

Ore for which tonnage and grade are computed from information similar to
that used for measured resources, but the sites for inspection,
measurement, and sampling are farther apart or otherwise less adequately
spaced. The degree of assurance is high enough to assume continuity
between points of observation. USGS, 2

indicated resources

Resources from which the quantity and grade and/or quality are computed
from information similar to that used for measured resources, but the
sites for inspection, sampling, and measurement are farther apart or are
otherwise less adequately spaced. The degree of assurance, although lower
than that for measured resources, is high enough to assume continuity
between points of observation. USGS, 2

indicator

a. A geologic or other feature that suggests the presence of a mineral

deposit, such as a geochemical anomaly, a carbonaceous shale indicative of
coal, or a pyrite-bearing bed that may lead to gold ore at its
intersection with a quartz vein. A plant or animal peculiar to a specific
environment, which can therefore be used to identify that environment.
See also:pencil mark
b. See:marker bed; marker. Long

indicator plant

a. Some plants develop peculiar diagnostic symptoms that can be

interpreted directly in terms of probable excesses of a particular element
in the soil. Geobotanical indicators are either plant species or
characteristic variations in the growth habits of plant species that are
restricted in their distribution to rocks or soils of definite physical or
chemical properties. They have been used in locating and mapping ground
water, saline deposits, hydrocarbons, and rock types, as well as ores.
Hawkes, 2
b. A plant whose occurrence is broadly indicative of the soil of an area;
e.g., its salinity or alkalinity, level of zone of saturation, and other
soil conditions. AGI

indicator vein

A vein that is not metalliferous itself, but may lead to an ore deposit.

indices of a crystal face

The numbers that define the position of a crystal face in space with
reference to crystallographic axes. Miller and Bravais-Miller indices,
those in current use, are the reciprocals, cleared of fractions, of the
intercepts the face makes with the crystallographic axes.
Syn:Miller indices

indicolite

A blue variety of elbaite tourmaline.

indigenous limonite

Sulfide-derived limonite that remains fixed at the site of the parent

sulfide, often as boxworks or other encrustation. CF:exotic limonite;
relief limonite. AGI

indigo copper

See:covellite; copper sulfide.

indirect flushing

Flushing in which the water enters the borehole around the rod and issues
upwards through the rod. Stoces

indirect initiation

See:inverse initiation

indirect priming

Placement of the blasting cap in the first cartridge going into the
borehole with the business end pointing toward the collar. Recommended
method of priming charges of permissible dynamite.

indite

An isometric mineral, FeIn2 S4 ; linnaeite group; in minute

iron-black grains in cassiterite from the Dzhalind deposit, Little Khingan
ridge, the former U.S.S.R.

indium

a. A tetragonal mineral. Symbol, In; native; metallic silvery white; sp

gr, 7.31; in meteorites and as a trace constituent in the minerals of
other metals, principally zinc, lead, tin, tungsten, and iron minerals;
principal source is sphalerite concentrates that may contain up to 10,000
ppm.
b. Used in making bearing alloys, germanium transistors, rectifiers,
thermistors, and photoconductors. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3
individually screened trailing cable

A trailing cable with a screen of metallic covering over each power

conductor. This is the type now adopted in British coal mines.
See also:trailing cable

individual reduction ratio

In crushing practice, this term may be expressed as: Size most abundant in
feed/mean size of grading band concerned. South Australia

indoor catches

Beams that catch the walking beam of the Cornish pump or engine on its
down piston stroke if the string of tools being moved should break. The
indoor stroke is the lifting stroke of such a pump. Pryor, 3

indoor stroke

Eng. That stroke of a Cornish pump that lifts the water at the bottom or
drawing lift.

indraft

The act of drawing in, or that which is drawn in; an inward flow; such as
an indraft of air. Standard, 2

induced breaks

The fine breaks or cracks that occur in the nether roof of a coal seam
following the holing of the coal or its removal, and having the same
general direction as that of the coal face itself. TIME

induced bursts

Rock bursts caused by stoping operations to distinguish them from

development bursts, which are called inherent. Spalding

induced caving

In the block caving mining method, the ore zone is undercut until the ore
material breaks apart and falls under gravity load into draw points. If
the ore zone is reluctant to fall under gravity loading, the fall is
sometimes induced with explosives set in boreholes drilled into the
orebody. This induced caving is generally accomplished from drifts above
the ore zone. SME, 1

induced cleavage

See:induced fracture
induced current

See:induction

induced fracture

Fracture formed in a roof bed as a result of mining operations. For

example, on longwall faces fractures are formed in a shale roof parallel
to and along successive lines of face. They are induced after coal cutting
and become intensified at the end of the loading shift. The distance
between the fractures coincides, roughly, with the depth of cut.
See also:break

induced magnetization

The magnetic field spontaneously induced in a volume of rock by the

uniform action of an applied field. Its direction and magnitude are
parallel and proportional, respectively, to the applied field. In the
absence of remanent magnetization, induced magnetization is the magnetic
moment per unit volume. See also:remanent magnetization

induced polarization

The production of a double layer of charge at a mineral interface, or

production of changes in double-layer density of charge, brought about by
application of an electric or magnetic field (induced electrical or
magnetic polarization). Induced electrical polarization is manifested
either by a decay of voltage in the Earth following the cessation of an
excitation current pulse, or by a frequency dependence of the apparent
resistivity of the Earth. Abbrev: IP. AGI

induction

The production of magnetization or electrification in a body by the mere

proximity of magnetized or electrified bodies, or of an electric current
in a conductor by the variation of the magnetic field in its vicinity.
Syn:induced current

induction balance

An apparatus for measuring changes of conductivity, detecting the

proximity of metallic bodies, etc., by noting extremely minute changes in
an electric current. Standard, 2

induction furnace

An alternating-current electric furnace in which the primary conductor is

coiled and generates, by electromagnetic induction, a secondary current
that develops heat within the metal charge. ASM, 1
induction hardening

Quench hardening in which the heat is generated by electrical induction.

ASM, 1

induction log

A continuous record of the conductivity of strata traversed by a borehole

as a function of depth.

induction period

A term used with reference to instantaneous caps to describe the time

between the bridge break and the detonation of the base charge.
Streefkerk

induction time

The interval between the bursting and lag times of a detonator.

BS, 12

inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy

An atomic emission spectroscopy analytical technique where liquid

solutions are passed through a quartz tube surrounded by a high-frequency
induction coil for heating the sample to high temperatures. It is an
important method for measuring trace element concentrations.

inductive method

An electrical exploration method in which electric current is introduced

into the ground by means of electromagnetic induction and in which the
magnetic field associated with the current is determined. AGI

indurated

Said of a rock or soil hardened or consolidated by pressure, cementation,

or heat. AGI

induration

a. The hardening of a rock or rock material by heat, pressure, or the

introduction of cementing material; esp. the process by which relatively
consolidated rock is made harder or more compact.
See also:lithification
b. The hardening of a soil horizon by chemical action to form a hardpan.
AGI

industrial calorific value

The calorific value obtained when coal is burned under a boiler.
Kentucky

industrial degree-day

A degree-day unit based on a (usually) 45 degrees F or 55 degrees F (7.2

degrees C or 12.9 degrees C) mean daily temperature so as to be applicable
to industrial buildings maintained at relatively low temperatures.
Strock, 2

industrial diamonds

a. Crystalline and/or cryptocrystalline diamonds having color, shape,

size, crystal form, imperfections, or other physical characteristics that
make them unfit for use as gems. Industrial diamonds usually are grouped
as toolstones, drill diamonds, fragmented bort, ballas, and carbons. Also
called industrials; industrial stones. See also:diamond
b. Impure diamond used in borehole drilling and the grinding industry.
Also called black diamond; bort; boart; carbonado. Pryor, 3

industrial minerals

Rocks and minerals not produced as sources of the metals, but excluding
mineral fuels. See also:non-metallic minerals

inequigranular

See:heterogranular

inequilibrium

Uranium is soluble in acid waters and tends to be removed in solution, but

radium is much less soluble and its compounds tend to remain behind in the
leached outcrop. Therefore, the outcrop may be radioactive due to the
presence of the gamma-emitting elements RaC and RaD, even though much of
the uranium has been lost in solution. In this case a radiometric assay
may indicate a high counter reading, but the uranium content may be low.
Uranium minerals deposited less than a million years ago may be in
inequilibrium because daughter products have not accumulated in their
equilibrium amounts. Hence, counter readings may indicate less uranium
than is actually present. See also:radiometric assay

inert anode

An anode that is insoluble in the electrolyte under the conditions

obtained in the electrolysis. Lowenheim

inert dust
a. Any dust that contains only a small amount of combustible material.
Rice, 1
b. Dust that has no harmful effect. Hartman, 1

inert gas

a. A gas that is normally chemically inactive, esp. in not supporting

combustion. Webster 3rd
b. One of the helium group of gases comprising helium, neon, argon,
krypton, xenon, and sometimes radon. Also called a noble gas; a rare gas.
Webster 3rd

inertia

The reluctance of a body to change its state of rest or of uniform

velocity in a straight line. Inertia is measured by mass when linear
velocities and accelerations are considered and by moment of inertia for
angular motions (that is, rotations about an axis). CTD

inertinite

A coal maceral group including micrinite, macrinite, sclerotinite,

fusinite, semifusinite, and inertodetrinite. They are characterized by a
relatively high carbon content and a reflectance higher than that of
vitrinite. They are relatively inert during the carbonization process.
Syn:inerts

inert primer

A cylinder of inert material that enshrouds a detonator, but that does not
interfere with the detonation of the explosive charge. BS, 12

inerts

Constituents of a coal that decrease its efficiency in use; e.g., mineral

matter (ash) and moisture in fuel for combustion or fusain in coal for
carbonization. Syn:inertinite

inesite

A triclinic mineral, Ca2 Mn7 Si10 O28 (OH)

2 .5H2 O ; forms small prismatic crystals, fibers, or radial
aggregates; associated with some manganese deposits; although related to
zeolites, contains no aluminum.

infective jaundice

Mine workers served by drifts and adits are subject to occasional attacks
of this disease, which is often fatal. It is caused by a micro-organism,
the principal carrier of which is the sewer rat. If the skin is scratched,
the germ can enter the bloodstream of the miner. Preventive measures
include clearing up of all stores, food, and other waste to deprive the
rats of food and of a systematic extermination by a pest control officer.
Also known as Weil's disease. See also:mining disease
Sinclair, 1

inferred ore

Ore for which estimates are based on an assumed continuity beyond measured
and/or indicated ore. Inferred resources may or may not be supported by
samples or measurements.

inferred reserve base

The in-place part of an identified resource from which inferred reserves

are estimated. Quantitative estimates are based largely on knowledge of
the geologic character of a deposit for which there may be no samples or
measurements. The estimates are based on an assumed continuity beyond the
reserve base, for which there is geologic evidence. USGS, 2

inferred resources

Resources from which estimates are based on an assumed continuity beyond

measured and/or indicated resources, for which there is geologic evidence.
Inferred resources may or may not be supported by samples or measurements.
USGS, 2

infilling

a. Material used for filling in; filling. Standard, 2

b. Material, such as hardcore, used for making up levels; e.g., under
floors. CTD

infiltration

The flow of a fluid into a solid substance through pores or small

openings; specif. the movement of water into soil or porous rock.
CF:percolation

infiltration vein

An interstitial mineral deposit formed by the action of percolating

waters. CF:segregated vein

inflammable cinnabar

See:idrialite

inflatable seal
A seal made from polyvinyl chloride reinforced with glass fiber. It is
inflated by compressed air and can cover or seal roadways up to 12 ft wide
and 10« ft in height (about 4 m wide and 3 m in height). It is used to
isolate a fire, or heating, and reduce the volume of smoke and gases so
that erection of stoppings can proceed in respirable air without workers
being hampered by breathing apparatus. Nelson

inflation

See:tumescence

influence line

An influence line usually pertains to a particular section of a beam, and

is a curve so drawn that its ordinate at any point represents the value of
the reaction, vertical shear, bending moment, or deflection produced at
the particular section by a unit load applied at the point where the
ordinate is measured. An influence line may be used to show the effect of
load position on any quantity dependent thereon, such as the stress in a
given truss member, the deflection of a truss, the twisting moment in a
shaft, etc. Roark

in fork

a. Eng. When pumps are working after the water has receded below some of
the holes of the windbore, they are said to be in fork.
b. Of mine pumps, sucking air and water. Pryor, 3

infrared

Pertaining to or designating that part of the electromagnetic spectrum

ranging in wavelength from 0.7 mu m to about 1 mm. CF:visible light
AGI

infrared gas analyzer

An instrument used for routine gas analysis for the determination of

methane and other gases. The results are accurate to 0.1%.
Sinclair, 1

infrared photography

This technique is employed in air survey during misty weather, using

special film that is more sensitive to infrared rays than to light rays.
See also:photogrammetry

infrasizer

An apparatus for sizing air elutriation of very fine particles.

See also:air classification
infrastructure

a. Structure produced at a deep crustal level, in a plutonic environment,

under conditions of elevated temperature and pressure, which is
characterized by plastic folding, and the emplacement of granite and other
migmatitic and magmatic rocks. This environment occurs in the internal
parts of most orogenic belts, but the term is used esp. where the
infrastructure contrasts with an overlying, less disturbed layer, or
superstructure. AGI
b. The basic facilities, equipment, roads, and installations needed for
the functioning of a system. AGI

infusible

Said of a mineral crystal or fragment that will not melt in the hottest
flame produced by a hand-held blowpipe or blowtorch, i.e., around 1,500
degrees C. The bronzite variety of pyroxene, e.g., has a melt point of
approx. 1,400 degrees C and is said to be practically infusible; quartz,
with a melt point of about 1,710 degrees C, is infusible.

infusion gun

See:water infusion gun

infusion shot firing

A technique of shot firing in which an explosive charge is fired in a

shothole, which is filled with water under pressure and in which the
strata around the shothole have been infused with water. BS, 12

infusorial earth

An obsolete syn. of diatomite. Syn:infusorial silica

infusorial silica

See:infusorial earth

ingate

The point of entrance from a shaft to a level in a coal mine.

See also:inset

ingot

a. A mass of cast metal as it comes from a mold or crucible; specif., a

bar of gold or silver for assaying, coining, or export. CF:pig
Standard, 2
b. A mold in which an ingot may be cast. Standard, 2
c. A casting suitable for working or remelting. ASM, 1
ingot header

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, one who pours molten aluminum,
copper, or other nonferrous metals into solidifying ingots to compensate
for shrinkage that occurs when ingots cool in their molds. Also called
billet header; casting header; header; ingot pipe filler; pipe-out man.
DOT

ingot iron

Iron of comparatively high purity, produced, in the same way as steel, in

the open-hearth furnace, but under conditions that keep down the carbon,
manganese, and silicon content. See also:iron
CTD

ingotism

A defect common to almost all metal ingots in which metal crystals

(dendrites) tend to grow at right angles to the walls of the mold and form
planes of weakness at their junctions; these make the ingot tender and it
tends to tear apart when rolled. Newton, 1

ingot mold

The mold or container in which molten metal is cast and allowed to

solidify in order to form an ingot. CTD

ingot pitch

The chemical condition in which metal is fit to be cast into ingots.

Standard, 2

ingot saw

A saw that is run at a high rate of speed and has a fusing action at its
cutting edge; used in cutting hot ingots. Standard, 2

ingot structure

The general arrangement of crystals in an ingot, which consists typically

of chill, columnar, and equiaxed crystals. According to the relations
between the mass and the temperature of the molten metal and mold,
respectively, one or two types of crystals may be absent. CTD

ingredient

The primary and higher order reactants of the resins and the chemical
constituents of the molding compound, such as plasticizer, lubricant,
solvent, catalyst, stabilizer, fire retardant, hardener, and coloring
material.
ingress

a. A place for entering; a way of entrance. Webster 2nd

b. In underground bituminous mining there are three methods of ingress--by
drift, shaft, or slope. Drift mines are opened by driving horizontally
from the side of an elevation into the seam; shaft mines by sinking a
vertical shaft through the overlying strata into the seam; and slope mines
by driving an inclined entry through the overlying strata through the
surface into the seam. BCI

inhabited building

(As in the American Table of Distances for storage of explosives). A

building regularly used in whole or in part as a habitation for human
beings, or any church, schoolhouse, railroad station, store, or other
structure where people are accustomed to assemble, except any building or
structure occupied in connection with the manufacture, transportation,
storage, or use of explosive materials. Cote

inhaul cable

In a cable excavator, the line that pulls the bucket to dig and bring in
soil. Also called digging line. Nichols, 1

inherent ash

Widely used to designate the part of the ash content of a coal that is
structurally part of the coal itself and cannot be separated from it by
any mechanical means, usually amounts to about 1%. Also called dirt; fixed
ash; constitutional ash. Opposite of free ash. See also:ash; ash yield;
extraneous ash. Mitchell; Pryor, 3

inherent floatability

Property considered by some physicists to be possessed by certain

naturally occurring minerals, which readily respond without pretreatment
to levitation by the froth-flotation process; by other workers considered
due to slight surficial contamination during mining and transport.
Pryor, 3

inherent mineral matter

The portion of the mineral matter of coal organically combined with the
coal. It contains elements that have been assimilated by the living plant,
such as iron, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
AGI

inherent moisture
a. In general, the moisture that is present in the coal in the bed.
Mitchell
b. Of coal, that remaining after natural drying in air. Pryor, 3
c. Maximum moisture that a sample of coal will hold at 100% humidity and
atmospheric pressure. Bennett
d. See:moisture content

inherited structure

An original structural feature of the country rock that has been

faithfully preserved after replacement by ore. Schieferdecker

inhibitor

a. In drilling, a substance that, when added to cement, has the capacity

to slow down or lengthen the normal time required for that specific cement
to set; also, a substance added to drilling mud to check or slow down
organic or chemical deterioration or change in the physical
characteristics of the drilling mud. Long
b. A substance that when present in an environment substantially decreases
corrosion.

initial depression

The total water gage actually produced by a mine fan.

See also:theoretical depression

initial dip

See:original dip

initial face

In quarrying, the face formed by the blasting of the slope.

Streefkerk

initial impulse

See:first arrival

initiation

The process of causing a high explosive to detonate. The initiation of an

explosive charge requires an initiating point, which is usually a primer
and electric detonator, or a primer and a detonating cord or fuse.
Nelson

initiator
A detonator or detonating cord used to start detonation or deflagration in
an explosive material; can refer to a blasting cap or primer.

injected hole

A borehole into which a cement slurry or grout has been forced by

high-pressure pumps and allowed to harden. Long

injection

a. The process of emplacement of magma in preexisting rocks; magmatic

activity; also, the igneous rock mass so formed.
b. The forcing, under abnormal pressure, of sedimentary material
(downward, upward, or laterally) into a preexisting deposit or rock,
either along some plane of weakness or into a crack or fissure, producing
structures such as sandstone dikes. AGI

injection gneiss

A composite rock whose banding is wholly or partly caused by lit-par-lit

injection of granitic magma into layered rock.
See also:composite gneiss

injection metamorphism

Metamorphism accompanied by intimate injection of sheets and streaks of

liquid magma (usually granitic) in zones near deep-seated intrusive
contacts. CF:plutonic metamorphism; lit-par-lit. AGI

injection pressure

The total amount of pressure required to force a liquid or grout into

cracks, cavities, and pores in rocks or other substance. Long

injector

a. Any apparatus used to force, under pressure, material into an opening

in another material. Long
b. A device used to force-feed water into a boiler by the direct action of
steam. See also:inspirator
c. Mechanism used for spraying fuel oil into the combustion-type engine or
to spray a fine oil mist into a stream of air or steam.
See also:air mover

inkstone

a. Native copperas (melanterite), or a stone containing it. Used in

inkmaking. Webster 2nd
b. A stone slab used in preparing India ink for use. Webster 2nd
inlier

An area or group of rocks surrounded by rocks of younger age; e.g., an

eroded anticlinal crest. CF:outlier

in-line valve

A valve that proves the cage is in the correct position relative to the
decking level. Sinclair, 5

inmost

Being at a point, place, or position farthest from the exterior; deepest

within; innermost; such as, the inmost depths of a mine.
Standard, 2

inner core

The central part of the Earth's core, extending from a depth of about
5,100 km to the center (6,371 km) of the Earth; its radius is about
one-third of the whole core. The inner core is probably solid, as
evidenced by the observation of S waves that are propagated in it, and
because compressional waves travel noticeably faster through it than
through the outer core. Density ranges from 10.5 to 15.5 g/cm3 .
It is equivalent to the G layer. CF:outer core
AGI

inner mantle

The lower part of the mantle. Schieferdecker

innermost isoseismal

The isoseismal line surrounding the area experiencing the greatest damage
to manmade structures during an earthquake.

inoculation

The addition of a material to molten metal to form nuclei for

crystallization. ASM, 1

inorganic

Pertaining or relating to a compound that contains no carbon.

CF:organic

in-over

See:inby
in-pit crusher

A crushing system that can be a fully mobile unit or a permanently fixed

unit at the point of mining so that the mined material can be transported
out of the pit by a conveyor system. SME, 1

inquartation

In bullion assay, dissolution of silver from associated gold by use of

nitric acid. Pryor, 3

inrush of water

A sudden and often overwhelming flow of water into mine workings. Inrushes
of water may be caused by striking unsuspected waterlogged old workings
that possibly were shown inaccurately on the mine plans. Faults have also
been responsible for serious inflows of water. A fault may retain large
volumes of water above or at the same level as workings approaching it. It
is usual to drive exploring headings in the direction of the suspected
water danger. See also:mud rush; old working; inundation; stopping;
tapping; tapping old workings; water inrush; waterlogged. Nelson

inselberg

A prominent isolated residual knob, hill, or small mountain rising

abruptly from an extensive erosion surface in a hot, dry region (as in the
deserts of southern Africa or Arabia), generally bare and rocky, although
partly buried by the debris derived from its slopes. Etymol: German
Inselberg, island mountain. CF:monadnock

insert

Formed pieces of sintered cobalt-tungsten carbide mixture (in which

diamonds may be inset), brazed into slots or holes in drilling bits or
into grooves on the outside surface of a reaming shell to act as cutting
points, reaming surfaces, or wear-resistant pads or surfaces of reaming
shells or outside surfaces of other pieces of drilling equipment or
fittings. Also called inserts. See also:insert bit; insert set.
CF:slug

insert bit

A bit into which inset cutting points of various preshaped pieces of hard
metal (usually a sintered, tungsten carbide-cobalt powder alloy) are
brazed or hand-peened into slots or holes cut or drilled into a blank bit.
Hard-metal inserts may or may not contain diamonds. Also called slug bit.
See also:insert

inserted rod-type pick

See:sintered carbide-tipped pick

insert reaming shell

A reaming shell, the reaming diamonds of which are inset in shaped, hard,
metal plates brazed into grooves cut into the outside surface of the
shell. Long

insert set

Bits or reaming shells set with inserts. See also:insert

inset

a. The entrance to underground roads from the shaft; a landing.

See also:ingate
b. See:phenocryst
c. The opening from the mine shaft to a seam of coal. CTD
d. A surface into which diamonds or other cutting points are embedded or
set; also, the act or process of embedding such materials in a surface.
Long

inside

A term often used to designate the interior of a mine. Fay

inside angling

See:angling

inside clearance

The difference between the outside diameter of a core and the inside
diameter of the core-barrel parts through which the core passes or enters;
also, the annular space between the inner and outer tubes in a double-tube
core barrel. See also:clearance

inside face

That part of the bit crown nearest to and/or parallel with the inside wall
of an annular or coring bit. Long

inside gage

The inside diameter of a bit as measured between the cutting points, such
as between inset diamonds on the inside-wall surface of a core bit.
Long

inside-gage stone
A diamond set in the inside-wall surface of the crown of a diamond core
bit so that it cuts sufficient inside clearance to permit the core to pass
through the bit shank and into the core barrel without binding.
Syn:inside kicker; inside reamer; inside stone. Long

inside-haulage engineer

In bituminous coal mining, one who operates a mine locomotive to haul

trains of cars along underground haulageways in a mine. DOT

inside kicker

See:inside-gage stone

inside parting

A side track or parting some distance from the beginning of a long entry,
at which cars are left by a gathering driver. Also called a swing parting.
Fay

inside reamer

See:inside-gage stone

inside slope

a. A slope on which coal is raised from a lower to a higher entry, but not
to the surface. Fay
b. An inside slope is a passage in the mine driven through the seam by
which coal is brought up from a lower level. Korson

inside stone

See:inside-gage stone

inside upset

A tubular piece having ends that are thickened for a short distance on the
inside. See also:upset

inside work

a. The drilling of boreholes in underground workplaces; also applied to

work done on the surface with the drill machine and tripod completely
housed. Long
b. Any work in the mines. Most commonly used in bituminous coal mining.

in situ
a. In the natural or original position. Applied to a rock, soil, or fossil
occurring in the situation in which it was originally formed or deposited.
See also:place
b. Said of tests done on a rock or soil in place, as compared with
collecting discrete samples for testing in the laboratory.
c. See:solution mining

in situ autoclave

A six-sided in situ vat containing liquid or gas for ore treatment and
recovery of mineral values requiring elevated temperatures and pressure,
usually for long periods of time. Lombardi

in situ gasification

Process that can recover the energy of coal seams without the extensive
use of traditional mining operations. The primary product brought from
underground is hot fully combusted flue gas, 1,100 to 1,800 degrees F
(approx. 600 to 1,000 degrees C), whose sensible heat contains most of the
heating value of the coal, 5,000 to 13,000 Btu/lb (11.6 to 30.2 MJ/kg).
Particularly applicable to coal deposits that are not economically or
technically feasible to mine by conventional methods because of seam
quality or quantity, depth, dip, strata integrity, overburden thickness,
etc. SME, 1

in situ leaching

a. A hydrometallurgical process that treats ore for the recovery of

mineral values while the ore is in place. It is a true mining technique in
that the ore is not extracted from the ground and no mine waste piles or
tailings impoundments are created. SME, 1
b. A leaching technique in which ore is leached in place by solution
injected into the deposit through wells. CF:solution mining
Aplan

in situ liner

A water, gas, or aqueous, chemically impermeable material placed in

artificially constructed underground channels, crevices, or slices.
Lombardi

in situ origin theory

The theory of the origin of coal that holds that a coal was formed at the
place where the plants from which it was derived grew.
See also:autochthonous coal

in situ processes
Activities conducted on the surface or underground in connection with
in-place distillation, retorting, leaching, or other chemical or physical
processing of coal or ore. The term includes, but is not limited to, in
situ gasification, in situ leaching, slurry mining, solution mining,
borehole mining, and fluid recovery mining.

in situ soil tests

Tests carried out on the ground, in a borehole, trial pit, or tunnel, as

opposed to a laboratory test. An in situ soil test may be a vane test,
dynamic penetration test, etc. Nelson

in situ vat

A five- or six-sided enclosure constructed in the earth by backfilling

cuts around an orebody or orebody zone with material that is impervious to
solutions so that aqueous leaching can be conducted for the extraction of
mineral values from the isolated ore. Lombardi

insoluble

a. Incapable of being dissolved in a particular liquid. Shell

b. Term used of solid that does not dissolve under specified attack. No
known substance is completely insoluble, so the term refers to systems
characterized by very low solubility. Pryor, 3
c. As used in smelter contracts, the terms "insoluble" and "silica" are
often used interchangeably, but they are different things. Silica is
determined by a special fusion assay. Insoluble is the residue left after
the ore has been digested with acid in the course of assaying for some of
the metals. The insoluble is generally silica plus something else, often
alumina, since this substance is not always dissolved by acids.
Lewis

insoluble anode

An anode that does not dissolve during electrolysis. ASM, 1

inspector

One employed to make examinations of and to report upon mines and surface
plants relative to compliance with mining laws, rules and regulations,
safety methods, etc. State inspectors have authority to enforce State laws
regulating the working of the mines. Federal inspectors have authority to
enforce Federal laws in coal mines. See also:mine inspector
Fay

inspirator

A kind of injector for forcing water by steam. See also:injector

Webster 2nd
instantaneous charge weight

The weight of explosive detonated at any one precise time.

instantaneous cuts

Cuts characterized by the drilling and ignition being done so that all the
holes can cooperate and break smaller top angles. They are called
instantaneous cuts because they are preferably ignited by instantaneous
detonators to ensure a simultaneous detonation of all the charges in the
cut. Some examples are Blasjo cut; WP-cut. Langefors

instantaneous detonator

A detonator in which there is no designed delay period between the passage

of an electric current through the detonator and its explosion.
BS, 12

instantaneous fuse

Term used to distinguish rapid burning from slow fuse. Ignition rate is
several thousand feet per minute, but slower than that of detonating fuse.
Pryor, 3

Institution of Mining and Metallurgy

The London Institution of Mining and Metallurgy is the central British

organization for regulating the professional affairs of suitably qualified
mining engineers engaged in production and treatment of nonferrous metals
and rare earths. Related bodies are those of Canada (Can. I.M.M.),
Australia (Aust. I.M.M.), and Republic of South Africa (Rep. S. Af.
I.M.M.). Pryor, 3

Institution of Mining and Metallurgy screen scale

Laboratory screens of usual 8-in-round (20-cm-round) size, in which the

diameter of each new wire is equal to the distance between successive
parallel wires. Therefore, in a 60-mesh screen (having 60 wires/in (152
wires/cm) measured along either the warp or the woof) the aperture is a
square measuring 1/120 in (0.21 mm) on the side. The meshes used are 5, 8,
10, 12, 16, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, and 200.
Pryor, 3

instroke

The right to raise or take ore from a leased mine through the shaft or
tunnel of an adjoining mine. Ricketts

instrumentalities of mining
The true meaning of such expressions as shafts, tunnels, levels, uprises,
crosscuts, inclines, and sump when applied to mines signifies
instrumentalities whereby and through which such mines are opened,
developed, prospected, and worked. Ricketts

instrumentation

Control by servomechanisms. Use of signaling devices originating with the

process to indicate, vary, or regulate performance.

insufflator

An injector for forcing air into a furnace. Webster 3rd

insular shelf

The zone surrounding an island extending from the line of permanent

immersion to about 100 fathoms (600 ft or 183 m) of depth, where a marked
or rather steep descent toward the great depths occurs. AGI

insular slope

The declivity from the offshore border of the insular shelf at depths of
from 50 to 100 fathoms (300 to 600 ft or 91 to 183 m) to oceanic depths.
It is characterized by a marked increase in gradient. AGI

insulate

To separate or to shield (a conductor) from conducting bodies by means of

nonconductors, so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound.
Webster 3rd

insulating water bottle

In oceanography, an instrument used for the accurate determination of the

temperature of the sea at moderate depths. Also called Nansen-Pettersson
water bottle. CTD

insulator-tube header

One who forms heads on porcelain tube insulators by means of hand capping
press, inserting clay tube in machine and pulling lever to form the head.
DOT

insurance and freight cost

Term showing that these items have been paid by the shipper of
concentrates, metal, etc. Pryor, 3

intake
a. The ventilating passage in an underground mine through which fresh air
is conducted via an adit, drill hole, or downcast shaft to the workings.
b. The passage by which the ventilating current enters a mine.
See also:downcast
for an adit or entry. Fay
c. Scot. Person who works underground at odd work. Fay
d. N. of Eng. Any roadway underground through which fresh air is conducted
to the working face. Trist
e. The passage and/or the current of ventilating air moving toward the
interior of a mine. Long
f. The suction pipe or hose for a pump. Long
g. In hydraulics, the point at which the water or other liquid is received
into a pipe, channel, or pump. Long
h. The headworks of a conduit; the place of diversion. Seelye, 1

intake area

That part of the land surface where water passes downward on its way to
the zone of saturation in one or more aquifers. See also:recharge

integral pilot

A pilot-type noncoring bit having a pilot section that is an integral,

nonreplaceable part of the bit. Long

integrated producer

A producer of metal who owns mines, smelters, and refineries, and

sometimes also fabricating plants. Wolff

integrated train

A long string of cars, permanently coupled together, that shuttles

continuously back and forth between one mine and one generating plant, not
even stopping to load and unload, since rotary couplers permit each car to
be flipped over and dumped as the train moves slowly across a trestle.

integrating meter

A meter that records the total quantity of liquid or electricity passing

through it. Hammond

integration

In petrology, the formation of larger crystals from smaller ones by

recrystallization. Goldman

integrator
A circuit whose output is substantially proportional to the time integral
of the input. NCB

intense anomaly

An anomaly whose elemental values rise sharply to one or more well-defined

peaks.

intensity

As applied to color, the comparative brightness (vividness) or dullness or

brownishness of a color; its comparative possession or lack of brilliance;
therefore, the variation of a hue on a vivid-to-dull scale.
See also:tone

intensity of magnetization

The magnetic moment per unit volume. AGI

intensity of pressure

The pressure per unit area. Seelye, 1

intensity of radiation

The energy per unit time entering a sphere of unit cross-sectional area
centered at a given place. The unit of intensity is the erg per square
centimeter second or the watt per square centimeter. NCB

intensity scale

A standard of relative measurement of earthquake intensity. Four such

systems are the Mercalli scale, the modified Mercalli scale, the Richter
scale, and the Rossi-Forel scale.

interbedded

Occurring between beds, or lying in a bed parallel to other beds of a

different material. Syn:interstratified
Fay

interburden

Material of any nature that lies between two or more bedded ore zones or
coal seams. Term is primarily used in surface mining.
Federal Mine Safety

intercalated
Said of layered material that exists or is introduced between layers of a
different character; esp. said of relatively thin strata of one kind of
material that alternates with thicker strata of some other kind, such as
beds of shale intercalated in a body of sandstone. CF:interbedded
AGI

intercept

a. The distance along a crystallographic axis to its intersection with a

crystal face. This intercept is a rational number because the axial unit
length of each mineral is selected to make it so. The ratio of these
intersections of a face with each of the crystallographic axes constitutes
a parameter, such as Miller indices, that defines the crystal face.
CF:indices of a crystal face; crystallographic axis; Miller indices.
b. The part of the rod seen between the upper and lower stadia hairs of a
transit or telescopic alidade; e.g., a stadia interval.

intercepting channel

A channel excavated at the top of earth cuts, or at the foot of slopes, or

at other critical places to intercept surface flow; a catch drain.
Seelye, 1

intercepting drain

A drain that intercepts and diverts water before it reaches the area to be
protected. Also called curtain drain. Nichols, 1

intercepts

a. That portion included between two points in a borehole, as between the

point where the hole first encounters a specific rock or mineral body and
where the hole enters a different or underlying rock formation.
Long
b. In crystallography, the distances cut off on axes of reference by
planes. Fay

intercept time

See:delay time

intercooler

a. A radiator in which air is cooled while moving from low-pressure to

high-pressure cylinders of a two-stage compressor.
See also:two-stage compression
b. In multistage compression of air, a cooling arrangement between stages.
See also:aftercooler
c. A cooling device used on a turbocharged diesel engine to reduce the air
volume between the turbocharger and the cylinders.
intercooling

Extraction of heat from a compressed gas between two stages of compression

in order to improve the efficiency of compression. Strock, 2

interfacial angle

The internal or dihedral angle between two faces of a crystal. It is also

the "angle of dip" between faces.

interfacial energy

Tension at interfaces between the various phases of a system; may include

solid, liquid, and gas interfaces, varying in their combinations and
qualities. Pryor, 3

interfacial tension

The contractile force of an interface between two phases. ASM, 1

interference

The meeting of two wave systems resulting in increased amplitude

(constructive interference) if they are in phase, i.e., crest to crest,
and decreased amplitude (destructive interference) if they are out of
phase, i.e., crest to trough. In polarized-light microscopy (PLM), phase
differences are generated when white light passes through an anisotropic
(i.e., doubly refracting) crystal or crystal fragment, these differences
being determined primarily by birefringence, light wavelength, and crystal
thickness. Waves of light in different parts of the visible spectrum
interfere both constructively and destructively when resolved in the
microscope analyzer to give an interference color. Since anisotropic
minerals have a range of birefringence, interference colors are useful as
an aid to their identification. See also:optic sign;
index of refraction.

interference color

One of the spectral colors produced by the strengthening or the weakening

of certain wavelengths of a composite beam of light in consequence of
interference. This is an important characteristic in determining minerals
in thin section or in fragments under the polarizing microscope.
Webster 3rd

interference figure

a. An optical figure composed of a series of spectrally colored rings

combined with a blank cross (if uniaxial) or a series of spectrally
colored curves or rings with two black parabolic curves called isogyres
(if biaxial). The figure is observed when a properly oriented thin section
or fragment of a mineral is examined in convergent light through the
polarizing microscope. The interference figure, which is caused by the
birefringence of the mineral and by the orientation of the mineral so that
it presents an optic axis in the field of the microscope, is one of the
most valuable optical aids in identifying minerals. Also called the
direction image.
b. An optical pattern produced by conoscopic illumination of anisotropic
crystals which appears on a spherical focal surface located above the
objective lens of a polarized-light microscope. CF:melatope

interference methanometer

A combustible-gas detector based on the velocity of light. A beam of light

is split into two parts that pass respectively through chambers containing
pure air and the test air at velocities characteristic of the gases. When
methane is present, the light beams are out of step and this movement
becomes a measure of the methane concentration. See also:refractometer
Nelson

interfluve

The area between two rivers flowing in the same general direction.
Syn:interstream area

interformational

Between formations, such as an interformational unconformity.

CF:intraformational

intergranular corrosion

Corrosion that occurs preferentially at grain boundaries of a metal or

alloy.

intergrown

a. Of coal and mineral matter, naturally associated and separable only by

crushing or grinding. BS, 5
b. In crystallography, a descriptive term for mineral species that have
crystallized simultaneously and therefore become intertwined or
interlocked. Pryor, 3

intergrowth

The state of interlocking of grains of two different minerals as a result

of their simultaneous crystallization. CF:graphic granite

interior angle
Horizontal angle between adjacent sides of a polygon, measured within the
polygon. Seelye, 2

interior coalfields

U.S. Includes Eastern Interior Field, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky;

Western Interior Field, Great Plains States from Iowa to Arkansas;
Southwestern Field, Texas; and Northern Field, Michigan.
Bateman, 1

interior span

A continuous beam or slab, both supports of which are continuous with

adjacent spans. Hammond

interleaved

a. Intercalated in very thin layers.

b. A term used in remote sensing to describe a technique of storing
digital image data (pixel interleaved, line interleaved, or band
interleaved.)

interlock

The clutch in steel sheet piles. Hammond

interlocking controls

A system of electrical controls for a system of conveyors that maintains a

controlled relationship between the units of the system. Sometimes applied
to sequence-starting controls.

interlocking wedge-type capping

This type of wire-rope capping is simple to apply. The sleeves are first
threaded on the rope, a white metal bob is then formed on the end of the
rope by untwisting the wires and cutting out the hemp core, if present,
and white metal is run into a mold around the wires. The bob is allowed to
cool. Two tapered interlocking steel wedges are then fitted on to the rope
clear of the bob so that wedges can move forward toward the bob and grip
the rope as the load is applied to the capping. The rope is cleaned of
lubricant where the wedges will grip, and the groove in the wedges must be
of such a size that a gap is left between the wedges so that they can grip
the rope firmly. The edges of the wedges should come opposite a valley
between the strands of the rope. The outer socket is now placed over the
wedges and the sleeves are lightly tapped into position to hold the parts
together. Sinclair, 5

intermediate
a. A secondary or auxiliary horizontal passage driven between levels in a
mine, which may extend from a raise or stope and, depending upon its
orientation, may be either an intermediate drift or a crosscut.
Syn:sublevel
b. Said of an igneous rock that is transitional between basic and silicic
(or between mafic and felsic), generally having a silica content of 54% to
65%; e.g., syenite and diorite. "Intermediate" is one subdivision of a
widely used system for classifying igneous rocks on the basis of their
silica content; the other subdivisions are acidic, basic, and ultrabasic.
Syn:mediosilicic

intermediate constituent

A constituent of alloys that is formed when atoms of two metals combine in

certain proportions to form crystals with a different structure from that
of either of the metals. The proportions of the two kinds of atoms may be
indicated by formula, e.g., CuZn; hence, these constituents are also known
as intermetallic compounds. CTD

intermediate cooler

In a blast furnace, a water-cooled casting, usually of copper, that is

installed inside the cinder cooler. Henderson

intermediate cut

See:middle cut

intermediate-duty fireclay brick

A fireclay refractory having a pyrometric cone equivalent not lower than

No. 29, or having a refractoriness of not more than 3.0% deformation as
measured by the load test at 2,460 degrees F (1,349 degrees C) (ASTM
requirements). ARI

intermediate electrode

See:bipolar electrode

intermediate gate

A gate between the central gate and the end gates, particularly in
double-double unit layouts. Nelson

intermediate haulage

a. The transportation of mined coal or ore from the face haulage to that
point where it is accessible to the main line. It is accomplished by
conveyors, belts, or locomotives and mine cars. Woodruff
b. Mine haulage used to collect loads and deliver empties from and to the
sections. These are taken to and from central sidetracks served by the
main line motor. Locomotives and track are frequently lighter than those
on the main line. See also:haulage

intermediate haulage conveyor

Generally 500 to 3,000 ft (152 to 915 m) in length. It is used to

transport material between the gathering conveyor and the main haulage
conveyor. NEMA, 2

intermediate layer

See:sima

intermediate loading station

See:loading station

intermediate microcline

See:mesomicrocline

intermediate packs

Packs built between gates with wastes on each side and usually supported
by packwalls. TIME

intermediate principal plane

The plane normal to the direction of the intermediate principal stress.

ASCE

intermediate principal stress

The principal stress whose value is neither the largest nor the smallest
(with regard to sign) of the three. ASCE

intermediate section

The part of a mining belt conveyor that consists of the framing and the
belt idlers supported by the framing, both of which guide and support the
belts between the head end and the tail end. There are two general types
of intermediate sections: rigid side framed and wire-rope side framed.
NEMA, 2

intermediate shaft

A shaft that is driven by one shaft and drives another. Nichols, 1

intermediate transfer point

The point along a conveyor, which may already be carrying a load, at which
coal is delivered from another panel conveyor. Nelson

intermediate vein zone deposit

A deposit thought to have been formed at a depth ranging from 4,000 to

12,000 ft (1.2 to 3.7 km) below the surface and at a temperature between
175 degrees C and 300 degrees C. Such a deposit may take the form of a
fissure vein, a series of parallel fissures called a sheeted zone, a
replacement of the wall rock of fissures, or a large disseminated deposit.
Much of the gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc of the Western United
States comes from these deposits. Lewis

intermetallic compound

An intermediate phase in an alloy system, having a narrow range of

homogeneity and relatively simple stoichiometric proportions, in which the
nature of the atomic binding can vary from metallic to ionic.
See also:intermediate constituent

intermittent cutter

Coal-cutting machine of the pick machine and breast machine type. They are
called intermittent cutters because they must be frequently reset, whereas
with continuous cutters, a continuous cut can be made the full width of
the face without stopping the machine. Kiser

intermittent filters

These usually consist of a number of filtering leaves that are simply

rectangular frames carrying filter cloth on the outer surface. A number of
these leaves are mounted in a suitable tank, and the clear liquid passes
through the filter cloth and out through pipes leading from the interior
of each filter leaf. The solid material forms a cake on the outside of the
leaf. Newton, 1

intermontane

Lying between mountains.

internal-discharge bucket elevator

A type of bucket elevator having continuous buckets abutting, hinged, or

overlapping; designed for loading and discharging along the inner boundary
of the closed path of the buckets. Syn:internal elevator
See also:bucket elevator

internal drainage
Drainage that does not reach the ocean by surface streams, such as
drainage toward the lowermost or central part of an interior basin. It is
common in arid and semiarid regions, as in western Utah. Stokes

internal elevator

See:internal-discharge bucket elevator

internal ribbon conveyor

A trunnion-supported, revolving cylinder, the inner surface of which is

fitted with continuous or interrupted ribbon flighting.

internal stress

Residual stress existing between different parts of metal products, as a

result of the differential effects of heating, cooling, or working
operations, or of constitutional changes in the solid metal. CTD

internal waste

a. Barren rock between two or more bands (veins) or reef which are mined
simultaneously. Beerman
b. See:horse

international ampere

The electric current that, when passed through a solution of silver

nitrate in water, will deposit silver at the rate of 0.001118000 g/s. The
unit of current in common use. CTD

International Ellipsoid of 1930

Equation relating variation of gravity with latitude, adopted by an

international commission as best expressing the normal gravity field of
the Earth to the approximation of an ellipsoid of revolution.

international metric carat

See:carat

interpenetration twin

Two or more individual crystals twinned into such a position that they
penetrate one another. See also:penetration twin
juxtaposition twin. Fay

interphase
In physical chemistry, the transition layer, zone of change, zone of
shear, or zeta layer, through which the characteristic qualities of each
contacting phase diffuse outward with diminishing strength toward the
adjoining phase. Not an interface, since the division is not sharp.
Pryor, 3

interpolation

Estimation of a statistical value from its mathematical or graphical

position intermediate in a series of determined points.

interpolation of contours

The process of drawing contour lines by inferring their plan position and
trend from spot levels or from other contours, assuming the intervening
ground to have uniform slope. Where the spot levels are sparse, the
process requires knowledge of the land or lie of the seams.
See also:contour plan

interrupter

A device, usually automatic, for rapidly and frequently breaking and

making an electric circuit, as in an induction coil. Standard, 2

intersect

a. To cut across or meet, as a borehole cuts through a stratum of rock or

encounters a vein. Long
b. In mining, to cut across or meet a vein or lode with a passageway;
also, the point at which a vein or lode cuts across an earlier formation.
Long

intersection

a. The point at which a deliberate deflection of the trend of a borehole

is made. Long
b. The point at which a drill hole enters a specific orebody, fault, or
rock material. Long
c. Meeting of two orebodies or veins, or the point at which a vein or
orebody meets a fault, dike, or rock stratum. Long
d. The point at which two underground workings connect. Long
e. A method in surveying by which the horizontal position of an unoccupied
point is determined by drawing lines to that point from two or more points
of known position. Syn:resection

intersection angle

The angle of deflection, as measured at the intersection point, between

the straights of a railway or highway curve. CTD
intersection point

That point at which two straights or tangents to a railway or road curve

would meet if produced. See also:tangent distance

intersection shoot

An ore shoot located at the intersection of one vein or vein system with
another. It is a common type of ore deposit. AGI

intersertal

Said of the texture of a porphyritic igneous rock in which the groundmass,

composed of a glassy or partly crystalline material other than augite,
occupies the interstices between unoriented feldspar laths, the groundmass
forming a relatively small proportion of the rock. CF:hyalophitic;
hyalocrystalline. AGI

interspersed carbide

Small-size (1/8 inch or 3 mm and larger), irregular-shaped fragments of

tungsten carbide slugs mixed with a suitable matrix metal; applied to
cutting faces of bits or other cutting tools as a weldment. Also called
clustered carbide. Long

interstice

a. An opening or space, as in a rock or soil. Syn:void; pore. Adj.

interstitial. AGI
b. Small void in the body of a metal. ASM, 1

interstitial

Said of a mineral deposit in which the minerals fill the pores of the host
rock. CF:Frenkel defect; impregnated. AGI

interstitial water

Subsurface water in the voids of a rock. Syn:pore water

CF:connate water

interstratification

The state or condition of occurring between strata of a different

character. AGI

interstratified

a. Interbedded; strata deposited between or alternatingly with other

strata. Fay
b. Of coal and mineral matter, associated in random horizontal layers,
usually with a natural cleavage. BS, 5

interstream area

See:interfluve

intertrappean

Lying between beds of trap. Standard, 2

interval

a. The distance between two points or depths in a borehole; core

intersection.
b. The vertical distance between strata or units of reference. AGI
c. The contour interval is the vertical distance between two successive
contour lines on a topographic, structural, or other contour map.
Syn:contour interval

interwoven conveyor belt

A construction of conveyor belt similar to the solid woven type of belt

and having the plies interwoven to the extent that it is impossible to
separate them.

in-the-seam mining

The conventional system of mining in which the development headings are

driven in the coal seam. CF:horizon mining
See also:unproductive development

into the house

Newc. The upstroke of a pump engine. Fay

into the solid

Said of a shot that goes into the coal beyond the point to which the coal
can be broken by the blast. Fay

intracrystalline

Within or across the crystals or grains of a metal. Syn:transgranular

ASM, 1

intrados

The interior curve of an arch, as of a tunnel lining. Sandstrom

intradosal

The fractured ground within the fracture zone. CF:extradosal

Lewis

intraformational

a. Formed within a geologic formation, more or less contemporaneously with

the enclosing sediments. The term is esp. used in regard to
syndepositional folding or slumping; e.g., intraformational deformation or
intraformational breccia. AGI
b. Existing within a formation, with no necessary connotation of time of
origin. CF:interformational

intraformational breccia

A rock formed by brecciation of partly consolidated material, followed by

practically contemporaneous sedimentation. It is similar in nature and
origin to an intraformational conglomerate, but contains fragments showing
greater angularity. AGI

intraformational conglomerate

a. A conglomerate in which the clasts are essentially contemporaneous with

the matrix, developed by the breaking up and rounding of fragments of a
newly formed or partly consolidated sediment (usually shale or limestone)
and their nearly immediate incorporation in new sedimentary deposits;
e.g., an edgewise conglomerate. AGI
b. A conglomerate occurring in the midst of a geologic formation, such as
one formed during a brief interruption in the orderly deposition of
strata. It may contain clasts external to the formation. The term is used
in this sense esp. in England. AGI

intraformational contortion

Intricate and complicated folding, resulting from the subaqueous slumping

or sliding of unconsolidated sediments under the influence of gravity.
AGI

intratelluric

a. Said of a phenocryst, of an earlier generation than its groundmass,

that formed at depth, prior to extrusion of a magma as lava. AGI
b. Said of the period of crystallization occurring deep within the Earth
just prior to the extrusion of a magma as lava. AGI
c. Located, formed, or originating deep within the Earth. AGI

intrinsically safe apparatus

Apparatus that is so constructed that, when installed and operated under
the conditions specified by the certifying authority, any electrical
sparking that may occur in normal working, either in the apparatus or in
the circuit associated therewith, is incapable of causing an ignition of
the prescribed flammable gas or vapor. BS, 13

intrinsically safe circuit

A circuit in which any electrical sparking that may occur in normal

working under the conditions specified by the certifying authority, and
with the prescribed components, is incapable of causing an ignition of the
prescribed flammable gas or vapor. BS, 13

intrinsically safe machine

A machine that is safe in itself, without having to be placed inside a

flameproof enclosure. It implies that the machine cannot produce any spark
that is capable of igniting mixtures of combustible gases and air in
mines. Nelson

intrinsic safety

In a circuit, safety such that any sparking that may occur in that circuit
in normal working, or in reasonable fault conditions, is incapable of
causing an explosion of the prescribed inflammable gas. NCB

introductory column

In casing a borehole, the highest and first column that is inserted.

Stoces

intrusion

a. In geology, a mass of igneous rock that, while molten, was forced into
or between other rocks. Fay
b. A mass of sedimentary rock occurring in a coal seam. BS, 11

intrusion breccia

See:contact breccia

intrusion displacement

Faulting coincident with the intrusion of an igneous rock.

intrusion grouting

A method of placing concrete by intruding the mortar component in

position; it is then converted to concrete by intruding the mortar
component into its voids. One of the chief advantages of the method is
that it permits the placing of concrete underwater. Carson, 2

intrusive

Of or pertaining to intrusion--both the processes and the rock so formed.

n. An intrusive rock. CF:extrusive

intrusive vein

An igneous intrusion resembling a sheet, apparently formed from a magma

rich in volatiles. AGI

intumescence

The property of some silicate minerals (e.g., stilbite, vermiculite,

scapolite) or rocks (e.g., perlite) to expand permanently when heated to
form an irregular or vesicular structure. CF:exfoliation

inundation

An inrush of water, on a large scale, that floods the entire mine or a

large section of the workings. See also:tapping old workings
Nelson

Invar

An alloy of nickel and iron, containing about 36% nickel, and having an
extremely low coefficient of thermal expansion. It is used in the
construction of surveying instruments, such as pendulums, level rods,
first-order leveling instruments, and tapes. AGI

invasion

a. Mex. A mining trespass. Fay

b. See:transgression

inverse distance squared

A method for interpolating spatial sample data and determining values

between data points. A value interpolated for any spatial point is
determined by applying a weighting factor based on distance between the
spatial point and surrounding sample data. Selection of sample points to
include in the calculation may be determined by minimum and/or maximum
distance, azimuth orientation, and the minimum and/or maximum number of
the nearest sample data points. Abbrev. IDS.

inverse initiation
The placing of the detonator at the back of the shothole. This is the
usual practice when using delay detonators to minimize the danger of
cutoff holes. See also:direct initiation
priming. Syn:indirect initiation

Inverse Square Law

Law that governs the distance-dependence of physical effects, such as

intensity of light, magnetism, and gravitational force. The effect at a
point due to an emitting source varies as the square of the distance
between them. Pryor, 3

inversion

a. Construction of a geophysical model from a set of measurements; e.g.,

using numerous gravity measurements to infer subsurface density
distributions, or using slip vectors and spreading rates to define global
plate motions. Inversion models are inherently ambiguous. AGI
b. A change of crystalline phase brought about by a change in temperature
or pressure; e.g., the inversion between alpha quartz and beta quartz at
573 degrees C.
c. See:center of symmetry

inversion point

a. A point representing the temperature at which one polymorphic form of a

substance, in equilibrium with its vapor, reversibly changes into another
under invariant conditions. AGI
b. The temperature at which one polymorphic form of a substance inverts
reversibly to another under univariant conditions and a specific pressure.
AGI
c. More loosely, the lowest temperature at which a monotropic phase
inverts at an appreciable rate into a stable phase, or at which a given
phase dissociates at an appreciable rate, under given conditions.
AGI
d. A single point at which different phases are capable of existing
together at equilibrium. Syn:transition point; transition temperature.
AGI

invert

The floor or bottom of the internal cross section of a closed conduit,

such as an aqueduct, tunnel, or drain. The term originally referred to the
inverted arch used to form the bottom of a masonry-lined sewer or tunnel.
AGI

inverted

See:overturned
inverted fold

See:overturned

inverted heading and bench

See:heading-overhand bench

inverted pendulum

An instrument in which the acceleration of gravity is determined by

measuring the swinging period of a mass that is supported on top of a
spring. Schieferdecker

inverted plunge

The plunge of folds, or sets of folds, whose inclination has been carried
past the vertical, so that the plunge is now less than 90 degrees in a
direction opposite from the original attitude. It is a rather common
feature in excessively folded or refolded terranes. AGI

inverted relief

A topographic configuration that is the inverse of the geologic structure,

as where mountains occupy the sites of synclines and valleys occupy the
sites of anticlines. AGI

inverted siphon

a. A pipeline crossing over a depression or under a highway, railroad,

canal, etc. The term is common but inappropriate, as no siphonic action is
involved. The term "sag pipe" is suggested as a substitute.
Seelye, 1
b. A pipe or tube in the shape of a siphon, but inverted, as for carrying
water across the depression of a ravine to a lower level.
Standard, 2
c. See:drowned level

invert level

The datum level of the lowest part of an invert. Hammond

invert strut

Flat strut that sometimes is used instead of an arch on the bottom of a

tunnel cross section.

invisible light
Wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum too short or too long to be
detected by the human eye; e.g., ultraviolet and infrared light.
CF:visible light

inwall

a. The refractory lining of the stack of a blast furnace.

See also:stack
b. The interior walls or lining of a shaft furnace. Fay

inwall brick

Fireclay brick for use in lining the inwall section of a blast furnace.
ARI

inyoite

A monoclinic mineral, Ca2 B6 O6 (OH)10 .8H

2 O ; forms large, soft, colorless, tabular crystals associated with
colemanite and other boron minerals in Inyo County, CA; dehydrates to
meyerhoffite.

iodargyrite

A hexagonal mineral, AgI ; soft, sectile, waxy; normally a secondary

mineral; in the oxidized zone of silver deposits from primary ores
containing argentite, tennantite or tetrahedrite, and native silver; a
source of silver; in arid regions where volcanic rocks are
common--Southwestern United States, Mexico, Chile, and Broken Hill, New
South Wales, Australia. Formerly called iodyrite or iodite.
CF:chlorargyrite; bromargyrite.

iodembolite

A name to replace iodobromite whose composition is not definite. Used to

designate minerals of the cerargyrite group containing chlorine, bromine,
and iodine, Ag(Cl,Br,I). English

iodide metal

Hafnium produced by the van Arkel and de Boer process. Thomas

iodide process

The process developed by van Arkel and de Boer; used for refining
zirconium and hafnium by the decomposition of iodide on a hot wire.
Syn:van Arkel and de Boer process
Thomas

iodide process for producing titanium

Process involving the reaction of impure titanium metal with iodine to
form the volatile tetraiodide, which is then decomposed on a hot wire at
temperatures between 2,000 degrees F and 2,730 degrees F (1,093 degrees C
and 1,500 degrees C) to form high-purity titanium and iodine.

iodimetry

Volumetric analysis involving either titration with a standardized

solution of iodine, or the release by a substance under examination of
iodine in soluble form, so that its concentration can be determined by
titration, using starch as an indicator. The method is used with
substances that can oxidize potassium iodide to release free iodine, or
conversely with substances which combine with free iodine. The basis of
reaction is I2 +2Na2 S2 O3 --> 2NaI+Na2
S4 O6 . Also called iodometry. Pryor, 3

iodine

A nonmetallic, bluish-black, lustrous solid element, volatilizing at

ordinary temperatures into a blue-violet gas with an irritating odor.
Symbol, I. Occurs sparingly in sea water, in saltpeter and nitrate-bearing
earth (known as caliche), in brines, and in brackish waters from oil and
salt wells. Its compounds are used in medicines, photography, and organic
chemistry. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

iodine pentoxide method

Accurate determinations of very low concentrations of carbon monoxide are

required of samples from pits troubled with spontaneous combustion and
those in which diesel locomotives are operating. This method involves the
passage of a known volume of the sample first through a train of reagents
for purifying and drying and then through a heated tube of iodine
pentoxide; if carbon monoxide is present, proportional amounts of iodine
and carbon dioxide are formed, either of which may be determined.
Sinclair, 1

iodine pentoxide test

An iodine pentoxide (Hoolamite) test consists of a glass tube filled with

a reagent mixed with fuming sulfuric acid and carried by crushed pumice
through which a known volume of the air to be sampled is discharged from a
rubber bulb after preliminary drying. The bulb is squeezed 10 times; the
carbon monoxide present changes the color of the reagent from grey to
green, and the concentration is obtained by reference to a color chart
supplied with the instrument. The instrument reads down to about 0.07%
carbon monoxide. Sinclair, 1

iodobromite

See:iodembolite
iodyrite

See:iodargyrite

iolite

See:cordierite

ion

An atom or a group of atoms combined in a radical or molecule that carries

a positive or a negative electric charge as a result of having lost or
gained one or more electrons. It may exist in solution, usually in
combination with molecules of the solvent, or out of solution; it may be
formed during electrolysis and migrate to the electrode of opposite
charge, or it may be formed in a gas and be capable of carrying an
electric current through the gas. Webster 3rd

ion exchange

Reversible exchange of ions contained in a crystal for different ions in

solution without destruction of crystal structure or disturbance of
electrical neutrality. The process is accomplished by diffusion and occurs
typically in crystals possessing one- or two-dimensional channelways where
ions are relatively weakly bonded. Also occurs in resins consisting of
three-dimensional hydrocarbon networks to which many ionizable groups are
attached. Syn:base exchange

ion-exchange column

A tube packed with particles or beads of resin chosen for their ability to
capture specific ions from an aqueous solution as it passes through the
column.

ionic activity measurement

Use of an electrode reversible to the ion under test to form a half cell.
This is connected by a salt bridge to a reference electrode, and the
resulting electromotive force is measured. Pryor, 3

ionic bond

a. Electrostatic force holding ions together in a crystal. Hurlbut

b. A chemical bond between atoms, one of which is an electron donor and
the other is an electron acceptor. Gaudin, 2

ionic equilibrium
The situation when, for a prescribed temperature, pressure, concentration
of reactants, and pH, the rate of dissociation of molecules into ions is
approx. in balance with that of their recombination. Pryor, 3

ionic migration

Movement of a charged particle through an electrolyte toward an electrode

of opposite charge sign. The losses in a neutral salt around two
electrodes during the passage of electric current are in ratio to
velocities of ions migrating from these electrodes. Ionic velocities are
stated in centimeters per second for a potential gradient of 1 V/cm.
Pryor, 3

ionic mobility

Velocity in a dilute solution of an ion where the potential difference

across this is 1 V/cm. For hydrogen ions, the velocity is 0.00326 cm/s.
Pryor, 3

ionic transport number

Fraction of total current carried by one ion during electrolysis (ion

migration). Pryor, 3

ionite

A term referring to two different materials found in the Ione Valley of

northern California: (1) a clay mineral, possibly a variety of kaolinite,
found as scales in the Ione sandstone formation, and (2) an impure fossil
hydrocarbon found in lignite, which is brownish-yellow, dissolved by
chloroform, and yields a brown, tarry oil on destructive distillation.

ionization

The process of adding electrons to, or knocking electrons from, atoms or

molecules, thereby creating ions. High temperatures, electrical
discharges, and nuclear radiation can cause ionization. Lyman

ionization chamber

An instrument that detects and measures ionizing radiation by observing

the electrical current created when radiation ionizes gas in the chamber,
making it a conductor of electricity. Lyman

ionization constant

The ratio of the product of the activities of the ions produced from a
given substance to the activity of the undissociated molecules of that
substance. See also:activity
ionizing radiation

Any radiation that directly or indirectly displaces electrons from the

outer domains of atoms; e.g., alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.
Lyman

ionosphere

The outer part of the Earth's atmosphere, beginning at an altitude of

about 25 miles (40 km) and extending to the highest parts of the
atmosphere: it contains several regions that consist of a series of
constantly changing layers characterized by an appreciable electron and
ion content. Webster 2nd

ion sieve separation

Separation of ions by filtering them through the intermediately sized

lattice of a suitable aluminosilicate zeolite, chosen to permit passage
only of undersized ions through its rigid structure. Pryor, 3

iozite

See:wuestite

iranite

A triclinic mineral, Pb10 Cu(CrO4 )6 (SiO4 )

2 (F,OH)2 ; forms a series with hemihedrite in which zinc
substitutes for copper; at the Sebarz Mine, northeast of Anarak, Iran.

iridescence

The exhibition of interference colors from the surface or interior of a

mineral, caused by light interference from thin films or layers of
different refractive index. Labradorite and some other feldspars show it.
The tarnish on the surface of coal, copper pyrites, etc., is sometimes
iridescent. Adj. iridescent.

iridic gold

Said to be a native alloy of gold and iridium carrying 62.1% gold, 30.4%
iridium, 3.8% platinum, and 2.1% silver. Hess

iridioplatinum

An alloy usually containing 90% or more of platinum. The remaining

percentage is of iridium, which is necessary to produce an alloy
sufficiently stiff for use in gem mountings.

iridium
a. An isometric mineral, native Ir ; Mohs hardness, 6 to 7; sp gr, 22.2 if
pure; occurs native (>80% Ir) and alloyed with osmium (iridosmine) or
platinum in mafic to ultramafic rocks and derived alluvial deposits; in
rare arsenides and sulfides, such as irarsite (Ir,Ru,Rh,Pt)AsS ,
iridarsenite (Ir,Ru)As2 , and iridisite-beta (Ir,Cu)3 S (sub
8) ; placer deposits may include gold.
b. The most corrosion-resistant metal known. Symbol, Ir. It is mainly used
as a hardening agent for platinum. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

iridosmine

A natural alloy of iridium and osmium, (Ir,Os). Analyses show 43% to 77%
iridium, 17% to 49% osmium, and a little rhodium, ruthenium, platinum,
iron, and copper. Rhombohedral. Syn:osmite

iriginite

A canary-yellow mineral, (UO2 )(Mo26+ O7

).3H2 O ; luster, vitreous; uneven fracture; does not fluoresce.
Syn:priguinite

Irish coal

Slate, shale, or rock loaded out from a colliery as coal. Pryor, 3

Irish dividend

An assessment on mining stock. Fay

iris quartz

A transparent quartz crystal containing minute air-filled or liquid-filled

internal cracks that produce iridescence by interference of light. The
cracks may occur naturally or be caused artificially by heating and sudden
cooling of the specimen. Syn:firestone; rainbow quartz.

iron

a. Iron-base materials not falling into the steel classifications.

See also:gray cast iron; ingot iron; malleable cast iron;
nodular cast iron; white cast iron; wrought iron. ASM, 1
b. Colloquially, all derrick and drilling equipment above the heads of the
workers on the drill platform. Long
c. Any ferrous metal tool or part that must be fished from a borehole.
Also called junk. Long
d. An isometric mineral, native alpha-Fe ; metallic steel gray to black;
sp gr, 7.3 to 7.9. Occurs as grains in basalt in Disko Island, Greenland;
in meteorites, and in placers on South Island, New Zealand; and in Oregon
and British Columbia. Nickel is commonly reported in iron in quantities up
to several percent; meteoric iron generally contains at least 5%, and up
to 25% to 65%, nickel. Because of the instability of iron under oxidizing
conditions and the abundance of oxygen in the Earth's crust and
atmosphere, practically all terrestrial iron occurs in the divalent
(ferrous) or trivalent (ferric) state combined with other metals and
nonmetallic elements in silicates, oxides, sulfides, etc.
e. Fourth most abundant element, by weight, making up the crust of the
Earth. Symbol, Fe. The most common ore is hematite, Fe2 O3 ,
from which the metal is obtained by reduction with carbon. Iron is the
cheapest and most abundant, useful, and important of all metals.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

iron alum

See:halotrichite

iron black

Finely divided antimony. Standard, 2

iron clay

See:clay ironstone

iron formation

A chemical sedimentary rock, typically thin-bedded and/or finely

laminated, containing at least 15% iron of sedimentary origin, and
commonly but not necessarily containing layers of chert. Various primary
facies (usually not weathered) of iron formation are distinguished on the
basis

iron froth

A fine spongy variety of hematite. Fay

iron furnace

A furnace in which iron is smelted or worked in any way.

Standard, 2

iron glance

A variety of hematite; specular iron. See also:specularite

iron hat

a. See:gossan
b. See:safety hat; hardhat.
c. A weathered ironstone outcrop. Pryor, 3
iron hypersthene

See:ferrosilite

iron man

a. An iron worker; a manufacturer of iron; esp. one engaged in the

processing of iron. Webster 3rd
b. A worker who weighs out ground iron ore and adds it to slurry or
dry-ground rock as it goes into the cement kiln. Webster 3rd
c. An apparatus on wheels for supporting a glassblower's pontil while
blowing large cylinders, as for window glass. Standard, 2

ironmaster

Person who conducts or manages the founding or manufacture of iron, esp.

on a large scale. Webster 3rd

iron mica

A micaceous hematite. See:biotite

iron molybdate

See:ferrimolybdite

iron monarch

An important iron ore (chiefly hematite) deposit in the Middleback Ranges

area of South Australia. Nelson

iron olivine

See:fayalite

iron ore

Ferruginous rock containing one or more minerals from which metallic iron
may be profitably extracted. The chief ores of iron consist mainly of the
oxides: hematite, Fe2 O3 ; goethite, alpha -FeO(OH);
magnetite, Fe3 O4 ; and the carbonate, siderite or
chalybite, FeCO3 . See also:bog iron ore; limonite;
kidney iron ore; magnetite; siderite; hematite;
prereduced iron-ore pellet. AGI

iron oxide

a. A common ore of iron, sometimes prepared as a fine powder for use by

drillers as a drill-mud heavy loader. Long
b. A common compound of iron and oxygen; e.g., rust. Long
iron oxides

The basic constituent of the ferromagnetic spinels or ferrites. FeO, Fe

2 O3 , and Fe3 O4 have melting points ranging
from that of FeO at 1,420 degrees C to that of Fe2 O3 at
1,565 degrees C. Used extensively for producing colors in glasses, glazes,
and enamels. Iron and iron oxides produce brown or reddish colors in
ceramic mixtures if they are fired in an oxidizing atmosphere, and
greenish or bluish colors if fired in a reducing atmosphere. Iron oxides
are fluxing and coloring materials. Larger particles produce brown or
black spots, which, particularly in whiteware, are undesirable. Much care
is taken to remove iron and iron oxides from the raw materials and from
the bodies used for whiteware manufacture.
Lee; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

iron pan

A general terrm for a hardpan in a soil in which iron oxides are the
principal cementing agents; several types of iron pans are found in dry
and wet areas and in soils of widely varying textures. AGI

iron phosphate

See:vivianite

iron piler

A laborer who removes iron from cars, sometimes breaks it, and piles and
classifies it according to grade. Fay

iron portland cement

Mixture of portland cement and granulated blast furnace slag.

Bennett

iron pyrite

See:pyrite

iron-reduction process

A process used in the treatment of lead ores.

See also:precipitation process

iron refining

The reduction of prepared ores of iron to metallic iron, as in the blast

furnace. The reduction and purification of semirefined iron, such as pig
iron, or a mixture of pig iron, scrap iron, and scrap steel, to form
substantially pure iron or steel, as in the electric furnace, open- hearth
furnace, puddling furnace, or Bessemer converter. Henderson

iron runner

The spout by which iron flows from the taphole of a blast furnace.
Fay

iron sampler

In the iron and steel industry, a laborer who obtains samples of iron ore
as it is brought into the plant, or samples of semifinished or finished
metal products, such as iron and steel sheets, rails, rods, or bars, and
carries them to the laboratory for routine tests. Also called sampler;
test carrier. DOT

iron sand

A sand containing particles of iron ore (usually magnetite), as along a

coastal area. AGI

iron schefferite

See:pyroxene

iron series

See:magnetite

ironshot

a. Said of a mineral that is streaked, speckled, or marked with iron or an

iron ore. AGI
b. Containing small nodules or oolitic bodies of limonite or hematite;
e.g., an ironshot rock in which the ooliths are essentially composed of
limonite. A limonitic oolith in an ironshot rock. AGI

ironsmith

A worker in iron, as a blacksmith. Standard, 2

iron spar

See:siderite

iron stain

Strongly colored yellowish, reddish, or brownish deposit of iron oxides.

Skow
iron steel

A material formed of iron between steel surfaces, or of steel-located

iron. Standard, 2

ironstone

Any rock containing a substantial proportion of an iron compound, or any

iron ore from which the metal may be smelted commercially; specif., an
iron-rich sedimentary rock, either deposited directly as a ferruginous
sediment or resulting from chemical replacement. The term is customarily
applied to a hard, coarsely banded or nonbanded, and noncherty sedimentary
rock of post-Precambrian age, in contrast with iron formation. The iron
minerals may be oxides (limonite, hematite, magnetite), carbonate
(siderite), or silicate (chamosite); most ironstones containing iron
oxides or chamosite are oolitic. See:clay ironstone; banded ironstone.
CF:iron formation

ironstone cap

A surficial or near-surface sheet or cap of concretionary clay ironstone.

AGI

ironstone clay

See:argillaceous hematite; red hematite.

iron sulfides

See:chalcopyrite; pyrite; marcasite; pyrrhotite.

iron talc

See:minnesotaite

iron vitriol

See:melanterite

ironworker

Person engaged in manufacturing iron or ironwork. Standard, 2

ironworks

An establishment for the manufacture of iron or of heavy ironwork.

Standard, 2

irradiation
Exposure to radiation, as in a nuclear reactor. Lyman

irregular polygon

Polygon in which neither the sides nor the angles are equal.
Jones, 2

irrespirable

Not respirable; not fit to be breathed. Said of mine gases.

Standard, 2; Fay

irrespirable atmosphere

In a coal mine, atmosphere containing poisonous gases or a lack of

sufficient oxygen as a result of combustible gases explosions, coal-dust
explosions, combined gas and dust explosions, or mine fires, and which can
only be entered by persons wearing breathing apparatus. McAdam, 1

irrotational wave

See:P wave; compressional wave.

irruption

A nearly obsolete syn. of intrusion. AGI

isanomalic line

Line of equal value of an anomaly. Schieferdecker

Isbell table

Obsolete type of shaking table. Pryor, 3

iserine

See:ilmenorutile

ishikawaite

An orthorhombic mineral, (U,Fe,Y,Ca)(Nb,Ta)4 (?) ; opaque black; at

Ishikawa, Iwaki Province, Japan.

isinglass

Transparent sheet mica, commonly muscovite, principally from pegmatite

dikes. See also:mica; muscovite.

island arc
A group of islands having a curving, arclike pattern. Most island arcs lie
near the continental masses, but inasmuch as they rise from the deep ocean
floors, they are not a part of the continents proper. Stokes

isoanthracite lines

a. A term for lines of equal volatile content (now called isovols) drawn
on a map or diagram. Tomkeieff
b. Lines of equal C:H ratio in coal drawn on the map or diagram.
Tomkeieff

isobar

An imaginary line or a line on a map or chart connecting or marking places

on the surface of the Earth where the height of the barometer reduced to
sea level is the same either at a given time or for a certain period.
Webster 3rd

isobase

A term used for a line that connects all areas of equal uplift or
depression; it is used esp. in Quaternary geology as a means for
expressing crustal movements related to postglacial uplift. AGI

isobath

a. A line on a map or chart that connects points of equal water depth.

Syn:bathymetric contour; depth contour. AGI
b. An imaginary line on a land surface along which all points are the same
vertical distance above the upper or lower surface of an aquifer or above
the water table. AGI

isocals

Lines of equal calorific value in coal drawn on a map or diagram.

Tomkeieff

isocarb

On a map or diagram, a line connecting points of equal fixed-carbon

content in coal. See also:isocarbon map

isocarbon map

A map showing, by contours, the areas having an equal quantity of carbon

within an assumed interval of stratigraphic section. See also:isocarb
Ballard

isochore
a. A line drawn on a map through points of equal drilled thickness for a
specified subsurface unit. Thickness figures are uncorrected for dip in
vertical wells, and corrected for hole angle, but not for dip, in deviated
wells. CF:isopach
b. In a phase diagram, a line connecting points of constant volume.
AGI

isochore map

A map showing drilled thickness of a given stratigraphic unit by means of

isochores. Syn:convergence map
2şÍBĞBæ¹î ÌDICTIONARY TERMS:isochromatic lines In stress analysis by the photoe
[\B]isochromatic lines[\N]

isochrome map

A contour map that depicts the continuity and extent of color stains on
geologic formations. AGI

isochronal

See:isochronous

isochrone lines

Lines connecting points of equal times. When the relative seismic

velocities are known, the isochrones can be translated into depth
contours. See also:refraction shooting

isochronous

a. Equal in duration or uniform in time; e.g., an isochronous interval

between two synchronous surfaces, or an isochronous unit of rock
representing the complete rock record of an isochronous interval.
AGI
b. A term frequently applied in the sense of synchronous, such as an
isochronous surface having everywhere the same age or time value within a
body of strata. Syn:isochronal

isoclinal

Adj. of isocline. AGI

isoclinal fold

A fold whose limbs are parallel. Syn:isocline

isocline

See:isoclinal fold
isoclinic

A line (in a stressed body) at all points on which the corresponding

principal stresses have the same direction. Roark

isoclinic line

a. A line drawn through all points on the Earth's surface having the same
magnetic inclination. The particular isoclinic line drawn through points
of zero inclination is given the special name of aclinic line.
Hunt
b. An isomagnetic line connecting points of equal magnetic inclination.
AGI

isodesmic

Characteristic of a crystal structure with bond strengths roughly equal in

all directions.

isodiametric

Refers to the hexagonal, trigonal, and tetragonal crystal systems; i.e.,

having the lateral crystal axes a1 and a2 of equal length.
CF:isometric; anisometric.

isodimorphous

In mineralogy, both isomorphous and dimorphous; said of certain groups of

minerals. Fay

isodynamic line

Any line joining points of equal magnetic intensity. Applicable to the

total intensity or the vertical, horizontal, north-south, or east-west
components. So used in terrestrial magnetism literature, esp. in British
and Canadian writings. AGI

isoelectric point

Zero potential or point of electrical neutrality; the hydrogen-ion

exponent at which particles in aqueous suspension are neutral and best
able to flocculate. Also called zero point of change. Pryor, 4

isofacial

a. Pertaining to rocks belonging to the same metamorphic facies and having

reached equilibrium under the same set of physical conditions.
Syn:isograde
b. Pertaining to rocks belonging to the same sedimentary facies; e.g., an
isofacial line on a map, along which the thickness of stratum of the same
lithologic composition is constant. AGI

isogal

In gravity prospecting, a contour line of equal gravity values.

AGI

isogam

In magnetic prospecting, a contour line of equal magnetic values.

AGI

isogam map

A chart showing contour lines of equal magnetic field intensity and

employed in the magnetic methods of geophysical prospecting. Also called
isogal map in gravity surveys. Nelson

isogeotherm

A line or surface within the Earth connecting points of equal temperature.

Syn:isogeothermal line; geotherm; geoisotherm. AGI

isogeothermal line

See:isogeotherm

isogon

See:isogonic line

isogonic line

An isomagnetic line connecting points of equal magnetic declination.

See also:agonic line

isograd

A line on a map joining points at which metamorphism proceeded at similar

values of pressure and temperature as indicated by rocks belonging to the
same metamorphic facies. Such a line represents the intersection of an
inclined surface with the Earth's surface corresponding to the boundary
between two contiguous facies or zones of metamorphic grade, as defined by
the appearance of specific index minerals; e.g., garnet isograd,
staurolite isograd. AGI

isograde

See:isofacial
isogram

A general term for a line on a map or chart connecting points having an

equal numerical value of some physical quantity (such as temperature,
pressure, or rainfall); an isopleth. AGI

isohume

A line constructed on a map, somewhat similar to a contour line, but

connecting points of equal moisture content of coal in the bed.
AGI

isohyet

A line connecting points of equal precipitation. AGI

isolate

A culture of an organism isolated by selection procedures. Rogoff

isolated consignment

A particular case of a single consignment where the sampling is to be

carried out without prior knowledge of a coal's sampling characteristics
other than its presumed ash content and size. Nelson

isolator

Part of a circuit that can be removed from it in order to break the

circuit when there is no current flowing. Hammond

isoline

See:isopleth

isolith

a. An imaginary line connecting points of similar lithology and separating

rocks of differing nature, such as of color, texture, or composition.
AGI
b. An imaginary line of equal aggregate thickness of a given lithologic
facies or particular class of material within a formation, measured
perpendicular to the bedding at selected points (which may be on outcrops
or in the subsurface). AGI

isolith map

A map that depicts isoliths; esp. a facies map showing the net thickness
of a single rock type or selected rock component in a given stratigraphic
unit. AGI
isomagnetic line

A line connecting points of equal value of some magnetic element; e.g.,

isogonic line; isodynamic line; isoporic line. AGI

isomer

a. One of two or more substances composed of the same molecular formula,

but differing in chemical or physical properties owing to the arrangement
of the atoms in the molecule. Hess
b. In nuclear science, one of two or more nuclides with the same numbers
of neutrons and protons in the nucleus, but having different energy.
Lyman

isomeric

Of, relating to, or exhibiting isomerism. Webster 3rd

isometric

a. A system of crystallization with three axes at right angles and of

equal length; nine planes of symmetry; singly refracting.
CF:anisodesmic
b. Characterized by equality of measure.
c. The crystal system characterized by three orthogonal axes of equal
length. Syn:cubic; equant. CF:anisometric; isodiametric.

isometric line

See:isopleth

isometric projection

In technical drawing, a three-dimensional view of an object can be drawn

to scale with three perpendicular edges at 120 degrees to each other, and
with the vertical edges vertical. See also:oblique projection;
axonometric projection. Hammond

isomorphism

The name given to chemical compounds that have analogous composition,

similar crystal structures, and closely related crystal forms; e.g.,
carbonate minerals of the aragonite group--aragonite, witherite,
strontianite, and cerrusite--in which the metal ions are different but the
several minerals crystallize in the orthorhombic system in closely similar
forms. Adj. isomorphous. Noun, isomorph. CF:polymorphism

isomorphous
Originally defined (Mitscherlich, 1819) as having similar crystalline
form, but now generally restricted to compounds that form solid solutions
by isomorphous substitution; i.e., by the replacement of one ion for
another in a crystal structure without alteration in the crystal form.
CF:isotypic

isomorphous mixture

a. A solid solution of two or more isomorphous substances. Fay

b. A type of solid solution in which mineral compounds of analogous
chemical composition and closely related crystal habit crystallize
together in various proportions. CF:solid solution
Harbison-Walker

isomorphous replacement

A characteristic of some minerals where substitution for one or more

elements by others does not change the crystal structure. An example is
the substitution of iron for zinc in sphalerite, wherein the iron content
can range up to more than 15% without changing the sphalerite structure.
Similarly, iron, manganese, and magnesium ions can replace each other in
the calcite structure common to siderite, rhodochrosite, and magnesite.

isomorphous series

Descriptive of two minerals with the same crystal structure but different
end-member compositions which may show partial or complete crystal
miscibility (solid solution) between them. One mineral may belong to more
than one isomorphous series; e.g., the garnet grossular forms a series
with andradite, with hibschite and katoite, and with uvarovite. There are
many isomorphous series among minerals; e.g., plagioclase feldspars,
monoclinic pyroxenes, and the spinel and garnet groups.
CF:solid solution

isontic line

See:isopleth

isopach

A line drawn on a map through points of equal true thickness of a

designated stratigraphic unit or group of stratigraphic units.
CF:isochore
thickness contour. AGI

isopach map

A map indicating, usually by means of contour lines, the varying thickness

of a designated stratigraphic unit. Also called isopachous map.
AGI
isopachous

Of, relating to, or having an isopach; e.g., an isopachous contour. Not

recommended usage. AGI

isopachous line

See:isopach

isopachous map

A nonrecommended syn. of isopach map. AGI

isopachyte

British term for isopach. AGI

isophysical series

A series comprising rocks of different chemical composition that were

metamorphosed under identical physical conditions.

isopic

Said of sedimentary rocks of the same facies, or said of facies

characterized by identical or closely similar rock types. The rocks may be
formed in different sedimentation areas or at different times or both, but
the lithologies are the same; e.g., a facies repeated in vertical
succession. Also, said of a map depicting isopic facies or rocks.
CF:heteropic

isopical

Relating to synchronous deposits that exhibit the same facies.

isopiestic

Constant value of pressure on a surface of the sea. Hy

isopiestic line

See:equipotential line

isopleth

a. In a strict sense, a line or surface on which some mathematical

function has a constant value. It is sometimes distinguished from a
contour by the fact that an isopleth need not refer to a directly
measurable quantity characteristic of each point in the map area; e.g.,
maximum temperature of a particular point. AGI
b. A general term for a line, on a map or chart, along which all points
have a numerically specified constant or equal value of any given
variable, element, or quantity (such as abundance or magnitude), with
respect to space or time; esp. a contour. Etymol. Greek isos, equal, +
plethos, fullness, quantity, multitude. Syn:isogram; isoline;
isontic line; isometric line. AGI

isopor

See:isoporic line

isoporic line

A line drawn through points whose annual change in magnetic declination is

equal. Syn:isopor

isopycnic

A line connecting points of equal density, particularly of ocean water. A

line connecting points of equal atmospheric density may be called an
isostere. Hunt

isorads

Lines joining points of equal radioactivity, drawn from geiger- or

scintillation-counter data to form an isorad map. AGI

isoresistivity plan

A plan showing lines of equal resistivity at a certain selected depth. It

is prepared from data obtained by the resistivity method of geophysical
prospecting. Nelson

isoseism

See:isoseismal line

isoseismal

A line on the surface of the Earth joining points of equal seismic

disturbance due to any single earthquake. Syn:isoseismal line
AGI

isoseismal line

A line connecting points on the Earth's surface at which earthquake

intensity is the same. It is usually a closed curve around the epicenter.
Syn:isoseism; isoseismal. AGI

isostannite
See:kesterite

isostasy

The condition of equilibrium, comparable to floating, of the units of the

lithosphere above the asthenosphere. Crustal loading, as by ice, water,
sediments, or volcanic flows, leads to isostatic depression or
downwarping; removal of load leads to isostatic uplift or upwarping. Two
differing concepts of the mechanism of isostasy are the Airy hypothesis of
constant density and the Pratt hypothesis of constant thickness.
See also:isostatic compensation

isostatic

Subjected to equal pressure from every side; being in hydrostatic

equilibrium; relating to or characterized by isostasy.
See:stress trajectory

isostatic adjustment

See:isostatic compensation

isostatic anomaly

a. The difference between the observed value of gravity at a point after

applying to it the isostatic correction and the normal value of gravity at
the point. AGI
b. Anomaly on a map of observed gravity anomalies after applying the
isostatic correction. Negative isostatic anomalies indicate
undercompensation, implying a tendency to rise; positive isostatic
anomalies connote overcompensation and a tendency to sink. AGI
c. A gravity anomaly calculated on a hypothesis that the gravitational
effect of masses extending above sea level is approx. compensated by a
deficiency of density of the material beneath those masses; the effect of
deficiency of density in ocean waters is compensated by an excess of
density in the material under the oceans. See also:anomaly

isostatic compensation

The adjustment of the lithosphere of the Earth to maintain equilibrium

among units of varying mass and density; excess mass above is balanced by
a deficit of density below, and vice versa. See also:isostasy
Syn:isostatic adjustment; isostatic equilibrium. AGI

isostatic correction

The adjustment made to values of gravity, or to deflections of the

vertical, observed at a point, to take account of the assumed mass
deficiency under topographic features for which a topographic correction
is also made. AGI
isostatic equilibrium

The shifting of the rock beneath the Earth's crust in response to the
shifting in the weight above the Earth's crust.
Syn:isostatic compensation

isostructural

a. Refers to minerals that are closely similar in crystallographic,

physical, and chemical properties but have little tendency for isomorphous
substitution; same as isotypic. AGI
b. Said of minerals that have the same ionic or molecular crystal
structure. Isostructure is more rigorous than isomorphism; the latter
requires similar crystal forms, the former a one-to-one correspondence of
atomic particles. Isostructural minerals may differ markedly in chemical
composition and physical properties, e.g., fluorite and uraninite, or may
be closely similar, e.g., the calcite group of carbonates.

isotherm

A line connecting points of equal temperature. Isotherm maps are often

used to portray surface temperature patterns of water bodies. AGI

isothermal

a. A change taking place at a constant temperature. Strock, 2

b. Pertaining to the process of changing the thermodynamic state of a
substance, such as its pressure and volume, while maintaining the
temperature constant. AGI

isothermal compression

a. Reduction in the volume of a fluid without any change in its

temperature. Standard, 2
b. Compression in which there is no change in the temperature of the air;
used as a standard against which the conditions of actual compression may
be checked. Lewis

isothermal expansion

The expansion of air under constant temperature. Since the air does work
on expanding, it loses heat; consequently, heat must be added to the air
to maintain it at constant temperature. Lewis

isothermal layer

A water column through which a constant temperature exists. Hy

isothrausmatic
A descriptive term applied to igneous rocks with an orbicular texture in
which the nuclei of the orbicules are composed of the same rock as the
groundmass. CF:crystallothrausmatic; homeothrausmatic;
heterothrausmatic. AGI

isotropic

Said of a medium with properties the same in all directions; in crystal

optics, said of a crystal with refractive index that does not vary with
crystallographic direction. Isometric crystals and amorphous substances,
such as glass, are generally isotropic. Noun, isotropy. CF:uniaxial;
anisotropic.

isotropic mass

A mass having the same property (or properties) in all directions.

ASCE

isotropy

a. The condition of having properties that are uniform in all directions.

Adj. isotropic. CF:uniaxial
b. Refers to matter with properties the same in all directions; in optics,
a crystal with an index of refraction that does not vary with
crystallographic direction. Isometric crystals and amorphous substances,
e.g., glass, are generally isotropic. CF:anisotropy

isotypic

Having analogous composition and closely similar crystal structure, but

not capable of intercrystallizing to form solid solutions. Examples are
calcite and soda niter; galena and NaBr. CF:isomorphous

isotypy

One-dimensional polymorphism; e.g., alternate stacking of identical layers

of micas or clays. Also called isotypism. CF:polymorphism

isovelocity

The phenomenon of sound being the same in all parts of a given water
column. Hy

isovol

Lines constructed on a map of a coalbed connecting points of equal

volatile matter, delineating the distribution of volatile matter of the
coal. AGI

Istrian stone
A marble found near Trieste, from which Venice is largely built.
Fay

itabirite

A laminated, metamorphosed oxide-facies iron formation in which (1) the

original chert or jasper bands have been recrystallized into
megascopically distinguishable grains of quartz and (2) the iron is
present as thin layers of hematite, magnetite, or martite (Dorr & Barbosa,
1963). The term was originally applied in Itabira, Brazil, to a
high-grade, massive specular-hematite ore (66% iron) associated with a
schistose rock composed of granular quartz and scaly hematite. The term is
now widely used outside Brazil. CF:jacutinga; canga.
Syn:banded-quartz hematite; hematite schist. AGI

itacolumite

A micaceous sandstone or a schistose quartzite that contains interstitial,

loosely interlocking grains of mica, chlorite, and talc; exhibits
flexibility when split into thin slabs. Type locality is Itacolumi
Mountain in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Syn:flexible sandstone; articulite.
AGI

Italian asbestos

A name often given to tremolite asbestos to distinguish it from Canadian

or chrysotile asbestos; extensively quarried in Piedmont and Lombardy,
Italy. CMD

ivory

The fine-grained, calcareous creamy-white dentine forming most of the

tusks of elephants and the teeth or tusks of certain other large animals,
such as the walrus; it has long been esteemed for a wide variety of
ornamental articles. Elephant ivory is now illegal to use. It is often
simulated by bone.

ivory turquoise

Odontolite; fossil tooth or bone colored by a blue phosphate of iron.

Syn:bone turquoise

Iwan-pattern earth auger

A dry sampler equipped with an Iwan auger shoe or cutterhead.

See:post-hole digger

Ixiolite

A monoclinic mineral (Ta,Nb,Sn,Fe,Mn)4 O8 ) .

jacinth

See:essonite; hyacinth; zircon.

jack

a. A name for zinc ore; blackjack. See:sphalerite

b. Cannel coal interstratified with shale.
c. Coaly shale, commonly canneloid.
d. To drill a rock by hand, using a 4-lb (1.8-kg) hammer in one hand and a
steel drill in the other ("single jacking"). "Double jacking" is to use a
two-handed (sledge) hammer with the steel drill held by another worker.
e. A portable device used for exerting great pressure or for lifting a
heavy body through a small distance. Syn:anchor jack

jack boom

a. A boom that supports sheaves between the hoist drum and the main boom
in a pull shovel or a dredge. Nichols, 1
b. A boom whose function is to support sheaves that carry lines to a
working boom. Nichols, 1

jack catch

Safety catch in the rail track to stop tubs running back on inclines.
Mason

jack engine

Eng. A donkey engine; a small engine employed in sinking a shallow shaft.

Fay

jacket

An outer casing or cover constructed around a cylinder or pipe, the

annular space being filled with a fluid for either cooling, heating, or
maintaining the cylinder contents at constant temperature; e.g., the water
jackets of an internal combustion engine. CTD

jacket set

a. Set of timbers used in a shaft outside the regular shaft set, as extra
protection in heavy ground. Pryor, 3
b. Set like the larger shaft set with dividers omitted, except that the
wall and end plates are broken at all joints to facilitate renewing. Used
in heavy ground to protect the regular shaft timbers. The jacket set is
placed outside the regular timbers, separated from them by short blocks,
and is blocked and wedged against the rock. Lewis

jackhammer
A percussive type of automatically rotated rock drill that is worked by
compressed air. It is light enough to be used without a tripod and to be
hand held. Pryor, 3

jackhead

See:delivery drift

jackhead pit

a. A small pit without hoisting appliances, frequently serving as a

ventilation shaft. Standard, 2
b. A small shaft sunk within a mine. A winze. Fay

jackhead pump

A subordinate pump in the bottom of a shaft, worked by an attachment to

the main pump rod. Fay

jackhead set

Newc. The set of pumps in the jackhead staple. Fay

jackhead staple

Eng. A small mine for the supply of coal for the boilers. Fay

jack hole

Eng. In coal mining, a bolthole. See also:cut-through

Standard, 2; Fay

jacking pressure

The amount of pressure exerted by a jack to force a cone penetrometer into

a soil being tested. Long

jacking up

The raising up of masses of machinery and heavy structures by means of

jacks. Crispin

jackknife

The collapse of a drill tripod or derrick. Long

jackknife rig

A truck-mounted diamond or small rotary drill equipped with a hinged

derrick. Long
jackknifing

A collapsing of square-set timbers by wall pressure or through poor

placement. Fay

jackleg

a. Light supporting bar for use with a jackhammer. Pryor, 3

b. An outrigger post. Nichols, 1

jackpipe

A hollow iron pipe large enough to slip over the end of the front jack of
a cutting machine to make it hold more firmly against the coal.
Fay

jack pit

N. of Eng. A shallow shaft in a mine communicating with an overcast.

See also:jackshaft; overcast. Syn:jacky pit

jack post

This timber is used where the coal seam is separated by a rock band and
one bench is loaded out before the other. If the top bench is worked off
first, the jack posts are set between the bottom bench of the coal and the
roof. If the bottom bench is cleaned up first, the jack posts are set
between the bottom and the top bench. At least two jack posts should be
used and as many more as is necessary to keep the top bench of coal or the
roof from coming down while the coal is being loaded out. Kentucky

jackroll

A windlass worked by hand. Fay

jackscrew

a. A jack in which a screw is used for lifting or exerting pressure; also,#WORD ®48¯ ®56¯
screwjack ®13126¯ ®13127¯
the helical-screw part of a jackscrew. Syn:screwjack
b. A heavy screw set in the base or frame of a drill machine for the
purpose of leveling the drill. Long

jack setter

A miner who assists in the operation of an auger-type underground mining

machine; duties include seeing that the roof of the mine at or near the
machine is in a safe condition. See also:machine helper
Fay; DOT
jackshaft

An intermediate driving shaft. See also:jack pit

jacky pit

See:jack pit

jacobsite

An isometric mineral, 8[MnFe2 O4 ] ; spinel group; occurs

with manganese ores.

Jacobs process

A method in which bauxite is fused in an electric furnace to form a

synthetic corundum.

Jacob staff

A straight rod or staff pointed and shod with iron at the bottom for
insertion in the ground, having a socket joint at the top, and used
instead of a tripod for supporting a compass. Webster 3rd

Jacquet's method

Use of electrolytic polishing to complete the finish on metal surfaces.

After mechanical polishing they are made the anodes in a suitable
electrolyte. Pryor, 3

jacupirangite

An ultramafic plutonic rock that is part of the ijolite series; composed

chiefly of titanaugite and magnetite, with a smaller amount of nepheline;
a nepheline-bearing clinopyroxenite. Its name, given by Derby in 1891, is
derived from Jacupiranga, Brazil. AGI

jacutinga

A term used in Brazil for disaggregated, powdery itabirite, and for

variegated thin-bedded, high-grade hematite iron ores associated with and
often forming the matrix of gold ore. Etymol. from its resemblance to the
colors of the plumage of Pipile jacutinga, a Brazilian bird.
CF:itabirite

jad

a. Som. A long and deep holing, cutting, or jud, made for the purpose of
detaching large blocks of stone from their natural beds.
b. Prov. Eng. To undercut (coal or rock). Standard, 2
jade

A microcrystalline gem variety of jadeite or nephrite (actinolite) with a

toughness (resistance to breakage) exceeded only by that of carbonado
diamond; ranges from nearly white to emerald-green, the latter being the
most valuable; finest quality is reported to come from northern Burma
(Myanmar) and the Yunnan Province of south China. The emerald-green color
is attributed to jadeite and to trace amounts of chromium. There are many
imitations of jade, including green-dyed onyx (Mexican jade), aventurine
quartz containing fuchsite mica (Indian jade), vesuvianite (California
jade), green hydrogrossular from South Africa, green organic or inorganic
dyes or substitutes inserted under white jade, glass, dyed quartz, and
bowenite or williamsite varieties of serpentine. "Jade cat's-eye" is a
contradiction in terms. See:jadeite; nephrite; toughness.

jadeite

A monoclinic mineral, 4[NaAlSi2 O6 ] ; pyroxene group; apple

green to emerald green, white, lavender, tomato red, or brown; tough;
associated with albite from high-pressure, low-temperature metamorphosed
plagioclase; an ornamental stone called "jade" (along with nephrite).

jadeitite

A metamorphic rock consisting principally of jadeite, commonly associated

with small amounts of feldspar or feldspathoids. It is probably derived
from an alkali-rich igneous rock by high-pressure metamorphism.
AGI

jadeolite

A deep-green chromiferous syenite cut as a gemstone and resembling jade in

appearance. Obsolete. AGI

jag bolt

An anchor bolt with a barbed flaring shank, which resists retraction when
leaded into stone or set in concrete. Also called hacked bolt; rag bolt.
Webster 3rd

jager

A bluish-white diamond of modern cut. Schaller

jagging board

An inclined board on which ore slimes are washed, as in a buddle.

Standard, 2

jagoite
A trigonal mineral, Pb3 FeSi4 O12 (Cl,OH) ; in
yellow-green micaceous plates associated with another lead-iron silicate
(melanotekite) in iron ore at Laangban, Sweden.

jailer

Som. A small tub or box in which water is carried in a mine.

jalpaite

A tetragonal mineral, Ag3 CuS2 ; forms intergrowths with

argentite in the Black Hawk District, Grant County, NM.

jam

The blocking of a core barrel or core bit with core, sometimes

deliberately. Long

jamb

a. A vein or bed of earth or stone, that prevents miners from following a

vein of ore; a large block. Fay
b. A projecting columnar part (as of a masonry wall) or mass (as of ore).
Webster 3rd
c. A vertical structural member forming the side of an opening in a
furnace wall. Harbison-Walker
d. A type of brick shape intended for use in the sides of wall openings.
Harbison-Walker
e. Sidewall of port of furnace superstructure carrying port crown load.
ASTM

jamb cutter

In the coke products industry, a laborer who chips carbon and mud from the
edges of coke-oven doors with a steel bar prior to the discharge of the
coke. DOT

jamb stick

See:gim peg

jamb wall

See:breast wall

James jig

Movable sieve box supported on a rubber diaphragm and jigged mechanically

up and down. Pryor, 3
jamesonite

A monoclinic mineral, 2[Pb4 FeSb6 S14 ] ; metallic

gray to black; in acicular crystals or capillary forms of featherlike
appearance, thus the term "feather ore;" in low- to medium-temperature
veins with other lead sulfosalts, galena, and carbonates.
Syn:wolfsbergite; feather ore.

James table

Shaking table used in concentration of ground ores by gravity.

Pryor, 3

jam out

S. Staff. To cut or knock away the coal between holes. Fay

jam riveter

A riveting hammer provided with an air-operated telescopic casing to hold

the hammer against the work. Hammond

jar

a. An appliance to permit relative movement between the rope and rods in a

cable drill. It reduces shocks and the risk of rod or chisel breakages.
See also:free-falling device
b. To loosen or free stuck drill-stem equipment or tools by impacts
delivered by quick, sharp, upward-traveling blows delivered by a drive
hammer or jars. Long

jar collar

A swell coupling, attached to the upper exposed end of a drill rod or

casing string, to act as an anvil against which the impact blows of a
drive hammer are delivered and transmitted to the rod or casing string;
also, sometimes used as a syn. for drive hammer. Also called drive collar;
jar head. Syn:bell jar

jargon

A colorless, yellow, or smoky gem variety of zircon.

jarlite

A monoclinic mineral, NaSr3 Al3 (F,OH)16 ; in

brownish crystals and spherulites at Ivigtut, Greenland.

jar mill
a. A small batch mill of ceramic material used in ore-testing laboratories
in investigation of grinding problems. Pryor, 3
b. Any of the stoneware-lined pebble mills used in milling enamels on a
small scale. Enam. Dict.
c. See:ball mill

Jarno taper

This taper of 0.6 in/ft (4.2 cm/m) is used by a number of manufacturers

for taper pins, sockets, and shanks used on machine tools. Crispin

jarosite

A trigonal mineral, KFe3 (SO4 )2 (OH)6 ;

alunite group; amber yellow to dark brown; forms druses of minute
crystals, crusts, and coatings; may be fibrous or fine-grained and
massive; associated with volcanic rocks; thought to form under solfataric
conditions at elevated temperatures and pressures; in some places with
alunite; at many localities in the Western United States, Bolivia, Europe,
and Russia. See also:cuprojarosite; kirovite.

jaspagate

See:agate jasper

jasper

A red variety of chalcedony. See also:chert; chalcedony.

Syn:jasperite

jasper bar

See:jaspilite

jasperine

Banded jasper of varying colors.

jasperite

See:jasper

jasperization

The conversion or alteration of igneous or sedimentary rocks into banded

rocks like jaspilite by metasomatic introduction of iron oxides and
cryptocrystalline silica. See also:jaspilite

jasperoid
a. A dense, usually gray, chertlike siliceous rock, in which chalcedony or
cryptocrystalline quartz has replaced the carbonate minerals of limestone
or dolomite; a silicified limestone. It typically develops as the gangue
of metasomatic sulfide deposits of the lead-zinc type, such as those of
Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas. AGI
b. Resembling jasper. AGI

jasper opal

An almost opaque common opal; commonly yellow-brown, reddish brown to red

owing to iron oxides; resembles opal but has the luster of common opal.
Also called jaspopal.

jaspidean

Resembling or containing jasper; jaspery. AGI

jaspilite

Interbedded jasper and iron oxides. CF:iron formation

Syn:jasper bar

jasponyx

An opaque onyx, part or all of whose bands consist of jasper.

jaw

a. In a crusher, one of a pair of nearly flat or ribbed faces separated by

a wedge-shaped opening. Nichols, 1
b. One or a set of two or more serrate-faced members between which an
object may be grasped and held firmly, as in a vise, drill chuck, foot
clamp, or pipe wrench. Long
c. In a clutch, one of a pair of toothed rings, the teeth of which face
each other. Nichols, 1

jaw breaker

See:jaw crusher

jaw crusher

a. A primary crusher designed to reduce large rocks or ores to sizes

capable of being handled by any of the secondary crushers.
Enam. Dict.
b. A crushing machine consisting of a moving jaw, hinged at one end, which
swings toward and away from a stationary jaw in a regular oscillatory
cycle. ACSG, 2
c. A machine for reducing the size of materials by impact or crushing
between a fixed plate and an oscillating plate, or between two oscillating
plates, forming a tapered jaw. Syn:jaw breaker

jedding ax

A stonecutter's ax with a flat face and a pointed peen.

Webster 3rd

jeffersite

A kind of vermiculite from West Chester, Chester County, PA. Fay

jeffersonite

A variety of monoclinic pyroxene, commonly augite or diopside, containing

manganese and zinc; forms large, coarse crystals having rounded edges and
uneven faces; at Franklin, NJ.

Jeffrey crusher

Crusher used to break softish materials; e.g., limestone and coal.

See also:swing-hammer crusher

Jeffrey diaphragm jig

A plunger-type jig with the plunger beneath the screen. May be either
single or multiple compartments. Its distinguishing features are (1) the
stroke is produced with a cam operated by a lever and rocker-arm
mechanism, (2) the weight of the column of water above the plunger is
balanced by means of compressed air, (3) automatic operation is obtained
by means of a submerged float that measures the specific gravity of the
mass of coal, refuse, and water at the peak of the pulsion stroke, (4)
refuse is withdrawn through a star gate extending the full width of the
overflow lip, and (5) the slope of the screen plate is readily adjustable
by means of heavy screws at the feed end. It is widely used on bituminous
coal on sizes ranging up to a maximum of 6 in (15 cm). Mitchell

Jeffrey molveyor

An arrangement to keep a continuous miner in full operation at all times.

It consists of a series of short conveyors, each mounted on driven wheels
and coupled into a train to run alongside the heading or room conveyor.
Nelson

Jeffrey-Robinson cone

A cone for coal washing; similar to the Callow and Caldecott cones.
See also:cone classifier

Jeffrey single-roll crusher

A simple type of crusher for coal, with a drum to which are bolted toothed
segments designed to grip the coal, forcing it down into the crushing
opening.

Jeffrey swing-hammer crusher

A crusher enclosed in an iron casing in which a revolving shaft carries

swinging arms having a free arc movement of 120 degrees . The rotation of
the driving shaft causes the arms to swing out and strike the coal, ore,
or other material, which, when sufficiently fine, passes through the
grated bottom. Liddell

Jeffrey-Traylor vibrating feeder

A feed chute vibrated electromagnetically in a direction oblique to its

surface. Rate of movement of material depends on amplitude and frequency
of vibration.

Jeffrey-Traylor vibrating screen

An electric vibrating screen operated by action on an oscillating armature

and a stationary coil. Gaudin, 1

jelly

See:carbohumin; vegetable jelly.

jenkin

a. A drivage at right angles to the main cleat. Mason

b. Eng. A road driven bordways in a pillar of coal. A jud driven bordways
along a pillar of coal with goaf or an old bord on one side is called a
"loose end jenkin." SMRB
c. N. of Eng. A variation of "junking." Fay

jenkinsite

A ferroan variety of antigorite.

Jeppe's tables

A series of tables esp. compiled for mining work that includes tables of
density, vapor pressure, and absolute humidity. Roberts, 1

Jeppestown shales

S. Afr. Part of the Jeppestown Series forming the footwall of the Main
Reef on the Central and East Rand. Beerman

jerking table
See:shaking table

jerry man

An employee in a mine whose duty it is to clean up falls or refuse, or to

make a miner's working place safe. See also:wasteman

Jersey fire clay brick

A highly siliceous clay brick, semisilica brick. AISI

jeso

Beds of decomposed gypsum. Standard, 2

jet

a. A hard black variety of cannel coal or brown coal, compact in texture,

having a rough fracture and dull luster that takes a good polish and is
thus used in the jewelry trade. Syn:black amber
b. A sudden and forceful rush or gush of fluid through a narrow or
restricted opening; e.g., a stream of water or air used to flush cuttings
from a borehole. AGI
c. A black variety of marble.
d. Jet piercing, a thermal method of drilling large-diameter blast holes
in hard cherty iron formation (taconite); formerly used mainly on the
Mesabi Range in Minnesota, but also on the Marquette Range in Michigan.
The rotating drill head is fed a mixture of kerosene and oxygen, ignited
to direct a high-temperature flame against the rock, causing the rock to
spall into fine particles by thermal expansion. Method has been almost
totally replaced by rotary drills using tricone bits.
See also:jet hole

jetair flotation machine

A multiple-cell machine of the mechanical agitation type.

jet-assisted cutting

a. Cutting rock by the very high force of a water jet against the ore so
that the material could be processed for mineral recovery. SME, 1
b. Penetration of high-pressure water into material cracks such that the
cracks between the grains are propagated and cutting occurs.
See also:hydraulic mining

jet coal

See:cannel coal

jet corer
Consists of a length of pipe that is lowered from a vessel to obtain
samples. High-velocity water is pumped through the pipe, and the jetting
action of this water issuing from the lower end of the pipe very
effectively cuts a hole in the unconsolidated overburden sediments. Once
at bedrock, the pipe is rammed into the rock with sufficient force to
obtain a plug several inches in length. Mero

jet drilling

Piercing of rock strata by use of high-temperature flame to fuse the rock,

together with jets of water to cause decrepitation and to flush the
fragments out. Pryor, 3

jet grinding mill

Enclosed chamber of relatively small cross section in which gas, at

substantially high atmospheric pressures, is circulated at high speed, 400
to 700 ft/s (120 to 210 m/s).

jet hole

a. A borehole drilled by use of a directed, forceful stream of fluid or

air. See also:jet
b. A small hole in a nozzle. See also:jet

jet hydraulic

Stream of water used in alluvial mining. Pryor, 3

jet impact mill

See:fluid energy mill

jetloader

A powder loader for loading horizontal drill holes with a diameter of more
than 2 in (5.1 cm). It is intended for AN-prills and oil, and is also
employed to blow sand into the holes for stemming. Langefors

jet mill

Differs from other mills in that the material is not ground against a hard
surface. Instead, a gaseous medium is introduced. The gas may convey the
feed material at high velocity in opposing streams or it may move the
material around the periphery of the grinding and classifying chamber. The
high turbulence causes the particles and feed material to collide and
grind upon themselves. Cote

jet mixer
An apparatus that utilizes the mixing action of a water stream jetted into
dry drill-mud ingredients to form a mud-laden fluid. CF:atomizer
Long

jetonized wood

A name given to vitrain lamellae in coal. Synonymous with vitrain.

Tomkeieff; AGI

jet piercing

The use of high-velocity jet flames to drill holes in hard rocks, as

taconite, and to cut channels in granite quarries. It involves combustion
of oxygen and a fuel oil fed under pressure through a nozzle to produce a
jet flame generating a temperature above 2,600 degrees C. A stream of
water joins the flame, and the combined effect is a thermodynamic spalling
and disintegration of the rock into fragments that are blown from the hole
or cut. Syn:thermic drilling

jet-piercing drill

See:fusion-piercing drill

jet pump

Consists of a centrifugal pump and motor at the ground surface and a jet
down in the well below the water level, discharging at high velocity
through a contracted section into the lift pipe. The centrifugal pump has
two discharge pipes; one leads down to the jet, the other carries the
water into the distribution system or into a storage tank.
Syn:jet impact mill

jet rock

a. A coallike shale containing jet. Standard, 2

b. See:jet shale

jet shale

Bituminous shale containing jet. See also:jet

jetstone

A term for black tourmaline (schorl) in New South Wales, Australia.

jetters

Corn. The horizontal rods or poles connecting the water wheel and the
pumps.
jetting

The process of sinking a borehole, or of flushing cuttings or loosely

consolidated materials from a borehole, by using a directed, forceful
stream (jet) of drilling mud, air, or water. AGI

jetting drill

A percussive drill for prospecting through superficial deposits. The drill

is given a short stroke, 10 to 20 cm, and rotated by hand. Water is pumped
down through the hollow steel rods and escapes through openings in the
chopping bit. Casing is used, and the drilling rate is from 6 to 12 m per
shift. Nelson

jetting pump

A water pump that develops very high discharge pressure.

Nichols, 1

jetty

a. An engineering structure (such as a breakwater, groin, seawall, or

small pier) extending out from the shore into a body of water, designed to
direct and confine the current or tide, to protect a harbor, or to prevent
shoaling of a navigable passage by littoral materials. Jetties are often
built in pairs on either side of a harbor entrance or at the mouth of a
river. AGI
b. A British term for a landing wharf or pier used as a berthing place for
vessels. AGI

jeweler's shop

a. Corn. Miner's expression for a rich section of ore. Pryor, 3

b. Aust. A very rich patch of gold in either a reef or an alluvial
formation.

jews' tin

Ancient slabs of tin found in Cornwall, England; so called from the belief
that they were made by Jewish merchants and miners from Asia Minor before
the present era of mining. Hess

jib

The lifting arm of a crane or derrick having a pulley at its outer end
over which the hoisting rope passes. See also:front-end equipment
Hammond

jibbing-in
The operation of gradually working the jib of a shortwall coal cutter into
the cutting position in the coal seam. Jibbing-in is the first operation
before starting the cutting run across the face. Syn:sumping-in
Nelson

jib crane

A crane having a swinging boom or jib. Crispin

jib end

In conveyor systems, the delivery end when a jib is fitted to deliver the
load in advance of and remote from the drive. Nelson

jib holeman

A person whose work is to make recesses for the cutting disk at the end of
coal-cutting machine faces. CTD

jib in

The process of starting a cut by swinging the jib of the coal cutter
(while the chain is cutting) from the front of the face to the full
cutting position. See:sump

jig

a. A device that separates coal or ore from foreign matter, by means of

their difference in specific gravity, in a pulsating water medium. Also
spelled gig. See also:Baum jig; Bendelari jig; conset jig; Denver jig;
Harz jig; hutch; jigger; jig washer; Pan-American jig; stripping a jig.
b. A link or coupling connecting mine wagons.

jig bed

The agent used in a jig that consists of the heavy fractions in the coal
that behave in some respects like a dense fluid. The pulsation of the
water or the motion of the screen keeps the bed open or in suspension
during part of the cycle so that heavy minerals entering the jig can
settle into the bed. Lighter materials cannot penetrate the jig bed and
therefore are forced to remain in the upper part of the jig and eventually
discharge over the top. Other agents in use are lead shot, iron punchings,
iron shot, pyrite, and magnetite. Newton, 1

jig brow

Self-acting inclined track used to lower filled coal tubs and raise empty
ones. Pryor, 3

jig bushing
Hardened-steel bushing inserted in the face of a jig to serve as a guide
for drills. Crispin

jig chain

S. Staff. A chain hooked to the back of a skip and running around a post
to prevent its too rapid descent on an inclined plane. CF:snub
Fay

jig dips

N. Staff. See:crossgate

jigger

a. See:pan conveyor; shaker conveyor; jigging conveyor.

b. Scot. An apparatus for attaching hutches to a haulage rope. Fay
c. A mechanism that operates with quick up-and-down motion; a jolting
device. See also:jig
d. A machine for dressing small ore in which a sieve is dipped or moved
about under water.
e. Leic. A coupling hook used between coal cars. Standard, 2
f. Person that concentrates ore by jigging. Webster 3rd

jigger work

Eng. Dressed or partly dressed ore obtained from jigging.

jigging

a. The separation of the heavy fractions of an ore from the light

fractions by means of a jig.
b. Up-and-down motion of a mass of particles in water by means of pulsion.
Pryor, 4
c. See:skimping

jigging conveyor

A series of steel troughs suspended from roof of stope or laid on rollers

on its floor and given reciprocating motion mechanically to move mineral.
Syn:jigger; pan conveyor. Pryor, 3

jigging machine

A machine to jig ore. See also:jig

jigging screen

A screen or pair of screens to which a combined horizontal and vertical

motion is imparted, normally by a crankshaft and connecting rod, the
screen decks being horizontal or inclined at a small angle.
See also:shaking screen

jiggling in

A technique for transferring a surface survey down a mine shaft in such a

manner as to tie it in to an underground mine survey.
See also:coplaning

jig haulage

See:gravity haulage

jig indicator

An apparatus resembling a steam engine indicator; used for drawing curved

lines illustrating the action of jigs in ore beneficiation.
Webster 2nd

jig pin

A pin used to prevent the turning of the turn beams. Standard, 2

jig washer

A coal or mineral washer for relatively coarse material. The broken ore,
supported on a screen, is pulsed vertically in water; the heavy (valuable)
portion passes through the screen into a conical receptacle (hutch), and
the gangue goes over the side. In coal washing, the heavy (worthless)
shale passes downwards, and the lighter coal remains on top.
See also:plunger jig washer; jig. Nelson

jimboite

An orthorhombic mineral, Mn3 B2 O6 ; the manganese

analog of kotoite; with other manganese minerals at the Kaso Mine, Kanuma,
Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Jim Crow

A portable hand-operated appliance for bending or curving rails. It

incorporates a strong buttress screw thread. Nelson

jinny road

Underground gravity plane. Pryor, 3

jitty
Leic. A short heading along which empties, horses, or workers travel.
Fay

joaquinite

A monoclinic mineral, Ba2 NaCe2 Fe(Ti,Nb)2 Si8

O26 (OH,F).H2 O ; dimorphous with orthojoaquinite; forms
minute honey-colored crystals; with benitoite and neptunite in San Benito
County, CA.

jock

Scot. An iron rod, usually pronged, attached to the rear end of a train of
hutches or cars being drawn up an incline; used to stop their descent in
the event of the rope breaking. Fay

jockey

a. Aust. A Y-shaped grip placed in sockets at the end of a skip. The

endless rope rests on this when used above the skip. Fay
b. Mid. A self-acting apparatus on the front of a car, for releasing it
from the hauling rope at a certain point. Fay

joggle

a. A joint of trusses or sets of timber for receiving pressure at right

angles or nearly so. Zern
b. Notches cut in round timbers set above other round pieces in
underground timbering. Pryor, 3
c. An offset in a flat plane consisting of two parallel bends in opposite
directions by the same angle. ASM, 1
d. A slight step-shaped offset formed into a flat piece of metal (as for
providing a flange). Webster 3rd

johachidolite

An orthorhombic mineral, CaAlB3 O7 ; forms transparent

grains and lamellar masses; fluoresces an intense blue owing to traces of
rare-earth elements; in nepheline dikes, cutting sandstone in the
Johachido District, Kenkyohokuco Prefecture, Korea.

johannite

A triclinic mineral, [Cu(UO2 )2 (SO4 )2 (OH)

2 .8H2 O] ; radioactive; forms soft, bitter-tasting crystals
that are polysynthetically twinned in two directions; in druses and
reniform masses; at Joachimsthal, Czech Republic, and Gilpin County, CO;
associated with gypsum.

johannsenite
A monoclinic mineral, 4[CaMnSi2 O6 ] ; pyroxene group; forms
series with diopside and hedenbergite; shows clove-brown to grayish-green
columnar, radiating, and spherulitic aggregates of fibers and prisms with
black tarnish; in metasomatized limestones with manganese ore. Occurs at
Puebla and Hildago, Mexico; Lane County, OR; Franklin, NJ; and Schio,
Venetia, Italy.

Johannsen number

A number, composed of three or four digits, that defines the position of

an igneous rock in Johannsen's classification. The first digit represents
the class, the second the order, and the third and fourth the family.
CF:Johannsen's classification

Johannsen's classification

A quantitative mineralogic classification of igneous rocks developed by

the petrographer Albert Johannsen (1939). CF:Johannsen number
AGI

John Odges

See:gun

Johnson concentrator

A cylindrical shell lined with grooved rubber set parallel to its axis,
which is inclined, peripheral riffles thus being formed. Used to arrest
heavy particles such as metallic gold as auriferous pulp flows gently
through while the cylinder revolves slowly and the arrested material rises
and drops on to a separate discharge launder. Pryor, 3

Johnston vanner

Modified form of Frue vanner. Pryor, 3

johnstrupite

See:rinkite

joint

a. A divisional plane or surface that divides a rock and along which there
has been no visible movement parallel to the plane or surface.
Ballard
b. A standard length of drill rod, casing, or pipe equipped with threaded
ends by which two or more pieces may be coupled together; also, two or
more standard lengths of drill rods or pipe coupled together and handled
as a single piece in round trips. Long
c. A fracture or parting that cuts through and abruptly interrupts the
physical continuity of a rock mass. Not to be confused with bedding or
cleavage. Long
d. A line of cleavage in a coal seam. Syn:heading seam
See also:joint plane

joint box

A cast iron box surrounding an electric cable joint, often filled with
insulation after the joint between cables has been made. Hammond

jointing

a. In quarrying, the process of cutting to specified sizes and shapes,

with smooth unchipped edges. AIME, 1
b. The condition or presence of joints in a body of rock. AGI

jointing sleeves

Insulating thimbles placed over the connected ends of detonator leads

coupled in large rounds of shots, and also over the connections between
the detonator leads and the shot-firing cable. BS, 12

joint line

A visible line on imperfect glassware reproducing the line between

separate parts of the mold in which the glass was made. Also called
parting line; match mark; miter seam; mold mark; mold seam. Syn:seam
Dodd

joint plane

A plane along a joint fracture or parting. Not to be confused with bedding

and/or cleavage. See also:joint

joint rose

A rose diagram that shows the azimuth and intensity of jointing in an

area.

joints

Natural cracks or fractures in rocks. They tend to occur in more or less

parallel systems, and when quarry walls are maintained parallel and at
right angles to them, they may be utilized as natural partings in the
process of block removal. AIME, 1

joint set

A group of more or less parallel joints. Billings

joint system

Consists of two or more joint sets or any group of joints with a

characteristic pattern, such as a radiating pattern and a concentric
pattern. Billings

jointy

Full of joints; specif. in mining, full of minute cracks or crevices, as

rock. Standard, 2

Jolly balance

a. A spring balance used to measure specific gravity of mineral specimens

by weighing a specimen both in the air and immersed in a liquid of known
density. McGraw-Hill, 1
b. A spiral-spring balance with two specimen pans, one for measuring
weight in air and one for weight in water, used to determine specific
gravity. CF:Westphal balance

Jominy test

A hardenability test in which a standard test piece, 4 in (10.2 cm) long

and 1 in (2.54 cm) in diameter, is heated to a predetermined temperature,
rapidly transferred to a jig fixture, and quenched, under standard
conditions, by a jet of water impinging at one end. When the specimen is
cool, determinations of hardness are made along it from the quenched end.
The diagram relating hardness to distance from the quenched end of the
specimen is known as a hardenability curve. Hammond

Jones riffle

An apparatus used for cutting the size of a sample. It consists of a

hopper above a series of open-bottom pockets, usually 1/2 in or 3/4 in
(1.27 cm or 1.91 cm) wide, which are so constructed as to discharge
alternately, first into a pan to the right, and then into another pan to
the left. Each time the sample is passed through the riffle, it is divided
into two equal parts; the next pass of one of those parts will give a
quarter of the original sample, and so on, until the sample is reduced to
the desired weight. Pearl

Jones splitter

A device used to reduce the volume of a sample consisting of a belled,

rectangular container, the bottom of which is fitted with a series of
narrow slots or alternating chutes designed to cast material in equal
quantities to opposite sides of the device. Also called sample splitter.
CF:riffle

Joosten process
Method of soil consolidation used in tunneling through sands and gravels.
Solutions of calcium chloride and sodium silicate are forced into the
ground, where they mingle and produce a watertight gel. Pryor, 3

Joplin jig

A device used for jigging the shaker products of the diamond washer. The
products are fed to the jigs, one at a time, and jigged, with frequent
stoppages for scraping off the top layer of tailings; more sand is added,
and the process is repeated until a product is obtained that consists
entirely of concentrates. Griffith

jordanite

A monoclinic mineral, Pb14 (As,Sb)6 S23 ;

pseudohexagonal; forms a series with geochronite in which antimony
increases relative to arsenic.

joren

A scoop-shaped bamboo basket used in Japan for carrying auriferous gravel.

jose#1.ite

A trigonal mineral, Bi4 TeS2 ; sp gr, 7.9; at San

Jose, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A related mineral, jose#1.ite-B, contains more
tellurium and less sulfur.

josen

See:hartite

josephinite

A gray, nickeliferous iron, Fe2 Ni5 or FeNi3 .

Massive, granular, and forms the metallic portion of rolled pebbles. From
Josephine County, OR. Syn:native nickel-iron

joule

a. The absolute meter-kilogram-second (mks) unit of work or energy that

equals 107 erg or approx. 0.7377 ft.lb or 0.2390 g (caloric); the
standard in the United States. Webster 3rd
b. The gram-degree centigrade thermal unit; the small calorie.
Standard, 2

Joule's law
The rate at which heat is produced by a steady current in any part of an
electric circuit is jointly proportional to the resistance and to the
square of the current. Webster 3rd

jouph holes

Derb. Hollows in a vein.

jourado diamond

A colorless synthetic spinel used as a simulated diamond.

journal

That part of a rotating shaft resting in a bearing. Long

journey

a. Welsh term for train of mine cars moved mechanically. Also called gang;
set; rake. Pryor, 3
b. A cycle of work done in glass manufacturing in converting a quantity of
material into glass or glass products. Webster 3rd

Joy double-ended shearer

A cutter loader for continuous mining on a longwall face. It consists of

two cutting heads fixed at each end of a continuous-track-mounted chassis.
The heads are pivoted and controlled hydraulically for vertical movement.
Each head comprises two bores and a frame or loop cutter that trims the
bottom, face, and top. A cross conveyor delivers the coal to the adjacent
face conveyor. The machine cuts a web of 5 ft (1.5 m) in seams from 37-1/2
in (95 cm) to 5 ft high. With an overall length of 18 ft (5.5 m), it
weighs 15 st (13.6 t). Nelson

Joy extensible conveyor

A belt conveyor to serve between a loader or continuous miner and the main
transport. It consists of two main units, a head and a tail section, each
mounted on crawler tracks and independently driven. In operation, the tail
unit (i.e., the receiving end) moves forward with the loading machine, and
belting is automatically released from a loop takeup. Fifty feet (15 m) of
advance is possible before additional belting has to be inserted into the
conveyor run. Capacity equals 280 st/h (254 t/h) with a 30-in (76-cm)
belt. Nelson

Joy extensible steel band

An arrangement to provide a link between a continuous miner and the main

transport. The equipment is hydraulically driven, and the steel band is
coiled on the drivehead. Nelson
Joy loader

Loading machine for coal or ore that uses mechanical arms to gather
mineral onto an apron pressed into the severed material. A built-in
conveyor then lifts it into tubs or onto a conveyor. Pryor, 3

Joy microdyne

A wet-type dust collector for use at the return end of tunnels or hard
headings. It may be either 6,000 ft3 /min or 12,000 ft3
/min (2.8 m3 /s or 5.7 m3 /s) in capacity. It wets and
traps dust as it passes through the appliance, and releases it in the form
of a slurry, which is removed by a pump. The microdyne is bolted to the
outby end of the exhaust pipe, and the auxiliary fan is bolted to the
outby end of the dust collector. Nelson

Joy transloader

A rubber-tired, self-propelled loading, transporting, and dumping machine.

Joy walking miner

A continuous miner with a walking mechanism instead of crawler tracks. The

walking mechanism was adopted to make the machine suitable for thin seams.
The lowest crawler-track-mounted machine can operate in a minimum seam
height of 4 ft (1.2 m), whereas the walking type can work in a 2.5-ft
(0.76-m) seam. Syn:walking miner

jubilee wagon

A small wagon, running on rails, which tips sideways. Hammond

jubs

Eng. Top jubs and bottom jubs, soft marly limestone, coarsely oolitic in
places, in the Great Oolite at Kingsthorpe, Northamptonshire; also in the
same formation at Bedford. Arkell

jud

a. N. of Eng. A block of coal about 4 yd (3.7 m) square, holed and cut

ready for breaking down. Fay
b. In whole working, a portion of the coal laid out and ready for
extraction; in pillar working (i.e., the drawing or extraction of
pillars), the yet unremoved portion of a pillar. Fay
c. Applied to a working place, usually 6 to 8 yd (5.5 to 7.3 m) wide,
driven in a pillar of coal. When a jud has been driven the distance
required, the timber and rails are removed, and this is termed "drawing a
jud." Zern
d. Som. See:jad; lift.
judge

a. Derb.; Newc. A measuring stick to measure coal work underground.

See also:judge rapper
b. Eng. Formerly a youth who proved the holing. Fay

judge rapper

The upper end of the vertical arm of a judge. See also:judge

Fay

Judson powder

A blasting explosive containing sodium nitrate, sulfur, coal, and a little

nitroglycerin. Webster 2nd

jug

A colloquial equivalent of seismic detector, geophone, etc.

See also:geophone

jugglers

Timbers set obliquely against pillars of coal to carry a plank partition,

making a triangular air passage or manway. Fay

julienite

Possibly a tetragonal mineral, Na2 Co(SCN)4 .8H2 O ;

a blue thiocyanate that may be an artifact.

jumble

Derb. The place where veins intersect. Fay

jumbler

Big Jumbler, a bed of limestone in the Lower Lias at Rugby, United

Kingdom.

jumbles

The thickest oolitic bed in the Carboniferous limestone of the Clee Hills,
Shropshire, United Kingdom.

jumbo

a. In mining, a drill carriage or mobile scaffold on which several drills

of drifter type are mounted. It is used in tunnels and large headings.
Pryor, 3
b. An asbestos-fiberizing machine that is effective for moderately soft
ore where crushing or breaking is not required. Sinclair, 7
c. A mobile scaffold to assist drilling in large headings. BS, 12
d. A number of drills mounted on a mobile carriage and used in tunnels.
Nichols, 1
e. Drilling platform used in tunneling. Sandstrom

jump

a. See:jumping a claim
b. A sudden rise in the dip of a coal seam. Arkell

jump correlation

Identification of events on noncontiguous seismic records as involving the

same interfaces in the Earth. AGI

jumper

a. The borer, steel, or bit for a compressed-air rock drill. CTD

b. A long steel bar, or light aluminum tube with a steel end, used to
dress rock faces, pry off loose rock, etc. Pryor, 3
c. Person who jumps a claim; i.e., takes possession of another's mining
property. Pryor, 3
d. A steel bar used in manual drilling. Sandstrom

jumper bar

A weighted steel bar with a cutting edge; raised and dropped by hand.
CTD

jumping a claim

a. Taking possession of a mining claim liable to forfeiture owing to the

requirements of the law being unfulfilled.
b. Taking possession of a mine or claim by stealth, fraud, or force.
Syn:jump
c. The act of locating a mining claim on supposed excess ground within
staked boundaries of an existing claim on the theory that the law
governing the manner of making the original location had not been complied
with. Fay

jump sheet

A flat metal plate used as a turnsheet on which to turn the empty cars.
Lewis

junckerite

See:siderite
junction

a. The point where two or more passageways intersect horizontally or

vertically. AGI
b. In ventilation surveys, where three or more airways meet.
Roberts, 1
c. The union of two lodes. Gordon

junction box

In mining, a stationary piece of enclosed apparatus from which one or more

electric circuits for supplying mining equipment are connected through
overcurrent protective devices to an incoming feeder circuit.

junk

a. Any foreign metallic material accidentally introduced into a borehole.

Long
b. Very poor or low-grade drill diamond. Long

junkerite

See:siderite

junket

a. Eng. A bucket used for raising rock or ore in a shaft. Hess

b. Eng. See:kibble

junking

a. The process of cutting a passage through a pillar of coal. CTD

b. N. of Eng. An opening cut into, or a narrow slice taken off, a pillar
in the room-and-pillar system of working coal. A fast junking is a narrow
place driven lengthwise in a pillar of coal, but unholed into the room on
either side of the pillar. A loose junking is a similar place driven along
the side of the pillar and open to the room along that side. Fay

junk mill

A bit designed to grind or cut foreign metallic material or junk in a

borehole into pieces small enough to be washed out of the hole or
recovered by a basket. CF:milling bit; rose bit. Long

junks

a. Dev. Limestone concretions in slate.

b. Corn. Joints in rocks.

Jupiter process
A patented process for making cast steel by melting wrought-steel scrap
with about 2.0% ferrosilicon, up to about 0.5% ferromanganese, and about
3.0% aluminum, then casting in molds of a special composition.

Jupiter steel

A steel produced by the Jupiter process; it is about as strong and as

ductile as forged steel.

Jurassic

The second period of the Mesozoic Era (after the Triassic and before the
Cretaceous), thought to have covered the span of time between 190 million
years and 135 million years ago; also, the corresponding system of rocks.
It is named after the Jura Mountains between France and Switzerland, in
which rocks of this age were first studied. AGI

jury rig

Any temporary or makeshift device, rig, or piece of equipment.

Hunt

jutty

A small tub or truck used for gathering coal in thin seams. CTD

juvenile

a. Said of an ore-forming fluid or mineralizer that is derived from a

magma, via fractional crystallization or other plutonic mechanism, as
opposed to fluids of surface, connate, or meteoric origin. AGI
b. A term applied to water and gases that are known to have been derived
directly from magma and are thought to have come to the Earth's surface
for the first time. AGI
c. In the classification of pyroclastics, the equivalent of essential;
derived directly from magma reaching the surface. AGI

juvenile water

Water from the interior of the Earth that is new or has never been a part
of the general system of ground water circulation. CF:magmatic water

juxtaposition twin

See:contact twin

kaemmererite

Chromian clinochlore. Alternate spelling of kaemmererite.

kaersutite

A monoclinic mineral, NaCa2 (Mg,Fe)4 Ti(Si6 Al (sub

2) )O22 (OH)2 ; amphibole group with Mg/(Mg+Fe)= 0.5 to 1.0;
forms a series with ferrokaersutite; a typical constituent of alkaline
volcanic rocks.

kahlerite

A tetragonal mineral, Fe(UO2 )2 AsO4 )2

.10-12H2 O ; autunite group; forms lemon-yellow plates; at
Carinthia, Austria.

kalamin

See:calamine

Kaldo steel process

A steelmaking process in which oxygen is fed into a large inclined

rotating vessel through water-cooled lances, but at velocities somewhat
lower than in the L.D. steel process, so that the jet does not completely
or continuously penetrate the slag layer. In some respects, it is like a
continuously rotating open hearth. It gives better heat utilization than
the L.D. steel process but is slower. Nelson

kale

Eng. Surface-weathered ironstone or oolite; rottenstone; in

Northamptonshire, Rutland, and Lincolnshire. Also spelled keale.
Arkell

kaliborite

A monoclinic mineral, KHMg2 B12 O16 (OH)10 .4H

2 O ; formerly called heintzite, hintzeite, paternoite.
See also:heintzite

kalicine

See:kalicinite

kalicinite

A monoclinic mineral, KHCO3 ; colorless, white, or yellow. Also

spelled kalicine; kalicite.

kalinite
A possibly monoclinic mineral, KAl(SO4 )2 .11H2 O .
Syn:potash alum

kaliophilite

A hexagonal mineral, KAlSiO4 ; polymorphous with kalsilite,

panunzite, and trikalsilite. Syn:facellite; phacellite.

kaliphite

A mixture of limonite with oxides of manganese and silicates of zinc and

lime. Osborne

kalistrontite

A trigonal mineral, K2 Sr(SO4 )2 ; occurs in prisms

and plates with anhydrite and dolomite in a drill core from Alshtan,
Bashkir, Russia.

Kalling's solution

An etching reagent for developing the microstructure of chromium steels

with more than 5% of chromium. It contains 5 g copper chloride, 100 mL
hydrochloric acid, 100 mL alcohol, and 100 mL water. Osborne

kalsilite

A hexagonal mineral, 2[KAlSiO4 ] ; polymorphous with kaliophilite,

panunzite, and trikalsilite; forms a partial series toward nepheline; in
groundmasses of potassium-rich, silica-poor lavas and as an alteration of
blast furnace brick.

kamacite

A meteorite mineral consisting of the body-centered cubic alpha-phase of a

nickel-iron alloy, with a fairly constant composition of 5% to 7% nickel.
It occurs in iron meteorites as bars or girders flanked by lamellae of
taenite. See also:nickel iron

kamarezite

A grass-green, hydrated, basic copper hydrate and sulfate, Cu3 (OH)

4 SO2 .6H2 O . Syn:brochantite

kaemmererite

A chromian variety of clinochlore.

kammerling furnace
A modification of the Belgian zinc smelting furnace wherein there are two
combustion chambers separated by a central longitudinal wall. In
principle, the furnace is similar to the Hauzeur, a compound furnace.

kanase

Burma (Myanmar). A local custom in the gem mines at Mogok that permits
women to work without licenses in streambeds, tailraces, and dumps from
mines and washeries and to keep any gems they find. Hess

Kanawhan

Upper Lower Pennsylvanian. AGI

Kanawha series

A group of productive coal measures occurring in the Pennsylvanian of the

Appalachian Region and completely developed in Virginia. Sometimes known
as the Upper Pottsville series. CTD

kandite

See:kaolin

kankar

a. A term used in India for (1) masses or layers of calcium carbonate,

usually occurring in nodules, found in the older alluvium or stiff clay of
the Indo-Gangetic plain; or (2) precipitated calcium carbonate in the form
of cement in porous sediments or as a coating on pebbles. AGI
b. A limestone containing kankar and used for making lime and building
roads. Etymol. Hindi. The term is occasionally applied in the United
States to a residual calcareous deposit, such as caliche. Also spelled
kunkur. AGI

kaoleen

A colloquial term used in south-central Missouri for a chalky, porous,

weathered chert with a white to tan or buff color. Etymol. corruption of
kaolin, to which the material bears a slight resemblance. AGI

kaolin

Former name for kaolinite. The aluminous minerals of the

kaolinite-serpentine group. Syn:bolus alba; kaoline; kandite; kaolinite;
white clay.

kaoline

See:kaolin
kaolinic

Of, relating to, or resembling kaolin. Webster 3rd

kaolinite

a. A monoclinic mineral, 2[Al2 Si2 O5 (OH)4 ];

kaolinite-serpentine group; kaolinite structure consists of a sheet of
tetrahedrally bonded silica and a sheet of octahedrally bonded alumina
with little tolerance for cation exchange or expansive hydration;
polymorphous with dickite, halloysite, and nacrite; soft; white; formed by
hydrothermal alteration or weathering of aluminosilicates, esp. feldspars
and feldspathoids; formerly called kaolin.
b. Kandites in general.
c. Individual kandites not specif. designated. See also:alum salt;
kaolin.

kaolinite-serpentine

The mineral group amesite, antigorite, berthierine, brindleyite,

clinochrysotile, cronstedite, dickite, endellite, fraiponite, greenalite,
halloysite, kaolinite, kellyite, lizardite, manandonite, nacrite,
nepouite, orthochrysotile, parachrysotile, and pecoraite.
CF:serpentine

kaolinization

Replacement or alteration of minerals, esp. feldspars and micas, to form

kaolin as a result of weathering or hydrothermal alteration.
CF:argillation; argillization. AGI

kapel

See:capel

kappa carbide

A carbide of iron, Fe23 C6 , in which all or part of the

iron may be replaced by chromium, molybdenum, and/or tungsten,
(Fe,Cr,Mo,W)23 C6 . Osborne

karang

Term used in the Malay States for the pay streaks of cassiterite.
Lewis

karat
One-twenty-fourth part. It is used to designate the fineness of gold;
thus, 18-karat gold is 18/24 (or 75%) pure gold and 6/24 (or 25%) other
alloying metal or metals. Not to be confused with carat.

karelianite

A trigonal mineral, V2 O3 ; hematite group; black; in

boulders from the Outokumpu orebody in the Karelian schist belt, Finland.

Karlsbad twin

See:Carlsbad twin

karnasurtite

A possibly hexagonal mineral, (Ce,La,Th)(Ti,Nb)(Al,Fe)(Si,P)2 O

7 (OH)4 .3H2 O(?) ; metamict; at Mt. Karnasurt, Kola
Peninsula, Russia.

karpatite

A monoclinic mineral (coronene), C24 H12 . Also spelled

carpathite. Syn:pendletonite

karpinskite

A possibly monoclinic mineral, (Mg,Ni)2 Si2 O5 (OH)

2 (?) ; greenish blue; with talc in serpentinite from the Ural
Mountains, Russia. (Not karpinskyite.)

karpinskyite

A mixture of leifite and a zinc-bearing smectite. (Not karpinskite.)

karst

A type of topography that is formed on limestone, gypsum, and other rocks

by dissolution, and that is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and
underground drainage. Etymol. German, from the Yugoslavian territory Krs;
type locality, a limestone plateau in the Dinaric Alps of northwestern
Yugoslavia and northeastern Italy. First published on a topographic map,
Ducatus Carnioliae, in 1774. Adj. karstic. Syn:karst topography
AGI

karst topography

See:karst

kasoite
A potassian variety of celsian.

kasolite

A monoclinic mineral, Pb(UO2 )SiO4 .H2 O ;

radioactive; an oxidation product of uraninite; at Kasolo, Katanga, Zaire.
Formerly called droogmansite.

Kast furnace

A small, circular shaft furnace with three or four tuyeres, for lead
smelting. Fay

kata-

See:cata-

kataclastic

See:cataclastic

kata cooling power

A measure of the cooling effect of the ambient air as determined by the

kata thermometer. This instrument may be used wet or dry. BS, 8

katamorphism

Destructive metamorphism in the katamorphic zone, at or near the Earth's

surface, in which complex minerals are broken down and altered through
oxidation, hydration, solution, and allied processes to produce simpler
and less dense minerals. The term was introduced by Van Hise in 1904. Also
spelled catamorphism. CF:anamorphism

kata thermometer

A type of alcohol thermometer used to determine the cooling power of the

ambient air and sometimes to measure low air velocities. BS, 8

katazone

According to Grubenmann's classification of metamorphic rocks (1904), the

lowermost depth zone of metamorphism, which is characterized by high
temperatures (500 to 700 degrees C), mostly strong hydrostatic pressure,
and low or no shearing stress. It produces rocks such as high-grade
schists and gneisses, granulites, eclogites, and amphibolites. The concept
includes effects of high-temperature contact metamorphism and
metasomatism. Modern usage stresses temperature-pressure conditions
(highest metamorphic grade) rather than the likely depth of zone. Also
spelled catazone. CF:mesozone; epizone. See also:katamorphism
AGI

katoptrite

A monoclinic mineral, (Mn, Mg)13 (Al, Fe)4 Sb2 Si

2 O28 ; in jet-black crystals in limestone at Nordmark and
Laangban, Sweden.

katungite

A volcanic rock composed chiefly of melilite, with subordinate olivine and

magnetite and minor leucite and perovskite; a pyroxene-free melilitite.
AGI

kauk

A very heavy substance, common in the mines, Derbyshire, U.K. Also spelled
cauk.

kayserite

See:diaspore

K-bentonite

See:potassium bentonite

kearsutite

Misspelling of kaersutite.

keatite

Synthetic tetragonal silica, SiO2 ; crystallized hydrothermally at

high pressure.

keeleyite

See:zinkenite

keel wedge

A long iron wedge for driving over the top of a pick hilt. Fay

keen sand

Forest of Dean. Sand forming poor rye soil.

keeper
Person in charge of opening and closing the taphole of a blast furnace and
who runs iron at cast. Fay

Keewatin

A division of the Archeozoic rocks of the Canadian Shield. It is older

than the Timiskamian. Also spelled Keewatinian. AGI

keg

A cylindrical container made of steel or some other substance, which

contains 25 lb (11.4 kg) of blasting powder or gunpowder. Any small cask
or barrel having a capacity of 5 to 10 gal (18.9 to 37.9 L). Fay

kehoite

Amorphous (Zn,Ca)Al2 (PO4 )2 .5H2 O ; a

doubtful mineral species.

keldyshite

A triclinic mineral, Na2-2Dx Hx ZrSi2 O7 .nH

2 O ; forms irregular grains in the Lovozero massif, Kola Peninsula,
Russia.

kell

A variation of kiln. Fay

Keller automatic roaster

A six-deck horizontal furnace for calcining sulfide ores. Fay

Keller furnace

A multiple-deck roasting furnace for sulfide ore. It is a modification of

the Spence furnace. Fay

kellerite

A cuprian variety of pentahydrite.

kellow

Black lead or wad, Cumberland, U.K.

kelly

The rod attached to the top of the drill column in rotary drilling. It
passes through the rotary table and is turned by it, but is free to slide
down through it as the borehole deepens. Also called grief stem.
BS, 9

kelly bar

A hollow bar attached to the top of the drill column in rotary drilling;
also called grief joint; kelly joint; kelly stem. Meyer

Kelly filter

An intermittent, movable pressure filter. The leaves are vertical and are
set parallel with the axis of the tank. Pulp is introduced into the tank
(a boilerlike affair) under pressure, and the cake is formed. The head is
then unlocked, the leaves are run out of the tank chamber by means of a
small track, and the cake is dropped. The carriage and leaves are then run
back into the tank, and the cycle begins again. Liddell

kelp

The ashes of seaweeds, formerly the source of soda as used in glassmaking

and soapmaking; now a source of potash, iodine, and char.
Standard, 2

kelvin

a. Board of Trade unit of energy (1 kW/h). Pryor, 3

b. See:Kelvin temperature scale

Kelvin temperature scale

The absolute temperature scale in which the temperature measure is based

on the average kinetic energy per molecule of a perfect gas. The zero of
the Kelvin scale is -273.16 degrees C. The temperature scale adopted by
the International Bureau of Weights and Measures is that of the constant
volume hydrogen gas thermometer. The magnitude of the degree in both these
scales is defined as one one-hundredths the difference between the
temperature of melting ice and that of boiling water at 760 mm pressure.
See also:temperature
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

kelyphite

See:corona

kelyphitic rim

See:corona

kelyphytic
A term applied to the rims or borders consisting of microcrystalline
aggregates of pyroxene or amphibole occurring around olivine, where it
would otherwise be in contact with plagioclase, or around garnet, where it
would otherwise be in contact with olivine or other magnesium-rich
minerals.

kelyphytic rim

See:corona

Kema plow

A scraper-box type of plow for use on longwall faces.

See also:scraper box plow

kempite

An orthorhombic mineral, Mn2 Cl(OH)3 ; forms minute

emerald-green prismatic crystals; at Alum Rock Park, CA.

kennel coal

A coal that can be ignited with a match to burn with a bright flame.
Syn:candle coal

kentrolite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb2 Mn2 Si2 O9 ;

forms a series with melanotekite; massive or in sheaflike prismatic
crystals; at Laangban and Nordmark, Sweden, and Sassari, Sardinia, Italy.

Kent roller mill

A revolving steel ring with three rolls pressing against its inner face.
The rolls are supported on springs, and the rings support the roll, so
that there is some freedom of motion. The material to be crushed is held
against the ring by centrifugal force. Liddell

kentsmithite

A local name used in the Paradox Valley, Colorado, for a black,

vanadium-bearing sandstone. Syn:vanoxite

kep

a. One of the steel supports on which a cage rests at the pithead during
unloading or loading so that the rail track is always at the proper level.
During this period, the rope is released from the weight of the cage. The
ordinary type of kep gear consists of four steel arms, two for each end of
the cage, carried on shafts that are connected to and operated by levers.
Normally, the cage must be raised from the kep arms before the latter can
be withdrawn to allow the cage to descend the shaft.
See also:Beien kep gear; cage stop. Nelson
b. One of the retractable rests on which the mine cage is supported during
its stop at a shaft landing. Also called catch; chair; keep; landing
chair; stop. Pryor, 3
c. One of the bearing-up stops for supporting a cage or load at the
beginning or end of hoisting in a shaft. CTD

kepel

Corn. Spar or hard stone on each side of the lode.

kerargyrite

See:cerargyrite

keratophyre

A name generally applied to all salic extrusive and hypabyssal rocks

characterized by the presence of albite or albite-oligoclase and chlorite,
epidote, and calcite, generally of secondary origin. Some varieties of
keratophyre contain sodic orthoclase, sodic amphiboles, and pyroxenes.
Keratophyres commonly are associated with spilitic rocks and interbedded
with marine sediments. AGI

kerf

a. The undercut usually made in the coal to facilitate its fall.

BCI
b. A horizontal cut in a block of coal, as opposed to a shearing, which is
a vertical cut. BCI
c. Undercut in a coal seam from 3 to 7 in (7.6 to 18 cm) thick and
entering the face to a depth of up to 4 ft (1.2 m), made by a mechanical
cutter. Also called kirve. Pryor, 3
d. The undercut made in a coalbed to assist the action of explosives in
blasting. Hudson
e. The annular groove cut into a rock formation by a core bit.
See also:kerve
f. The space that was occupied by the material removed during cutting.
ASM, 1
g. The thickness of the wall of the diamond-insert part of the crown of a
core bit. Long
h. Sometimes incorrectly used as a syn. for nose, as applied to a diamond
core bit. Long

kerf stone

One of the diamonds inset in the kerf of the crown of a diamond bit. Also
called face stone. Long
kermesite

A triclinic mineral, Sb2 S2 O ; pseudomonoclinic; occurs as

soft tufts of cherry-red capillary crystals with one perfect cleavage; an
alteration product of stibnite. Syn:antimony blende; pyrostibite;
pyrostibnite; red antimony; pyroantimonite.

kerned stone

Corn. Sand blown off the seashore into the country and concreted there.

kernel

Atom that has lost the valence electrons of its outermost shell.
Pryor, 3

kernel roasting

See:roasting

kernite

A monoclinic mineral, 4[Na2 (H2 O)3 B4 O (sub

6) (OH)2 ] ; soft, colorless to white; in the Mojave Desert and
Kern County, CA; a major source of borax and boron compounds in the United
States. See also:Rasorite

kerogen

a. A term generally used for organic matter in sedimentary rocks that is

insoluble in common organic and inorganic solvents.
b. The solid, organic substance in shales that yields oil when the shales
undergo destructive distillation.

kerogen shale

See:oil shale

kerolite

A variety of talc with randomly stacked structure; forms a series with

nickel-kerolite. Also spelled cerolite.

keronigritite

A type of nigritite that is derived from kerogen. CF:polynigritite;

humonigritite. AGI

kerosine flotation
As sometimes practiced, this method is a combination of bulk oil flotation
and froth flotation. By adding large quantities of kerosine to a pulp plus
a small amount of frother and agitating vigorously, surfaces of the
amenable mineral (coal) are attracted to both the oil and air bubbles,
forming heavy flocs. This type of concentrate is more readily dewatered
than ordinary froth and therein lies its advantage, plus the fact that
coarser particles (6 to 10 mesh) can be handled than in ordinary froth
flotation. Also called granulation. Syn:agglomeration

kerosine shale

Substance originally described as a variety of oil shale but later proved

to be similar to torbanite. See also:boghead coal; torbanite.
Tomkeieff

kerrite

A variety of vermiculite.

kersantite

A lamprophyre containing biotite and plagioclase (usually oligoclase or

andesine), with or without clinopyroxene and olivine. Defined by Delesse
in 1851; named for the village of Kersanton, France. AGI

kerve

N. of Eng. In coal mining, to cut under. See also:kerf

kirve. Zern

kesterite

A mineral, (Cu,Sn,Zn)S, containing 30.36% copper, 25.25% tin, 11.16% zinc,

and 23.40% sulfur. In quartz sulfide ore from Kester, Magadan, Yakutia,
northeast Siberia, Russia. Named from locality. Syn:isostannite;
khinganite. Spencer, 6

kettle

A depression in the ground surface formed by the melting of a large,

detached block of stagnant ice wholly or partly buried by glacial drift.
AGI

kettleback

See:horseback; slip.

kettle bottom
a. A smooth, rounded piece of rock, cylindrical in shape, which may drop
out of the roof of a mine without warning, sometimes causing serious
injuries to miners. The surface usually has a scratched, striated, or
slickensided appearance and frequently has a slick, soapy, unctuous feel.
The origin of this feature is thought to be the remains of the stump of a
tree that has been replaced by sediments so that the original form has
been rather well preserved. Sometimes spelled kettlebottom. Also called
bell; pot; camelback; tortoise. Syn:caldron
pot bottom. CF:black bat
b. See:horseback; caldron bottom.

kettle dross

Skimmings resulting from the desilverization of lead bullion. It consists

principally of lead oxides mixed with metallic lead. Fay

kettleman

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a person who (1) refines lead in
a series of oil-fired kettles, and (2) removes silver and copper from
black mud in a gas-fired kettle, preparatory to the separation of gold.
DOT

kettle operator

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a person who melts and fumes
antimony in oil-fired kettles to make antimony oxide. DOT

kettnerite

A tetragonal mineral, CaBi(CO3 )OF ; in pegmatite from Krupka,

Czech Republic.

kevell

Calcspar from Derbyshire lead mines, United Kingdom. Also spelled kebble.

kevil

a. Derb. A veinstone, consisting of a mixture of calcium carbonate and

other minerals. Fay
b. N. of Eng. The amount of coal sent out by the various miners during a
certain period. Fay

Keweenawan

A provincial series of the early Proterozoic in Michigan and Wisconsin.

AGI

key
The pieces of core causing a block in a core barrel, the removal of which
allows the rest of the core in the core barrel to slide out.
See:legend

key bed

a. A well-defined, easily identifiable stratum or body of strata that has

sufficiently distinctive characteristics (such as lithology or fossil
content) to facilitate correlation in field mapping or subsurface work.
AGI
b. A bed, the top or bottom of which is used as a datum in making
structure-contour maps. Syn:key horizon; index bed; marker bed.
AGI

key blocks

The first blocks that are removed in opening up a new quarry floor.

keyhole slot

A slot enlarged at one end to allow entrance of a chain or bolt that can
then be held by the narrow end. Nichols, 1

key horizon

See:key bed

keystone

a. A symmetrically tapered piece at the center or crown of an arch.

b. A filling-in block of cast iron used in some lead smelting furnaces.
Webster 2nd

keystoneite

Blue chalcedony colored by chrysocolla.

K-feldspar

The mineral microcline, orthoclase, or sanidine.

Syn:potassium feldspar

K-Fuel process

In this process, the feed coal is heated sufficiently to remove all the
moisture from the coal and to mildly carbonize it. The carbonized hot
coal, in a plastic state, flows to an extruder which agglomerates the
product into pellets.

Khari salt
A native mineral salt of India, predominantly sodium chloride with large
amounts of sodium sulfate, the composition varying greatly with locality
where obtained. Synthetic Khari salt has 40% anhydrous sodium sulfate.
Kaufmann

khinganite

See:kesterite

khlopinite

A titanian variety of samarskite.

kibbal

See:kibble

kibble

a. Steel bucket used during shaft sinking. Pryor, 3

b. To carry in a hoisting bucket, such as ore. Syn:junket; kibbal.
Standard, 2

kibble rope

Eng. A rope or chain for hoisting a kibble or bucket. Standard, 2

kick

a. Assay with metal values. Also, a geophysical indication of ore. As

opposed to background values. (Slang only.) Hoffman
b. A small sidewise displacement or offset in a borehole caused by the
sidewise deviation of a bit when entering a hard, tilted rock stratum
underlying a softer stratum. Long
c. A quick snap of the drill stem caused by the core breaking in a blocked
core barrel or sudden release of a momentary bind. CF:step
Long

kick back

a. Arkansas. To break the coal on both sides of the auger hole that
contains the powder, usually along a joint in the coal. Fay
b. A track arrangement for reversing the direction of travel of cars
moving by gravity. Fay

kicker

a. Ground left, in first cutting a vein, for support of its sides.

b. Also, a gage stone handset in the outside surface or wall of the metal
shank of a diamond bit. Syn:gage stone
kicker stone

See:gage stone

kicking pieces

Short struts to prevent a sill or other member from being pushed out of
place. Stauffer

kickoff point

The place in a borehole where the first intentional deviation starts.

Sometimes abbreviated KOP. Long

Kick's law

The amount of energy required to crush a given quantity of material to a

specified fraction of its original size is the same no matter what the
original size. CF:Rittinger's law

kidney iron ore

A reuniform variety of hematite with concentric or radiating structure.

Syn:kidney stone; kidney ore. See also:iron ore

kidney ore

See:kidney iron ore

kidneys

A mineral zone that contracts, expands, and again contracts downwards.

AGI

kidney stone

a. See:nephrite; kidney iron ore; urolith.

b. Any reniform nodule.

kidney sulfur

See:lense

kies

A general term for the sulfide ores, adopted into English from the
original German.

kieselguhr
See:diatomite

kieserite

a. A monoclinic mineral 4[MgSO4 .H2 O] ; in evaporite salt

deposits from dehydration of epsomite or decomposition of kainite.
Syn:martinsite
b. The mineral group dwornikite, gunningite, kieserite, poitevinite,
szmikite, and szomolnokite.

kilbrickenite

See:geochronite

kilchoanite

A orthorhombic mineral, Ca3 Si2 O7 ; dimorphous with

rankinite, which it replaces at Kilchoan, Ardnamurchan, Scotland.

kilkenny coal

See:anthracite

kill

To mix atmospheric air with combustible gases or other gases so as to make

them harmless. Fay

killas

a. Corn. The slates or schists that form the country rock of the Cornish
tin veins.
b. Corn. Term used in the china-clay mines for the altered schistose or
hornfelsic rocks in contact with the granite and often considerably
modified by emanations from the latter. Dodd

killed steel

Steel treated with a strong deoxidizing agent, such as silicon or

aluminum, to reduce the oxygen content to such a level that no reaction
occurs between carbon and oxygen during solidification. ASM, 1

killing

a. Allowing the molten steel to remain in the crucible for about 45 min
for the escape of the gases. Mersereau, 2
b. In metallurgy, esp. in foundry terminology, a term for deoxidation.
Gaynor

kiln
a. A large furnace used for baking, drying, or burning firebrick or
refractories, or for calcining ores or other substances. ASM, 1
b. A furnace or oven, which is usually made from refractory brick, used to
dry and fire various types of ceramic ware.

kiln burner

A worker who is responsible for firing kilns to produce ceramic products.

Type of product produced is often attached to the term as, brick kiln
burner, tile burner, pipe burner, etc. Also called kiln fireman; kiln
operator; baker; kiln tender; kiln firer, etc.

kiln-burner helper

Person who assists kiln burner in firing kiln, supplying coal and wood to
fireboxes, and cleaning ashes from ashpits. DOT

kiln-car unloader

A worker who removes fired ceramic ware from kiln cars.

kiln cleaner

Person who prepares kilns for burning. DOT

kiln-dry

To dry in a kiln. Webster 3rd

kilneye

An opening for removal of lime from a vertical lime kiln.

kilnman

A worker who tends a kiln. Standard, 2

kiln placer

A worker who places clayware in kiln for drying or firing. Also called
kiln setter; sagger filler; kiln loader; kiln stacker.

kilo-

One thousand units. The kilodyne is 1,000 dyn; kilogram is 2.2046 lb

avoirdupois; kilometer is 1,093.6 yd; kilowatt is 1.341 hp.
Pryor, 3

kilocusec
A unit of volumetric rate of air flow, expressed in thousands of cubic
feet per second. BS, 8

kilocycle

One thousand cycles. Abbrev. kc. Crispin

kilometer

A length of 1,000 m; equals 3,280.8 ft or 0.621 mile. The chief unit for
long distances in the metric system. Abbrev. km. Standard, 2

kiloton

A unit for measuring the energy of a nuclear explosion. A 1-kiloton

explosion releases energy equal to that in the explosion of 1,000 st (907
t) of TNT. Abbrev. kton. Lyman

kilowatt-hour

A unit of work or energy equal to that expended in 1 h at a steady rate of

1 kW or 3.6 x 106 J. Webster 3rd

Kimberley method

See:combined top slicing and shrinkage stoping

kimberlite

A highly serpentinized porphyritic peridotite, commonly brecciated, which

occurs in vertical pipes, dikes, and sills. It is the principal original
environment of diamond, but only a small percentage of the known
kimberlite occurrences are diamondiferous. See also:blue ground;
yellow ground. The name is derived from Kimberley, South Africa.

kimzeyite

An isometric mineral, Ca3 (Zr,Ti)2 (Si,Al,Fe)3 O (sub

12) ; garnet group.

kind

Eng. Generally signifies tender, soft, or easy to work; said of certain

ores.

Kind-Chaudron process

A method of sinking a deep shaft of large diameter in which a pilot bore

of smaller diameter is first cut, after which the cut is enlarged to the
final diameter, the debris falling into the pilot bore. When water is
encountered, a lining with a moss box at the bottom is forced into place.
CF:Triger process

kindly

See:likely

kindly ground

Eng. Those rocks in which lodes become productive of mineral of value.

kindred

See:rock association

kinematic viscosity

Ratio of absolute viscosity to mass density. Measured in square meters per

second. Hartman, 2

kinetic energy

The form of mechanical energy a body possesses by virtue of its velocity.

The kinetic energy of a body, or the energy of motion, is the work done by
it, or against it, in coming to rest. Water flowing through pipes or air
flowing through a mine roadway possesses kinetic energy.
See also:velocity head

kinetic head

The energy of flowing water that is a function of its velocity.

kinetic metamorphism

A type of metamorphism that produces deformation of rocks without chemical

reconstitution or recrystallization to form new minerals. AGI

kingbolt

a. The bolt with which a cage is attached to the hoisting cable. It

supports the suspended cage.
b. A large bolt that holds the upper end of the tripod legs together and
from which the sheave-wheel clevis is suspended. Long

king brick

Special, hollow, cylindrical fireclay brick, between the bottom fountain

brick and the first lateral brick in a bottom-pour ingot assembly.
See also:bottom-pour ingot assembly
king pile

In a wide excavation where strutting is required, this is a long pile

driven at the strut spacing in the center of the trench before excavation
is started. Hammond

king post

A vertical member of a stamp battery frame that carries the camshaft.

CTD

king screen

A drum-type screen in which the pulp to be screened is delivered on the

outside, the undersize passing through the screen and discharging through
the open end. Liddell

kink

a. A sharp angular deflection in a borehole. Long

b. A deflection in a vein or lode that does not interrupt its continuity.
c. Scot. A twist in a rope; a doubling and interlocking of several links
in a chain. Fay

kink bands

Microscopic to macroscopic deformation lamellae in mineral grains; e.g.,

quartz, pyroxene, mica, kyanite, resulting from plastic flow under
tectonic strain. Also called translation gliding.

kinradite

Orbicular jasper containing spherical inclusions of colorless or nearly

colorless quartz.

kinzigite

A coarse-grained metamorphic rock of pelitic composition occurring in the

granulite facies. Essential minerals are garnet and biotite, with which
occur varying amounts of quartz, K-feldspar, oligoclase, muscovite,
cordierite, and sillimanite. The name is from Kinzig, Schwarzwald,
Germany. AGI

kip

a. N. of Eng. A level or gently sloping roadway, at the extremity of an

engine plane, upon which the full cars stand ready to be sent up the
shaft. The tubs, or cars, usually go to the shaft by gravity. Fay
b. A load of 1,000 lb (454 kg). ASM, 1
kir

Natural asphalt at the surface, Russia.

Kirkup table

A machine for dry cleaning coal. Raw coal is fed onto a perforated plate
inclined at 12.5 degrees to 15 degrees to the horizontal. A pulsating air
current is applied to the underside of the inclined plate, which
stratifies the material, the coal forming the upper layer with the dirt
below, which then passes into separate compartments. The Kirkup table
gives a three-product separation; i.e., coal, middling, and reject.
See also:pneumatic jig; pneumatic table; S.J. table. Nelson

kirovite

A magnesian variety of melanterite. CF:jarosite

Kiruna method

A borehole-inclination survey method whereby the electrolytic deposition

of copper from a solution is used to make a mark on the inside of a metal
container. CF:acid-dip survey

kirve

N. of Eng. To undercut. See also:kerve; kerf. Fay

kirving

a. Newc. The cutting made at the bottom of the coal by the miner.
See also:holing
b. Eng. Undercutting the coal horizontally, usually by hand. Also called
laying-in; ligging-in; holing. SMRB

kirvings

N. of Eng. Small coal, fragments, or cuttings lying in the undercut made

by a cutting machine jib. Trist

kish

Free graphite that forms and floats out of molten hypereutectic cast iron
as it cools. ASM, 1

kishly

York. Hard, dry vein matter, poor in ore; in lead mines. Arkell

kist
a. Eng. The wooden box or chest in which the deputy keeps tools at the
flat or inspection station; the station is said to be at the kist.
SMRB
b. N. of Eng. The meeting place in a district where workers assemble.
(Strictly, the box in which the deputy keeps papers, etc.) Trist

kit

A wooden vessel. Fay

kladnoite

A monoclinic mineral (phthalimide), C6 H4 (CO)2 NH ;

results from burning waste at the Kladno coal basin, Czech Republic.

klaprothine

See:lazulite

klaprothite

A discredited mineral since it is a mixture of wittichenite and

emplectite. Am. Mineral., 1

klebelsbergite

An orthorhombic mineral, Sb4 O4 (OH)2 (SO4 ) ;

forms pale-yellow to orange-yellow platy or acicular crystals on stibnite;
at Baia Sprie, Romania.

kleinite

A hexagonal mineral, Hg2 N(Cl,SO4 ).nH2 O ; yellow to

orange; occurs as short prisms darkening on exposure; sp gr, 8.0; in
Brewster County, TX.

Klein solution

A solution of cadmium borotungstate; sp gr, 3.6; used as a "heavy liquid"

for mineral separation. CF:Clerici solution; methylene iodide;
Sonstadt solution.

kliachite

See:cliachite

klinkstone

See:phonolite
klintite

A reef limestone, particularly the massive core.

klippe

An isolated rock unit that is an erosional remnant or outlier of a nappe.

The original sense of the term was merely descriptive; i.e., included any
isolated rock mass, such as an erosional remnant. Plural, klippen.
See also:nappe
floor. AGI

klockmannite

A hexagonal mineral, CuSe ; slate gray to reddish violet, tarnishing to

blue-black; basal cleavage. Occurs at Sierra de Umango, Argentina; Harz
Mountains, Germany; and Skrikerum, Sweden.

kloof

S. Afr. A mountain pass or cleft; a gorge or narrow valley.

kmaite

A former name for celadonite. See:celadonite

Knapp bottom pressure gage

An instrument designed for studying harbor surging. A strain gage unit,

used in connection with pressure sensitive bellows, comprises the
transducer of the pressure head. The four strain gages in the unit are
connected to form a bridge circuit that is linked to the recorder by an
electrical cable. A direct current voltage is applied to the bridge, and
the record is obtained by recording the unbalanced current from a magnetic
oscillograph. Any standard strain gage recorder can be used for the
recording system. Hunt

knapping machine

An instantaneous stonecrushing machine; a stonebreaker.

Standard, 2

kneading

A filling material composed of clayey rock from which balls are made by a
special machine. These balls are driven by an air current through a tube
resembling a gun barrel into the excavated area to be filled. By impact
and weight, the soft balls are squashed and perfectly fill the excavation.
Stoces
knebelite

A manganoan variety of fayalite.

knee brace

A stiffener between a stanchion or column and a roof truss, to ensure

greater rigidity in a building frame under wind load. Hammond

kneeler

a. The triangular connection by which a horizontal motion is changed to a

vertical one, as in certain mine pumps. Standard, 2
b. A stone cut to provide a change of direction. Crispin
c. The return of the dripstone at the spring of an arch. CTD

knee pad

A protective cushion, usually made of sponge rubber, that can be strapped

to the miner's knee.

knee piece

a. A bent piece of piping. Fay

b. An angular piece of timber used in a roof (mine) to strengthen a joint
where two timbers meet. Fay

knee timber

a. Timber with natural knees or angles in it. Webster 3rd

b. A piece of timber with an angle or knee in it. Webster 3rd

knell stone

N. of Eng. Freestone (sandstone).

knife dog

A tool that fits around and grips drill rods or any tubular drilling
equipment so they can be pulled or lifted from a borehole where workspace
in narrow underground openings is too confined to allow the use of a
hoisting plug. Long

knife edge

a. The girdle of a brilliant, cut to a sharp edge and polished.

Hess
b. A narrow ridge of rock or sand. Syn:feather edge

knife switch
A switch that opens or closes a circuit by the contact of one or more
blades between two or more flat surfaces or contact blades.
Crispin

knipovichite

A chromian variety of alumohydrocalcite.

knistersalze

Crystals of salt mined at Wieliczka, Poland, that decrepitate violently

upon heating, due to excessive enclosed water or gases. Kaufmann

knitted texture

A texture typical of the mineral serpentine in rocks where it replaces a

clinopyroxene. CF:lattice texture

knobbing

The act of roughdressing stone in the quarry by knocking off the

projections and points. Fay

knobbing fire

A bloomery for refining cast iron. Fay

knobellite

An intergrowth of galena with bismuthinite or stibnite. Hess

knock

To sound the mine roof for competence by rapping.

knockbark

Crushed lead ore. Arkell

knocking

a. S. Wales. Signals made underground by knocking on the coal. Fay

b. Eng. Ore broken with a hammer, esp. the large lumps.
Webster 2nd

knockoff bit

See:detachable bit

knockout man
A laborer who frees solidified metal castings from inverted molds of a
casting wheel by prying the castings from the molds with a long steel bar
to drop them into a water pit (bosh) for cooling. DOT

knockstone

Eng. Stone bench on which lead ore is buckered or broken small for the
hotching tubs; Yorkshire lead mines. Also called binkstone. Arkell

knogging

Eng. Small refuse stones used for the inside of walls; Northamptonshire
and Worcestershire. Arkell

Knoop hardness

Microhardness determined from the resistance of metal to indentation by a

pyramidal diamond indenter, having edge angles of 172 degrees 30' and 130
degrees , and making a rhombohedral impression with one long and one short
diagonal. CF:Mohs scale

knot

A small concretion; e.g., of galena in sandstone, or a segregation of

darker minerals in granite and gneiss. AGI

knots

a. Nodules or concretions of pyrite.

b. Any hard inclusions in a rock.
c. Quarrymen's term for dark gray to black masses, more or less oval or
circular in cross section, which are segregations of biotite or hornblende
in granite. English quarrymen call them heathen.
d. Diamonds with included small diamond crystals that cause trouble in
cutting.

knotted schist

See:spotted slate

knotted slate

See:spotted slate

known mine

Land cannot be held to be a "known mine" unless at the time the rights of
the purchaser accrued, there was upon the ground an actual and open mine
that either had been worked or was capable of being worked.
known to exist

A vein or lode is known to exist when it could be discovered by anyone

making a reasonable and fair inspection of the premises for the purpose of
a location.

known vein

A vein or lode is known to exist within the meaning of the mining act when
it could be discovered by or is obvious to anyone making a reasonable and
fair inspection of the premises for the purpose of making a location of a
placer mining claim. This term is not to be taken as synonymous with
located vein and refers to a vein or lode whose existence is known as
distinguished from one that has been appropriated by location. Hence, a
regular location is not necessary before a vein or lode can be a known
vein or lode. The time at which a vein or lode must be known to exist to
except it from a placer patent is the time at which the application for a
patent is made and to contain minerals in such quantity and quality as to
justify expenditure for the purpose of extracting them. Ricketts

knox hole

A circular drill hole with two opposite vertical grooves that direct the
explosive power of the blast. Fay

knox system

A system of separating masses of rock by blasting with black blasting

powder in reamed drill holes, a considerable air space being left between
the charge and the stemming. Fay

knoxvillite

See:copiapite

knuckle

The place on an incline where there is a sudden change in grade. The top
of a grade or hill on a track over which mine cars are hauled. Fay

knuckle joint

A mechanism consisting of some form of two forks coupled together by means

of a cube or sphere provided with projecting pins extending through holes
provided in the outer end of each branch of the fork. When inserted
between the bit and the drill rods, the mechanism can be used to deflect a
borehole. A similar mechanism often is used as a connection between two
shafts on a machine when the ends of the shafts are placed at an angle to
each other. Long
knuckle man

In bituminous coal mining, a person who works at the knuckle (top) of a

haulage slope, coupling trains of cars and attaching and detaching cars to
and from a haulage cable by which they are raised or lowered. Also called
knuckle boy. DOT

knurs and fundlers

Eng. Two words always used together and applied to lumps of gypsum in
marl, Nottinghamshire. Arkell

knurs and knots

The stony nodules found lodged in the strata; commonly harder than the
rest of the mass of the strata. Arkell

kobeite

An amorphous mineral, (Y,U)(Ti,Nb)2 (O,OH)6 (?) ; forms

black metamict crystals at Kobe, Japan.

kobellite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb22 Cu4 (Bi,Sb)30 S (sub

69) ; forms a series with tintinaite.

kochenite

A fossil resin, like amber. From Kochenthal, Tirol, Austria.

English

Koch freezing process

A freezing method of shaft sinking, in which a solution of magnesium

chloride, MgCl2 , is circulated through the freezing tubes instead
of brine. The magnesium chloride is cooled to about -30 degrees C at the
refrigerating plant, and this temperature is capable of freezing the
ground without the solution itself freezing and choking the tubes.
Anhydrous ammonia, carbon dioxide, or sulphur dioxide is used as the
refrigerating agent. Nelson

koechlinite

An orthorhombic mineral, Bi2 MoO6 ; forms minute tabular

crystals; at Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.

koehler lamp

A naphtha-burning flame safety lamp for use in gaseous mines. Fay

Koepe hoist

Winding system in which both cages in a mine shaft are connected to the
same rope, via the drum. Pryor, 3

Koepe sheave

The wheel that is used in the Koepe winder instead of a winding drum. It
usually consists of a cast-steel hub with steel arms and rim of welded
construction. The diameter of the sheave varies from about 16 to 26 ft
(4.9 to 7.9 m), depending on the size and type of winding rope and the
total load. It is recommended that the ratio of the diameter of the sheave
to the diameter of the rope should be 100:1 and that of the sheave to the
largest wire in the rope, 2,000:1. A Koepe sheave is fitted with renewable
friction linings. See also:sheave; winding sheave. Nelson

Koepe system

a. A system of hoisting without using drums, the rope being endless and
passing over pulleys instead of around a drum. Zern
b. In this system, the hoisting drum is replaced by a large driving sheave
15 to 20 ft (4.6 to 6.1 m) in diameter. The angle of contact of the rope
with the sheave is from 190 degrees to 200 degrees or a little over a half
circle. Driving is done through the friction grip of the sheave on the
rope; therefore, a tail rope is used around a sheave at the bottom of the
shaft to give the necessary pull on the slack side. Lewis

Koepe winder

A system where the winding drum is replaced by a large wheel or sheave.

Both cages are connected to the same rope, which passes around some 200
degrees of the sheave in a groove of friction material. The Koepe sheave
may be mounted on the ground adjacent to the headgear or in a tower over
the shaft. The drive to the rope is the frictional resistance between the
rope and the sheave. It requires the use of a balance rope. It is often
used for hoisting heavy loads from deep shafts and has the advantage that
the large inertia of the ordinary winding drum is avoided. The system has
been widely used in Europe for many years, and some large projects in
Great Britain are being equipped with winders of this type.
See also:multirope friction winder

Koepe winder brake

A brake which acts directly on the Koepe sheave and can be applied by the
winding engine operator's brake lever and the other safety devices.
Nelson

koettigite

See:koettigite
kohlenhobel

See:coal plow

kolbeckite

A monoclinic mineral, ScPO4 .2H2 O ; blue to gray.

Syn:sterrettite

Kollen garnet

Almandine from Kollen, Bohemia, Czech Republic.

See also:Bohemian garnet

kolm

a. A variety of cannel coal occurring locally as lenticles in Swedish alum

shales and containing 30% of ash rich in rare metals, including uranium
and radium. Tomkeieff
b. See:culm
c. A variety of anthraxolite; a hydrocarbon that resembles oil shale.
Crosby
d. A shale impregnated with asphaltite. Hess

kolovraite

The mineral hydrous vanadate of Ni and Zn; in yellow botryoidal crusts; at

Ferghana, Uzbekistan.

komatiite

Magnesium-rich ultramafic volcanic rock of high temperature origin. The

term was originally applied by Viljoen and Viljoen (1969) to basaltic and
ultramafic lavas near the Komati river, Barberton Mountain Land,
Transvaal, South Africa. Nickel-copper sulfide mineral deposits may be
associated with komatiites.

kong

Barren bedrock underlying tin-bearing gravel. Pryor, 3

konimeter

Apparatus used to measure dust in mine atmosphere. A measured volume of

air is drawn through a jet so as to impinge on a glass surface coated with
glycerin jelly. The adherent dust is then examined and the particles are
counted under the microscope. Also called Zeiss konimeter.
See also:dust sampling

koninckite
A tetragonal mineral, FePO4 .3H2 O(?) ; occurs in yellow
spheroidal aggregates; at Liege, Belgium.

Kootenai series

Part of the Comanchean, of the continental facies, including coal seams,

occurring in western Canada. CTD

Korfmann arch saver

A machine for withdrawing steel arches by means of a controlled hydraulic

system instead of drawing them by hand or winches. Nelson

Korfmann power loader

A double-ended cutter loader; i.e., it can cut and load in both

directions. It consists of four milling heads and one cutter chain
surrounding them; guided by armored conveyor; rope-hauled; cuts at 2.3
ft/s (0.7 m/s) and flits at 10 ft/s (3.0 m/s). The minimum workable seam
thickness is 26 in (66 cm) on gradients from 0 degrees to 12 degrees ;
maximum length of face is 165 yd (151 m); takes 3-1/2 ft (1.07 m) per cut,
continuous mining. Nelson

kornelite

A monoclinic mineral, Fe2 (SO4 )3 .7H2 O ;

forms rose to violet prisms; an alteration of pyrite.

kornerupine

An orthorhombic mineral, Mg4 (Al,Fe)6 (Si,B)4 O (sub

21) (OH) ; forms columnar crystals with prismatic cleavage; in high-grade
metamorphic aluminous rocks.

korzhinskite

A mineral, CaB2 O4 .H2 O ; in skarns with other

calcium borate minerals.

koettigite

A monoclinic mineral, Zn3 (AsO4 )2 .8H2 O ;

vivianite group; forms a series with parasymplesite; carmine-red with one
perfect cleavage; occurs with smaltite at Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany.
Also spelled koettigite.

kotulskite

A hexagonal mineral, Pd(Te,Bi) .

Kotze konimeter

A dust-sampling instrument consisting of an air cylinder and piston

actuated by a spring, and so arranged that on release of the piston a
known volume of air is impinged at high velocity against a plate coated
with vaseline. The dust spot so produced is examined under the microscope,
and a count is made of the number of particles. Greenburg

Kourbatoff's reagent

An etchant for steel; it consists of seven parts of a solution containing

20% methyl alcohol, 20% ethyl alcohol, 20% iso-amyl alcohol, and 10% butyl
alcohol added to three parts of a solution of 4% nitric acid in acetic
anhydride. This etchant colors sorbite and troostite, leaving the other
constituents unaffected. Osborne

koutekite

A hexagonal mineral, Cu5 As2 .

kramerite

See:probertite

krantzite

A fossil resin resembling amber and found in small yellowish grains

disseminated in brown coal. Tomkeieff

kratochvilite

An orthorhombic mineral, C13 H10 .

kraurite

See:dufrenite

krausite

A monoclinic mineral, KFe(SO4 )2 .H2 O ; forms soft

yellowish-green prismatic crystals and crusts.

kremersite

An orthorhombic mineral, (NH4 ,K)2 FeCl5 .H2 O;

forms red pseudo-octahedra around fumaroles in Sicily, Italy.

krennerite
One of the gold telluride group of minerals, (Au,Ag)Te2 ;
corresponds to the same general formula as sylvanite and calaverite.
Silver-white to pale yellow color; sp gr, 8.35. Found in Colorado and
Romania. Syn:white tellurium

kriging

a. A weighted, moving-average interpolation method in which the set of

weights assigned to samples minimizes the estimation variance, which is
computed as a function of the variogram model and locations of the samples
relative to each other, and to the point or block being estimated.
b. In the estimation of ore reserves by geostatistical methods, the use of
a weighted, moving-average approach both to account for the estimated
values of spatially distributed variables, and also to assess the probable
error associated with the estimates. SME, 1

kriging standard deviation

The standard error of estimation computed for a kriged estimate. By

definition, kriging is the weighted linear estimate with the particular
set of weights that minimizes the computed estimation variance (standard
error squared). The relationship of the kriging standard deviation to the
actual error of estimation is very dependent on the variogram model used
and the validity of the underlying assumptions; therefore, kriging
standard deviations should be interpreted with caution.

Krohnke process

The treatment of silver ores preparatory to amalgamation, by humid

chloridization with copper dichloride. Fay

kroehnkite

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 Cu(SO4 )2 .2H2 O ;

azure; in Chilean copper deposits. Also spelled kroehnkite.

Kroll process

Process in which purified titanium tetrachloride is reduced to the

metallic state with magnesium in an inert atmosphere of helium or argon.

Krupp process

a. See:Krupp washing process

Fay
b. A cementation process designed for the hardening of surface steel, as
for armor plates, where the object is to strengthen the outer portion of
the mass from the surface toward the interior. Standard, 2

Krupp-Renn
The process for the production of iron and steel from medium-grade ores,
such as those containing 44% to 57% iron and having a high silicon
content. The process involves a continuous reduction and is carried out in
a revolving tube furnace, which is designed for the production of iron.
The iron is reduced into a sponge and then converted into low-carbon
metallic grains, which are called pellets.

Krupp washing process

The removal of silicon and phosphorus from molten pig iron by running it
into a Pernot furnace lined with iron oxides. Iron ore may also be added,
and the bath is agitated by rotation for 5 to 8 min only.
See:Krupp process
Fay

kryptomere

See:aphanite

kryzhanovskite

An orthorhombic mineral, MnFe2 (PO4 )2 (OH)2

.H2 O ; an oxidation product of phosphoferrite; forms a series with
garyansellite.

K-spar

See:potassium feldspar

K.T.A.M. auger tube

See:K.T.A.M. double-tube auger.

K.T.A.M. double-tube auger

A double-tube soil-sampling device designed to be rotated by hand to

obtain soil samples from relatively shallow depths. The inner tube is a
swivel type, and its cutting end leads the bottom of the spiral on the
outside of the outer tube. Long

kua

Specially shaped hoe used for working gravel in the sluice in Japan.
Fay

kulm

See:culm

kundaite
A variety of grahamite from Estonia. Distinguished by the brown color of
its powder and its greater solubility in turpentine and chloroform.
English; Tomkeieff

kunkur

See:kankar

kunzite

A gem variety of spodumene; lilac, transparent. Syn:lithia amethyst

kupferschiefer

A dark-colored shale once worked for copper in Germany.

kupletskite

A triclinic mineral, (K,Na)3 (Mn,Fe)7 (Ti,Nb)2 Si

8 O24 (O,OH)7 ; astrophyllite group; forms series with
astrophyllite and with cesium kupletskite.

kuprojarosit

See:cuprojarosite

kurnakovite

A triclinic mineral, MbB3 O3 (OH)5 .5H2 O ;

dimorphous with inderite.

kuroko

In Japan, black ore. The kuroko deposits consist of intimately mixed

zincblende, galena, and barite, associated (in places) with large masses
of pyrite and gypsum. Hess

kurtosis

In statistics, the technical name describing peakedness of a frequency

distribution. It is statistically measured as the coefficient of quartile
kurtosis.

kutnohorite

A trigonal mineral, 2[Ca(Mn,Mg,Ca,Fe)(CO3 )2 ] ; dolomite

group; in carbonate veins. Also spelled kutnahorite.

kyack
A packsack to be swung on either side of a packsaddle. Webster 3rd

kyanite

A triclinic mineral, 4[Al2 SiO5 ] ; trimorphous with

andalusite and sillimanite; in blades that are distinctly harder across
than along; a common rock-forming mineral in schist and gneiss. Also
spelled cyanite. Syn:disthene; sappare.

kyanophyllite

A mixture of paragonite plus muscovite.

kyrosite

A variety of marcasite. Syn:white copper ore

labeled atom

Atom rendered radioactive and thus traceable through a chemical process or

a flow line. Also called tagged atom. Pryor, 3

labile

Said of rocks and minerals that are mechanically or chemically unstable;

easily decomposed. CF:unstable

labile protobitumens

Easily decomposable plant and animal products such as fats and oils or
proteins that are found in peat and sapropels. Tomkeieff

lability

The property of bituminous emulsions, relating to the ease with which they
break when put into use. Labile emulsions are quick breaking.
Nelson

labor

a. A shaft, cavity, or other part of a mine from which ore is being or has
been extracted; a working, as a labor in a quicksilver mine.
See also:working
b. The annual assessment work required on claims calls for $100.00 of
labor and improvements. In Australia, claims have continuous labor or are
manned throughout the year. von Bernewitz
c. A Spanish term used in early land surveys in Texas for unit of area
equal to about 177.14 acres (representing a tract 100 varas square).
Pronounced la-bore. AGI
laboratory

In the iron and steel industry, the space between the fire and flue
bridges of a reverberatory furnace in which the work is performed. Also
called "kitchen and hearth." Fay

La Bour centrifugal pump

A self-priming centrifugal pump containing a trap, which always ensures

sufficient water for the pump to function, and also a separator to remove
the entrained air in the water. Lewis

labradorescence

Optical diffraction of monochromatic light, commonly blue, caused by

exsolution lamellae in some labradorite samples; appears to come from
within the sample. CF:labrador moonstone

labrador hornblende

See:orthopyroxene

labradorite

A triclinic mineral, (Ca,Na)[(Al,Si)AlSi2 O8 ] ; CaAl 70 to

50 mol % and NaSi 30 to 50 mol %; plagioclase series of the feldspar
group; a common rock-forming mineral in basalt, gabbro, and anorthosite;
also in hornfels and siliceous marble.

Labrador moonstone

A variety of labradorite displaying an internal play of colors.

See:labradorescence

Labrador rock

See:labradorite

labuntsovite

A monoclinic mineral, (K,Ba,Na)(Ti,Nb)(Si,Al)2 (O,OH)7 .H

2 O . Also spelled labuntzovite; labountsovite.

labyrinth

a. A series of canals through which a stream of water is directed for

sorting crushed ore according to its specific gravity. Fay
b. A pipe or chamber of many turnings, for condensing metal vapors or
fumes. Standard, 2
laccolite

See:laccolith

laccolith

A concordant igneous intrusion with a known or assumed flat floor and a

postulated, dikelike feeder commonly thought to be beneath its thickest
point. It is generally plano-convex in form and roughly circular in plan,
less than 5 miles (8 km) in diameter, and from a few feet to several
hundred feet in thickness. See also:phacolith
AGI

lace

Eng. Line cut, with the point of a pick, on slickensides.

lacing

a. The timber or other material placed behind and around the main
supports. See also:lagging; lofting. Nelson
b. Strips or light bars of wrought iron bent over at the ends and wedged
between the bars and the roof. Fay
c. Small boards or patches that prevent dirt from entering an excavation
through spaces between sheeting or lagging planks. Nichols, 1
d. Bars placed diagonally to space and stiffen members, as in a built-up
column. Crispin
e. Eng. Wood placed inside the sets of timber as a tie from prop to prop.
Also called stringing piece. See also:bracing
f. N. Staff. Timbers placed across the tops of bars or caps to secure the
roof between the timbers. Fay

lack clay

Ire. A thin pan under the moors. Arkell

LaCoste-Romberg gravimeter

A long-period vertical seismograph suspended system adapted to the

measurement of gravity differences. Sensitivity is achieved by adjusting
the system to proximity to an instability configuration. AGI

lacroixite

A monoclinic mineral, NaAl(PO4 )F ; isostructural with durangite;

in cavities in granite pegmatites.

lactic acid
In flotation, a depressant sometimes used to depress iron minerals.
Pryor, 3

lacustrine

Pertaining to, formed in, growing in, or inhabiting lakes.

ladder

a. The arm that carries the tumblers and bucket line of a dredge.
Fay
b. The continuous line of mud buckets, carried on an oblique endless
chain, in a bucket ladder excavator or dredger. CTD
c. The digging boom assembly in a hydraulic dredge or chain-and-buckets
ditcher. Nichols, 1

ladder-bucket dredge

See:bucket-ladder dredge

ladder ditcher

An excavator that digs ditches by means of a chain of traveling buckets

supported by a boom.

ladder drilling

Arrangement used in large-scale rock tunneling. Retractable drills with

pneumatic power legs are mounted on prefabricated steel ladders in tiers,
connected into a holding frame or jumbo. As many as 22 drills can be
worked simultaneously by a small labor force. Pryor, 3

ladder lode

See:ladder vein

ladder sollar

A platform at the bottom of each ladder in a series. Standard, 2

ladder vein

One of a series of mineral deposits in transverse, roughly parallel

fractures that have formed along foliation planes perpendicular to the
walls of a dike during its cooling or along shrinkage joints in basaltic
rocks or dikes. Syn:ladder lode

ladderway
a. See:manway
b. Mine shaft, raise, or winze between two main levels, equipped with
ladders. Pryor, 3
c. The particular shaft or compartment of a shaft containing ladders. Also
called ladder road. Fay

lade

a. Scot. A load.
b. A watercourse, ditch, or drain.
c. The mouth of a river.

laded metal

Molten glass dipped from a melting pot to a casting table. Also called
gathered metal. Standard, 2

lading hole

In glassmaking, an orifice through which melted glass is ladled or taken

out by a cuvette. Standard, 2

ladle

a. In a smelter or foundry, a steel-holding vessel used in the transfer

and transport of molten metal, matte, or slag. Pryor, 3
b. A long-handled, cup-shaped tool for ladling glass out or from one spot
to another. Also used for filling open pots. ASTM

ladle addition

In foundry work, addition of special metals (e.g., granulated nickel) or

compounds (e.g., ferrosilicon) to molten iron in ladle to produce special
qualities in castings. Pryor, 3

ladle craneman

In the iron and steel industry, a person who places ladles under the
tapholes of furnaces and holds them in position while the metal is poured
into them. Also called charging floor crane operator; ladle crane
operator; steel charger. DOT

ladle filler

In metallurgy, a person who transfers molten metal from the furnace into a
ladle and skims and fluxes metal preparatory to casting. DOT

ladle furnace
A small furnace for calcining or melting substances in a ladle.
Standard, 2

ladle liner

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a person who repairs and relines
pouring ladles used to transport molten metals, such as iron, steel, and
copper. Also called ladle cleaner; ladle dauber; ladle houseman; ladle
mender; ladle patcher; ladle repairman. DOT

ladle lip

A concave projection at the upper edge of a ladle to guide the metal in

pouring. Mersereau, 2

ladler

Worker who pours molten glass from a suspended ladle on casting table for
rolling into sheet glass. DOT

Lafond's tables

A set of tables and associated information for correcting reversing

thermometers and computing dynamic height anomalies; compiled by E.C.
Lafond and published by the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office as H.O. Pub. No.
617. Hunt

lag

a. To place planks, slabs, or small timbers over horizontal, or behind

upright, members of mine timber sets to form a ceiling or wall.
Long
b. In flotation, any retardation of an output with respect to the causal
input. Fuerstenau
c. A flattish piece of wood or other material to wedge the timber or steel
supports against the ground and to secure the area between the supports.
See also:lid; wedge. Nelson
d. To protect a shaft or level from falling rock by lining it with timber
(lagging). CTD
e. Time required for circulation liquid to travel downward from the drill
pump through the drill string to the bit or upward from the bottom of the
borehole to the collar. Long
f. The lapse of time between the occurrence of an event or condition and
its detection on a recording device. Long
g. To provide or cover with lags; as, to lag a boiler with a nonconductor;
to lag timbers in a mine. See also:lags; lagging.
Standard, 2; Fay
h. A distance class interval used for variogram computation.

lag deposit
See:lag gravel

lagergestein

Ger. The enclosed pieces of older rocks in a sedimentary ore deposit.

Schieferdecker

lag fault

An overthrust, the thrusted rocks of which move differentially so that the

upper part of the geologic section is left behind; the replacement of the
upper limb of an overturned anticline by a fold fault.
Syn:tectonic gap

lagged liner

A metal plate with raised areas, to be inserted in the bottom of shaker

conveyor troughs and held in place by spot welding. The raised areas
assist coal travel on steep grades or under wet conditions.
Jones, 1

lagging

a. Lagging wedges and secures the roof and sides behind the main timber or
steel supports in a mine and provides early resistance to pressure. If
concrete slabs are used, they are made in lengths to fit between the arch
webs. The lagging behind steel arches in tunnels may be pyrolith-treated,
fire-resisting boards. Also called lacing. Nelson
b. Pieces of timber about 4 ft 6 in by 6 in by 2 in (1.4 m by 15 cm by 5
cm) with one end sharpened or beveled to give the lath an upward trend
when being driven into the roof gravels. A number of laths driven into the
roof form a protective shield for the miners working in the face.
Sometimes called laths. Eng. Min. J., 1
c. In shafts, planks, usually 2 in, placed on the outside of sets. Coeur
D'Alene lagging has 2-in by 2-in cleats nailed to the top and bottom of
the wall and end plates about 2 in back from the outer edge. The lagging
is then cut to fit between the plates and is placed against the cleats and
flush with the plates on the outside. Lewis
d. Narrow boards, generally planed, placed horizontally on the arch frames
of a center. On this lagging the arch of masonry is built. The term is
also applied to poling boards. Stauffer
e. Planks, slabs, or small timbers placed over the caps or behind the
posts of the timbering, not to carry the main weight, but to form a
ceiling or a wall, preventing fragments or rock from falling through.
See also:lag
f. Heavy planks or timbers used to support the roof of a mine, or for
floors of working places, and for the accumulation of rock and earth in a
stope. Fay
g. Long pieces of timbers closely fitted together and fastened to the drum
rings to form a surface for the rope to wind on. Fay
h. The narrow strips supporting an arch of masonry while in construction.
Standard, 2
i. The surface or contact area of a drum or flat pulley, esp. a detachable
surface or one of special composition. Nichols, 1
j. Boards fastened to the back of a shovel for blast protection.
Nichols, 1
k. Covering on boilers, tanks, and pipes used to provide thermal
insulation. Pryor, 3
l. Material applied to pulleys to increase traction between the pulley and
belt and to decrease wear on both. See also:backing deals
m. Verb. To install lagging. AGI

lagging bar

See:roof stringer

lag gravel

a. A residual accumulation of rock fragments remaining on a surface after

the finer material has been blown away by winds.
See also:desert pavement; pebble armor. AGI
b. Coarse-grained material that is rolled or dragged along the bottom of a
stream at a slower rate than the finer material, or that is left behind
after currents have winnowed or washed away the finer material. Syn:lag;
lag deposit. AGI

lagre

Fr. In sheet glass manufacture, a sheet of perfectly smooth glass,

interposed between the flattening stone and the cylinder that is to be
flattened. Standard, 2

lags

Eng. Long pieces of timber closely fitted together and fastened to oak
curbs or rings forming part of a drum used in sinking through quicksand or
soft ground. CF:lag

lag screw

a. A square-headed, heavy wood screw. It must be tightened down with a

wrench because its head is not slotted. Crispin
b. A flat-headed machine screw by which to fasten wood lagging, as on a
curve surface. Standard, 2

lag time

The total time between the initial application of current and the rupture
of the circuit within the detonator. BS, 12
lahar

See:mudflow

laihunite

Black monoclinic mineral, Fe2+ Fe23+ (SiO4

)2 .

lair

Clay; mud; mire. Arkell

laitakarite

A trigonal mineral, Bi4 (Se,S)3 . Syn:selenjoseite

lake-bed placer

In Alaska, a placer in the bed of a present or ancient lake; generally

formed by landslides or glacial damming.

Lake copper

Copper produced from the Lake Superior ores in which the metal occurs
native and is of high purity. CTD

Lake George diamond

See:Herkimer diamond

lake ore

a. See:bog iron; bog iron ore.

b. A disklike or irregular concretionary mass of ferric oxyhydroxide less
than 1 m thick; or a layer of porous, yellow bedded limonite formed along
the borders of certain lakes. See also:bog ore

Lake Superior agate

a. Any agate from the Lake Superior region.

b. Thompsonite marked or banded like agate from the Lake Superior region.

Lake Superior greenstone

See:pumpellyite

lambda plate

See:mica plate
Lambert's Law

See:translucency

lamella

A thin scale, leaf, lamina, or layer; e.g., one of the units of a

polysynthetically twinned mineral, such as plagioclase. Plural, lamellae.
AGI

lamellar

Composed of or arranged in lamellae; disposed in layers like the leaves of

a book. Syn:lamellate

lamellar flow

Flow of a liquid in which layers glide over one another.

CF:laminar flow

lamella roof

A vault or large span built up with short structural members of timber or

pressed steel, joined together in a diamond pattern by bolting or other
suitable connections. This system, which is a type of stressed-skin
construction, was patented in 1925 by a German engineer. Hammond

lamellar pyrite

See:marcasite

lamellar stellate

In mineralogy, having or consisting of lamellae arranged in groups

resembling stars. Standard, 2

lamellar twinning

Multiple parallel twins; e.g., albite twinning in plagioclase.

Syn:polysynthetic twinning

lamellate

See:lamellar

lame-skirting

Widening a passage by cutting coal from the side of it. Also called
skipping; slicing. Fay
lamina

The thinnest recognizable layer in a sedimentary rock. Plural, laminae.

CF:stratum

laminar flow

Water flow in which the stream lines remain distinct and the flow
direction at every point remains unchanged with time. It is characteristic
of the movement of ground water. CF:turbulent flow; lamellar flow.
Syn:streamline flow; sheet flow. AGI

laminar velocity

That velocity below which, in a particular conduit, laminar flow will

always exist, and above which the flow may be either laminar or turbulent,
depending on circumstances. Also known as lower critical velocity.
Seelye, 1

laminated

In very thin parallel layers.

laminated iron

Iron in the form of thin sheets; used as cores of transformers, etc. The
losses due to eddy currents with laminated iron cores are lower when
compared with solid cores. Nelson

laminated quartz

Vein quartz containing slabs, blades, or laminar films of other material.

AGI

laminating machine

A set of rolls or any apparatus for making thin plates of metal, such as
gold, preliminary to beating. Standard, 2

laminating roller

The adjustable roller in a rolling mill whereby the thickness of rolled

metal sheets is regulated. Standard, 2

lamination

a. The formation of a lamina or laminae. AGI

b. The state of being laminated; specif. the finest stratification of
bedding, typically exhibited by shales and fine-grained sandstones.
AGI
c. A laminated structure. AGI

laminations

Of rocks, bedding in layers less than 1 cm thick; formation with thin

layers that vary in grain or composition. Pryor, 3

lamings

a. Partings in coal seams. Arkell

b. N. of Eng. A collier's term for accidents of almost every description
to people working in and about the mines. A variation of lame, to cripple
or disable. Fay

lamp

a. See:safety lamp
b. A small handheld electrical device that produces an intense ultraviolet
radiation, called "black light." See:black light; fluorescent lamp.
Long
c. An electrical lamplike device producing intense ultraviolet radiations
for visually examining drill cores or rock specimens for the presence
and/or abundance of fluorescent minerals. Long

lampadite

Wad containing 4% to 18% copper oxide and commonly cobalt.

Syn:cupreous manganese

lamp cabin

a. A place above ground where the safety and cap lamps are maintained,
before being handed to the workers.
b. See:lamp room

lamp cleaner

See:lampman

lamp cup

A means for supporting a flame safety lamp on a tripod to provide a sight

for surveying. BS, 7

lamp house

See:lamp cabin

lamping
In prospecting, use of a portable ultraviolet lamp to reveal fluorescent
minerals. Pryor, 3

lamp keeper

See:lampman

lampman

a. The person in charge of the lamp room at a mine responsible for the
maintenance of the safety lamps. Nelson
b. In mining, one who cleans, tests, and repairs lamps used underground by
miners. Also called battery charger; lamp cleaner; lamp-house man; lamp
keeper; lamp repairer; safety-lamp keeper. DOT

lamp rack

A rack upon which electric cap lamp batteries are placed to be charged.

lamp repairer

See:lampman

lamprobolite

See:oxyhornblende

lamproite

A group name for dark-colored hypabyssal or extrusive rocks rich in

potassium and magnesium; also, any rock in that group, such as madupite,
orendite, fitzroyite, verite, cedricite, or wyomingite. AGI

lamp room

A room or building at the surface of a mine provided for charging,

servicing, and issuing all cap, hand, and flame safety lamps held at the
mine. See also:self-service system

lamprophyllite

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 (Sr,Ba)2 Ti3 (SiO4 )

4 (OH,F)2 . Syn:molengraafite

lamprophyre

A group of dark-colored, porphyritic, hypabyssal igneous rocks

characterized by panidiomorphic texture, a high percentage of mafic
minerals (esp. biotite, hornblende, and pyroxene), which form the
phenocrysts, and a fine-grained groundmass with the same mafic minerals in
addition to feldspars and/or feldspathoids; also, any rock in that group.
Most lamprophyres are highly altered. They are commonly associated with
carbonatites. CF:leucophyre

lamprophyric

Said of the holocrystalline-porphyritic texture exhibited by lamprophyres,

in which phenocrysts of mafic minerals are contained in a fine-grained
crystalline groundmass. AGI

lamproschist

Metamorphosed lamprophyre with a schistose structure containing brown

biotite and green hornblende. AGI

lamp station

a. Fixed places in the intake airway of a coal mine where the miners'
safety lamps are externally examined by a deputy before the workers
proceed to their working places. In a safety lamp mine, the lamp station
is the only place where flame safety lamps may be opened and relighted.
Nelson
b. Locations in gaseous mines where safety lamps are opened, cleaned, and
refilled or charged by a qualified attendant. Hudson
c. A place underground, appointed for the examination, by an official, of
safety lamps in use. BS, 13
d. A lamp room. Fay

Lanarkian

A subdivision of the Coal Measures--based mainly on plant fossils. It

represents in part, the millstone grit of South Wales; well developed in
South Scotland, where coal seams are present. Nelson

lanarkite

A monoclinic mineral, Pb2 (SO4 )O ; perfect basal cleavage;

named for Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Lancashire bord-and-pillar system

See:bord-and-pillar method

Lancashire method

A method of working moderately inclined coal seams. The first stage

consists of splitting a panel of coal into pillars and as a second stage
the pillars are extracted on the retreat by a longwall face.
Nelson
lanchut

A short sluice used for cleaning tin concentrate. Hess

land

a. To set or allow the bottom end of a drivepipe or casing to rest at a

preselected horizon in a borehole. Long
b. For reamers, drills, and taps, the solid section between the flutes.
ASM, 1

land accretion

Reclamation of land from the sea or other low-lying or flooded areas by

draining and pumping, dumping of fill, or planting of marine vegetation.
AGI

land chain

A surveyor's chain of 100 links.

land compass

A surveyor's compass.

lander

a. A worker stationed at one of the levels of a mine shaft to unload rock

from the bucket or cage and load drilling and blasting supplies to be
lowered to the crew. Webster 3rd
b. In the quarry industry, one who supervises and assists in guiding,
steadying, and loading, on trucks or railroad cars, blocks of stone
hoisted from the quarry floor. Syn:top hooker
c. In metal mining, a laborer who (1) cleans skips by directing a blast of
compressed air into them through a hose; (2) records number of loaded
skips hoisted to surface; and (3) loads railroad cars with ore from bins
by raising and lowering chute doors. DOT
d. In anthracite coal mining, bituminous coal mining, or metal mining, one
who works with shaft sinking crew at top of shaft or at a level
immediately above shaft bottom, dumping rock into mine cars from a bucket
in which it is raised. Also called bucket dumper; landing tender; top
lander. DOT
e. Eng. The person who receives the loaded bucket or tub at the mouth of
the shaft. Also called banksman. Fay

landerite

A pink or rose variety of grossular in dodecahedra. Syn:rosolite;

xalostocite.
landesite

An orthorhombic mineral, (Mn,Mg)9 Fe3 (PO4 )8

(OH)3 .9H2 O .

landform

Any physical, recognizable form or feature of the Earth's surface, having

a characteristic shape, and produced by natural causes; it includes major
forms such as plain, plateau, and mountain, and minor forms such as hill,
valley, slope, esker, and dune. Taken together, landforms make up the
surface configuration of the Earth. Syn:relief feature

landform system

A group of related natural features, objects, or forces; e.g., a drainage

system or a mountain system. See also:mountain system

landing

a. The top or bottom of a slope, shaft, or inclined plane. Fay

b. The mouth of a shaft where the cages are unloaded; any point in the
shaft at which the cage can be loaded with people or materials.
Nelson
c. The brow or level section at the top of an inclined haulage plane where
the loaded tubs are exchanged for empty tubs, or vice versa.
See also:apex
d. A preselected and prepared horizon in a borehole on or at which the
bottom end of a drivepipe or casing string is to be set. Long
e. A platform from which to charge a furnace. Standard, 2
f. Level stage in a shaft at which cages are loaded and discharged.
Pryor, 3

landing box

Scot. The box into which a pump delivers water. Fay

landing shaft

S. Wales. A shaft through which coal is raised. Fay

landing tender

See:lander

land pebble

See:land-pebble phosphate

land-pebble phosphate
A term used in Florida for a pebble phosphate occurring as pellets,
pebbles, and nodules in gravelly beds a few feet below the ground surface.
It is extensively mined. Syn:land pebble; land rock; matrix.
AGI

land plaster

Finely ground gypsum used as a fertilizer.

land rock

A syn. used in South Carolina for land-pebble phosphate. AGI

Landsat

Multispectral data from satellite remote sensing imagery that provides

landscape patterns reflecting geologic structures, types of rocks, and
vegetation. SME, 1

landscape agate

See:moss agate

landscape marble

A close-grained limestone characterized by dark conspicuous dendritic

markings that suggest natural scenery (woodlands, forests); e.g., the
argillaceous limestone in the Cotham Marble near Bristol, England.
Syn:forest marble

landslide

A general term covering a wide variety of mass-movement landforms and

processes involving the downslope transport, under gravitational
influence, of soil and rock material en masse. Usually the displaced
material moves over a relatively confined zone or surface of shear. The
wide range of sites and structures, and of material properties affecting
resistance to shear, result in a great range of landslide morphology,
rates, patterns of movement, and scale. Landsliding is usually preceded,
accompanied, and followed by perceptible creep along the surface of
sliding and/or within the slide mass. Terminology designating landslide
types generally refers to the landform as well as the process responsible
for it; e.g., rockfall, translational slide, block glide, avalanche,
mudflow, liquefaction slide, and slump. Syn:landsliding; slide;
landslip. AGI

landsliding

See:landslide
landslip

A British syn. of landslide. AGI

land subsidence

See:subsidence

lands valuable for minerals

As used in the mining law, applies to all lands chiefly valuable for
nonmetalliferous deposits, such as alum, asphaltum, borax, guano,
diamonds, gypsum, marble, mica, slate, amber petroleum, limestone, and
building stone, rather than for agricultural purposes. Such lands are
subject to disposition by the United States under the mining laws only.
Ricketts

land weight

Lanc. The pressure exerted by the subsidence of the cover or overburden.

Lane mill

A slow-speed roller mill of the Chilean type. A horizontal spider carrying

six rollers revolves slowly in a pan 10 ft (3 m) or more in diameter,
making about 8 rpm. Liddell

langbanite

A trigonal mineral, (Mn,Ca)4 (Mn,Fe)9 SbSi2 O (sub

24) ; in skarns. Also spelled laangbanite. (Not langbeinite.)

langbeinite

An isometric mineral, K2 Mg2 (SO4 )3 ;

associated with halite and sylvite in marine evaporite deposits; a source
of potash. (Not langbanite.)

langite

A monoclinic mineral, Cu4 (SO4 )(OH)6 .2H2 O ;

in blue-green concretionary crusts; in Cornwall, U.K., and
Stredoslovensky, Slovakia.

lang lay rope

A rope in which the wires are twisted in the same direction as the strands
and the wires are thus exposed to wear for a much greater length than in
round rope. The smoother lang lay resists wear to better advantage and is
frequently preferred for haulage ropes. Syn:universal lay rope
Lewis; Sinclair, 5

Langmuir's adsorption isotherm

The equation for calculating a gas monolayer on a flat surface.

Pryor, 3

Langmuir trough

Rectangular tank used to measure the surface tension of a monolayer

adsorbed at the surface of a liquid. Pryor, 3

Lang's lay rope

See:winding rope

lansfordite

A monoclinic mineral, MgCO3 .5H2 O ; forms small stalactites

that alter to nesquehonite in mines near Lansford, PA.

lantern

Enclosed light (candle or oil) carried by a mine worker. Hess

lanthanite

An orthorhombic mineral, (Ce,La,Nd)2 (CO3 )3 .8H (sub

2) ) ; further speciated according to its predominant rare-earth element;
in pegmatites and carbonate-rich sediments.

lanyon shield

An iron curtain, stiffened by ribs of angle iron, suspended from trolley

wheels running on a rail parallel with and in front of a furnace to
protect the worker from the furnace heat. Fay

lap

a. One coil of rope on the winding drum of the mine hoist.

Pryor, 3
b. Polishing cloth used in preparing polished mineral specimens by
abrasive grinding. Pryor, 3
c. A surface defect, appearing as a seam, caused by folding over hot
metal, fins, or sharp corners and then rolling or forging them into the
surface, but not welding them. ASM, 1
d. To dimension, smooth, or polish (as a metal surface or body) to a high
degree of refinement or accuracy. Webster 3rd
e. An imperfection; a fold in the surface of a glass article caused by
incorrect flow during forming. ASTM
f. A tool used for polishing glass. ASTM
g. A rotating disk of soft metal or wood, used to hold polishing powder
for cutting or polishing gems or metal.

laper

Impure sandy green limestone with shaly partings in the Middle Purbeck
beds, Swanage, U.K. Also spelled leaper; leper.

lapidary

a. An artificer who cuts, polishes, or engraves gems or precious stones.

b. Person who is skilled in the nature and kind of gems or precious
stones; a connoisseur of lapidary work.

lapilli

Pyroclastics that may be either essential, accessory, or accidental in

origin, of a size range that has been variously defined within the limits
of 2 mm and 64 mm. The fragments may be either solidified or still viscous
when they land (though some classifications restrict the term to the
former); thus there is no characteristic shape. An individual fragment is
called a lapillus. CF:cinder

lapilliform

Having the form of small stones.

lapis lazuli

a. A lazurite-bearing rock; contains lazurite or hauyne (possibly

zeolitized), diopside, edenitic amphibole (koksharovite), muscovite,
calcite, and pyrite; occurs in various shades of blue; possibly the
original sapphire of the ancients; Syn:azure; lazuli.
b. Gem-quality lazurite. (Not lazulite.)
c. An ultramarine-colored serpentine in India. See also:ultramarine

lapis matrix

Lapis lazuli (lazurite) containing prominent patches of calcite.

See also:Chilean lapis; lazurite.

LaPointe picker

Miniature belt conveyor, on which small ore particles move singly past a
Geiger-Mueller tube that is set to operate a sorting device. This removes
from the passing stream each particle of radioactive ore that reaches the
required intensity, therefore sorting out the valuable material.
Pryor, 3
lapped

a. Overlapped and fitted together. Nichols, 1

b. The act of polishing or grinding on a lap.

Laramide orogeny

A time of deformation, typically recorded in the eastern Rocky Mountains

of the United States, whose several phases extended from late Cretaceous
until the end of the Paleocene. It is named for the Laramie Formation of
Wyoming and Colorado, probably a synorogenic deposit. AGI

Laramide revolution

See:Laramide orogeny

lardalite

See:laurdalite

larderellite

A monoclinic mineral, (NH4 )B5 O6 (OH)4 .

lardite

a. White hydrated silica, probably a variety of opal; occurring in clay in

central Russia.
b. Massive talc. Syn:steatite; agalmatolite.
c. A massive variety of muscovite and/or pyrophyllite.
See also:pagodite

lard oil

An oil produced from animal fats. This oil is an efficient lubricant for
use on metal-cutting tools. Crispin

lardstone

Massive talc; steatite.

lard stone

A kind of soft stone found in China. See also:steatite; agalmatolite.

Fay

large
Eng. The largest lumps of coal sent to the surface, or all coal that is
handpicked or does not pass over screens; also the largest coal that
passes over screens. Fay

large coal

a. One of the three main size groups by which coal is sold by the National
Coal Board of Great Britain. Large coal has no upper size limit and has a
lower size limit of 1-1/2 to 2 in (3.8 to 5.1 cm) and embraces large
screened coal, cobbles, and treble sizes. See also:graded coal; smalls.
Nelson
b. Coal above an agreed size without any upper size limit. Also called
lump coal. BS, 5

large colliery

Gr. Brit. In general, a colliery producing more than 1,500 st/d (1,360
t/d). Nelson

large-diameter boring machine

An auger-type coal-cutting machine developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines

for use in anthracite mining. It can drill holes 1 ft (31 cm) in diameter,
300 ft (91 m) long, and larger holes for shorter distances.

large knot

A large knot is one whose average diameter exceeds one-third the width of
the surface on which it appears; but such a knot may be allowed if it
occurs outside the sections of the mine track tie between 6 in and 18 in
(15 cm and 46 cm) from each end.

large shake

A large shake is one that exceeds one-third the width of the mine track
tie. A shake not exceeding this limitation and that does not extend nearer
than 1/2 in (1.3 cm) to any surface shall be permissible.

large split

A term applying to mine track ties. A large split is a split exceeding 5

in (13 cm) in length. Splits not longer than 5 in are permissible
providing satisfactory antisplitting devices have been properly applied.

larnite

A monoclinic mineral, 4[beta-Ca2 SiO4 ] ; gray; in contact

metamorphosed limestone. CF:bredigite

larsenite
An orthorhombic mineral, PbZnSiO4 ; forms colorless to white
prisms; in veins at Franklin, NJ.

Larsen's pile

A type of pile consisting of hollow cylinders that increase resistance

against bending and crumpling. They are esp. useful in shaft sinking in
sand and gravel. Stoces

Larsen's spiles

Steel sections of various forms, made esp. to resist bending, that are
used in place of wooden spiles in forepoling. Stoces

Larson ledge finder

A tool used to reach bedrock when the driven pipe has failed.

larvikite

An alkalic syenite, grading to monzonite, composed of phenocrysts of two

feldspars (esp. oligoclase and alkali feldspar), often intimately
intergrown, which comprise up to 90% of the rock, with diopsidic augite
and titanaugite as the chief mafic minerals, and accessory apatite
(generally abundant), ilmenite, and titaniferous magnetite, and less
commonly olivine, bronzite, lepidomelane, and quartz or feldspathoids
(less than 10% by volume). Its name, given by Broegger in 1890, is derived
from Larvik, Norway. Also spelled laurvikite. Syn:blue granite
AGI

laser

An active electron device that converts input power into a very narrow,
intense beam of coherent visible or infrared light; the input power
excites the atoms of an optical resonator to a higher energy level, and
the resonator forces the excited atoms to radiate in phase. Derived from
"light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation."
See also:maser

lash

To attach a chain to a haulage rope by wrapping or lapping the end of the

chain around the rope, the other end being attached to a mine wagon.
Mason

lasher

a. A native employed to do lashing. See also:lashing

b. See:mucker
lasher-on

A person employed to lash the chains from the tubs to the endless rope, in
underground mechanical haulage. CTD

lashing

a. Any of a number of planks nailed inside of several frames or sets in a

shaft to keep them in place. Also called listing. Webster 2nd
b. A binding, generally of light line around the end of a rope.
c. In South Africa, loading broken rock or ore with shovels.
Nelson
d. Shoveling rock downstope to ore passes--work performed by a lasher. A
"lasher-on" connects tubs or trucks to a rope haulage. Also called
mucking. Pryor, 3

lashing chain

A short chain to attach tubs to an overrope in endless rope haulage by

wrapping it around the rope. The chain may be about 12 ft (3.7 m) long, of
low manganese steel, with 3/8-in-diameter (9.5-mm-diameter) standard
links. At one end of the chain, a ring 4 in (10.2 mm) in diameter is
attached to the drawbar hook of the tub, and to a hook about 3/8 in in
diameter to secure it to the rope at the lashing end. On an undulating
road, two lashing chains may be necessary--one forward and one rear of the
tub. Nelson

lash-up

Extemporized engineering rig for a temporary job. Pryor, 1

lasque

A thin, flat diamond with a simple facet at the side; used by Indian
cutters to cover miniature paintings. Also spelled lask. Also called
portrait stone.

last lift

N. of Eng. The last rib or jud to come off a pillar. Fay

latch

a. The locking device on a hoist hook, elevator, lifting bail, etc.

Long
b. The inner-tube locking and unlocking device in the head of a wire-line
core barrel. Long

latches
a. Applied to the split rail and hinged switches. Syn:switch
Fay
b. Hinged switch points, or short pieces of rail that form rail crossings.
Fay

late magmatic mineral

A mineral formed during the late stages of magmatic activity, between the
main stage of crystallization and the pegmatitic stage.

latent heat

Thermal energy absorbed or emitted in a process (as fusion or

vaporization) other than change of temperature. CF:sensible heat
Webster 3rd

latent heat of fusion

The amount of heat required to change 1 g of a substance at the

temperature of its melting point from the solid to the liquid state
without changing temperature. Morris

lateral

a. A hard heading that branches off a horizon, in horizon mining, along

the strike of the seams. It may be from 14 to 20 ft (4.3 to 6.1 m) wide.
At intervals of 1,000 to 1,500 yd (910 to 1,400 m) along the lateral,
crosscut roads are driven at right angles to intersect and develop the
coal seams. From the crosscuts, conveyor panels are opened out in the
seams. In general, the term lateral is also applied to any coal heading
driven in a sideways direction. Nelson
b. Belonging to the sides, or to one side. Fay
c. A horizontal mine working. Fay
d. Situated on or at, or pertaining to, a side. CTD
e. A conduit diverting water from a main conduit, for delivery to
distributaries. Seelye, 1
f. A secondary ditch. Seelye, 1

lateral cleavage

Cleavage parallel to the lateral planes. Webster 3rd

lateral development

Any system of development in coal seams or thick orebodies in which

headings are driven horizontally across the coal or ore and connected to
main haulage drifts, entries, or shafts. There are many variations and
modifications depending on the thickness, shape, and inclination of the
deposit. See also:horizon mining
lateral deviation

The horizontal distance by which a borehole misses its intended target.

Long

lateral draw

The angle of draw over a strike face or over workings in a flat seam.
Briggs

lateral secretion

A theory of ore genesis formulated in the 18th century and passing in and
out of use since. It postulates the formation of ore deposits by the
leaching of adjacent wall rock. In current usage, convectively driven
fluids associated with cooling plutons are thought to have abstracted
metals from adjacent host rocks and transported them to new sites of
deposition, as in the formation of certain porphyry base-metal deposits.
See also:lithogene; segregated vein. AGI

lateral support

Means whereby walls are braced either vertically or horizontally by

columns, pilasters, or crosswalls, or by floor or roof constructions,
respectively. ACSG, 1

later arrival

A signal that is recorded on a seismogram later than the first arrival of

energy. Schieferdecker

laterite

Red residual soil developed in humid, tropical, and subtropical regions of

good drainage. It is leached of silica and contains concentrations
particularly of iron oxides and hydroxides and aluminum hydroxides. It may
be an ore of iron, aluminum, manganese, or nickel. Adj. lateritic.
Syn:latosol

laterlog

The electrical resistivity of coal appears to decrease with ash content.

The laterlog measures what is virtually the true resistivity of the coal
and may ultimately provide information on seam quality. The laterlog uses
a sheet of current that is focused on each formation in succession and so
measures the resistivity of that formation only. The mud column or a salty
mud has no effect on the measured resistivity. The laterlog may be
measured by a seven- or three-electrode arrangement but the former is
preferred. Sinclair, 3
latex cement

A specialized cementing material consisting of a portland-type cement,

latex, a surface-active agent, and water, having a setting time equivalent
to a neat portland-cement slurry. Latex cement shrinks less and is
tougher, stronger, less permeable, and more durable than portland cement.
Long

Latex spray

Trade name for a synthetic rubber fluid, which, when sprayed onto
underground stoppings, forms a tough nonflammable coating thus preventing
air feeding fires or heatings, or air leakages through doors, surface air
locks, and air crossings. Also called Latex sealant. Nelson

lath

a. A board or plank sharpened at one end, like sheet piling, used in

roofing levels or in protecting the sides of a shaft through a stratum of
unstable earth. See:spill
b. A long, thin mineral crystal. AGI

lath frame

A weak lath frame, surrounding a main crib, the space between being for
the insertion of piles. Fay

lathlike

Refers to crystals with three distinctly different dimensions.

CF:acicular; tabular; rodlike; equant.

laths

a. Corn. The boards or lagging put behind a frame of timber. Fay

b. Corn. Pieces of timber about 4 ft 6 in by 6 in by 2 in (1.4 m by 15 cm
by 5 cm) with end sharpened or beveled to give the lath an upward trend
when being driven into the roof gravels. A number of laths driven into the
roof form a protective shield for the miners working in the face. Also
called lagging. Eng. Min. J., 1

latite

A porphyritic extrusive rock having phenocrysts of plagioclase and

potassium feldspar in nearly equal amounts, little or no quartz, and a
finely crystalline to glassy groundmass, which may contain obscure
potassium feldspar; the extrusive equivalent of monzonite. Latite grades
into trachyte with an increase in the alkali feldspar content, and into
andesite or basalt, depending on the presence of sodic or calcic
plagioclase, as the alkali feldspar content decreases. It is usually
considered synonymous with trachyandesite and trachybasalt, depending on
the color. The name, given by Ransome in 1898, is derived from Latium,
Italy. AGI

latitude correction

a. The north-south correction made to observed magnetic-field intensity in

order to remove the Earth's normal field (leaving, as the remainder, the
anomalous field). AGI
b. A correction of gravity data with latitude, because of variations in
centrifugal force owing to the Earth's rotation and because of differences
in the radius owing to polar flattening. The correction for latitude phi
amounts to 1.308 sin 2 phi mgal/mi = 0.813 sin 2 phi mgal/km. AGI

latosol

See:laterite

latrobite

A pink anorthite from Amitok Island, LB, Canada. Standard, 2

latten

Metal in thin sheets, esp. (and originally) brass, which in this form is
also called latten brass. Standard, 2

lattice

An array of points in space such that each point is in an identical point

environment. Thus, any straight line drawn between any two points in a
lattice and continued will pass at equal intervals through a succession of
similar points. Fourteen possible lattices exist. Syn:Bravais lattice;
space lattice. CF:net; row.

lattice constant

See:lattice parameter

lattice energy

Energy required to separate the ions of an ionic crystal to an infinite

distance from each other. Pryor, 3

lattice girder

An open girder, beam, or column in timber, steel, or aluminum alloy, built

up from structural members joined and braced together by intersecting
diagonal bars. See also:space lattice
lattice parameter

Lattice parameters are the unit lengths along each crystallographic axis
and their interaxial angles. See also:axial element

lattice texture

a. In mineral deposits, a texture produced by exsolution in which elongate

crystals are arranged along structural planes. AGI
b. A texture that is typical of the mineral serpentine in a rock where it
replaces an amphibole. CF:knitted texture

lattice water

a. Water that is an integral part of the clay structure. This structural

water (OH lattice water) is not to be confused with interlayer water. The
lattice water can be removed by heating in the range of about 450 to 600
degrees C. ACSG, 2
b. Molecular water at specific lattice sites. Van Vlack

laubanite

See:natrolite.

laubannite

Alternate spelling of laubanite.

Laue diagram

See:Laue photograph

laueite

A triclinic mineral, MnFe2 (PO4 )2 (OH)2 .8H

2 O ; dimorphous with stewartite.

Laue photograph

A collection of X-ray diffraction spots made by a crystal using a Laue

camera and white radiation. Syn:Laue diagram

launder

a. A flume, trough, channel, or chute by which water or powdered ore is

conveyed in a mining operation. AGI
b. An inclined channel, lined with refractory material, for the conveyance
of molten steel from the furnace taphole to a ladle. Also spelled lander.
Dodd
launder man

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a laborer who maintains and

repairs the launders (long boxes), used to convey water and mill pulp
between the various units of ore-treating equipment in a mill. DOT

launder screen

A screen used for the sizing and dewatering of small sizes of anthracite.
Mitchell

launder separation process

In this process, a stream of fluid carries the material to be separated

down a channel provided with draws for separating a heavy-gravity product
and means for overflowing a lighter one. If properly constructed and
operated, a comparatively solid bed of material will form on the bottom of
the launder. Above this bed, a layer of particles will move along by the
stream at a comparatively slow speed. Above this, successive layers will
move with greater and greater velocity. Mitchell

launder washer

A type of coal washer in which the coal is separated from the refuse by
stratification due to hindered settling while being carried in aqueous
suspension through a trough. Modern launder washers have various
mechanisms for continuously removing refuse from the bottom of the trough.
Early launder washes were intermittent in operation.

laundry box

The box at the surface receiving the water pumped up from below.
Fay

Laurasia

Hypothetical continent in the Northern Hemisphere that broke up about the

end of the Carboniferous Period to form the present northern continents.

laurdalite

An alkalic syenite containing more than 10% modal feldspathoids and

characterized by porphyritic texture. Also spelled lardalite. The name,
given by Broegger in 1890, is for Laurdal, Norway. AGI

Laurentian granite

A name that was originally applied to Precambrian granites of the

Laurentian Highlands, eastern Canada, and later to the oldest granites
near the U.S.-Canadian border northwest of Lake Superior.
laurionite

An orthorhombic mineral, PbCl(OH) ; dimorphous with paralaurionite; in

ancient lead-ore slags.

laurite

An isometric mineral, RuS2 ; pyrite group; occurs with other

platinum-group minerals in ultramafic and placer deposits.

lauroleic acid

Unsaturated fatty acid, C12 H22 O2 . Pryor, 3

laurvikite

See:larvikite

lausenite

A monoclinic mineral, Fe2 (SO4 )3 .6H2 O .

lautarite

A monoclinic mineral, Ca(IO3 )2 .

Lauth mill

Mill with three rolls, the middle roll being much smaller than the other
two. Only the two larger rolls are driven, work being performed between
the bottom and middle and middle and top rolls alternately; the roll
setting is adjusted between passes. Osborne

lautite

An orthorhombic mineral, CuAsS .

lava breccia

See:volcanic breccia

lava dome

A dome-shaped mountain of solidified lava in the form of many individual

flows, formed by the extrusion of highly fluid lava, e.g., Mauna Loa, HI.
See also:shield volcano

lavatory

A place where gold is obtained by washing. Standard, 2

lavendine

See:amethystine quartz

lavenite

A monoclinic mineral, (Na,Ca)2 (Mn,Fe)(Zr,Ti)Si2 O7

(O,OH,F)2 . Also spelled laavenite.

lavialite

A metamorphosed basaltic rock with relict phenocrysts of labradorite in an

amphibolitic groundmass. The term was originated by Sederholm in 1899, who
named it after Lavia, Finland. AGI

lavrovite

A chromian variety of diopside. Also spelled lavroffite; lawrowite.

lawn

A fine-mesh gauze used as a sieve for clay. Crispin

law of cosines

In trigonometry, a law stating that in any triangle the square of one side
equals the sum of the squares of the two other sides minus twice the
product of these two other sides multiplied by the cosine of the included
angle. Jones, 2

law of equal volumes

In ore genesis, the statement that during the formation of ore by

replacement there is no change in rock volume or form.
Syn:Lindgren's volume law

law of extralateral rights

See:apex law

law of gravitation

The law, discovered by Sir Isaac Newton, that every particle of matter
attracts every other particle of matter, and the force between them is
proportional to the product of their masses divided by the square of their
distance apart. See also:gravitation; gravity. Standard, 2

law of mass action

The rate of a chemical reaction is directly proportional to the molecular
concentrations of the reacting substances.

law of motion

A statement in dynamics that a body at rest remains at rest and a body in

motion remains in uniform motion in a straight line unless acted upon by
an external force. The acceleration of a body is directly proportional to
the applied force and is in the direction of the straight line in which
the force acts. For every force there is an equal and opposite force or
reaction. Webster 3rd

law of refraction

a. When a wave crosses a boundary, the wave normal changes direction in

such a manner that the sine of the angle of incidence between wave normal
and boundary normal divided by the velocity in the first medium equals the
angle of refraction divided by the velocity in the second medium.
AGI
b. Light, upon crossing a boundary between two transparent substances of
different optical densities, changes direction according to n2 /n
1 =sin i, where n1 is the refractive index (RI) for the
incident light ray making an angle i, and n2 is the RI for the
refracted light ray making an angle r with the boundary (n1 < n
2 ). Light rays refracted according to this law are called
"ordinary" rays. CF:critical angle; extraordinary ray; ordinary ray;
total reflection. Syn:Snell's law

law of sines

In trigonometry, a law stating that in any triangle (either right or

oblique) the sides are proportional to the sines of their opposite angles.
Jones, 2

law of superposition

A general law upon which all geologic chronology is based: In any sequence
of sedimentary strata (or of extrusive igneous rocks) that have not been
overturned, the youngest stratum is at the top and the oldest at the base;
i.e., each bed is younger than the bed beneath, but older than the bed
above it. The law was first clearly stated by Steno (1669). AGI

lawsonite

An orthorhombic mineral, 4[CaAl2 Si2 O7 (OH)2

.H2 O] ; dimorphous with partheite; pale blue; Mohs hardness, 8; in
high-pressure, low-temperature schists.

laxmannite
See:vauquelinite

lay

a. The direction, or length, of twist of the wires and strands in a rope.

Zern
b. The length of lay of wire rope is the distance parallel to the axis of
the rope in which a strand makes one complete turn about the axis of the
rope. The length of lay of the strand, similarly, is the distance in which
a wire makes one complete turn about the axis of the strand.
c. To close or withdraw from work; said of collieries. Standard, 2
d. The pitch or angle of the helix of the wires or strands of a rope,
usually expressed as the ratio of the diameter of the strand or rope to
the length required for one complete twist. Hunt
e. Prov. Eng. A standard of fineness for metals; possible from the Spanish
ley. Hess

lay-by

a. Siding in otherwise single-track underground tramming road.

Pryor, 3
b. A term used for an underground siding at or near a shaft for storing
empty mine cars.
c. See:bank

layer

a. A bed or stratum of rock.

b. One of a series of concentric zones or belts of the Earth, delineated
by seismic discontinuities. A classification of the interior of the Earth
that designates layers A to G from the surface inward. AGI

layer depth

Thickness of the mixed surface layer of water. Hy

layered

N. of Eng. Choked up with sediment or mud.

layering

See:bedding

layering number

A dimensionless number, the value of which, taken in conjunction with

inclination, roughness, and whether the ventilation is ascensional or
descensional, determines the mixing and movement of combustible gases roof
layers. BS, 8
layering of combustible gases

The formation of a layer of combustible gases at the roof of a mine

working and above the ventilating air current. BS, 8

layer-loading

Procedure for loading coal in railroad cars in horizontal layers.

Layer-loading is a simple and inexpensive method for smoothing out the
irregularities in coal and consists in shuttling two to six railroad cars,
hooked together, past the loading boom two or more at a time. This results
in a more uniform product. Mitchell

laying out

See:setting out

lay of rope

See:winding rope

lay of the land

See:topography

layout

a. The design or pattern of the main roadways and workings. The proper
layout of mine workings is the responsibility of the manager aided by the
planning department. Nelson
b. The map of a mine or part of a mine, usually including future workings
arrangement. BCI
c. Diagram showing disposition of machines in a mill's flow line.
Pryor, 3

lay rope

Ordinary lay rope has the wires twisted in a direction opposite to the
twist of the strands in the rope. The pitch of wire is from 2-1/2 to 3
times the diameter of the rope, and the pitch of the strands is from 6-1/2
to 9 times the diameter of the rope, the wires being exposed only in short
lengths at intervals. Lewis

lazarevicite

See:arsenosulvanite

lazuli

See:lapis lazuli
lazulite

a. A monoclinic mineral, 2[MgAl2 (PO4 )2 (OH)2

] ; forms a series with scorzalite; azure blue; in granite pegmatites and
quartz veins; may be a blue gemstone. Syn:azure spar; blue spar;
false lapis; berkeleyite; klaprothine. (Not lazurite.)
b. The mineral group barbosalite, hentschelite, lazulite, and scorzalite.

lazulitic

Of, pertaining to, or having the characteristics of lazulite.

Standard, 2

lazurite

a. An isometric mineral, (Na,Ca)8 (Al,Si)12 (O,S)24

[(SO4 ),Cl2 ,(OH)2 ] of the sodalite group; deep blue
to greenish blue; a contact metamorphic product in limestone; may be a
blue gemstone (lapis lazuli). Also spelled lasurite. (Not lazulite.)
See also:Chilean lapis
b. See:azure; azurite.

lazy balk

a. Eng. A timber placed at the top of a hopper, against which the top of
the car strikes in dumping, to prevent the car from falling into the
hopper. Fay
b. Eng. The balk or girder held in position by a banger. Also called lazy
girder. SMRB

lazy bench

The bench to one side of the drill tripod or derrick floor where visitors
and workers can sit while observing the drilling operation. Long

lazy girder

See:lazy balk

lazy tong conveyor

See:accordion roller conveyor

L.D. steel process

Process in which oxygen is blown downwards at high velocity through a

watercooled lance onto the surface of the hot metal contained in a basic
lined vessel. To offset the intense heat produced, coolant materials are
added with the original charge. These may be iron ore, sinter, or roll
scale, but usually steel scrap is the main material used. As much as 26%
of scrap may be used. After about 20 min, the charge is converted into
liquid steel. During the process, tests and analyses are made and
materials may be added to bring the metal to the required grade and
temperature. See also:open-hearth process; O.L.P. steel process.
Nelson

leachate

A solution obtained by leaching; e.g., water that has percolated through

soil containing soluble substances and that contains certain amounts of
these substances in solution. Syn:lixivium

leach dump

Low-grade ores that are dumped loosely in piles on soil surfaces so that
fluids may be sprinkled on the piles to leach recoverable metals.
SME, 1

leached zone

The part of a lode above the water table, from which some ore has been
dissolved by down-filtering meteoric or spring water.

leacher

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, one who dissolves valuable metal
out of ore or slime, using chemical solution. DOT

leach hole

See:sinkhole

leaching

a. The separation, selective removal, or dissolving-out of soluble

constituents from a rock or orebody by the natural action of percolating
water. AGI
b. Dissolution from ore or concentrates after suitable comminution to
expose the valuable minerals, by aqueous and chemical attack. If heat and
pressure are used to intensify or speed this, the work is called pressure
leaching. See also:chemical extraction; hydrometallurgy.
Pryor, 3
c. The removal in solution of nutritive or harmful constituents (such as
mineral salts and organic matter) from an upper to a lower soil horizon by
the action of percolating water, either naturally (by rainwater) or
artificially (by irrigation). AGI
d. The extraction of soluble metals or salts from an ore by means of
slowly percolating solutions; e.g., the separation of gold by treatment
with a cyanide solution. Syn:lixiviation
leaching rate test

A test designed to assess the value of antifouling compositions by

measuring the rate of loss of toxic ingredients from a painted surface
during immersion in seawater. Osborne

leach material

Material sufficiently mineralized to be economically recoverable by

selectively dissolving the wanted mineral in a suitable solvent.
See also:leaching

leach pile

Mineralized materials stacked so as to permit wanted minerals to be

effectively and selectively dissolved by application of a suitable solute.

leach precipitation float

A mixed method of chemical reaction plus flotation developed for such

copper ores as chrysocolla and the oxidized minerals. The value is
dissolved by leaching with acid, and the copper is reprecipitated on
finely divided particles of iron, which are then recovered by flotation,
yielding an impure concentrate in which metallic copper predominates.
Abbrev., L.P.F. Pryor, 3

lead

a. A bluish-white metal of bright luster, very soft, highly malleable,

ductile, and a poor conductor of electricity; very resistant to corrosion;
a cumulative poison. Symbol, Pb. Rarely occurs in native form; chiefly
obtained from galena (PbS). Lead is used in storage batteries, cable
covering, plumbing, ammunition, antiknock gasoline, radiation shielding,
and to absorb vibration. Other lead compounds are used in paints, fine
glass, and lenses. Environmental concern with lead poisoning has resulted
in a U.S. national program to reduce the concentration of lead in
gasoline. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3
b. An open watercourse, usually artificial, leading to or from a mill,
mine, or reservoir. Syn:leat
c. See:ledge; lode. CF:blind lead
d. A placer deposit. CF:blue lead; deep lead. Pron. leed.
e. A defined gutter of auriferous wash. Pron. leed. Gordon
f. A track haulage term for the distance from the point of a frog to the
point of the switch. Pron. leed. Kentucky
g. A term sometimes used for the distance between the sheave and the
winding drum centers. The greater the lead, other things being equal, the
smaller the fleeting angle. Too great a lead results in vibration and
whipping of the rope between sheave and drum. Idler or sag rollers are
frequently installed where long leads are necessary. Pron. leed.
Nelson
h. The distance a bit is held suspended off bottom in a borehole before
rotation and downward movement of the drill string is started. Pron. leed.
Long
i. Commonly used synonym for ledge or lode. Many mining location notices
describe the locator's claim as extending a certain number of feet along
and so many feet on each side of the lode, lead, vein, or ledge. Thus
Lead, S. Dak., was so named because of the Homestake lead. Blind lead: A
lead or vein that does not outcrop or show at the surface. Used esp. at
Virginia City, NV. CF:lode
j. Properly, placer gravels. Blue lead: A Tertiary river channel at
Placerville, CA. So called because of the bluish-gray color of the
gravels. Deep lead: Goldbearing gravels deeply covered with debris or lava
applied particularly to those of Victoria, Australia. Pron. leed.
Fay
k. The longitudinal distance traveled in one revolution by a spiral thread
or screw. Pron. leed. Long

lead-acid accumulator

A secondary cell battery with an electromotive force of about 2 V. It is

suitable for work where a steady voltage is required, and extensively used
for motor car lighting, miners' safety lamps, shuttle cars, and battery
locomotives. Morris

leadage

The distance coal has to be hauled from the mine to its place of shipment.
Standard, 2

lead azide

A nitrite of lead, Pb(N3 )2 , used as an initiating

explosive in blasting caps.

lead bath

A furnace in which gold or silver ores are smelted with lead.

Standard, 2

lead button

In the separation of the noble metals from their impurities, lead is fused
with the ore. The bullion so formed drops to the bottom of the crucible in
the lead button from which the precious metal is extracted by cupellation.
Syn:crucible assay

lead carbonate

See:cerussite; white lead ore.

lead edge

The surfaces or inset cutting points on a bit that face in the same
direction as the rotation of the bit. Long

leader

a. A narrow vein branching upwards at an angle from a much larger vein.

See also:dropper
b. A thin layer of coal, coaly shale, or ironstone that serves as a guide
or datum toward workable beds in a mine.

leaders

Guides in a pile frame to take the drop hammer of a pile driver.

Hammond

lead feldspar

Synthetic PbAl2 Si2 O8 .

lead fume

The fume escaping from lead furnaces and containing both volatilized and
mechanically suspended metalliferous compounds. Fay

lead glance

See:galena

leadhillite

A monoclinic mineral, 8[Pb4 (SO4 )(CO3 )2 (OH)

2 ] ; trimorphous with macphersonite and susannite; soft; may
fluoresce yellow; in oxidized zones of lead-ore deposits.

leading heading

The one of a pair of parallel headings that is kept a short distance in

advance of the other. This may be adopted to drain the water and thus
secure one dry heading. The term is also applied to a heading that is
driven in the solid coal in advance of the general line of face.
Nelson

leading place

Scot. A working place in advance of the others, such as a heading or a

level. Fay

leadings
Derb. Small sparry veins in the rock. Syn:leader

leading stone

See:lodestone

leading winning

Aust. A heading in advance of the ordinary bords. A leading bank.

Fay

leading wire

An insulated wire strung separately or as a twisted pair, used for

connecting the two free ends of the circuit of the blasting caps to the
blasting unit. See also:leads

lead lap

a. A gem cutter's lap, of lead, copper, or iron; also, the entire machine.
Standard, 2
b. In mechanics, a lap of lead charged with emery and oil. Fay

lead metacolumbate

Pb(CbO3 )2 ; a ferroelectric material with a Curie

temperature of 570 degrees C. The material can be polarized to obtain
piezoelectric properties. Uses include high-temperature transducer
applications, sensing devices, and accelerometers.
Syn:lead metaniobate

lead metaniobate

See:lead metacolumbate

lead metasilicate

See:alamosite

lead motorman

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a person who operates a small

electric locomotive (motor) to haul pots of molten lead bullion from a
blast furnace to refining kettles for the separation of copper, antimony,
silver, and other metals contained in the lead bullion. DOT

lead niobate
Pb(NbO3 )2 ; a ferroelectric compound having properties that
make it useful in high-temperature transducers and in sensing devices. The
Curie temperature is 570 degrees C. Dodd

lead ocher

See:massicot; litharge.

lead of a switch

The distance measured on the main line from the point of switch to the
point of frog. Also called frog distance. Kiser

lead rail

The lead rail of an ordinary mine switch is the turnout rail lying between
the rails of the main track. Kiser

leads

The wires, forming part of an electric detonator, to which the shot-firing

cable is attached. BS, 12

lead selenide

See:clausthalite

lead silicate

See:alamosite

lead spar

See:cerussite; anglesite.

lead sulfide

See:galena; glance.

lead tantalate

PbTa2 O6 ; a compound believed to have ferroelectric

properties and of possible interest as a special electroceramic. The Curie
temperature is 260 degrees C. Dodd

lead tree

A crystalline deposit of metallic lead on zinc that has been placed in a

solution of acetate of lead. Standard, 2
lead-uranium ratio

The ratio of lead-206 to uranium-238 and/or lead-207 to uranium-235,

formed by the radioactive decay of uranium within a mineral. The ratios
are frequently used as part of the uranium-thorium-lead age method.
AGI

lead vitriol

See:anglesite

lead-well man

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a person who maintains flow of

molten lead from the blast furnace to the lead pot for removal to
refinery. DOT

lead wires

a. In blasting, the heavy wires that connect the firing current source or
switch with the connecting or cap wires. Nichols, 1
b. Two insulated copper wires leading from the battery or igniting
apparatus to the primer cartridge in an explosive charge. Also called
connecting wires. Stauffer

lead works

A place where lead is extracted from the ore. Fay

lead zirconate

PbZrO3 ; a ferroelectric material. It is also used in lead

titanate-zirconate (P.Z.T) piezoelectric ceramics. Dodd

leaf

A very thin sheet or plate of metal, as gold. Standard, 2

leaf clay

See:book clay

league

a. Any of various linear units of distance, ranging from about 2.42 to 4.6
statute miles (3.89 to 7.4 km); esp. land league (an English land unit
equal to 3 statute miles or 4.83 km) and marine league (a marine unit
equal to 3 nmi or 5.56 km). AGI
b. Any of various units of land area equal to a square league; esp. an old
Spanish unit for the area of a tract 5,000 varas square, equal to 4,428.4
acres (1,792.1 ha) in early Texas land descriptions or equal to 4,439
acres (1,796 ha) in old California surveys. AGI

leak

Low-grade mineralized rock into which an orebody degenerates. Hess

leakage

An unintentional diversion of ventilation air from its designed path.

BS, 8

leakage coefficient

A numerical expression of a duct's liability to leak. The National Coal

Board of Great Britain defines this as the volume of air in cubic feet per
minute that would leak from 100 ft (30 m) of a ventilation duct under a
uniform pressure of 1 in (2.54 cm) of water gage. Roberts, 1

leakage halo

A dispersion pattern formed by the movement of ore-forming fluids in the

rock overlying a mineral deposit.

leakage intake

An additional intake that is a component part of a system of controlled

leakage. BS, 8

leakage intake system

A ventilation circuit with two adjacent intake roadways leading to the

coalface. The method has been criticized because the air flow may become
so sluggish as to cause combustible gases layers. See also:two intakes
Nelson

leakage resistance

The resistance between the blasting circuit, including lead wires, and the
ground. Atlas

leak vibroscope

An instrument that detects leaks in water, oil, gas, steam, and air lines
by amplifying the sound produced by the escaping fluid. Osborne

lean

a. Of ore, low-grade; submarginal; unpay; of doubtful exploitable value.

Pryor, 3
b. A rock in which the minerals sought occur in much less than exploitable
amounts. Long
c. See:hang
d. See:low-grade

lean clay

A clay of low to medium plasticity owing to a relatively high content of

silt or sand. CF:fat clay

lean ore

A low-grade ore. See also:lean; natural ore. Nelson

leap

Eng. A dislocation of strata by faulting.

leapfrog system

A system employed with self-advancing supports on a longwall face in which

alternate supports are advanced on each web of coal removed. To do this,
alternate units have to be moved a distance equal to twice the web
thickness--half before snaking and half after snaking. Nelson

lear

See:lehr

learies

Eng. Empty places; old workings. Fay

leasable minerals

A legal term that for Federally owned lands, or Federally retained mineral
interest in lands in the United States, defines a mineral or mineral
commodity that is acquired through the Mineral Lands Leasing Act of 1920,
as amended; the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970, as amended; or the Acquired
Lands Act of 1947, as amended. These Acts are found in Title 30 of the
United States Code - Mineral Lands and Mining. The leasable minerals
include oil, gas, sodium, potash, phosphate, coal, and all minerals within
Acquired Lands. Acquisition is by application for a Government lease and
permits to mine or explore after lease issuance. SME, 1

lease

a. A contract between a landowner and another, granting the latter the

right to search for and produce oil or mineral substances upon payment of
an agreed rental, bonus, and/or royalty. AGI
b. The instrument by which such grant is made.
c. A piece of land leased for mining purposes. See also:claim;
concession system; royalty.

leaser

A Western colloquiallism meaning lessee.

Leasing Act Minerals

Deposits of coal, phosphate, oil, oil shale, gas, sodium, potassium and
sulfur that can be leased from the U.S. Government under the Mineral
Leasing Act for acquired lands. SME, 1

leat

a. A mill stream used by small mines for power generation. Nelson

b. A ditch that leads water to mineral workings. Pryor, 3

leatherstone

See:mountain leather

leaving

Corn. The mineral left after the good ore has been removed; tailings.

lechatelierite

Naturally fused gray siliceous glass; actually a minor rock type varying
in composition according to the original sand type, typically 90% to 99.5%
silica. CF:fulgurite; impactite. Also spelled lechatelierite.

lechosos opal

A variety of precious opal exhibiting a deep green play of color; esp. a

Mexican opal exhibiting emerald-green play of color and flashes of
carmine, dark violet, dark blue, and purple.

lecontite

An orthorhombic mineral, (NH4 ,K)Na(SO4 ).2H2 O ;

occurs in bat guano.

led

N. of Eng. A spare tub, or one that is being loaded while another is being
emptied. Fay

ledge
a. A narrow shelf or projection of rock, much longer than wide, formed on
a rock wall or cliff face. AGI
b. A rocky outcrop; solid rock. AGI
c. An underwater ridge of rocks, esp. near the shore; also, a nearshore
reef. AGI
d. A quarry exposure or natural outcrop of a mineral deposit. AGI
e. A bed or several beds in a quarry or natural outcrop, particularly
those projecting in a steplike manner. AGI
f. The surface of such a projecting bed. AGI
g. In mining, a projecting outcrop or vein, commonly of quartz, that is
supposed to be mineralized; also, any narrow zone of mineralized rock.
AGI
h. A mass of rock that constitutes a valuable mineral deposit.
Webster 3rd
i. A colloquial syn. of bedrock, used in northern Michigan. Long
j. The only true ledges are deposits of oil-shale, slate, or the like. A
ledge is a horizontal layer, therefore a vein or lode is not a ledge.
von Bernewitz
k. A rocky formation continuous with and fringing the shore. Syn:lead
Hunt

ledge rock

True bedrock. CF:false bottom

Leebar separator

A dense medium washer consisting of a static bath. The floats, or clean

coal, are removed by means of paddles or chains suspended from bars
connected to rotating spokes. The sinks, or shale, are extracted by a
scraper device. The bath can be fed directly from the raw coal screens.
The separator has been developed for the treatment of large coal.
See also:Nelson Davis separator

Lee configuration

a. An electrical resistivity measuring method using two current electrodes

and three equispaced potential electrodes. AGI
b. A configuration employing electrodes, the outer two of which are the
current and the inner three of which are the potential electrodes.
Syn:partitioning method

leelite

A reddish variety of potassium feldspar.

Lee-Norse miner

A continuous miner, developed in the United States, for driving headings

in medium or thick coal seams. It weighs about 26 st (23.6 t), and makes a
cut 8-1/2 ft (2.6 m) wide, gathers the cut coal and loads it into cars or
conveyor at a rate up to about 4 st/min (3.6 t/min). It can work in seam
heights from 3 ft 8 in (1.1 m) up to about 10 ft (3 m). It consists,
mainly, of a boom carrying the cutting head; the gathering head, and at
the rear the jib support frame on which the jib can be slewed. The machine
is operated by hydraulic motors. Nelson

leer

See:lehr

leering

In glassmaking, the process of treating in the annealing oven or leer.

Standard, 1

Leet seismograph

A portable three-component seismograph designed primarily for registration

of vibrations from blasts, traffic, machinery, and general industrial
sources. Leet, 2

lefkasbestos

A bleached-white variety of asbestiform chrysotile from Mt. Troodos,

Cyprus.

left bank

The bank of a stream that is to the left of an observer facing downstream.

left lang lay

Wire or fiber rope or cable in which the wires or fibers in a strand and
the strands themselves are twisted to the left. Long

left-lateral fault

A fault on which the displacement is such that the side opposite the
observer appears displaced to the left. CF:right-lateral fault
Syn:sinistral fault

left long lay

See:left lang lay

left regular lay

Wire or fiber rope or cable in which the individual wires or fibers in the
strands are twisted to the right and the strands to the left.
Syn:regular-lay left lay

left twist

See:right lay

leg

a. In mine timbering, a prop or upright member of a set or frame. Also

called upright; post; arm. Pryor, 3; Nelson
b. One of the main upright members of a drill derrick or tripod.
Long
c. A term sometimes applied to a centrifugal discharge bucket elevator.
Usually a double leg bucket elevator.
d. See:draft
e. A side post in tunnel timbering. Nichols, 1

legend

A brief explanatory list of the symbols, cartographic units, patterns

(shading and color hues), and other cartographic conventions appearing on
a map, chart, or diagram. On a geologic map, it shows the sequence of rock
units, the oldest at the bottom and the youngest at the top. The legend
formerly included a textual inscription of, and the title on, the map or
chart. Syn:key

leg piece

The upright timber that supports the cap piece in a mine. CF:legs
Fay

legrandite

A monoclinic mineral, 8[Zn2 (AsO4 )(OH).H2 O] .

legs

a. The wires attached to and forming a part of an electrical blasting cap.

Fay
b. The uprights of a set of mine timbers. See also:dap; leg piece.
Fay

legua

Sp. Land league used in the original surveys of the Philippines,

California, and Texas. It is equal to 2.63 miles or 4.24 km.
See also:league
leg wire

One of the two wires attached to and forming a part of an electric

blasting cap or squib.

Lehigh jig

A plunger-type jig with the following distinguishing characteristics: (1)

the plunger contains check valves that open on the upstroke to reduce
suction; (2) the makeup water is introduced with the feed; (3) the screen
plate is at two levels, which have different perforations, to keep the
water distribution uniform; (4) the bottom of the discharge end of the jig
is hinged. This jig has been used extensively in washing anthracite.
Mitchell

lehiite

A mixture of crandallite with other minerals.

Lehmann process

A process for treating coal by disintegration and separation of the

petrographic constituents (fusain, durain, and vitrain). It consists of
subjecting the coal to resilient disintegrating or shattering action for a
sufficient length of time to break the constituents into granules of
various sizes by reason of their respective resistances to shattering
impacts and separating the granules into different sizes by screening or
equivalent means. Mitchell

lehr

An enclosed oven or furnace used for annealing, or other form of heat

treatment; particularly used in glass manufacture. It is a kind of tunnel
down which glass, hot from the forming process, is sent to cool slowly, so
that strain is removed, and cooling takes place without additional strain
being introduced. Lehrs may be of the open type (in which the flame comes
in contact with ware), or of the muffle type. Syn:leer; lear.
CTD

lehr man

Person who regulates temperature of a reheating oven (lehr) used to

fire-glaze glass articles. Arranges glass articles according to size and
shape on lehr conveyor so that maximum quantity will be carried in oven on
a long paddle. Also called leer man; lehr operator, glass; lehr tender.
DOT

lehrnerite

See:ludlamite
leightonite

A triclinic mineral, K2 Ca2 Cu(SO4 )4 .2H (sub

2) O ; pseudo-orthorhombic; blue; at Chuquicamata, Chile.

Leitz tyndallometer

Measures the intensity of the light scattered at an angle from the

incident beam by a dust cloud, and correlates well with the concentration
determined by the thermal precipitator or the surface area calculated from
such a count. However, it needs to be calibrated for each type of dust
cloud, owing to difference in mineralogical content, against the thermal
precipitator. Sinclair, 1

Lemberg's solution

Logwood digested in an aqueous solution of aluminum chloride; used to

distinguish calcite and dolomite. Calcite and aragonite are stained violet
after treatment for about 10 min, but dolomite remains unchanged.

lenad

A contracted form of the names leucite and nephelite; suggested as an

alternative group name for the feldspathoid minerals. CF:feldspathoid

lengenbachite

A triclinic mineral, Pb6 (Ag,Cu)2 As4 S13 .

lengthening rod

A screwed extension rod for prolonging a well-boring auger or bit.

Standard, 2

length fast

See:negative elongation

length of lay

The distance measured along a straight line parallel to the rope in which
the strand forms one complete spiral around the rope or the wires around
the strand. See also:lay

length of shot

a. The depth of the hole in which the powder is placed, or the size of the
block of coal to be loosened by a single blast measured parallel with the
hole.
b. In open pit mining, the distance from the first drill hole to the last
drill hole along the bank.

lengths

Eng. In tunnel construction, the successive sections in which a tunnel is

executed. Shaft lengths are directly under the working shaft; side lengths
are on each side of the shaft length; leading lengths are prolongations of
the tunnel from the side lengths; and junction lengths complete the
portion of the tunnel extending between two shafts, or between a shaft and
an entrance.

length slow

See:positive elongation

lennilite

a. A green variety of orthoclase at Lenni Mills, Delaware County, PA.

Syn:delawarite
b. A variety of vermiculite.

lens

a. A geologic deposit bounded by converging surfaces (at least one of

which is curved), thick in the middle and thinning out toward the edges,
resembling a convex lens. A lens may be double-convex or plano-convex.
See also:lentil; lenticular. ---v. To disappear laterally in all
directions; e.g., a unit is said to lens out within a mapped area.
AGI
b. In optics, a device that modulates the direction taken by a transient
beam of light. Pryor, 3

lense

Pyrite, round or oval in plan and lenticular in section, ranging up to 2

to 3 ft (0.6 to 0.9 m) in thickness and several hundred feet in the
greatest lateral dimension, that is found in coalbeds. Sometimes called
kidney sulfur. Mitchell

lens grinding

The process of grinding pieces of flat sheet glass (or pressed blanks) to
the correct form of the lens. Cast-iron tools of the correct curvature,
supplied with a slurry of abrasive and water, are used. CTD

lensing

The thinning-out of a stratum in one or more directions.

lenticle

a. A large or small lens-shaped stratum or body of rock; a lentil.

AGI
b. A lens-shaped rock fragment of any size. AGI

lenticular

a. Resembling in shape the cross section of a lens, esp. of a

double-convex lens. The term may be applied, e.g., to a body of rock, a
sedimentary structure, or a mineral habit. AGI
b. Pertaining to a stratigraphic lens or lentil. Syn:lentiform
AGI

lenticular iron ore

Impure concretionary hematite.

lenticule

A small lentil. AGI

lentiform

See:lenticular

lentil

a. A minor rock-stratigraphic unit of limited geographic extent, being a

subdivision of a formation and similar in rank to a member, and thinning
out in all directions; a geographically restricted member that terminates
on all sides within a formation. CF:tongue
b. A lens-shaped body of rock, enclosed by strata of different material; a
geologic lens. See also:lenticule; lenticle. AGI

lentil ore

See:liroconite

leonardite

a. A soft, earthy, medium-brown coallike substance associated with

lignitic outcrops in North Dakota. It is a naturally oxidized form of
lignite with variations in color and properties depending upon the extent
of weathering. Usually, the material occurs at shallow depths, overlying
or grading into the harder and more compact lignite. Of little value as a
fuel, it has been used in oil-drilling muds, in water treatment, and in
certain wood stains. It is frequently referred to as "slack" because of
its texture; however, the term leonardite is finding common usage.
b. A weathering product of subbituminous coal or lignite, rich in humic
and fulvic acids and soluble in alkaline water. It is a byproduct of
mining near-surface coal seams, and is used as a soil conditioner,
additive to drilling mud, and binder for taconite iron ore (Fowkes &
Frost, 1960). Not to be confused with leonhardite or leonhardtite.
AGI

Leon combustible gases tester

A combustible gases detector developed in 1902. A form of Wheatstone

bridge is used and changes in electrical resistance due to temperature
differences are measured. The combustible gases/air sample flows over one
set of wires and the gas burns catalytically while the other wires do not
come into contact with the sample. Nelson

leonhardite

A partially dehydrated variety of laumontite. (Not leonhardtite.)

leonhardtite

See:starkeyite

leonite

A monoclinic mineral, K2 Mg(SO4 )2 .4H2 O ; in

marine evaporite deposits. Syn:magnesium leonite

leopardite

A variety of quartz porphyry containing small phenocrysts of quartz in a

microgranitic groundmass of quartz, orthoclase, albite, and mica. The rock
has a characteristically spotted or streaked appearance due to staining by
hydroxides of iron and manganese.

leopard rock

a. Can. Pegmatitic rocks associated with the apatite veins of Ontario and
Quebec.
b. Syenite gneiss consisting of ellipsoidal lumps measuring several inches
across and separated by material that is mainly greenish pyroxene. The
rock may be slightly schistose.

Leopard stone

Dolomite full of worm castings set in a gray matrix and containing chert
nodules, near the base of the Upper Cambrian, Scotland.

Leopoldi furnace
A furnace for roasting mercury ores in a batch process, differing from the
Bustamente furnace in having a series of brick condensing chambers.
Fay

leopoldite

See:sylvite

lepidoblastic

Pertaining to a flaky schistosity caused by an abundance of minerals like

micas and chlorites with a general parallel arrangement.

lepidocrocite

An orthorhombic mineral, 4[gamma-FeO(OH)] ; polymorphous with akaganeite,

feroxyhyte, and goethite; yellow to orange-red; the weathering product of
iron-bearing minerals; forms the pigment brown ocher; such iron
oxyhydroxides constitute the rock limonite.

lepidolite

a. A monoclinic, trigonal, or orthorhombic mineral; 1, 2, or 3[K2

Li4 Al2 (Si8 O20 (OH)4 ] ; mica group;
forms a series with muscovite; perfect basal cleavage; pink to purple; in
lithium-rich granite pegmatites; a source of lithium. Syn:lithia mica;
lithionite.
b. A group name for lithium-rich micas.

lepidomelane

A black ferrian variety of biotite.

lepidomorphite

A variety of phengite, a siliceous variety of muscovite.

lepolite

See:anorthite

leptothermal

Said of a hydrothermal mineral deposit formed at temperature and depth

conditions intermediate between mesothermal and epithermal; also, said of
that environment. CF:hypothermal deposit; xenothermal; telethermal.
AGI

leptynolite
A fissile or schistose variety of hornfels containing mica, quartz, and
feldspar, with or without accessories, such as andalusite and cordierite.
The term was originated by Cordier in 1868. CF:cornubianite
AGI

Lerchs-Grossmann optimization

A mathematical method based on a block model of an orebody used for

determining the most profitable optimum shape for an open pit.

lernilite

See:vermiculite

lesleyite

a. A mixture of a hydromica and corundum.

b. A potassian variety of margarite.

Lessing process

A heavy-fluid coal-cleaning process in which a calcium chloride solution

having a specific gravity of approx. 1.4 is used for the separation, which
takes place in a cylindrical tank 6 to 10 ft (1.8 to 3 m) in diameter with
a conical bottom, the total height being nearly 30 ft (9.1 m). The cleaned
coal rises to the top where it is removed by a chain scraper and delivered
to draining towers. Gaudin, 1

lethal dose

A dose of ionizing radiation sufficient to cause death. Median lethal dose

(abbreviated MLD or LD50 ) is the dose required to kill half of the
individuals in a group similarly exposed within a specified period of
time. The median lethal dose for humans is about 400 rads. Lyman

let into

Eng. The recessing of supports into the floor, side, or roof. SMRB

letovicite

A triclinic mineral, (NH4 )3 H(SO4 )2 ; a

decomposition product of pyrite in coal.

letter and tracing cutter

In the stonework industry, a person who cuts incised or raised letters and
simple designs on monumental stones with pneumatic and hand tools. Also
called letter cutter; letterer. DOT
letter stone

An igneous rock with sheath and core structure giving the appearance of
letters on its surface.

lettsomite

See:cyanotrichite; velvet copper ore.

leuchtenbergite

A pale iron-poor variety of clinochlore.

leucite

A tetragonal mineral, 16[KAlSi2 O6 ] ; a pseudocubic

feldspathoid; forms white to gray trapezohedra in potassium-rich,
silica-poor lavas. Syn:amphigene; grenatite; white garnet; vesuvian.
CF:pseudoleucite

leucitite

A fine-grained or porphyritic extrusive or hypabyssal igneous rock chiefly

composed of pyroxene (esp. titanaugite) and leucite, with little or no
feldspar and without olivine. AGI

leucitohedron

See:trapezohedron

leucitophyre

A porphyritic extrusive rock composed chiefly of leucite, nepheline, and

clinopyroxene. CF:haueynophyre

leucochalcite

See:olivinite

leucocratic

Light-colored; applied to igneous rocks that are relatively poor in mafic

minerals. The percentage of mafic minerals necessary for a rock to be
classified as leucocratic varies among petrologists, but is usually given
as less than 30% to 37.5%. CF:melanocratic; mesocratic. Noun,
leucocrate. Syn:light-colored

leucomanganite

See:fairfieldite
leucoperthite

A loamlike substance, between a resin and wax in character; C50 H

84 O3 ; very impure and sandy as found in a brown coal at
Gesterwitz, near Weissenfels, Germany. It crystallizes in white needles
from ether and boiling absolute alcohol, and melts above 100 degrees C.
AGI

leucophane

A green to pale-yellow sodium calcium silicate containing beryllium. One

of the sources of beryllium. See also:leucophanite

leucophanite

A triclinic mineral, (Na,Ca)2 BeSi2 (O,OH,F)7 ;

pseudo-orthorhombic; a source of beryllium. Syn:leucophane

leucophoenicite

A monoclinic mineral, Mn7 (SiO4 )3 (OH)2 ;

humite group; pseudo-orthorhombic; purple-pink to raspberry-red; in veins
associated with manganese ore deposits.

leucophyllite

A variety of muscovite. Dana, 1

leucophyre

A term originally applied to altered diabase in which the feldspar has

been altered to saussurite, kaolin, and chlorite. This usage is obsolete,
but the term is occasionally used for a light-colored hypabyssal rock,
being the antithesis of lamprophyre. Not recommended usage. AGI

leucopyrite

An oxidized variety of loellingite. See also:loellingite

leucosphenite

A monoclinic mineral, BaNa4 Ti2 B2 Si10 O (sub

30) ; in alkali pegmatites and the Green River Formation of Utah and
Wyoming.

leucoxene

a. Fine-grained, opaque white alteration products of ilmenite, mainly

finely crystalline rutile.
b. A variety of sphene.
levee

An embankment beside a river or an arm of the sea, to prevent overflow.

Standard, 2

level

a. A main underground roadway or passage driven along a level course to

afford access to stopes or workings and to provide ventilation and a
haulageway for the removal of coal or ore. Levels are commonly spaced at
regular depth intervals and are either numbered from the surface or
designated by their elevation below the top of the shaft.
See also:level interval
b. See:mother gate
c. An instrument for establishing a horizontal line or plane. Long
d. The act or process of adjusting something with reference to a
horizontal line. Long
e. In pitch mining, such as anthracite, there may be a number of levels
driven from the same shaft, each being known by its depth from the surface
or by the name of the bed or seam in which it is driven. Jones, 1
f. Applied to seams that run like floors in an office building. Under and
above the seam lie the rock strata. Korson
g. All openings at each of the different horizons from which the orebody
is opened up and mining is started. Higham
h. N.S.W. A drive in a mine. New South Wales
i. In speleology, a series of related passageways in a cave, occurring at
the same relative, vertical position. AGI
j. A gutter for the water to run in. Fay

level course

a. A direction along the strike of an inclined coal seam; a coal seam

contour line. The productive faces in a coal mine, such as stalls and
conveyor faces are, in general, advanced on level course or slightly to
the rise. Nelson
b. Scot. In the direction of the strike of the strata, or at right angles
to the dip and rise. See also:strike; true dip. Fay

level crosscut

A horizontal crosscut. See also:crosscut

level drive

A drive that opens up a deposit and makes it accessible along its length
and forms the basis for the division of the deposit into levels.
Stoces

leveler
A buck scraper, drag, or any other form of device for smoothing land.
Seelye, 1

level-free

a. War. Old coal or ironstone workings at the outcrop, worked by means of

an adit driven into the hillside.
b. A mine that discharges water by gravitation.

leveling

The operation of determining the comparative altitude of different points

on the Earth's surface, usually by sighting through a leveling instrument
at one point to a level rod at another point. Also, the finding of a
horizontal line or the establishing of grades (such as for a railway
roadbed) by means of a level. Also spelled levelling. AGI

leveling instrument

A surveyor's level bearing a telescope. See also:level

Standard, 2

leveling practice

In leveling, the station is the point at which the staff is held and not
the position of the instrument. The operation is one of carrying forward a
known level, hence the backsight is a reading taken on the staff at a
known elevation and the last sight from each station is called the
foresight. All other readings refer to intermediate sights. Leveling
sections may be referred to bench marks or to arbitrary levels, but in all
cases they must be checked either by closing on the starting point or by
starting and finishing on convenient bench marks. Mason

leveling rod

A graduated rod used in measuring the vertical distance between a point on

the ground and the line of sight of a surveyor's level.
Webster 3rd

level interval

a. The vertical distance between the levels turned off the shaft in metal
mines for ore intersection and development. The interval varies but may be
about 150 ft (46 m). Nelson
b. The horizontal distance between levels turned off main development
drifts and varies from 200 to 600 yd (180 to 550 m). Levels are usually
designated by numbers, names, or depth from the surface. Nelson

level-luffing crane
A crane embodying an automatic device that causes the load to move
horizontally with any alteration of the operating radius. Hammond

levelman

Person who operates a surveyor's level. Crispin

level of control

A measure of mastery over a process of production; in concrete work, it is

measured by cube crushing strength and the standard deviation therefrom.
See also:statistical uniformity

level of saturation

See:water table

levels

See:level

level surface

See:equipotential surface

leverman

Person who operates brakes, or levers, at the top of an inclined plane. A

brakeman. Fay

levigation

a. Separating fine powder from coarser material by forming a suspension of

the fine material in a liquid. ASM, 1
b. A means of classifying a material as to particle size by the rate of
settling from a suspension. CF:trituration

levitation

In the mineral process of froth flotation, raising of acrophilic particles

to the surface of a pulp, by so activating them that they cling to the
air-water interface of a rising or coursing air bubble. Pryor, 3

levyne

A trigonal mineral, (Ca,Na2 ,K2 )3 Al6 Si (sub

12) O36 .18H2 O ; zeolite group; in cavities in basalts with
other zeolites. Also spelled levynite; levyine; levyite.

lewis hole
A series of two or more holes drilled as closely together as possible,
then connected by knocking out the thin partition between them, forming
thus one wide hole, having its greatest diameter in a plane with the
desired rift. Blasts from such holes are wedgelike in their action, and by
means of them larger and better-shaped blocks can be taken out than would
otherwise be possible. Fay
ˆ6„-H+0HZ; 6DICTIONARY TERMS:Leyner-Ingersoll drill See:water leyner
[\B]Leyner-Ingersoll drill[\N]

lherzolite

A peridotite containing both clinopyroxene and orthopyroxene in addition

to olivine.

liberation

Freeing by comminution, or crushing and grinding, of particles of a

specific mineral from their interlock with other constituents of the coal
or ore. Also called severance. Syn:unlocking

liberation of intergrown constituents

Crushing of intergrown material to free the constituent materials.

BS, 5

liberator cells

In electrolytic refining of metals, tanks in which the electrolytic

solution is reconstituted. Pryor, 3

Liberty-Gel

Gelatinous permissible explosive; used in mining. Bennett

libethenite

An orthorhombic mineral, Cu2 (PO4 )(OH) ; olive-green; forms

small crystals and druses in copper deposits.

LICADO process

A selective agglomeration process under development, in which the liquid

carbon dioxide-water interface is used for the differentiation and
separation between coal and mineral matter. The resultant clean coal is a
low-sulfur and low-ash content product of relatively low moisture content.

licensed material
Source material, special nuclear material, or byproduct material received,
possessed, used, or transferred under a general or special license issued
by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Lyman

licensed store

A place or building licensed by the local authority for the storage of

explosives. See also:magazine; registered premises. BS, 12

lid

a. A short, flattish piece of wood or steel plate wedged over a post,

timber set, or steel arch. A lid is used to tighten the support against
the ground and also to increase the area supported. See also:clog;
wedge. Nelson
b. A cap piece used in timbering. CF:lag

lidman

In the coke-products industry, a laborer who lifts lids of charging holes

of ovens and chips carbon from edges of holes, using bars with
hook-and-chisel ends. Syn:charger

lie!

Scot. In mine haulage, a command to stop. Fay

lie

a. Scot. The line, direction, or bearing; as of a vein, lode, or fault.

Fay
b. Pass-by; shunt; a storage or bypass arrangement in haulage track. Also
spelled lye. Mason
c. To become quiet or inactive; said of a mine that is idle. Fay

liebigite

An orthorhombic mineral, Ca2 (UO2 )(CO3 )3

.11H2 O ; olive-green; forms soft, scaly, or granular crystalline
aggregates with one cleavage. Syn:uranothallite

lien

Right to legal claim on goods or property. Pryor, 1

liesegang banding

Banding in color and composition of ores caused by diffusion. AGI

lievrite
See:ilvaite

lifeline

A slide wire or cable extending from a work platform in a drill tripod or

derrick at an oblique angle downward to an anchor on the ground, which the
derrick or tripod worker could grasp and use when sliding to safety in an
emergency. Long

life of mine

The time in which, through the employment of the available capital, the
ore reserves--or such reasonable extension of the ore reserves as
conservative geological analysis may justify--will be extracted.
Hoover

life of property

Theoretically, the mineral or coal reserves divided by the actual or

projected average annual production. Nelson

lift

a. The vertical height traveled by a cage in a shaft. Fay

b. The distance between the first level and the surface or between any two
levels. Fay
c. Any of the various gangways from which coal is raised at a slope
colliery. Fay
d. A certain thickness of coal worked in one operation. Fay
e. To break up, bench, or blast coal from the bottom of the seam upward.
Fay
f. The plane approx. parallel with the floor of the quarry, along which
the stone is usually split in quarrying. Fay
g. The quantity of ore between one haulage level and the next above or
below. Nelson
h. A step or bench in a multiple layer excavation. Nichols, 1
i. The amount a bit is raised off the bottom of a drill hole by excessive
pressure created by pump surges or the forcing of too great a volume of
circulation fluid through the bit. Long
j. In churn drilling, the vertical movement of the drill tools while
drilling. Long
k. In pumping, the difference in the elevation between the surface of the
liquid being pumped and the elevation at which the pump stands or the
elevation at which the liquid is discharged. Long
l. A certain vertical thickness of coal seams and measures, having
considerable inclination, between or in which the workings are being
carried on to the rise, all the coal being raised from one shaft bottom.
Fay
m. The upheaval of the floor in coal mines. See also:creep
Nelson
n. The extraction of a coal pillar in lifts or slices. See also:jud
Nelson

lifter

a. In mining, a shothole drilled near the floor when tunneling and fired
subsequently to the cut and relief holes. Pryor, 3
b. See:core lifter
c. In ore grinding, a projection, rib or wave profile on the horizontal
liners (body liners) of a ball, tube, or rod mill, designed to aid the
crop load in the mill to rise. In a drum-washer or dense-medium separator,
a perforated plate, projecting radially inward from the circumference of a
horizontal cylindrical vessel, used to stir, lift, or remove material.
Pryor, 3

lifter holes

Shotholes drilled along the floor of a tunnel for lifting the rock to
floor level. They are fired after the cut holes, or by delay detonators in
the round. Nelson

lifters

See:lifter holes

lifter spring

See:core lifter

lift gate

A lock gate that is raised vertically to open. Hammond

lift hammer

See:tilt hammer

lifting

Scot. Drawing hutches or cars out of the working places into the main
roads. Fay

lifting block

An arrangement of pulleys and rope that enables heavy weights to be lifted

with least effort. Hammond

lifting capacity
a. The weight that the hydraulic cylinders in the swivel head of a diamond
drill can raise or lift. Long
b. See:drill capacity

lifting guard

Fencing placed around the mouth of a shaft, and lifted out of the way by
the ascending cage. Fay

lifting magnet

An electromagnet that is hung from a crane and used instead of a hook for
lifting iron or steel components. Hammond

lifting set

A series of pumps or sets of pumps by which water is lifted from the mine
in successive stages. See:lift

lifting wicket

S. of Wales. See:lifting guard

lift joint

A horizontal tension fracture observed in massive rocks, such as granite;

thought to originate from the removal of load in quarrying.
CF:sheeting

lift pump

A pump for lifting to its own level, as distinguished from a force pump. A
suction pump. Also called bucket pump. See also:suction head
Standard, 2; Fay

light alloys

The general term for alloys of aluminum and magnesium used for structural
purposes. Hammond

light blasting

Includes loosening up of shallow or small outcrops of rock and breaking

boulders. It may constitute the entire job, be done in connection with
dirt excavation, or follow heavy blasting that has failed to cut
gradelines or slope lines, or has left chunks too large to load.
Nichols, 1

light burden
See:burden

light-colored

See:leucocratic

lightening

A peculiar brightening of molten silver, indicating that maximum purity

has been attained. Occurs in cupellation. Standard, 2; Fay

light-extinction method

See:turbidimeter

light figure

The visible geometric figure observed when an etched flat surface of

quartz is placed over a pinhole-focused light source.
Am. Mineral., 2

lighting

In metallurgy, annealing. Standard, 2

lightman

Person who uses an electric extension light as an aid in detecting

blisters and flaws in the inside of green pipe. DOT

light mineral

a. A rock-forming mineral of a detrital sedimentary rock, having a

specific gravity lower than a standard (usually 2.85); e.g., quartz,
feldspar, calcite, dolomite, muscovite, feldspathoids.
CF:heavy mineral
b. A light-colored mineral. AGI

lightning explosion

Eng. An explosion of combustible gases caused by electric current, during

a thunderstorm, entering a mine and igniting the gas. Fay

lightning gap

A lightning gap is a break about 6 ft (1.8 m) long made at the mine

entrance in blasting circuits, used in firing blasts from the outside, to
prevent lightning discharges from following the circuits into the mine.

lightning protection
A system to enable high electrical discharge from the atmosphere to be
conducted safely to earth by one or more conductors. The provision is very
important in the case of mine explosive stores and also headgears, tower
winders, and chimneys. Nelson

lightning tube

See:fulgurite

light railway

A railway built to narrow gage. Hammond

light red silver ore

See:proustite

light ruby ore

See:proustite

light ruby silver

See:proustite

light water

Ordinary water, H2 O , as distinguished from heavy water, D2

O , D being the symbol for deuterium (heavy hydrogen or hydrogen 2).
Lyman

lightweight aggregate

An aggregate with a relatively low specific gravity; e.g., pumice,

volcanic cinders, expanded shale, foamed slag, or expanded perlite or
vermiculite. CF:aggregate

lightweight concrete

A concrete made with lightweight aggregate. AGI

light-yellow heat

A division of the color scale, generally given as about 2,400 degrees F

(1,316 degrees C).

lignin sulfonic acids

Chemicals produced during the sulfite treatment of wood pulps. Of interest
in flotation process as a deflocculating agent and protective colloid.
Pryor, 3

lignite

a. A brownish-black coal in which the alteration of vegetal material has

proceeded further than in peat but not so far as subbituminous coal.
Fay
b. Coal of low rank with a high inherent moisture and volatile matter; in
this general sense, lignite may be subdivided into black lignite, brown
lignite, and brown coal. BS, 4

lignite A

The rank of coal, within the lignitic class of Classification D 388, such
that, on the moist, mineral-matter-free basis, the gross calorific value
of the coal in British thermal units per pound is equal to greater than
6,300 (14.65 MJ/kg but less than 8,300 (19.31 MJ/kg), and the coal is
nonagglomerating. ASTM

lignite B

The rank of coal, within the lignitic class of Classification D 388, such
that, on the moist, mineral-matter-free basis, the gross calorific value
of the coal in British thermal units per pound is less than 6,300 (14.65
MJ/kg), and the coal is nonagglomerating. ASTM

lignitic

Containing lignite. Fay

lignitic coal

See:subbituminous coal

ligurite

An apple-green variety of titanite. Standard, 2

likasite

An orthorhombic mineral, Cu3 (NO3 )(OH)5 .2H2

O ; sky blue; at Likasi, Kutanga, Zaire.

likely

Said of a rock, lode, or belt of ground that gives indications of

containing valuable minerals. Syn:kindly
lill

Eng. Greenish-gray shale; weathering yellow; Wenlock Limestone, Dudley.

Arkell

lillianite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb3 Bi2 S6 .

Lilly controller

A controller used on both steam and electric winding engines that protects
against overspeed, overwind, too rapid acceleration, delayed retardation,
and against starting in the wrong direction. It also gives warning of
overspeed and indicates by a bell signal when retardation should commence.
Sinclair, 5

limb

a. That area of a fold between adjacent fold hinges. It generally has a

greater radius of curvature than the hinge region and may be planar.
Syn:flank
b. The graduated margin of an arc or circle in an instrument for measuring
angles, such as the part of a marine sextant carrying the altitude scale.
AGI
c. The graduated staff of a leveling rod. See also:tribrach
AGI

lime

a. Calcium oxide, CaO; specif. quicklime and hydraulic lime. The term is
used loosely for calcium hydroxide (as in hydrated lime) and incorrectly
for calcium carbonate (as in agricultural lime). AGI
b. A cubic mineral, CaO. AGI
c. A term commonly misused for calcium in such deplorable expressions as
carbonate of lime or lime feldspar. AGI
d. A limestone. The term is sometimes used by drillers for any rock
consisting predominantly of calcium carbonate. AGI

lime boil

A reaction in an open-hearth furnace caused by the decomposition of

limestone and the escape of the carbon dioxide gas. This reaction begins
before the ore boil is completed. See also:ore boil

limeburner

Person who burns limestone or shells to make lime. Webster 3rd

lime feldspar
Misnomer for calcium feldspar. See also:anorthite

lime mica

See:margarite

lime mortar

A mortar in which lime is used as a binding agent instead of cement.

Nelson

lime pan

a. A playa with a smooth, hard surface of calcium carbonate, commonly

tufa. AGI
b. A type of hardpan cemented chiefly with calcium carbonate. Also spelled
limepan. AGI

lime pit

a. A limestone quarry. Webster 3rd

b. A pit where lime is made. Webster 3rd

lime rock

A term used in the Southeastern United States (esp. Florida and Georgia)
for an unconsolidated or partly consolidated form of limestone, usually
containing shells or shell fragments, with a varying percentage of silica.
It hardens on exposure and is sometimes used as road metal. Also spelled
limerock. AGI

lime set

An infusible slag, too high in lime, in an iron blast furnace.

lime shells

Scot. Calcined limestone.

lime-silicate rock

See:calc-silicate rock

lime slaker

Person who mixes lime and water in rotary slaker or open batch tank to
make milk of lime (slaked lime). Also called lime mixer; milk-of-lime
slaker; slaker. DOT

lime-soda sinter process

A process for manufacturing alumina, Al2 O3 . The raw
material, such as clay or anorthosite, is sintered with limestone and soda
ash to form sodium aluminate and calcium silicate. This sinter is then
leached with water, caustic soda solution, or sodium aluminate liquor to
dissolve the soluble sodium aluminate. The resulting slurry is then
filtered, and the liquor is decomposed as in the Bayer process or is
treated with carbon dioxide to precipitate hydrated alumina. When operated
in conjunction with the Bayer process to recover alumina and soda from red
mud, it is called the combination process.

limestone

a. A sedimentary rock consisting chiefly (more than 50% by weight or by

areal percentages under the microscope) of calcium carbonate, primarily in
the form of the mineral calcite, and with or without magnesium carbonate;
specif. a carbonate sedimentary rock containing more than 95% calcite and
less than 5% dolomite. Common minor constituents include silica
(chalcedony), feldspar, clays, pyrite, and siderite. Limestones are formed
by either organic or inorganic processes, and may be detrital, chemical,
oolitic, earthy, crystalline, or recrystallized; many are highly
fossiliferous and clearly represent ancient shell banks or coral reefs.
Limestones include chalk, calcarenite, coquina, and travertine, and they
effervesce freely with any common acid. Abbrev. ls. AGI
b. A general term used commercially (in the manufacture of lime) for a
class of rocks containing at least 80% of the carbonates of calcium or
magnesium and which, when calcined, gives a product that slakes upon the
addition of water. AGI

limestone dust

Dust prepared by grinding limestone; used to dilute the coal dust

accumulation in a mine so that the dust does not form explosive mixtures
with air. Rice, 2

limewater

Natural water with large amounts of dissolved calcium bicarbonate or

calcium sulfate. AGI

limit charge

A charge that gives a complete loosening of the rock without throwing it

excessively.

limiting creep stress

A somewhat loose term used to denote the maximum stress at which a

material will not creep by more than a certain amount within the working
life of the part. It is also used in some short-time creep tests; e.g.,
the Hatfield time yield. Hammond
limiting current density

The maximum current density that can be used to get a desired electrode
reaction without undue interference, such as may come from polarization.
ASM, 1

limiting gradient

The maximum railway gradient that can be climbed without the help of a
second power unit. Syn:ruling gradient

limiting mixture

The mixture of coal and rock dusts that will not permit the propagation of
an explosion. Rice, 2

limit line

The line joining the coal face underground and the surface limit of draw;
the boundary of a mine. Nelson

limit of draw

The point on the surface beyond which no movement occurs. Nelson

limit of proportionality

The point on a stress-strain curve at which the strain ceases to be

proportional to the stress. Its position varies with the sensitivity of
the extensometer used in measuring the strain. CTD

limits of flammability

a. Extreme concentration limits of a combustible in an oxidant through

which a flame, once initiated, will continue propagating at a specified
temperature and pressure. Van Dolah
b. Usually expressed as the limiting percentages of methane in air, beyond
which the mixture is no longer flammable. The lowest percentage of methane
in air that yields a flammable mixture is called the lower limit of
flammability, and the highest percentage of methane in air to yield a
similar mixture is called the higher limit of flammability. These limiting
percentages depend on a number of factors, such as the initial temperature
and pressure; whether the mixture is at rest or moving; the manner in
which the mixture is confined, etc. With methane mixtures at ordinary mine
pressures and temperatures, the widest limits of flammability are (1)
lower limit of flammability about 5.4% of methane in air; (2) higher limit
of flammability about 14.8% of methane in air. See also:methane
Nelson

limit switch
a. A device fitted to an electrically driven hoist or winding engine that
becomes effective at the end of a wind to prevent the cage overwinding or
underwinding. Nelson
b. A control to limit some function. Strock, 2

limnic

a. Said of coal deposits formed inland in freshwater basins, peat bogs, or

swamps, as opposed to paralic coal deposits. CF:paralic
b. Said of peat formed beneath a body of standing water. Its organic
material is mainly planktonic. AGI

limnic coal basin

A coal basin formed inland from the seacoasts, as opposed to a paralic

coal basin. AGI

limnite

See:bog iron; bog iron ore.

limonite

A rock composed of cryptocrystalline and amorphous hydrated iron

oxyhydroxides, generally predominantly goethite with or without adsorbed
water, but also akaganeite, feroxyhyte, or lepidocrocite; may be yellow,
red, brown, or black; hardness variable; an oxidation product of iron
(rust) or iron-bearing minerals and may be pseudomorphous after them; as a
precipitate, both inorganic and biogenic, in bogs, lakes, springs, or
marine deposits; and as a variety of stalactitic, reniform, botryoidal, or
mammillary deposits. It colors many yellow clays and soils and is a minor
ore of iron. See also:iron ore; brown hematite; brown umber.
CF:bog iron ore
meadow ore; yellow ocher.

limonitic

Consisting of or resembling limonite.

limurite

A metasomatic rock found at the contact of calcareous rocks with intruded

granite and consisting of more than 50% axinite. Other minerals include
diopside, actinolite, zoisite, albite, and quartz.
See also:calc-silicate hornfels

linarite

A monoclinic mineral, 2[PbCu(SO4 )(OH)2 ] ; azure blue; in

oxidized zones of lead, copper, and silver deposits.
lindackerite

A monoclinic mineral, H2 Cu5 (AsO4 )4 .8-9H

2 O ; green; forms rosettes and reniform masses with one perfect
cleavage.

Lindblad-Malmquist gravimeter

See:Boliden gravimeter

lindgrenite

A monoclinic mineral, Cu3 (MoO4 )2 (OH)2 ;

green; in tabular crystals from Chuquicamata, Chile.

Lindgren's volume law

See:law of equal volumes

lindstroemite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb3 Cu3 Bi7 S15 .

Also spelled lindstroemite.

line

a. The limit of a surface; a length without breadth; an outline; a

contour. Fay
b. The course in which anything proceeds, or which anyone takes; direction
given or assured. Fay
c. A cable, rope, chain, or other flexible device for transmitting pull.
Nichols, 1
d. To line pieces up in order to couple them together. Nichols, 1
e. See:plumbline

lineage

An imperfection in a crystal structure characterized by a series of line

defects, but not extensive enough to form a grain boundary.
CF:grain boundary; crystal defect.

lineal foot

A foot in length as distinguished from square foot or cubic foot.

Crispin

lineal travel

Commonly used as a syn. for peripheral speed, as applied to bit rotation;

also, a syn. for rope or cable speed, as applied to hoisting. Long
lineament

a. A significant line of landscape that reveals the hidden architecture of

the rock basement. Lineaments are character lines of the Earth's
physiognomy. AGI
b. A topographic feature; esp., one that is rectilinear.
Webster 3rd
c. A topographic line that is structurally controlled. Lineaments are
studied esp. on aerial photographs. Sometimes inappropriately called a
linear. Billings

linear

Arranged in a line or lines; pertaining to the linelike character of some

object or objects.--n. Not recommended as a syn. of lineament. AGI

linear alkylbenzene sulfonate

A high-quality, biodegradable detergent, obtained from lignite tar, which

is derived from carbonizing coal at low temperatures.

linear element

A fabric element having one dimension that is much greater than the other
two. Lineations are the common linear elements. CF:planar element;
equant element. AGI

linear expansion

The increase in one dimension of a soil mass, expressed as a percentage of

that dimension at the shrinkage limit to any given water content.
ASCE

linear model

A function frequently used when fitting mathematical models to

experimental variograms, often in combination with a nugget model.

linear parallelism

See:lineation

linear schistosity

A schistosity due to the parallel alignment of columnar or acicular

crystals in rocks.

linear shrinkage
Decrease in one dimension of a soil mass, expressed as a percentage of the
original dimension, when the water content is reduced from a given value
to the shrinkage limit. ASCE

linear structure

See:lineation

lineation

A general, nongeneric term for any linear structure in a rock; e.g., flow
lines, slickensides, linear arrangements of components in sediments, or
axes of folds. Lineation in metamorphic rocks includes mineral streaking
and stretching in the direction of transport, crinkles and minute folds
parallel to fold axes, and lines of intersection between bedding and
cleavage, or of variously oriented cleavages. Syn:linear structure;
linear parallelism. AGI

line brattice

A partition placed in an opening to divide it into intake and return

airways. See also:brattice

line clinometer

A borehole-survey clinometer designed to be inserted between rods at any

point in a string of drill rods. CF:clinometer; end clinometer;
plain clinometer; wedge clinometer. Long

line defect

An imperfection in crystal structure characterized by an atomic layer

extending part way into a crystal structure. CF:crystal defect;
edge dislocation.

lined gold

Gold foil backed with other metal.

line drilling

A term used in quarrying to describe the method of drilling and broaching

for the primary cut. In this method, deep holes are drilled close together
in a straight line by means of a reciprocating drill mounted on a bar. The
webs between the holes are removed with a drill or a flat broaching tool;
thus a narrow continuous channel cut is made. See also:broaching;
controlled blasting. AIME, 1

line drop
Loss in voltage owing to the resistance of conductors conveying
electricity from a power station to the consumer. Hammond

line electrode

A series of electrodes put out along a straight line on the surface and
electrically interconnected, approx. the condition of continuous
electrical contact with the Earth along that line. Schieferdecker

line lubricator

See:line oiler

line map

See:planimetric map

line of bearing

a. The compass direction of the course a borehole follows. Long

b. A syn. for strike as applied to a rock stratum. Long
c. The direction of the strike. See:strike

line of collimation

The line of sight of the telescope of a surveying instrument, defined as

the line through the rear nodal point of the objective lens of the
telescope and the center of the reticle when they are in perfect
alignment. See also:line of sight

line of creep

The path that water follows along the impervious surface of contact
between the foundation soil and the base of a dam or other structure.
Syn:path of percolation

line of dip

a. The direction in which an inclined borehole is pointed. Long

b. The line of greatest inclination of a stratum from the horizontal
plane.
c. The direction of the angle of dip, measured in degrees by compass
direction. It generally refers to true dip, but can be said of apparent
dip as well. Syn:direction of dip

line of force

a. The straight line in which a force acts. Standard, 2

b. A curve in a field of force drawn so that at every point it has the
direction of resultant force; specif., a line of magnetic force.
Standard, 2

line of least resistance

The shortest distance between the center line of a drill hole and the free
rock face. Fraenkel

line of outcrop

The intersection of a stratum with the ground surface.

Schieferdecker

line of seepage

The upper free-water surface of the zone of seepage. Syn:seepage line;

phreatic line. ASCE

line of sight

The sighting or pointing line of a telescope, defined by the optical

center of the objective and the intersection of crosshairs.
See also:line of collimation

line of thrust

Locus of the points through which the resultant forces in an arch or

retaining wall pass. Hammond

line of tunnel

The width marked by the exterior lines or sides of a tunnel.

line oiler

An apparatus inserted in a line conducting air or steam to an air- or

steam-actuated machine that feeds small controllable amounts of
lubricating oil into the air or steam. Also called lubricator; potato.
Syn:air-line lubricator; line lubricator; oil pot; oiler; pineapple;
pot. See also:atomizer

liner

a. A foot piece for uprights in timber sets. Nelson

b. Timber supports erected to reinforce existing sets that are beginning
to collapse due to heavy strata pressure. Nelson
c. A string of casing in a borehole. Long
d. See:lining

lines
Plumblines, not less than two in number, hung from hooks driven in wooden
plugs. A line drawn through the center of the two strings or wires, as the
case may be, represents the bearing or course to be driven on. Fay

linesman

An assistant to a surveyor. BS, 7

lines up

The number of lines strung through the traveling block and crown block.
Brantly, 2

line timbers

Timbers placed along the sides of the track of a working place in rows on
some predetermined plan. Kentucky

line up

a. A command signifying that the drill runner wants the hoisting cable
attached to the drill stem, threaded through the sheave wheel, or wound on
the hoist drum. Long
b. To reposition a drill so that the drill stem is centered over and
parallel to a newly collared drill hole. Long
c. Regular linear pattern of peaks or troughs on a seismogram, such as
occurs when a reflection comes in. Schieferdecker

lingot

An iron ingot mold. Standard, 2

lining

a. A casing of brick, concrete, cast iron, or steel, placed in a tunnel or

shaft to provide support. See also:tunnel lining
b. In grinding of rocks and ores, a layer of wear-resistant material, used
to protect rock breakers, shells of ball mills, chutes, launders, and
other areas subject to abrasion. Special plastics, rubber, and
acid-resistant alloys are used in vats, piping, and autoclaves, and for
pump impellers exposed to abrasion and chemical attack.
See also:scour protection
c. A cover of clay, concrete, synthetic film, or other material, placed
over all or part of the perimeter of a conduit or reservoir, to resist
erosion, minimize seepage losses, withstand pressure, and improve flow.
AGI
d. Supporting the rock sides of a mine gallery is known as lining, and the
material used in so doing is called the lining. Spalding
e. The planks arranged against frame sets. Zern
f. Refractory brickwork of furnace used to protect hearth, bosh, roof, or
walls. Pryor, 3
g. The brick, concrete, cast iron, or steel casing placed around a tunnel
or shaft as a support. Timber sets are not viewed as a lining.
See also:brick walling; guniting; liner; permanent shaft support.
Nelson

lining mark

Eng. A drill hole in the mine roof with a wooden plug driven into it from
which to hang a plumbline. Fay

lining sight

An instrument consisting essentially of a plate with a longitudinal slot

in the middle, and the means of suspending it vertically. It is used in
conjunction with a plumbline for directing the courses of underground
drifts, headings, etc. Webster 2nd

lining up a mine

In surveying, placing the sights for driving entries, drifts, or rooms

nearer the working face. Fay

linishing

The operation of polishing as carried out on a linisher. This machine is

designed for the polishing of flat objects and carries a flat revolving
cloth belt whose surface is impregnated with a suitable abrasive material.
Osborne

link bar

A lightweight steel bar extending faceward from the steel supports behind
the conveyor. It supports the area between the conveyor and the coal on
longwall faces where cutter loaders are carried on armored flexible
conveyors. The joint and locking device may consist of a hinge pin and
wedge. The standard bar can carry in cantilever a maximum tip load of
about 2 st (1.8 t). In general, linked bars are stronger than corrugated
straps and wooden bars, and their use is increasing. Nelson

link conveyor

A chain conveyor. Nelson

linked veins

An ore-deposit pattern in which adjacent, more or less parallel veins are

connected by diagonal veins or veinlets. AGI

Linkenbach table
In mineral processing, a stationary round table onto which finely divided
pulp (slimes) is fed from the center from a revolving feed box. A light
wash of water follows, and lighter particles are washed downslope to a
peripheral discharge launder. Behind this a heavier water flush displaces
the settled heavier material (concentrates) and flushes it down to a
bridging arrangement that delivers it to a separate discharge.
Pryor, 3

link-plate belt

A grizzly type of belt consisting of two strands of endless chain

connected by through rods at each articulation, on which are carried a
series of plates or bars mounted in a vertical plane for the purpose of
rough screening while conveying. Syn:belt

linnaeite

a. An isometric mineral, 8[Co3 S4 ] ; commonly has small

amounts of Ni, Fe, Cu; forms a series with polydymite; crystallizes in
octahedra with cubic cleavage; metallic; steel gray tarnishing to copper
red; in quartz sulfide veins; a source of cobalt. Also spelled linneite.
b. The mineral group bornhardtite, carrollite, daubreelite, fletcherite,
greigite, indite, linnaeite, polydymite, siegenite, truestedite,
tyrrellite, and violarite.

linneite

Alternate spelling of linnaeite.

linoleic acid

An unsaturated fatty acid, CH3 (CH2 )4 CH = CH(CH

2 )7 COOH , used as a collector in the flotation process.
Pryor, 3; SME, 2

linolenic acid

An unsaturated fatty acid, CH3 CH2 CH = CH CH2 CH =

CH CH2 CH = CH(CH2 )7 COOH . Pryor, 3; SME, 2

linophyric

Pertaining to porphyritic rocks in which the phenocrysts are arranged in

lines or streaks.

linseed fatty acid

Byproduct of manufacture of linseed oil. Flotation agent used as

collector, emulsifier, or stabilizer for davidite, a uranium mineral.
Pryor, 3
linsey

Lanc. A strong, striped shale and a streaky, banded sandstone or

siltstone, interbedded in such a manner as to resemble a mixed linen and
woolen fabric (linsey-woolsey). CF:whintin

lintel

A horizontal supporting member spanning a wall opening.

Harbison-Walker

Linz-Donawitz process

A process for making steel from cast iron; it resembles the Bessemer
process except for two important differences: (1) oxygen is used rather
than air and (2) instead of blowing the gas through tuyeres submerged in
the bath (as in the Bessemer converter), the oxygen stream impinges on the
surface of the molten iron. Newton, 1

lionite

See:tellurium

lip

a. The digging edge of a dredge bucket. Fay

b. The cutting edge of a fixed-wing bit, such as the cutting edge on a
fishtail bit. Long

lip-and-gate builder

One who constructs lips and gates that support and regulate flow of molten
glass from furnace to glass-rolling machine. DOT

liparite

A syn. of rhyolite used by German and Soviet authors. Its name, given by
Roth in 1861, is derived from the Lipari Islands, in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Not recommended usage; the much more widely used syn. rhyolite has
priority by 1 yr. AGI

lip of shaft

Eng. The bottom edge of a shaft circle where it is open to the seam
workings. Fay

lip screen

a. A common term applied to stationary screens installed in the loading

chutes over which the coal flows as it is loaded into railroad cars for
market. Mitchell
b. A small screen or screen bars, placed at the draw hole of a coal pocket
to take out the fine coal.

liptinite

See:exinite

liptite

Term used to describe a microlithotype consisting mainly of the exinite

group of macerals and esp. of sporinite. Contains not less than 95% of
exinite (liptinite) with thickness (bands) of exinite greater than 50 mu m
recorded as liptite (sporite). Liptite (sporite) is a rare constituent of
hard coal. CF:vitrite

Liqnipel process

A process for reducing high-moisture-content lignite from up to 40%

moisture to about 10% moisture by pulverizing the raw coal, pelletizing
the 14-mesh top size, thermally drying, and then mixing with a binder. The
final product exhibits good handling and storage properties, and resists
spontaneous combustion.

liquation

a. A method of recovering sulfur by liquefying it under pressure and heat,

drawing off the molten sulfur, and allowing it to solidify. Fay
b. The heating of a solid mixture until one of the constituents melts and
can be separated from the solid remaining. Nelson

liquid air

Air in the liquid state but usually richer in oxygen than gaseous air. A
faintly bluish, transparent, mobile, intensely cold liquid. Obtained by
compressing purified air and cooling it by its own expansion to a
temperature below the boiling points of its principal components, nitrogen
(-195.8 degrees C, at 760 mm) and oxygen (-182.96 degrees C, at 760 mm).
Used chiefly as a refrigerant and as a source of oxygen, nitrogen, and
inert gases (as argon). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

liquidation grade

The amount paid by the smelter or other purchaser per ton of ore mined.
McKinstry

liquid bituminous material

Material having a penetration at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), under a load

of 50 g applied for 1 s, of more than 350. Urquhart
liquid glass

See:water glass

liquid inclusion

A partial syn. of fluid inclusion. AGI

liquid-liquid extraction

See:solvent extraction

liquid measure

Includes the following: 4 gills (gi) equal 1 pint (pt) or 0.47 L; 2 pt

equal 1 quart (qt) or 0.95 L; 4 qt equal 1 gal or 3.785 L; 31-1/2 gal
equal 1 bbl or 119.2 L; and 2 bbl equal 1 hogshead (hhd) or 238.5 L.
Crispin

liquid-phase sintering

Sintering of a compact or loose powder aggregate under conditions where a

liquid phase is present during part of the sintering cycle. ASTM

liquid pressure

The pressure of a liquid on the surface of its container or on the surface

of any body in the liquid is equal to the weight of a column of the liquid
whose height equals the depth of the liquid at that certain point.
Kentucky

liquids flowsheet

A flowsheet to indicate the flow of liquids throughout a series of

operations. BS, 5

liroconite

A monoclinic mineral, Cu2 Al(AsO4 )(OH)4 .4H2

O ; soft; blue to green; occurs with malachite in the oxidized zone of
copper deposits. Syn:lentil ore

liskeardite

A possibly orthorhombic mineral, (Al,Fe)3 (AsO4 )(OH) (sub

6) .5H2 O ; forms thin encrustations at Liskear, Cornwall, U.K.

list
a. Mid. Dull coal, sometimes dirty. Tomkeieff
b. Derb. and Leic. A hard parting between coal seams. Arkell
c. York. A weak shale or a thin bed of any kind of rock. Arkell
d. Eng. A mine inspector's term for the schedule of particulars of
accidents. Fay

listing

a. Fine shale or clay with glossy surfaces or slickensides due to crushing

and relative movement. The rock may form a layer over a coal seam as clod;
also applied to leather bed. Nelson
b. See:lashing

list mill

In gem cutting, a wheel covered with list or cloth on which gems are
polished. Also called list wheel. Standard, 2

list pan

A perforated skimmer for skimming molten tin. Standard, 2

listric fault

A curved downward-flattening fault, generally concave upward. Listric

faults may be characterized by normal or reverse separation. AGI

listy bed

Soft freestone between the Chert Vein and House Cap in the Portland beds
at Winspit, Purbeck, U.K.

lith-

A prefix meaning stone or stonelike.

litharge

A tetragonal mineral, PbO ; red; dimorphous with massicot, which is

yellow. Syn:lead ocher; lithargite.

lithargite

See:litharge

lithia amethyst

See:kunzite; spodumene.

lithia emerald
See:hiddenite; spodumene.

lithia mica

See:lepidolite

lithic

a. A syn. of lithologic, as in lithic unit. AGI

b. Said of a medium-grained sedimentary rock, and of a pyroclastic
deposit, containing abundant fragments of previously formed rocks; also
said of such fragments. AGI
c. Pertaining to or made of stone; e.g., lithic artifacts or lithic
architecture. AGI

lithic arenite

a. A sandstone containing abundant quartz, chert, and quartzite, less than

10% argillaceous matrix, and more than 10% feldspar, and characterized by
an abundance of unstable materials in which the fine-grained rock
fragments exceed feldspar grains. The rock is roughly equivalent to
subgraywacke. AGI
b. See:lithic sandstone

lithic graywacke

A graywacke characterized by abundant unstable materials; specif. a

sandstone containing a variable amount (generally less than 75%) of quartz
and chert and 15% to 75% detrital-clay matrix, and having rock fragments
(primarily of sedimentary or low-rank metamorphic origin) in greater
abundance than feldspar grains (chiefly sodic plagioclase, indicating a
plutonic provenance). AGI

lithic sandstone

A sandstone containing rock fragments in greater abundance than feldspar

grains. Syn:lithic arenite

lithic tuff

An indurated deposit of volcanic ash in which the fragments are composed

of previously formed rocks; e.g., accidental particles of sedimentary
rock, accessory pieces of earlier lavas in the same cone, or small bits of
new lava (essential ejecta) that first solidify in the vent and are then
blown out. CF:crystal tuff

lithidionite

Alternate spelling of litidionite. See:litidionite

lithifaction

See:lithification

lithification

a. A compositional change in a coal seam from coal to bituminous shale or

other rock; the lateral termination of a coal seam due to a gradual
increase in impurities. AGI
b. The conversion of a newly deposited, unconsolidated sediment into a
coherent, solid rock, involving processes such as cementation, compaction,
desiccation, and crystallization. It may occur concurrent with, soon
after, or long after deposition. AGI
c. A term sometimes applied to the solidification of a molten lava to form
an igneous rock. See also:consolidation; induration.
Syn:lithifaction

lithionite

See:lepidolite

lithiophilite

An orthorhombic mineral, 4[LiMnPO4 ] ; forms a series with

triphylite; in granite pegmatites; an ore of lithium.

lithiophorite

A hexagonal or monoclinic mineral, (Al,Li)MnO2 (OH)2 ;

powdery; black; occurs with other supergene manganese oxide minerals.

lithiophosphate

An orthorhombic mineral, Li3 PO4 ; in white to colorless

masses in pegmatite; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

lithium

A soft, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali group, the lightest

of all metals. Symbol, Li. Does not occur free in nature; is found
combined in small amounts in nearly all igneous rocks and in the waters of
many mineral springs. Lepidolite, spodumene, petalite, and amblygonite are
the more important minerals containing it. The metal is corrosive and
requires special handling. Used as an alloying agent, in the synthesis of
organic compounds, and for nuclear applications.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

lithium borosilicate
LiBSiO4 . Used in low-temperature enamels and as a component of
high-temperature, corrosion-resistant coatings. Lee

lithium mica

See:lepidolite

lithium niobate

LiNbO3 ; a ferroelectric compound having the ilmenite structure and

of potential interest as an electroceramic. Dodd

lithium tantalate

LiTaO3 ; a ferroelectric compound of potential value as a special

electroceramic. The Curie temperature is above 350 degrees C. Dodd

lithodeme

A body of intrusive, pervasively deformed, or highly metamorphosed rock,

generally nontabular and lacking primary depositional structures, and
characterized by lithic homogeneity. It is mappable at the surface and
traceable in the subsurface. For cartographic and hierarchical purposes,
it is comparable to a formation. The name of a lithodeme combines a
geographic term with a lithic or descriptive term, e.g., Duluth Gabbro.
CF:suite

lithofacies

The rock record of any sedimentary environment, including both physical

and organic characters. It is a mappable subdivision of a designated
stratigraphic unit, distinguished from adjacent subdivisions on the basis
of lithology. See also:facies

lithofracteur

Nitroglycerine mixed with siliceous earth, charcoal, sodium, and sometimes

barium, nitrate, and sulfur. Fay

lithogene

Said of a mineral deposit formed by the process of mobilization of

elements from a solid rock and their transportation and redeposition
elsewhere. On a local scale, the process may be called a product of
lateral secretion; on a larger scale, the deposit may be called a product
of regional metamorphism. AGI

lithogenesis
The origin and formation of rocks, esp. of sedimentary rocks. Also, the
science of the formation of rocks. CF:petrogenesis
Adj: lithogenetic. AGI

lithogenesy

The science of the origin of minerals and the causes of their modes of
occurrence. Standard, 2

lithogenetic

Of or pertaining to the origin or formation of rocks.

lithogeny

See:lithogenesis

lithoglyph

A carving or engraving on a stone or gem; also, a stone or gem so

engraved. Standard, 2

lithoglyptics

The art of gem cutting; the cutting or engraving of precious stones or

gems. Standard, 2

lithographic limestone

A compact, dense, homogeneous, exceedingly fine-grained limestone having a

pale creamy yellow or grayish color and a conchoidal or subconchoidal
fracture. It was formerly much used in lithography for engraving and the
reproduction of colored plates. See also:Solenhofen stone
Syn:lithographic stone

lithographic stone

See:lithographic limestone

lithographic texture

A sedimentary texture of certain calcareous rocks, characterized by

uniform particles of clay size and by an extremely smooth appearance
resembling that of the stone used in lithography. AGI

lithoid

Rocklike or stonelike.

lithoidal
Said of the texture of some dense, microcrystalline igneous rocks, or of
devitrified glass, in which individual constituents are too small to be
distinguished with the unaided eye. AGI

lithologic

Adj. of lithology. Syn:lithic

lithologic correlation

The matching or linking up of identical rock formations, veins, or coal

seams, exposed some distance apart, by lithology. See also:correlation
Nelson

lithology

a. The character of a rock described in terms of its structure, color,

mineral composition, grain size, and arrangement of its component parts;
all those visible features that in the aggregate impart individuality to
the rock. Lithology is the basis of correlation in coal mines and commonly
is reliable over a distance of a few miles. Nelson
b. The study of rocks based on the megascopic observation of hand
specimens. In French usage, the term is synonymous with petrography.
Holmes, 2

lithomarge

A smooth, indurated variety of common kaolin, consisting at least in part

of a mixture of kaolinite and halloysite. AGI

lithophile

a. Said of an element that is concentrated in the silicate rather than in

the metal or sulfide phases of meteorites. Such elements concentrate in
the Earth's silicate crust in Goldschmidt's tripartite division of
elements in the solid Earth. CF:chalcophile; siderophile. AGI
b. Said of an element with a greater free energy of oxidation per gram of
oxygen than iron. It occurs as an oxide and more often as an oxysalt, esp.
in silicate minerals. Examples are Se, Al, B, La, Ce, Na, K, Rb, Ca, Mn,
U. Syn:oxyphile

lithophosphor

A mineral, such as barite, that becomes phosphorescent when heated.

Syn:lithophosphore

lithophosphore

See:lithophosphor
lithophysae

Hollow, bubblelike, or roselike spherulites, usually with a concentric

structure, that occur in rhyolite, obsidian, and related rocks. Sing:
lithophysa.

lithopone

A white pigment composed of a mixture of barium sulfate, zinc sulfide, and

zinc oxide. Hess

lithospar

A naturally occurring mixture of spodumene and feldspar. USBM, 6

lithosphere

a. The solid outer portion of the Earth, as compared with the atmosphere
and the hydrosphere. AGI
b. In plate tectonics, an outer layer of great strength relative to the
underlying asthenosphere for deformation at geologic rates. It includes
the crust and part of the upper mantle and is about 100 km thick.
AGI

lithotope

An area or surface of uniform sediment, sedimentation, or sedimentary

environment, including associated organisms. CF:lithofacies
AGI

lithotype

a. A rock defined on the basis of certain selected physical characters.

AGI b. This term was proposed by C.A. Seyler in 1954 in a communication to the
Nomenclature Subcommittee of the International Committee for Coal
Petrology to designate the different macroscopically recognizable bands of
humic coals. These bands were described by M.C. Stopes in 1919 as the four
visible ingredients in banded bituminous coal. The following macroscopic
bands are distinguished in humic coals: vitrain, clarain, durain, and
fusain. IHCP

lithoxyl

Wood opal in which the original woody structure is observable; also

petrified (opalized) wood. Also spelled lithoxyle; lithoxylite;
lithoxylon. See also:wood opal

litidionite

Blue triclinic mineral, KNaCuSi4 O10 .

litmus

A blue dyestuff that turns red when treated by an acid and remains blue
when treated by an alkali. Crispin

litmus paper

Absorbent paper dipped into a solution of litmus. Used to test solutions

to determine whether they are acid or alkaline. Standard, 2

lit-par-lit

Having the characteristic of a layered rock, the laminae of which have

been penetrated by numerous thin, roughly parallel sheets of igneous
material, usually granitic. Etymol: French, bed-by-bed.
CF:injection gneiss; injection metamorphism. AGI

Little Demon exploder

Trade name for a small exploder that employs a manually operated

electromagnetic generator as its source of power. It is approved for
firing single shots in gassy mines and is in widespread use.
Syn:one-shot exploder

little giant

A jointed iron nozzle used in hydraulic mining.

See also:hydraulic monitor

little winds

a. Corn. A sump. Fay

b. An underground shaft, sunk from a horizontal drift. A winze.
Fay

littoral

Of or pertaining to a shore. A coastal region. Webster 2nd

littoral current

A current generated by waves breaking at an angle to the shoreline and

that usually moves parallel to and adjacent to the shoreline within the
surf zone. See also:longshore current

littoral drift

a. Applied to the movement along the coast of gravel, sand, and other
material composing the bars and beaches. AGI
b. Material moved in the littoral zone under the influence of waves and
currents. AGI

littoral zone

In mine subsidence, the zone that embraces the disturbed strata lying
round about and outside the mined strata. Briggs

live boom

A shovel boom that can be lifted and lowered without interrupting the
digging cycle. Nichols, 2

liveingite

A monoclinic mineral, Pb9 As13 S28 .

Syn:rathite-II

live load

a. In drilling, a variable load suspended on the hoist line. Long

b. In mechanics, a load that is variable, as distinguished from a load
that is constant. Also called dynamic load. Long
c. A load on a structure that may be removed or its position altered.
See also:dead load
d. It may not be a dynamic load, and it does not include wind load or
earthquake shocks. Hammond

live lode

A lode containing valuable minerals.

liverite

Utah. A variety of bitumen, probably elaterite. Tomkeieff

live roll grizzly

A device for screening and scalping that consists of a series of spaced

rotating, parallel rolls so constructed as to provide openings of a fixed
size. See also:grizzly

liver opal

See:menilite

liver ore

A miners' term for cinnabar.

liver pyrites

A massive form of iron sulfide (marcasite and sometimes also pyrite and
pyrrhotite) having a dull liver-brown color.

liver rock

A sandstone that breaks or cuts as readily in one direction as in another

and that can be worked without being affected by stratification; a dense
freestone that lacks natural division planes. AGI

liverstone

A variety of barite that gives off a fetid odor when rubbed or heated.

livesite

A clay mineral intermediate to kaolinite and halloysite; a disordered

kaolinite.

live steam

Steam direct from the boiler and under full pressure. Distinguished from
exhaust steam, which has been deprived of its available energy.
Webster 3rd; Fay

livingstonite

A monoclinic mineral, HgSb4 S8 ; metallic lead gray.

lixiviant

A liquid medium that selectively extracts the desired metal from the ore
or material to be leached rapidly and completely, and from which the
desired metal can then be recovered in a concentrated form. SME, 1

lixiviation

See:leaching

lixivium

See:leachate

lizardite

A trigonal and hexagonal mineral, Mg3 Si2 O5 (OH)

4 ; kaolinite-serpentine group; polymorphous with antigorite,
clinochrysotile, orthochrysotile, and parachrysotile; forms a series with
nepouite; in platy masses as an alteration product of ultramafic rocks;
the most abundant serpentine mineral.

L-joint

An approx. horizontal joint plane in igneous rocks.

Syn:primary flat joint

llano

A term for an extensive tropical plain, with or without vegetation,

applied esp. to the generally treeless plains of northern South America
and the Southwestern United States. Etymol: Spanish. AGI

load

a. See:bit load
b. The act or process of placing an explosive in a borehole; also, the
explosive so placed. See also:charge

load-bearing test

Load-bearing tests may be divided into two types, horizontal and vertical.
Both types require excavation of a test pit into the region that is being
investigated. This test pit must be excavated with a minimum of blasting,
with particular attention to the bearing surfaces to avoid disturbance of
the foundation rock. Load-bearing tests are being used to an increasing
extent as a source of information for the design of heavily loaded surface
structures and have supplanted seismic tests where the foundation rock is
highly shattered. Syn:horizontal load-bearing test

load-bearing wall

A wall carrying any load put upon it together with its own weight and the
wind load. Hammond

load binder

A lever that pulls two grabhooks together, and holds them by locking over
center. Nichols, 1

load cell

Consists essentially of a hollow steel cylinder capped top and bottom by a

steel plate. Strain gages are cemented on the inner wall of the cylinder
in such a way that, as the cylinder is compressed, the strain gages will
be distorted, with a resultant change in resistance. This instrument is
designed for measuring the load transferred from the hanging wall onto
props or other units used for support. Issacson
load controller

A device to control the load and prevent spillage on a gathering conveyor

receiving coal or mineral from several loading points or subsidiary
conveyors. The device is a simplified weightometer and is installed on the
main belt a short distance before the intermediate loading point. When the
main belt is fully loaded, the scale registers this fact and causes a
break in the electrical circuit of the intermediate conveyor, which is
stopped. Immediately after that, the flood loading on the main conveyor is
finished, and the load controller operates and starts up the subsidiary
conveyor. Nelson

load dropper

See:car runner; car dropper.

loaded filter

A graded filter placed at the foot of an earth dam or other construction,

stabilizing the foot of the structure by virtue of its weight and
permeability. Hammond

loaded hole

A drilled borehole in which explosive materials are loaded without priming

the hole or including an initiator.

loaded wheel

A grinding wheel that has a glazed or clogged surface from particles of

the material being ground. Crispin

loader

a. A mechanical shovel or other machine for loading coal, ore, mineral, or

rock. Syn:mechanical loader
scraper loader; shaker-shovel loader; shovel loader; cutter loader;
gathering arm loader. Nelson
b. The worker who loads coal, either by hand or by operating a loading
machine, at the working face after the coal has been shot down; also keeps
the working place in order. Syn:loader operator
See also:hand loader
c. In anthracite and bituminous coal mining, a laborer who shovels coal or
rock, blasted from the working face in a mine, into cars or onto a
conveyor belt from which cars are loaded at some point removed from the
working place. May be designated as car loader; conveyor loader. Also
called coal loader.
d. In metal and nonmetal mining, one who shovels ore or rock, caved or
blasted from the working face in a mine, into cars or onto a conveyor belt
from which cars are loaded at some point removed from the working place.
DOT
e. See also:gun-perforator loader; tractor shovel.
Syn:loader engineer; loader runner; loader operator..

loader boss

a. In bituminous coal mining, a foreperson who supervises a crew of

loaders loading coal onto a conveyor or into cars at working places in a
mine. Also called loading boss; loading-unit boss. DOT
b. In anthracite coal mining, a foreperson who supervises the loading of
railroad cars with prepared coal. DOT

loader engineer

See:loader; boxcar loader.

loader gate

A gate road equipped with a gate conveyor or a gate-end loader; the gate
to which the face conveyors deliver their coal. Nelson

loader-off

Eng. A man who regulates the sending out of the full cars from a longwall
stall, or gate. Fay

loader operator

See:loader

loader runner

See:boxcar loader; loader.

load-extension curve

A line plotted from the results of a tensile test on metal, the loads
being shown as ordinates and the elongations of the gage length as
abscissae, thus relating the extension of the material under test to the
applied load. See also:stress-strain curve

load factor

a. The ratio of the average compressor load during a certain period of

time to the maximum rated load of the compressor. Lewis
b. The ratio of the collapse load to the working load on a structure or
section. Taylor
c. In electric power engineering, the ratio of average electrical load to
peak electrical load, usually calculated over a 1-h period. Lyman
d. Average load carried by an engine, machine, or plant, expressed as a
percentage of its maximum capacity. Nichols, 1
e. Ratio of average output during a period to maximum output during the
period. Sometimes the ratio of output to maximum capacity.
Strock, 2

load fold

A plication of an underlying stratum, believed to result from unequal

pressure and settling of overlying material. AGI

load indicator

A measuring device used to indicate the load or weight suspended on a

drill hoisting line or cable. Long

loading

In ion exchange, sorption onto resins of metallic ions from a pregnant

solution in loading cycle. Pryor, 3

loading boom

a. In coal preparation, an overhanging steel chute for loading coal into

rail wagons or lorries; usually capable of vertical movement as loading
proceeds to minimize breakage. Nelson
b. An adjustable conveyor used for lowering coal into cars with little
breakage. Widely used for handling domestic sizes of bituminous coal.
Mitchell
c. A hinged portion of a conveyor that is designed to receive materials at
a fixed level and to discharge them at varying levels; usually employed
for loading coal into wagons. BS, 5

loading-boom operator

See:conveyor man

loading boss

See:loader boss

loading chute

a. A three-sided tray for loading or for transfer of material from one

transport unit to another. See also:chute
b. A gravity chute used to convey coal from the pocket or the screen to
the railroad car. Mitchell
c. Used to direct material onto a conveyor.

loading conveyor
Any of several types of conveyors adapted for loading bulk materials,
packages, or objects into cars, trucks, or other conveyors.
See also:portable conveyor

loading density

The number of pounds of explosive per foot length of drill hole.

Nelson

loading equipment

Mechanical shovels or other machines singly or in combination used to load

excavated or stockpiled materials into trucks, mine cars, conveyors, or
other transportation or haulage units.

loading head

That part of a loading machine that gathers the coal or rock and places it
on the machine's elevating conveyor.

loading-head man

One who operates the loading device of any type of conveyance equipped
with a self-loading head for the mechanical underground loading of coal or
other mineral. Hess

loading hopper

A hopper used to receive and direct material to a conveyor.

loading machine

a. A generic term for any power-operated machine for loading mined coal or
any other material into mine cars, conveyors, road vehicles, or bins.
b. A machine for loading materials, such as coal, ore, or rock, into cars
or other means of conveyance for transportation to the surface of the
mine. See also:loader

loading machine operator

A person who operates a mobile loading machine.

Syn:loading-machine runner

loading-machine runner

See:loading machine operator

loading pan
A box or scoop into which broken rock is shoveled in a sinking shaft while
the hoppit is traveling in the shaft. A small hoist is used to lift and
discharge the pans into the hoppit on its return to the shaft bottom.
See also:box filling

loading pick

Eng. A pick for cleaning coal. Fay

loading point

a. The point where coal or ore is loaded into cars or conveyors, where a
conveyor discharges into mine cars, or where a wagon or lorry is loaded.
See also:transfer point
b. N. of Eng. Where coal is transferred from a mother gate or trunk belt
conveyor into tubs. Trist

loading pole

A nonmetallic pole used to assist the placing and compacting of explosive

charges in boreholes. Atlas

loading ramp

A surface structure, often incorporating storage bins, used for gravity

loading bulk material into transport vehicles. Nelson

loading ratio

In quarrying, the number of tons of rock blasted per 1 lb (0.454 kg) of

explosive. The harder the rock, the lower the ratio.
See also:explosive factor; explosive ratio. Also called powder factor.
Streefkerk

loadings

Eng. Pillars of masonry carrying a winding drum or pulley. Fay

loading shovel

A mechanical shovel able to operate as a forklift truck, a crane, or a

loader. See also:shovel loader

loading station

A device consisting of one or more plates, or a hopper receiving and

placing material on the conveyor belt for transport. When such a loading
station is located at the tail end, it is known as a tail-end loading
station; when it is located along the intermediate section, it is known as
an intermediate loading station. NEMA, 2
loading-unit boss

See:loader boss

loading weight

Weight of a powder that is filled into a container under stated

conditions. See also:bulk density

load metamorphism

A type of static metamorphism in which pressure due to deep burial has

been a controlling influence, along with high temperature.
CF:thermal metamorphism

load-out

To load coal or rock that is to be taken out of the mine. Fay

loadstar

See:lodestone

loadstone

Alternate spelling of lodestone. See also:lodestone

load transfer

The weight of the strata above every excavation is largely transferred to

the coal pillars or packs in the vicinity. Attempts are made to control
and facilitate this load transfer in the yield-pillar system and in double
packing. See also:abutment; pressure arch. Nelson

loam beater

A rammer used in making a loam mold. Standard, 2

loam cake

A disk of dried loam used to cover a loam mold; it has holes through which
melted metal is poured and air escapes. Standard, 2

loaming

A method of geochemical prospecting in which samples of soil or other

surficial material are tested for traces of the metal desired, its
presence presumably indicating a near-surface orebody. AGI

Lobbe Hobel
An earlier type of rapid plow traveling at 70 ft/min (21.3 m/min) across
the face. Nelson

Lobbert lagging

A lagging consisting of galvanized steel wire frames fastened to

underground haulageway supports by special wire fasteners to provide a
continuous lining. Nelson

lobs

Steps in a mine. Hess

local cell

A galvanic cell resulting from inhomogeneities between areas on a metal

surface in an electrolyte. The inhomogeneities may be of physical or
chemical nature in either the metal or its environment. See also:cell
ASM, 1

local current

A natural earth current of local origin, such as one arising from the
oxidation of a sulfide deposit. A term used in electrical prospecting.
AGI

local extension

The extension produced in a tensile test after the ultimate tensile stress
has been passed and concentrated on part of the gauge length where a neck
is formed. CTD

local indicator plant

Plants of wide geographic distribution having an affinity for absorbing

certain metallic elements from the soil and which can be used in
geochemical exploration to indicate presence of local concentrations of
metals. CF:universal plant indicator

local metamorphism

Metamorphism caused by a local process; e.g., contact metamorphism or

metasomatism near an igneous body, hydrothermal metamorphism, or
dislocation metamorphism in a fault zone. CF:regional metamorphism
AGI

local shear failure

Failure in which the ultimate shearing strength of the soil is mobilized

only locally along the potential surface of sliding at the time the
structure supported by the soil is impaired by excessive movement.
ASCE

local unconformity

An unconformity that is strictly limited in geographic extent and that

usually represents a relatively short period, such as one developed around
the margins of a sedimentary basin or along the axis of a structural trend
that rose intermittently while continuous deposition occurred in an
adjacent area. It may be similar in appearance to, but lacks the regional
importance of, a disconformity. CF:regional unconformity

local vent

A pipe or shaft to convey foul air from a plumbing fixture or a room to

the outer air. Crispin

local ventilation

Ventilation of the drives and headings in mines by use of the pressure

gradient of the main air current. Stoces

locatable minerals

A legal term that, for public lands in the United States, defines a
mineral or mineral commodity that is acquired through the General Mining
Law of 1872, as amended (30 U.S.C. 22-54, 161, 162, 611-615). These are
the base and precious metal ores, ferrous metal ores, and certain classes
of industrial minerals. Acquisition is by staking a mining claim
(location) over the deposit and then acquiring the necessary permits to
explore or mine. SME, 1

located

Delimited by having the boundaries ascertained and monumented on the

ground, identified by having a notice of location posted upon the land,
and further proclaimed to the public by having such notice of location
recorded in the manner customary under the rules for recording mining
claims. Ricketts

location

a. The act of fixing the boundaries of a mining claim, according to law.

b. The claim itself.
c. The act of taking or appropriating a parcel of mineral land. It
includes the posting of notices, the record thereof when required, and
marking the boundaries so that they can be readily traced. The terms
"location" and "mining claim" are synonymous, though a mining claim may
consist of several locations. See also:mining claim
d. Selecting or defining, on a map or in the field, the alignment of a
road, rail track, or site of a shaft or mine; the actual route or site as
fixed. See also:location plan; location survey. Nelson
e. A spot or place where a borehole is to be drilled; a drill site.
Long

location and patent

The location of a mining claim and patent for a mining claim are not
governed by the same rules. The mining statutes expressly provide for the
location of surface ground that must include the lode or claim as
discovered; and a patent cannot grant any greater extent of surface ground
than the location as made and marked by the surface boundaries.
Ricketts

location notice

A written notice prominently posted on a claim, giving name of locator and

description of its extent and boundaries. AGI

location plan

A map, drawn to a suitable scale, showing the proposed mine development,

shafts, works, etc., in relation to existing surface features.
See also:location

location survey

See:location

location work

Labor required by law to be done on mining claims within 60 days of

location, in order to establish ownership. Syn:assessment work
Weed, 2

loch

An unfilled cavity in a vein. See also:vug

lockage

Water consumed in passing from the upper reach of a canal when a vessel
passes through a lock. Hammond

locked coil rope

Made of specially formed wires assembled in layers of alternate lay about

a wire core, which gives a smooth rope, and the entire surface is
available for resisting wear. Such ropes are used in the United States for
track cables on aerial tramways, and in England as hoisting ropes
collieries. See also:wire rope

locked-cycle test

A series of repetitive batch tests in which the middling products

generated in one test are added to the subsequent test to simulate the
operations of a continuous process in which intermediate-grade materials
are recycled. Each test is referred to as a "cycle." When equilibrium is
reached in two or more cycles, depending on the sensitivity of the
separation, the test is said to be "locked" or "balanced." SME, 2

locked particles

Particles of coal or ore consisting of two or more minerals.

Gaudin, 1

locked test

In laboratory tests on small quantities of ore, a method in which any

selected fraction of the product is added to a fresh batch of the sample,
so that the cumulative effect of its retention can be studied under
conditions that simulate a continuous process in which middlings are
recirculated or partly used water or leach liquor is returned.
See also:cyclic test

locked-wire rope

A rope with a smooth cylindrical surface, the outer wires of which are
drawn to such shape that each one interlocks with the other and the wires
are disposed in concentric layers about a wire core instead of in strands.
Particularly adapted for haulage and rope-transmission purposes.
Zern

locker

A short piece of round timber or iron rod for inserting between the spokes
of a tram wheel to retard its movement. Also called lolley; sprag.
Nelson

locking bolts

Bolts of any type used for locking parts in position. Crispin

locknut

The nut securing the feed gears in the feeding mechanism in a gear-feed
swivel head on a diamond drill; also, any extra nut used to secure a
principal nut. Also called jamnut; jambnut. Long
lock paddle

A sluice whereby a lock chamber is emptied or filled. Hammond

lockpin

Any pin or plug inserted in a part to prevent play or motion in the part
so fastened. Crispin

lock sill

A raised portion of the floor of a lock chamber, forming a stop against

which the lock gates bear when they are shut. Hammond

lockup clutch

A clutch that can be engaged to provide a nonslip mechanical drive through

a fluid coupling. Nichols, 1

locomotive

An electric engine, operating either from current supplied from trolley

and track or from storage batteries carried on the locomotive. The
locomotive may be powered by battery, diesel, compressed air, trolley, or
some combination such as battery-trolley or trolley-cable reel. Used to
move empty and loaded mine cars in and out of the mine. BCI

locomotive arches

Arches built of special refractory shapes, supported by water-circulating

members.

locomotive brakeman

In anthracite and bituminous coal mining, one who works on trains or trips
of cars hauled by locomotive or motor, as distinguished from rope haulage.
Also called locomotive helper; locomotive patcher; motor brakeman; motor
nipper; poleman. DOT

locomotive garage

An elongated recess in an intake airway of a mine for servicing

locomotives. It contains two or three rail tracks (with pit space under
one), good lighting, lifting equipment, oils, benches, and tools. Where
battery locomotives are used, the garage will serve as a charging station.
Syn:underground garage; battery charging station. Nelson

locomotive gradient
The statutory maximum gradient for locomotive haulage is 1:15, but
ordinarily the practical limit is about 1:25. Roads driven specially for
locomotives are normally graded about 1:400 in favor of the load, unless a
steeper gradient is required for drainage. Nelson

locomotive haulage

The transport of coal, ore, workers, and materials underground by means of

locomotive-hauled mine cars. The locomotive may be powered by battery,
diesel, compressed air, trolley, or some combination such as
battery-trolley or trolley-cable reel.
See also:compressed-air locomotive; haulage; underground haulage.
Nelson

locomotive helper

See:locomotive brakeman

locomotive pan brick

Shapes, used to build a burner enclosure, flash wall, and protecting walls
for the water legs.

locomotive patcher

See:locomotive brakeman

locomotive resistance

The combined resistance caused by the friction of the journal and the
wheel tread. It can range from 12 to 20 lb (5.44 to 9.07 kg), but for
practical purposes may be taken as 15 lb (6.8 kg), as the locomotive
represents only a small portion of the total tractive effort.
Kentucky

lode

A mineral deposit consisting of a zone of veins, veinlets, disseminations,

or planar breccias; a mineral deposit in consolidated rock as opposed to a
placer deposit. Syn:lead
See also:vein or lode claim

lode claim

a. That portion of a vein or lode, and of the adjoining surface, that has
been acquired by a compliance with the law, both Federal and State. Any
dispute as to whether a given parcel of land is a vein or a lode is a
question of fact to be determined by those experienced in mining, and it
cannot be determined as a matter of law. Ricketts
b. See:vein or lode claim
c. A mining claim on an area containing a known vein or lode.
CF:placer claim

lode plot

A horizontal lode.

lodestone

a. A variety of magnetite showing spontaneous magnetization because of

preferential alignment of magnetic domains within a crystal or mass of
crystals. If permitted to do so, lodestone will align its polarity with
the geomagnetic field, e.g., floating on a piece of wood in water as an
early type of compass for navigation. Also spelled loadstone.
Syn:leading stone; Hercules stone; loadstar.
b. An intensely magnetized rock or ore deposit. See also:magnetite

lodestuff

Minerals included in a lode or vein, including economically valueless

gangue. See also:veinstuff

lode tin

Tin ore (cassiterite) occurring in veins, as distinguished from stream tin

or placer tin. CF:stream tin

lodge

a. A reservoir of any size used for holding water in a mine. A sump or

standage. Also called lodgement. See also:pound
b. Eng. A subterranean reservoir for the drainage of the mine made at the
shaft bottom, in the interior of the workings, or at different levels in
the shaft. Fay
c. Scot. A cabin at the mine shaft for workers. Fay
d. The room or flat at the shaft into which the pushers or trammers empty
their loads. Standard, 2
e. S Wales. The local branch of the coal miners' union. Nelson
f. A pump room, near the pit bottom or other main pumping station.
Nelson

lodgment level

Scot. A room driven from a level a short distance to the dip and used for
storage of water. A sump. Fay

loellingite

See:loellingite
loess

A widespread, nonstratified, porous, friable, usually highly calcareous,

blanket deposit (generally less than 30 m thick), consisting predominantly
of silt with subordinate grain sizes ranging from clay to fine sand. It
covers areas extending from north-central Europe to eastern China as well
as the Mississippi Valley and Pacific Northwest of the United States.
Loess is generally buff to light yellow or yellowish brown; often contains
shells, bones, and teeth of mammals; and is traversed by networks of small
narrow vertical tubes (frequently lined with calcium carbonate
concretions) left by successive generations of grass roots, which allow
the loess to stand in steep or nearly vertical faces. Loess is now
generally believed to be windblown dust of Pleistocene age. CF:adobe
AGI

loeweite

Alternate spelling of loeweite.

Loewinson-Lessing classification

A chemical classification of igneous rocks (into the four main

types--acid, intermediate, basic, and ultrabasic) based on silica content.
AGI

Lofco car feeder

An appliance for controlling mine cars at loading points, for marshalling

trains, and for loading cars into cages, tipplers, and other points. It
consists of a carrying chain running between the rails. The dummy or live
axles of the cars are held firmly by the chain's profile, and an overload
slipping action is provided. See also:feeder

lofthead

An overhead cavity caused by a fall of roof. Nelson

lofting

a. S. Wales. An old or disused heading over the top of another one.

Fay
b. N. of Eng. See:lacing
c. Scot. Wood filling up vacant space on top of crowns or gears.
Fay
d. Timbers, usually old, laid across the caps of steel frames or sets in a
working to support the roof. Webster 2nd

log
The record of, or the process of recording, events or the type and
characteristics of the rock penetrated in drilling a borehole, as
evidenced by the cuttings, core recovered, or information obtained from
electric, sonic, or radioactivity devices. Also called logged; logging.
See also:well log

Logan slabbing machine

This machine consists essentially of two horizontal cutting chains, one

working at the base of the coal seam and the other at a distance from the
floor; a third cutter chain is mounted vertically on a shearing jib at
right angles to the other two and shears off the coal at the back of the
cut. The upper jib breaks the coal up into loadable size, and a short
conveyor transfers it to the face conveyor. Similar in principle to the
A.B. Meco-Moore cutter-loader. Mason

logbook

A book in which the official record of events or the type and

characteristics of the rock penetrated by the borehole is entered. Also
called journal; journal book. CF:log

logging chain

A chain composed of links of round bar pieces curved and welded to

interlock, with a grabhook at one end and a round hook at the other.
Nichols, 1

logging tongs

Tongs with end hooks that dig in when the tongs are pulled.
Nichols, 1

log washer

A slightly slanting trough in which revolves a thick shaft or log,

carrying blades obliquely set to the axis. Material is fed in at the lower
end, water at the upper. The blades slowly convey the lumps of material
upward against the current, while any adhering clay is gradually
disintegrated and floated out the lower end. Liddell

Lohmannizing

A process by which a protective zinc coating is amalgamated to a

base-metal sheet. Liddell

loipon

A term proposed by Shrock (1947) for a residual surficial layer produced

by intense and prolonged chemical weathering and composed largely of
certain original constituents of the source rock. Typical accumulations of
loipon are the gossans over orebodies, bauxite deposits in Arkansas, terra
rossa deposits of Europe, and duricrust of Australia. Etymol: Greek,
residue. Adj: loiponic. AGI

lok batanite

Variety of bituminous material derived from a mud volcano.

Tomkeieff

loellingite

a. An orthorhombic mineral, 2[FeAs2 ] ; basal cleavage; metallic;

sp gr, 7.45; in quartz veins; a source of arsenic. Also spelled
loellingite, lollingite. Syn:leucopyrite; glaucopyrite; geyerite.
b. The mineral group costibite, loellingite, nisbite, rammelsbergite,
safflorite, and seinaejokite.

loma

A term used in the Southwestern United States for an elongated, gentle

swell or rise of the ground (as on a plain), or a rounded, broad-topped,
inconspicuous hill. Etymol: Spanish, hillock, rising ground, slope.
AGI

lomonosovite

A triclinic mineral, Na2 Ti2 Si2 O9 .Na (sub

3) PO4 ; in alkalic pegmatites and sodalite syenites; Kola
Peninsula, Russia.

long awn

A direction of less than 45 degrees to the main natural line of cleat or

cleavage in the coal. Also spelled horn. CF:short awn

long clay

A highly plastic clay. Syn:fat clay

long column

A column that fails by buckling, as distinct from crushing, when

overloaded. CF:short column

long hole

Underground boreholes and blastholes exceeding 10 ft (3.05 m) in depth or

requiring the use of two or more lengths of drill steel or rods coupled
together to attain the desired depth. CF:long-hole drill
long-hole blasting

Method of blasting, employing diamond drills or extension steel drills

with tungsten carbide bits, applied to ore-winning operations where
conditions are suitable. The essential requirements from the practical and
economic points of view are (1) a large orebody or wide regular vein, (2)
a strong country rock, and (3) a good parting between the ore and the rock
to avoid undue contamination of the ore. Holes to take cartridges up to 2
in (5.1 cm) in diameter may be drilled. Since the drilling of long holes
is relatively expensive, high-strength, high-density gelatinous explosives
are usually employed so that the maximum burden can be placed on each
hole. For this reason also, the largest diameter of explosive cartridge
that can be loaded into the holes should be used to obtain the greatest
possible loading density. McAdam, 2

long-hole drill

A rotary- or percussive-type drill used to drill underground blastholes to

depths exceeding 3 m. CF:long hole

long-hole infusion

There are two methods: (1) Long holes are drilled parallel to the coal
face. Charges of Hydrobel explosive are spaced along the holes and fired
under water pressure. The object is to loosen the coal and allay the dust
along the entire face in one operation.
See also:pulsed infusion shot firing
about 40 ft (12.2 m) long in the line of advance of the workings. The
holes are not charged with explosive and fired but only subjected to water
pressure up to 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa) to loosen the coal and allay the dust
in the cleats. The holes may be drilled during weekends and of a length
about equal to the weekly advance of the face. Nelson

long-hole jetting

A hydraulic mining system consisting essentially of drilling a hole down

the pitch of the vein, replacing the drilling head with a jet cutting
head, and then retracting the drill column with the jets in operation to
remove the coal. Coal cut loose by the jets drops to a flume drift and is
carried by water to a screening and loading plant. Coal Age, 3

longitudinal fault

A fault whose strike is parallel with that of the general structural trend
of the region. AGI

longitudinal fissure

A fissure that is parallel with the strike of the deposit. Stoces

longitudinal joint

A steeply dipping joint plane in a pluton that is oriented parallel to the

lines of flow. Syn:S-joint; bc-joint. AGI

longitudinal trace

A trace on the ground motion record representing the component of motion

in a horizontal plane and in the direction of the seismic wave travel
direction. Syn:radial axis

longitudinal valley

See:strike valley

longitudinal velocity

See:modulus of elasticity

longitudinal wave

An elastic wave in which the displacements are in the direction of wave

propagation. Syn:P wave; primary wave. AGI

long (lazy) flames

Partially aerated flames, particularly when aerated in stages.

Nonturbulent flow. Francis, 2

Longmaid-Henderson process

Method of recovering copper from burned sulfides, by roasting with rock

salt and using the issuing gases, after condensation, to leach the
chloridized residue. Copper then dissolved is precipitated from the leach
liquor onto scrap iron. Pryor, 3

long piggyback conveyor

An appliance to provide a constant flow of coal from a continuous miner to

the main haulage system. It consists of a conveyor slung under the tail
end of the loader and running on a bogey straddling the heading conveyor
so that it can telescope over it. Nelson

long-pillar work

Coal winning in three stages in underground mining. First, large pillars

are left as the face is advanced by means of drives. Second, parallel
drives connect these drives and form large blocks. Finally, the pillars so
formed are mined. Pryor, 3
long-range order

The property of crystal structures wherein atomic particles show

periodicity over large numbers of atomic diameters and each atomic
particle has specific relationships with lattice points.
CF:short-range order; disorder. See:superlattice; superstructure.

long run

To fill or nearly fill the core barrel with core on a single trip into the
borehole. CF:short run

long-running thermal precipitator

A dust-sampling instrument designed by the Mining Research Establishment

of Great Britain that operates over periods of up to 8 h and collects only
respirable dust that is selected aerodynamically during the sampling
process. The respirable fraction is selected by drawing the dust through a
horizontal duct elutriator that simulates the acting principle of the
human nose and respiratory passages in that the larger and faster-falling
particles are caught by the processes of settlement and impingement.
Roberts, 1

long section

A section of land that contains more than 640 acres (256 ha).
Williams

long-shank chopping bit

A steel chisel-edged chopping bit having a longer and heavier-than-normal

shank, designed to give added weight and directional stability when
chopping an angle hole through overburden. Long

longshore current

A current in the surf zone, moving generally parallel to the shoreline,

generated by waves breaking at an angle with the shoreline.
Syn:littoral current

longshore drift

See:beach drift

long tom

A trough for washing gold-bearing earth. It is longer than a rocker.

Webster 3rd; Fay

longues tailles
Fr. See:longwall

longwall

a. A long face of coal. Stoces

b. A method of working coal seams believed to have originated in
Shropshire, England, toward the end of the 17th century. The seam is
removed in one operation by means of a long working face or wall, thus the
name. The workings advance (or retreat) in a continuous line, which may be
several hundred yards in length. The space from which the coal has been
removed (the gob, goaf, or waste) either is allowed to collapse (caving)
or is completely or partially filled or stowed with stone and debris. The
stowing material is obtained from any dirt in the seam and from the
ripping operations on the roadways to gain height. Stowing material is
sometimes brought down from the surface and packed by hand or by
mechanical means. See also:longwall advancing; longwall retreating.
Also known as longwork; Shropshire method; combination longwall; and
Nottingham or Barry system. Syn:combination longwall
Nelson; Fay
c. Opposite of shortwall. See also:longwall mining

longwall advancing

A system of longwall working in which the faces advance from the shafts
toward the boundary or other limit lines. In this method, all the roadways
are in worked-out areas. See also:longwall

longwall coal cutter

Compact machine, driven by compressed air or electricity, that cuts into

the coal face with its jib at right angles to its body.
See also:longwall machine

longwall machine

A power-driven machine used for shearing coal on relatively long faces.

See also:longwall coal cutter

longwall miner

In bituminous coal mining, one who extracts coal from seams by a

specialized method known as longwall mining. In this method, all coal is
extracted as the work progresses, and the roof caves behind the working
face.

longwall mining

a. A full-extraction method for mining large panels of coal.

b. A system of mining in which all the minable coal is recovered in one
operation. Hudson
c. A method of mining flat-bedded deposits, in which the working face is
advanced over a considerable width at one time. See also:longwall
Pryor, 3

longwall peak stoping

A method of underland stoping in which rapid advance of the face is

maintained, and by working the faces at an angle of 60 degrees to the
strike, the peak travels down the dip at twice the rate of the face
advance. This method was introduced on the Witwatersrand for stoping below
5,000 ft (1,524 m), where rapid face advance resulting from the closer
spacing of holes reduces the incidence of rock bursts. Higham

longwall pillar working

The extraction of the coal pillars formed by a pillar method of working,

by a longwall face, which can be advancing or retreating. Where the crush
is not excessive, this method is more efficient and often safer than
extracting each pillar individually. Nelson

longwall retreating

A system of longwall working in which the developing headings are driven

narrow to the boundary or limit line and then the coal seam is extracted
by longwall faces retreating toward the shaft. In this method, all the
roadways are in the solid coal seam and the waste areas are left behind.
See also:longwall; mechanized heading development. Nelson

lonkey

Eng. The best Yorkshire sandstone, Rossendale District. CF:lunker

Arkell

loodwin

Burma. Ruby mines in which fissures, caves, and hollows in the limestone,
filled with detritus from its disintegration, are followed, and their
contents, often cemented or buried under recent travertine, are extracted
and washed. Hess

looking-glass ore

Lustrous hematite, Fe2 O3 . Specular iron ore; iron glance.

Mohs hardness, 6; sp gr, 5.2. Pryor, 3

lool

A vessel to receive ore washings. Standard, 2

loom
Eng. A variant of loam, esp. in the Thames Valley; applied to Thanet sand
and dredged mud used for cement. Arkell

loop circuit

A term used when two positive wires are installed in divergent directions
but later come close enough together to be connected. They then form a
series or so-called loop circuit. CF:parallel blasting circuit
Kentucky

loop drag

An eye at the end of a rod through which tow is passed for cleaning
boreholes.

looper

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a laborer who attaches loops

(folded copper sheets or strips) to starting sheets so that sheets can be
suspended in electrolytic tanks. Also called looper puncher. DOT

loop haulage

A system used when a continuous supply of cars must be supplied to a

loading station. In this system, the empty cars are simply coupled to one
end of the standing cars, which are pulled forward by a hoist with the
rope attached to a clip fixed to the side of the cars. The rope is pulled
back by hand for a distance of three or four car-lengths, and the process
is repeated frequently as the end of the rope approaches the hoist.
Wheeler, H.R.

looping

The running together of ore matter into a mass when the ore is only heated
for calcination. CF:loup

looping mill

Consists of one or more trains of alternating two-high stands. As the

piece being rolled emerges from one stand, it is turned through 180
degrees and entered into the next stand and similarly into the succeeding
stands. In some mills, the looping is performed by hand, while in others
it is done mechanically by means of repeaters or looping channels.
Osborne

loop-type pit bottom

A pit bottom layout in which the loaded cars are fed to the cage from one
side only and the empties are returned to the same side by means of a loop
roadway. The loop arrangement provides more standage room for cars and is
more suitable for multideck cages. When the coal reaches the pit bottom
from two sides, a double-loop layout may be adopted. Nelson

loopway

A double-track loop in a main single-track haulage plane at which mine

cars may pass. A loopway located close to the face or loading machine
enables a train of empty cars to be stationed in the loop, while the
loaded cars are run straight out on the main single track. Nelson

loose

Loose, or crick, is a vertical joint affecting only the lower strata in a

oolite quarry, Northamptonshire, U.K. Syn:crick

loose end

a. A gangway in longwall working, driven so that one side is solid ground

while the other opens upon old workings. CF:fast end
b. Coal prepared by cutting, or that coal that is certain to be loosened
by a shot. Fay
c. The limit of a stall next to the goaf, or where the adjoining stall is
in advance. Fay

loose goods

Industrial diamonds as purchased from a diamond supplier in bulk.

CF:loose stone

loose ground

a. Broken, fragmented, or loosely cemented bedrock material that tends to

slough from sidewalls into a borehole. Also called broken ground.
CF:breccia
b. As used by miners, rock that must be barred down to make an underground
workplace safe; also fragmented or weak rock in which underground openings
cannot be held open unless artificially supported, as with timber sets and
lagging. CF:broken ground
c. A shattered rock formation, or a formation crisscrossed with numerous,
closely spaced, uncemented joints and cracks. Long

loose-needle traversing

A method of traversing in which the magnetic bearings of survey lines are

separately obtained by reference to the magnetic needle. BS, 7

loosening bar

An implement for loosening a pattern from a sand mold. Standard, 2

loose rails

Aust. Rails that can be lifted and placed across a permanent line when
desired to run skips across it. Fay

loose rock

See:loose ground

looses

Vertical joints affecting only the lower strata in the ooelite quarries,
Northamptonshire, U.K. Also called cricks.

loose stone

a. A diamond insecurely bonded in a bit matrix. Long

b. A diamond detached from a bit and lying on the bottom of a drill hole.
Long
c. An unset industrial diamond. CF:loose goods

loose yards

Measurement of soil or rock after it has been loosened by digging or

blasting. Nichols, 1

loosing

S. Staff. Lowering a cage, etc., into a shaft or pit. Fay

loparite

A possibly orthorhombic mineral, (Ce,Na,Ca)2 (Ti,Nb)2 O (sub

6) ; perovskite group; pseudocubic; Kola Peninsula, Russia.

lopezite

A triclinic mineral, K2 Cr2 O7 ; forms minute

orange-red balls in nitratine in Chile.

lopolith

A large, concordant, typically layered igneous intrusion, of planoconvex

or lenticular shape, that is sunken in its central part owing to sagging
of the underlying country rock. Syn:funnel intrusion

loran

Any of various long-range radio position-fixing systems by which

hyperbolic lines of position are determined by measuring the difference in
arrival times of synchronized pulse signals from two or more fixed
transmitting radio stations of known geographic position. Loran fixes may
be obtained at a range of 1,400 nmi (2,593 km) at night. CF:shoran
Etymol: long-range navigation. AGI

lorandite

A monoclinic mineral, TlAsS2 ; red; forms modified tabular or

prismatic crystals with one perfect cleavage.

loranskite

A mineral, (Y,Ce,Ca)ZrTaO6 (?).

lorettoite

A tetragonal artifact, Pb7 O6 Cl2 .

lorry

a. York. A movable bridge over a shaft top upon which the bucket is placed
after it is brought up for emptying. Fay
b. A car used on mine tramways, or at coke ovens. Fay
c. Gr. Brit. A long wagon having a very low platform and four very small
wheels. Standard, 2

Los Angeles abrasion testing machine

A machine for measuring abrasion resistance or toughness. It consists of a

closed hollow steel cylinder 28 in (71.12 cm) in diameter and 20 in (50.8
cm) long mounted for rotation with its axis horizontal. The sample being
tested and a charge of steel spheres are tumbled during rotation by an
internal shelf. AIME, 1

lose

a. Eng. To work a seam of coal, etc., up to where it dies out or is

faulted out of sight. This is called "losing the coal." Fay
b. To be unable to work out a pillar on account of thrust, creep, gob
fire, etc. Fay
c. A pit shaft is said to be "lost" when it has run in or collapsed beyond
recovery. Fay

loseyite

A monoclinic mineral, (Mn,Zn)7 (CO3 )2 (OH)10;

soft; bluish white; at Franklin, NJ.

losing iron
See:furnace losing-the-iron

loss of vend

Difference between weight of raw coal and that of salable products,

expressed as a percentage. Pryor, 3

loss on ignition

As applied to chemical analyses, the loss in weight that results from

heating a sample of material to a high temperature, after preliminary
drying at a temperature just above the boiling point of water. The loss in
weight upon drying is called free moisture; that which occurs above the
boiling point of water, loss on ignition. Harbison-Walker

lost circulation

The condition during rotary drilling when the drilling mud escapes into
porous, fractured, or cavernous rocks penetrated by the borehole and does
not return to the surface. AGI

lost closure

The amount of closure of the walls of a stope that occurs before supports
have been placed and begin to oppose that closure. Spalding

lost core

The portion of a core that is not recovered. It may be the soft rock that
crumbles and falls from the core barrel or the solid piece or pieces of
core that drop to the bottom of a borehole after slipping out of the core
barrel while the drill string is being pulled from the drill hole.
Long

lost corner

A corner whose position cannot be determined, beyond reasonable doubt,

either from traces of the monument, or by reliable testimony relating to
it; and whose location can be restored only by surveying methods and with
reference to interdependent existent corners, by mutual agreement of
abutters, or by court decision. Seelye, 2

lost hole

A borehole in which the target could not be reached because of caving,

squeezing, loose ground, or inability to recover lost tools or junk.
Long

lost level
Corn. A level or gallery driven with an unnecessarily great departure from
the horizontal. Fay

lost river

a. A dried-up river in an arid region.

b. A river in a karst region that drains into an underground channel.

lost thread method

See:string survey

lost water

See:lost circulation

loudspeaker face telephone

An intrinsically safe public address system developed for coal face

communications. Up to 20 individual units, each containing a telephone
handset and speaker, can be coupled together along the face and gate roads
by a five-way cable. Instructions, requests, etc., made into any one of
the handsets are broadcast simultaneously over all the loudspeakers.
See also:signaling system

loup

The pasty mass of iron produced in a bloomery or puddling furnace.

CF:looping

loupe

Any small magnifying glass or lens mounted for use in the hand, held in
the eye socket, or attached to spectacles and used to study minerals and
rocks. Also spelled lupe, loup, loop.

louver cleaner

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, one who trims carbon anodes and
cleans louvers to minimize electrical resistance in magnesium refining
cells. DOT

louvers

Overlapping and sloping slats arranged to prevent entrance or exit of a

portion of an air stream. Louvers are sometimes used as a regulator in
place of a sliding or other adjustable door.

love arrows
See:fleches d'amour

love stone

See:aventurine

Love wave

a. A transverse wave propagated along the boundary of two elastic media

that both have rigidity; i.e., both media must be capable of propagating
transverse waves. AGI
b. A surface seismic wave in which the particles of an elastic medium
vibrate transverse to the direction of the wave's travel, with no vertical
component. AGI
c. A type of surface wave having a horizontal particle motion that is
transverse to the direction of propagation. Its velocity depends only on
density and rigidity modulus, and not on bulk modulus. It is named after
A.E.H. Love, the English mathematician who discovered it. Syn:Q wave;
Querwellen wave. AGI

lovozerite

The mineral group imandrite, kazakovite, koashvite, lovozerite,

petarasite, tisinalite, and zirsinalite.

low

a. A former stream channel in a coalbed, filled with sandstone, clay, and

shale. CF:cutout
b. A general term for such features as a structural basin, a syncline, a
saddle, or a sag. CF:high
c. Indicates that a crystal structure is the low-temperature dimorph for
the crystal compound.

low-alumina silica brick

Special brick in which the total alumina, titania, and alkali are
significantly lower than in regular silica brick.

low-angle fault

A fault with a dip of 45 degrees or less. CF:high-angle fault

AGI

low bed

A machinery trailer with a low deck. Nichols, 1

low blast
A blast delivered to a smelting furnace at low pressure.
Standard, 2

low coal

Coal occurring in a thin seam or bed. Fay

low-deflagrating explosive

Another name for black powder. Kentucky

Lowden drier

Mechanized drying floor used for ores or concentrates. Reciprocating rakes

move the material gently over steel plates heated from below.
Pryor, 3

low-density explosive

Explosive designed for use in mining, where it is required to blast with

the least amount of shattering and/or to reduce explosive cost. The
density of ordinary explosives may be decreased by (1) loose packing, (2)
an alteration in the granular state of the ammonium nitrate, and (3) the
impregnation of woodmeal or suitable substitutes. By decreasing the
density of an explosive the same weight of explosive is used, but owing to
its greater bulk the explosive effects are distributed over a greater
area, thus producing a less shattering effect.

low-discharge ball mill

One with a substantial downslope between the trunnion-high feed end and
the peripheral discharge end. This facilitates the brisk movement of ore
through the mill. Pryor, 3

low doors

Scot. The lowest of two or more landings in a shaft. Fay

low-duty fire clay brick

A fire-clay refractory having a pyrometric cone equivalent not lower than

19 and a minimum modulus of rupture of 600 psi (4.1 MPa). ARI

loeweite

A trigonal mineral, Na12 Mg7 (SO4 )13 .15H

2 O ; white; water soluble. Also spelled loeweite.

lower
Pertaining to rocks or strata that are normally below those of later
formations of the same subdivision of rocks. The adj. is applied to the
name of a chronostratigraphic unit (system, series, stage) to indicate
position in the geologic column and corresponds to early as applied to the
name of the equivalent geologic-time unit; e.g., rocks of the Lower
Jurassic System were formed during the Early Jurassic Period. The initial
letter of the term is capitalized to indicate a formal subdivision (e.g.,
Lower Devonian) and is lowercased to indicate an informal subdivision
(e.g., lower Miocene). The informal term may be used where there is no
formal subdivision of a system or of a series. CF:upper; middle.
AGI

lower break

The lower bend of either a terrace or a monocline, also known as the foot
or the lower change of dip. See also:foot

lowering conveyor

Any type of vertical conveyor for lowering objects at a controlled speed.

See also:arm conveyor; suspended tray conveyor;
vertical reciprocating conveyor.

lowering skips

Used in some river tipples to let the coal down into the barges. Also
known as weigh pans. Mitchell

lowering tongs

Long-handled, plierlike device similar to a certain type of blacksmith

tongs used to handle wash or drill rods in place of a safety clamp in
shallow borehole drilling. Syn:brown tongs; knife dog.

lower leaf

Scot. The lower portion of a seam of coal that is worked in two sections
or leaves. Fay

lower limit of flammability

The smallest quantity of combustible gas that, when mixed with a given
quantity of air (or oxygen), will just support a self-propagating flame.
Francis, 2

lower liquid limit

In soil mechanics, the moisture content at which soil changes from plastic
to liquid. Pryor, 3
lower plastic limit

Moisture content of soil at which it changes from a plastic to a semisolid

state. Pryor, 3

lower plate

See:footwall

lowest visible red-heat

Common division of the color scale--about 887 degrees F (475 degrees C).

low explosive

An explosive in which the change into the gaseous state is effected by

burning and not by detonation as with high explosives. Blasting powder
(black powder or gunpowder) is the only low explosive in common use. It
requires no detonator but is ignited by means of a safety fuse. Also
called propellant. Nelson

low-freezing dynamites

Dynamites made by replacing part of the nitroglycerin of straight

dynamites with some ingredient to render the dynamite incapable of
freezing under ordinary conditions of use. The freezing point is depressed
by adding nitro substitution compounds, such as nitrated sugars,
nitrotoluene, nitrated polymerized glycerin, or ethylene glycol dinitrate.
Lewis

low-freezing explosive

See:polar explosive

low gear

a. See:slow gear
b. Mining and/or drilling operations carried on at a leisurely pace and at
less-than-normal output per worker shift. Long
c. When applied to a screwfeed-type drill, the pair of feed gears in the
feed mechanism that advances the bit the least amount for each revolution
of drill drive rod and/or coupled drill stem.
d. When applied to speed at which the drill motor rotates the drill stem,
the transmission-gear position giving the lowest number of bit revolutions
per minute per engine revolutions per minute; corresponds to low gear in
an automobile.

low-grade
a. An arbitrary designation of dynamites of less strength than 40%. It has
no bearing on the quality of the materials, as they are of as great purity
and high quality as the ingredients in a so-called high-grade explosive.
Fay
b. Sometimes applied to poor- or low-quality drill diamonds. Long
c. Pertaining to ores that have a relatively low content of metal compared
with other richer material from the same general area. Also designates
coal high in impurities. Low-grade metamorphism refers to metamorphism at
a relatively low temperature and/or pressure. CF:high-grade
Stokes
d. See:lean ore

low-grade coal

Combustible material that has only limited uses owing to undesirable

characteristics (for example, ash content or size). BS, 5

low-heat cement

A cement in which there is only limited generation of heat during setting,

achieved by modifying the chemical composition of normal portland cement.
Hammond

low-heat-duty clay

A clay that fuses between 1,520 degrees C and 1,590 degrees C.

Osborne

low-iron magnesite brick

A burned magnesite brick, containing 90% or more of magnesia, and 1.5% to

2.5% iron oxide.

low level

Scot. The drift or working that is farthest to the dip; also called laigh
level.

low-nitrate barren

In uranium leach treatment, the bulk of the barren solution after some
75,700 L of high-nitrate solution have been run through the ion-exchange
(IX) column. Low in nitrate and uranium and contains some backwash water.
Pryor, 3

low powders

Explosives containing a small portion of nitroglycerin and a base similar

to blasting powder. Intermediate between blasting powder and dynamite in
action. See:low-grade
low-pressure air stower

The filling of the waste by means of compressed-air blower. The blower is

usually located close to the stowing machine and operated at a pressure
below 15 psi (103.4 kPa). For light duties, only one blower is required to
operate one stowing machine. For heavier work, or very long lengths of
pipeline, two blowers are used in series. The maximum horsepower for two
blowers in series does not commonly exceed 200 (149 kW) at large
installations. See also:pneumatic stowing

low-pressure limit

The lowest pressure at which flame propagation can be obtained through a

combustible-oxidant system at a fixed temperature in a particular chamber.
Van Dolah

low quartz

Low-temperature quartz; when formed below 573 degrees C, SiO2

tetrahedra are less symmetrically arranged than at higher temperatures;
inversion is reversible. Syn:alpha quartz

low-rank coals

See:rank

low-rank metamorphism

Metamorphism that is accomplished under conditions of low to moderate

temperature and pressure. CF:high-rank metamorphism

low red-heat

Temperature of iron at which redness is observable in subdued daylight

(525 to 700 degrees C). Bright red heat is in the range 700 to 1,000
degrees C and is followed by orange at 1,000 degrees C, white at 1,300
degrees C, and blue-white at 1,500+ degrees C. Pryor, 3

low shaft furnace

A short shaft-type blast furnace that can be used to produce pig iron and
ferroalloys from low-grade ores, using low-grade fuel. The air blast is
often enriched with oxygen. It can also be used for making a variety of
other products such as alumina, cement-making slags, and ammonia synthesis
gas. ASM, 1

low-temperature carbonization

Carbonization carried out at a low temperature (between 500 degrees C and

700 degrees C). During the process, the smoke-producing compounds are
driven off as tars and oils and collected as valuable byproducts, leaving
a coke with about 10% volatile matter. The coke yield is about 1,400 lb/st
(700 kg/t) and is used as a domestic fuel. Nelson

low-temperature coke

A solid fuel produced by the low-temperature carbonization of coal.

Nelson

low-temperature incineration method

In this method for the determination of incombustible matter, the mine

roadway dust (dust containing carbonates) is incinerated at a temperature
of not less than 500 degrees C and not more than 530 degrees C until it is
constant in weight. This temperature is sufficient to complete the
combustion of the organic matter in the dust, but is not high enough to
decompose the carbonates. However, this method is unsuitable for dust
containing magnesium carbonate because this substance decomposes below 500
degrees C, and therefore a low result for the incombustible matter would
be obtained. The moisture content of the sample may be calculated so that
an allowance can be made for the weight loss attributed to moisture.
Cooper

low-tension detonator

A detonator requiring a minimum current of 1 A for firing and having a

resistance of about 1 Omega . BS, 12

low-terrace drift

Aust. Gravel and shingle in terraces.

low velocity

See:velocity

low-velocity-layer correction

See:weathering correction

low volatile bituminous coal

The rank of coal, within the bituminous class of Classification D 388,

such that, on the dry and mineral-matter-free basis, the volatile matter
content of the coal is greater than 14% but equal to or less than 22% (or
the fixed carbon content is equal to or greater than 78% but less than
86%), and the coal commonly agglomerates. CF:bituminous coal
ASTM

low voltage
In coal mining, 660 V or less. Also called low potential.
CF:high voltage; medium voltage. Federal Mine Safety

low working voltage

Low working voltage in coal mines is one of the many conditions that must
be given continual attention. Loss of voltage means a proportional loss in
power. Since the quantity of dc power is obtained by multiplying the
number of amperes times the number of volts, it follows that for a given
amount of power if the volts are lowered the amperes are increased, and
the increase in amperes results in an increase in power loss in the mine
circuit. Lower operating voltages result in heavier currents in the dc
motor circuits, thus heating the motors, cables, and circuit wiring and
causing loss in motor speed, inefficient operation, and increased
maintenance cost. Kentucky

lozenge

A form of cut stone produced by the meeting of the skill and star facets
on the benzil of brilliants; or by the meeting of the facets in the
horizontal ribs of the crown. Hess

lpb

To determine the horizontal compass direction that a borehole is trending

at a specific depth by means of one of several borehole surveying
instruments. Long

LP delays

Long period delays used in delay blasting underground and generally

available in intervals of seconds.

lublinite

A fibrous variety of calcite.

lubrication

The act of applying lubricants. There are two main types of lubricants,
solid and liquid. Examples of the solid type are graphite, French chalk,
and sulfur. Liquid lubricants are by far the more important, and among
these, oils and greases are the most common. Crispin; Morris

Luce and Rozan process

A modification of the Pattinson process whereby the molten lead is stirred

by the injection of steam; used in desilverizing base bullion. Fay

lucianite
An expansive clay of the smectite(?) group at Santa Lucia, near Mexico,
D.F.

lucid attrite

Variety of attritus that is transparent in thin section. Tomkeieff

lucinite

A variety of variscite from Lucin, UT.

Luckiesh-Moss visibility meter

This instrument has been used over a wide range of lighting applications.
It consists of a pair of similar photographic gradient filters, which
increase in density as they are rotated together before the eyes. The
filters therefore reduce the apparent brightness of the observed field and
at the same time lower the contrast between the object of view and its
background. Roberts, 2

luckite

A manganoan variety of melanterite at the Lucky Boy Mine, Salt Lake

County, UT.

lucky stone

See:staurolite

Lueders line

Surface markings that result from strain. Sometimes called Hartmann lines;
Piobert lines; stretcher strains. See also:slip line

ludlamite

A monoclinic mineral, (Fe,Mg,Mn)3 (PO4 )2 .4H2

O ; green; in small tabular crystals at Truro, Cornwall, U.K.
Syn:lehrnerite

ludwigite

An orthorhombic mineral, Mg2 FeBO5 ; forms a series with

vosenite; forms finely fibrous masses. Includes magnesioludwigite,
ferroludwigite. Syn:collbranite

lue

Prov. Eng. To sift; a miner's term. Standard, 2

lueneburgite

Alternate spelling of lueneburgite.

lueshite

A monoclinic mineral, NaNbO3 ; perovskite group; pseudocubic;

dimorphous with natroniobite. Syn:igdloite

luffing cableway mast

A cableway tower hinged at the base and sustained by adjustable guys so

that its inclination can be varied. Hammond

lug

a. A replaceable cutting member on an expansion reamer. Long

b. One of a set of cutting lugs used to cut off a length of casing in a
borehole at any desired point below the collar of the hole. Syn:jaw

lug down

To slow down an engine by increasing its load beyond its capacity.

Nichols, 1

lugeon test

Single-hole in situ test of formation permeability performed by measuring

the volume of water taken in a section of test hole when the interval is
pressurized at 10 bars (150 psi). Used primarily in variably permeable
formations under evaluation for grouting. Houlsby

Luhrig vanner

Vanning machine with side feed and end shake--a hybrid between the true
vanner and the shaking table. Pryor, 3

lumachelle

a. A compact, dark-gray or dark-brown limestone or marble, composed

chiefly of fossil mollusk shells, and characterized by a brilliant
iridescence or chatoyant reflection from within. Syn:fire marble
AGI
b. Any accumulation of shells (esp. oysters) in stratified rocks. Etymol:
French, coquina, oyster bed, from Italian lumachella, little snail.
AGI

lumber
Timber that has been sawed into boards, planks, staves, or other pieces of
comparatively small dimensions. In mines, timber is used in the
construction of coal chutes, mine cars, mine doors, forms for concrete
structures, surface buildings, and for many other purposes.
Jones, 2

lumber scale

A graduated measuring scale for determining the number of board feet in

rough-sawed lumber. Crispin

luminance

A measure of surface brightness that is expressed as luminous flux per

unit solid angle per unit projected area. ASM, 1

luminance of a surface

Luminous intensity per unit of apparent area; i.e., the area as projected
on a plane normal to the direction of viewing. It is determined by the
incident light flux falling upon the surface, the reflection factor of the
surface, and the angle that the surface makes with the direction in which
it is viewed. It is independent of distance; i.e., a surface appears
equally bright no matter what the distance from which it is seen.
Roberts, 2

luminescence

a. The emission of light by a substance that has received energy or

electromagnetic radiation of a different wavelength from an external
stimulus; also, the light so produced. It occurs at temperatures lower
than those required for incandescence. See also:phosphorescence;
fluorescence. AGI
b. Quantized electromagnetic emissions resulting from electrons in a
crystal structure dropping from a higher excited state to a lower one.
CF:thermoluminescence; triboluminescence.

luminosity

a. The quality of emitting or of giving out light; shining.

Crispin
b. Subjective brightness sensation. Roberts, 2

luminous

Radiating or emitting light; bright; clear. Crispin

Lumnite
Well-known brand of quicksetting cement for sealing rock cavities,
plugging drill holes, etc. Is made from bauxite ore and limestone and is
highly resistant to acids and heat. Cumming, 1; Hess

lump coal

Bituminous coal in the large lumps remaining after a single screening that
is often designated by the size of the mesh over which it passes and by
which the minimum size lump is determined. Also, the largest marketable
size. Webster 3rd; Fay

Lump Coal

Trademark for permissible dynamites (types C and CC) with very low
velocity of detonation. Are used in coal mining where maximum production
of large-size coal is desired. CCD, 2

lump ore

See:natural ore

lumpy

Describes a gemstone cut with too great a depth in proportion to its

width.

lunar crater

See:crater

lunker

Scot. A lenticular mass of sandstone or clay ironstone; a big nodule.

CF:lonkey

Lurgi process

This process consists of roasting iron ore in a reducing atmosphere, thus

forming magnetic oxide of iron that is separated by crushing followed by
magnetic separation. The internal structure of the kiln is so designed
that the ore falls in a continuous veil through the current of reducing
gases. Burners are distributed throughout the periphery of the kiln, so
that roasting and reduction can be controlled in the various zones to the
required temperature. Blast furnace gas for reduction passes into the
center of the lower end of the kiln, while the gas and air for heating
pass in from the circumference of the drum, nearer to the center and upper
end of the furnace. The ingoing ore is crushed to give a maximum size of
20 mm, while the outgoing concentrate is crushed to 3.8 mm after cooling.
Osborne
Lurmann front

An arrangement of water-cooled castings through which iron and cinder are

tapped from the blast furnace, thus avoiding the use of a forehearth.
See also:dam

lurry

a. York. A weighted tram to which an endless rope is attached, fixed at

the inby end of the plane, forming part of an appliance for taking up the
slack rope. Fay
b. A movable platform on wheels, the top of which is level with the bank
or surface. It is run over the mouth of a shaft to receive the bucket when
it reaches the top. A variation of lorry. Fay

lusakite

A cobaltoan variety of staurolite.

lussatite

A fibrous variety of silica, possibly tridymite.

luster

a. The character of the light reflected by minerals; it constitutes one of

the means for distinguishing them. There are several kinds of luster:
metallic, the luster of metals; adamantine, the luster of diamonds;
vitreous, the luster of broken glass; resinous, the luster of yellow
resin, as that of eleolite; pearlylike pearl; and silkylike silk. These
lusters have different degrees of intensity, being either splendent,
shining, glistening, or glimmering. When there is a total absence of
luster, the mineral is characterized as being dull. Fay
b. In ceramics, a glaze, varnish, or enamel applied to porcelain in a thin
layer, and giving it a smooth, glistening surface. Standard, 2

luster mottling

a. The macroscopic appearance of poikilitic rocks. AGI

b. The shimmering appearance of a broken surface of a sandstone cemented
with calcite, produced by the reflection of light from the cleavage faces
of conspicuously large and independently oriented calcite crystals, 1 cm
or more in diameter, incorporating colonies of detrital sand grains. It
may also develop locally in barite, gypsum, or dolomite cements.
AGI

lutaceous

Said of a sedimentary rock formed from mud (clay- and/or silt-size

particles) or having the fine texture of impalpable powder or rock flour;
pertaining to a lutite. Also said of the texture of such a rock.
CF:argillaceous; pelitic. AGI

lutecite

A fibrous variety of chalcedony with fiber elongation perpendicular to the

c crystallographic axis (opposite to normal chalcedony) and showing other
optical anomalies.

luthos lazuli

A violet variety of fluorite.

luting

Sealing the joint of a retort with fire clay. Pryor, 3

lutite

A general name used for consolidated rocks composed of silt and/or clay
and of the associated materials which, when mixed with water, form mud;
e.g., shale, mudstone, and calcilutite. The term is equivalent to the
Greek-derived term "pelite." Etymol: Latin lutum, mud. Also spelled
lutyte. See also:rudite; arenite. AGI

lutose

Covered with clay; miry. Webster 2nd

luxullianite

A granite characterized by phenocrysts of potassium feldspar and quartz

that enclose clusters of radially arranged acicular tourmaline crystals in
a groundmass of quartz, tourmaline, alkali feldspar, brown mica, and
cassiterite. Its name is derived from Luxulyan, Cornwall. Also spelled:
luxulianite; luxulyanite. Var: luxuliane. AGI

luzonite

A tetragonal mineral, Cu3 AsS4 ; stannite group; dimorphous

with enargite. Formerly considered an arsenian variety of famatinite.

lyddite

High explosive based on picric acid, (NO2 )3 C6 H

2 OH , with 10% nitrobenzene and 3% vaseline. Pryor, 3

Lydian stone
A touchstone consisting of a compact, extremely fine-grained, velvet- or
gray-black variety of jasper. Etymol: Greek Lydia, ancient country in Asia
Minor. Syn:lydite; touchstone; basanite. AGI

lydite

See:Lydian stone

lye

See:double parting

lying money

An allowance to miners on piecework who are rendered idle during a shift

owing to circumstances beyond their control, such as a breakdown in power
services, or supplies of empty cars. Nelson

lying wall

See:footwall

lynx eye

Green iridescent labradorite.

lynx sapphire

a. Dark blue iolite variety of cordierite.

b. Dark blue sapphires in Sri Lanka.

lyophilic

a. Condition of solid-liquid mixture in which surface-active molecules

that contain two or more groups have both an affinity for the phase in
which one group is dissolved, and a repulsion from this phase for another
group or ion. See also:hydrophilic
b. Having the property of attracting liquids. Pryor, 4

lyophobic

Of, relating to, or having a lack of strong affinity between a dispersed

phase and the liquid in which it is dispersed; systems such as colloidal
metals in water are easily coagulated. Opposite of lyophilic.
Webster 3rd

lyosorption

Adsorption of liquid to a solid surface. Pryor, 3

lype

Scot. An irregularity in the mine roof. A projecting rock in a mine roof

that may fall at any time. Usually used in the plural, and sometimes
spelled lipe. Fay

Lyster process

A flotation process that separates galena and zinc blende by treatment, at

a low temperature, with eucalyptus oil or other frothing agent, and with
agitation or aeration in a neutral or alkaline, but not acid, solution of
the sulfates, chlorides, or nitrates of calcium, magnesium, sodium,
potassium, or mixtures of these substances. Fay

lyway

This term is commonly used in and around mines in Indiana and Illinois to
describe a mine sidetrack or a passing track. Hess

maacle

See:macle

macadam

Crushed stone of regular sizes below 3 in (7.6 cm) for road construction,
commonly with tar or asphalt binder. The sizes below 1 in (2.54 cm) are
more specif. defined as chippings. See also:penetration macadam;
tarmacadam. Nelson

MacArthur and Forest cyanide process

A process for recovering gold by leaching the pulped gold ore with a
solution of 0.2% to 0.8% potassium cyanide, KCN, and then with water. The
gold is obtained from this solution by precipitation on zinc or aluminum,
or by electrolysis. See also:Elsner's equation

macedonite

a. A tetragonal mineral, PbTiO3 ; black; in irregular grains in

quartz-syenite veins near Prilep, Macedonia.
b. A bluish-black aphanitic igneous rock composed of alkali feldspars and
biopyriboles; related to mugearite, a trachyandesite, Macedon district,
Victoria, Australia. The name is not part of the IUGS classification of
extrusive igneous rocks.

maceral

Applied to all petrologic units seen in microscopic sections of coal, as

distinct from the visible units seen in the hand specimens. Comparable in
rank to mineral as used in petrography. Thus, macerals are organic units
composing the coal mass, being the descriptive equivalent of the inorganic
units composing rock masses and universally called minerals. Individual
macerals have the termination -inite; i.e., vitrinite, as the organic unit
making up the lithologic specimen, vitrain. Three groups are recognized:
(1) vitrinites; (2) exinites; and (3) inertinites. AGI

macfarlanite

A silver ore consisting of a mixture of sulfides, arsenides, etc., and

containing cobalt, nickel, and lead. CF:animikite

macgovernite

See:mcgovernite

machine boss

In bituminous coal mining, a foreperson who is in charge of machine

workers who undercut the working face of coal prior to blasting, and
machine loaders who load the coal into cars after it is blasted down.
DOT

machine cut

A slot or groove made horizontally or vertically in a coal seam by a coal

cutter, as a preliminary step to shot firing. See also:cutting horizon
Nelson

machine-cutter helper

See:machine helper

machined

a. A smooth surface finish on metal. Nichols, 1

b. Shaped by cutting or grinding. Nichols, 1

machine design

The application of scientific principles to the practical constructive art

of engineering, with the object of expressing original ideas in the form
of drawings. See also:theory of machines

machine driller

In mining, one who operates any one of several types of heavy, mounted or
unmounted, compressed-air drilling machines to drill holes into the
working face of ore or rock into which explosives are inserted and set off
to blast down the mass. Also called drill engineer; drillman; drill
operator; power driller. DOT

machine helper

In anthracite and bituminous coal mining, one who assists the machineman
in moving and setting up the coal-cutting machine in position for cutting
a channel under or along the sides of the coal working face prior to
breaking the coal down with explosives. Also called chain-machine helper;
coal-cutter helper; cutter helper; cutting-machineman helper; jack setter;
machine-cutter helper; machineman helper; miner; assistant;
mining-machine-operator helper. DOT

machine holings

The small coal or dirt produced by a coal cutter. Nelson

machine loader

a. In anthracite and bituminous coal mining, person who operates an

electric loading machine that digs, elevates, and loads coal blasted from
the working face into cars by means of a conveyor loaded by a scraping
device, a digging conveyor, or a shoveling mechanism. May be designated
according to machine used, as Joy loader. Also called loader engineer;
loader operator; loader runner; loading-machine man; loading-machine
operator; loading-machine runner. DOT
b. Machine loader I is used in anthracite coal mining, bituminous coal
mining, and metal mining, to designate one who operates a small electric
or air-power shovel in underground working places to load ore or rock into
cars after it has been blasted from the working face. Also called loader
operator; loading-machine operator; mechanical-shovel operator; shovel
operator. DOT
c. Machine loader II is used in anthracite coal mining, bituminous coal
mining, and metal mining, to designate one who operates a loading machine
consisting of a small hoisting engine and a cable-drawn scraper, or scoop,
to load ore or rock into cars after it has been blasted from the working
face in underground or open-pit mines. Also called scraper-loader
hoistman; scraper-loader operator; scraper operator. DOT

machine loader helper

In anthracite coal mining and bituminous coal mining, a laborer who

assists a machine loader in loading coal into cars. DOT

machineman

a. A coal-cutter operator. See also:coal-cutter team

b. A person who sets up and operates an electrically driven or
compressed-air-driven coal-cutting machine that is used to cut out a
channel along the bottom or side of the working face of coal so that it
may be blasted down without shattering the mass. Also called coal cutter;
coal-cutting machine operator; machine cutter; cutter operator; cutting
machine operator; holer; undercutter. DOT
c. Eng. One who weighs coal, etc., and keeps an account of the number of
cars sent to the surface. Fay

machineman helper

See:machine helper

machine miner

In bituminous coal mining, a general term applied to workers who are

capable of operating one or more coal mining machines used for drilling,
loading, and undercutting. Usually designated as machine driller; machine
loader I; machine loader II; machineman. Also called machine operator;
machine runner; mining machine operator. DOT

machine mines

Mines in which coal is cut by machines. Kiser

machine mining

a. Implies the use of power machines and equipment in the excavation and
extraction of coal or ore. In coal mines, the term almost invariably
signifies the use of coal cutters and conveyors and perhaps some type of
power loader working in conjunction with face conveyors.
See also:face mechanization
b. Mechanized mining. CTD

machine nog

Eng. A wedge-shaped wood block for supporting machine-cut coal.

SMRB

machine operator

See:machine miner

machine rating

a. The amount of power a machine can deliver without overheating.

Crispin
b. Also, work capacity of a machine.

machine runner

See:machine miner
machine screw

A very commonly used type of screw with clear-cut threads and of a variety
of head shapes. It may be used either with or without a nut.
Crispin

machine set

See:mechanical set

machine sumper

See:sumper

machine tool

Any machine used for cutting metal, such as a boring machine, drill,
grinder, planing machine, hobber, shaper, or lathe. Hammond

machine wall

The face at which a coal-cutting machine works. Fay

machinist

Aust. The person in charge of a coal cutter. Fay

mackintoshite

See:thorogummite

Mac-Lane system

This system consists essentially of an inclined rail track with the

haulage gear and the loading station at the base. The haulage rope passes
round a return sheave in the extending frame at the top of the heap. The
tipping gear may consist of a carriage with a portable tippler that
conveys a tub of dirt to the top of the heap, where a trigger operates the
tippler, thus discharging the tub. For a greater quantity, the carriage
incorporates a revolving frame carrying two or three tubs; this gives a
broader top to the heap. The main disadvantages of this system are the
unsightly conical heaps produced and the tendency to segregation of
material, with the large pieces at the base of the heap, which increases
the danger of spontaneous combustion. Sinclair, 5

macle

a. A twin crystal; esp. octahedral diamond twins flattened parallel to the

twin plane. Also spelled maacle, maccle, mackle.
b. A variety of andalusite with tessellated cross section resulting from
segregation of carbonaceous impurities. Syn:chiastolite

Maclean separator

A revolving disk-type magnetic separator widely used for the separation of

large quantities of ilmenite from tin ore. Harrison

macled

a. Twinned.
b. See:tessellated
c. Spotted. Also spelled mackled.

macro-

A prefix meaning large, long; visibly large, e.g., macrocrystalline.

CF:micro-

macro-axis

In the orthorhombic and triclinic systems, an obsolete term for the longer
lateral crystallographic axis, the b axis in orthorhombic and mostly the b
axis in triclinic minerals.

macrocrystalline

Said of the texture of a rock consisting of or having crystals that are

large enough to be distinctly visible to the unaided eye or with the use
of a simple lens; also, said of a rock with such a texture.
Syn:eucrystalline

macrodiagonal

In crystallography, the longer lateral axis in the orthorhombic and

triclinic systems. Standard, 2

macrodome

a. In crystallography, a dome parallel to the macrodiagonal. CF:dome

Standard, 2
b. In the orthorhombic system, an obsolete term for a form of four faces
parallel to the macro-axis, but intercepting the other two.
Syn:horizontal prism
c. In the triclinic system, an obsolete term for a form of two faces
parallel to the macro-axis, but intercepting the other two.

macroetch
Etching of a metal surface for accentuation of gross structural details
and defects for observation by the unaided eye or at magnifications not
exceeding 10 diameters. ASM, 1

macrograph

A graphic reproduction of the surface of a prepared specimen at a

magnification not exceeding 10 diameters. When photographed, the
reproduction is known as a photomacrograph. ASM, 1

macromeritic

See:phaneritic

macroporosity

Porosity visible without the aid of a microscope, such as pipes and

blowholes in ingots. Newton, 1

macroscopic

a. Visible at magnifications of from 1 to 10 diameters. ASM, 1

b. Visible without a microscope or in a hand specimen.
See also:megascopic

macrostructure

a. The general arrangement of crystals in a solid metal (for example, an

ingot) as seen by the naked eye or at low magnification. The term is also
applied to the general distribution of impurities in a mass of metal as
seen by the naked eye after certain methods of etching. CTD
b. The structure of metals as revealed by examination of the etched
surface of a polished specimen at a magnification not exceeding 10
diameters. ASM, 1
c. A structural feature of a rock that is discernible to the unaided eye,
or with the help of a simple magnifier. Fay
d. The arrangement of crystals in a metal or in a rock that, with or
without etching or other chemical treatment, is discernible to the unaided
eye or with the help of a simple magnifier (generally less than 10X).

maculose

Applied to the group of contact-metamorphic rocks represented by spotted

slates, to denote its spotted or knotted character. The term may be
applied either to the rock or to its structures.
See also:spotted slate

maculose rock

See:spotted slate
Madagascar aquamarine

A strongly dichroic variety of blue beryl obtained, as a gemstone

material, from Malagasy Republic. CTD

Madaras system

A method of obtaining pig iron, consisting of charging a retort with a

mixture of iron ore, coal, and enough water to form a paste; and injecting
compressed air at 2 to 4.2 kg/cm2 pressure and at 815 to 930
degrees C to burn the coal. In a few minutes the entire mineral charge is
heated to 980 to 1,095 degrees C, which is the optimum range for hydrogen
reduction; then hydrogen is injected at a temperature of 815 to 923
degrees C at 2 to 8 kg/cm2 pressure so that it penetrates the
entire mass and reacts with the iron oxide to produce steam and metallic
iron. About 50% of the injected hydrogen reacts with the ore to produce
sponge iron. Sulfur is oxidized by the hot air and is eliminated by the
hydrogen. Osborne

made ground

a. A recent deposit, as of river silt. Fay

b. Ground formed by filling in natural or artificial pits with hardcore or
rubbish. CTD

Madeira topaz

Citrine variety of quartz. CF:false topaz; Spanish topaz.

made up

Coupled; the assembled component parts of a drill string or pipe system.

Long

madogram

A plot of mean absolute difference of paired sample measurements as a

function of distance and direction. Madograms are not true variograms, and
generally should not be used in kriging. If used, the kriged estimates
might be "reasonable," but the kriging standard deviations will be
meaningless.

madrepore marble

A fossiliferous limestone occurring in a variety of colors. It takes a

high polish, is used as a marble, and derives its name from its most
characteristic fossil, a species of coral.

maenite
An intrusive trachytic rock, regarded as a differentiation product of a
gabbroic magma. Maenite is a bostonite relatively high in calcium and low
in potassium.

mafelsic

Said of igneous rocks containing roughly equal amounts of felsic and mafic
minerals, color index 40 to 70. AGI

mafic

Pertaining to or composed dominantly of the ferromagnesian rock-forming

silicates; said of some igneous rocks and their constituent minerals.
CF:basic; felsic. See also:mafite

mafic front

See:basic front

mafite

Any dark mineral in Johannsen's classification of igneous rocks.

See also:mafic

magazine

a. A storage place for explosives. Jones, 1

b. A building specially constructed and located for the storage of
explosives. CF:powder chest

maghemite

An isometric mineral, gamma-Fe2 O3 ; magnetite series;

spinel group; dimorphous with hematite; strongly ferrimagnetic.
Syn:oxymagnite

magistral

Roasted copper pyrites. Pryor, 3

magma

Naturally occurring molten rock, generated within the Earth and capable of
intrusion and extrusion, from which igneous rocks are derived through
solidification and related processes. It may or may not contain suspended
solids (such as crystals and rock fragments) and/or gas phases. Adj:
magmatic. AGI

magmatic
Of, pertaining to, or derived from magma. See also:igneous

magmatic assimilation

See:assimilation

magmatic blister

The swelling up by differential heating of magma; e.g., by local

concentrations of radioactive matter. Schieferdecker

magmatic corrosion

A process of re-solution in which an early formed phase, such a quartz

phenocryst, later becomes corroded or embayed as the result of some change
in the conditions affecting the solubility of the phase; sometimes
corrosion rims result. Syn:corrosion

magmatic cycle

See:igneous cycle

magmatic deposit

See:magmatic ore deposit

magmatic differentiation

The process by which more than one rock type is derived from a parent
magma. CF:assimilation

magmatic disseminated ore deposit

See:disseminated deposit

magmatic dissolution

See:assimilation

magmatic injection deposit

Straight magmatic mineral (ore) deposit, the formation of which has often
been ascribed to injection into the older country rock of liquefied
crystal differentiates, of residual liquid segregations, or of immiscible
liquid separations and accumulations. An older term.
Schieferdecker

magmatic ore deposit

An ore deposit formed by magmatic segregation, generally in mafic rocks
and layered intrusions, as crystals of metallic oxides or from an
immiscible sulfide liquid. Syn:magmatic deposit

magmatic segregation

Concentration of crystals of a particular mineral (or minerals) in certain

parts of a magma during its cooling and crystallization. Some ore deposits
(i.e., magmatic ore deposits) are formed in this way.
See also:differentiation

magmatic stoping

A process of magmatic emplacement or intrusion that involves detaching and

engulfing pieces of the country rock. The engulfed material presumably
sinks downward and/or is assimilated. See also:piecemeal stoping
AGI

magmatic water

Water contained in or expelled from magma. CF:juvenile water

AGI

magmatist

One who believes that much granite is a primary igneous rock produced by
differentiation from basaltic magma. CF:transformist

Magnafloat

Trademark for iron oxide heavy media systems for the purification of coal,
sand, gravel, and other similar materials. CCD, 2

Magnedisc

A widely used medium for magnetic recording. It consists of a circular

platter of magnetically coated plastic material that rotates on a
turntable in the same way as a phonograph record. The magnetic channels,
each in contact with a fixed head aligned along a radius from the center,
are on concentric circular bands extending inward from the outer edge of
the disk. Dobrin

magnesia

Magnesium oxide, MgO. A constituent of lime made from dolomitic limestone.

Barger; AGI; Mersereau, 2

magnesia alum

See:pickeringite
magnesia covering

Hydrated magnesium carbonate containing about 15% asbestos, used for heat
insulation. Also referred to as 85% magnesia. Osborne

magnesia glass

Glass containing usually 3% to 4% of magnesium oxide. Electric lamp bulbs

have been mainly made from this type of glass since fully automatic
methods of production were adopted. CTD

magnesia mica

See:biotite

magnesian hornfels

A fine-grained metamorphic rock derived from a high-magnesium igneous

rock; e.g., serpentine. See also:hornfels

magnesian limestone

A limestone containing from 5% to 35% MgCO3 .

CF:dolomitic limestone

magnesian marble

A crystalline variety of limestone containing not less than 5% nor more

than 40% of magnesium carbonate as the dolomite constituent.

magnesian schist

A schistose metamorphic rock derived from a rock high in content of

magnesium; e.g., serpentine. See also:schist

magnesian spar

See:dolomite

magnesia ramming materials

Granular, airsetting mixtures, containing 70% to 80% MgO, used for

monolithic furnace linings.

magnesiochromite

An isometric mineral, MgCr2 O4 ; chromite series; spinel

group; forms series with spinel and with chromite; crystallizes in black
octahedra, but commonly massive. Also spelled magnochromite.
Syn:picrochromite
magnesioferrite

An isometric mineral, MgFe2 O4 ; magnetite series; spinel

group; strongly ferrimagnetic. Also spelled magnoferrite.

magnesiolaumontite

A magnesian variety of laumontite.

magnesite

A trigonal mineral, MgCO3 ; calcite group; rhombohedral cleavage;

in veins in serpentinite and peridotite, magnesium-rich schist, and
altered dolomitic marbles. Syn:giobertite; magnesium carbonate.

magnesite cement

Common term for ground magnesite.

magnesite refractory

A refractory material, fired or chemically bonded, consisting essentially

of dead-burned magnesite; the MgO content usually exceeds 80%. Such
refractories are used in the hearths and walls of basic steel furnaces,
mixer furnaces, and cement kilns. Dodd

magnesium

A light, silvery-white, and fairly tough metal. Symbol, Mg. It does not
occur uncombined, is found in large deposits in the form of magnesite,
dolomite, and other minerals. Readily ignites upon heating. Used in
flashlight photography, flares, and pyrotechnics, including incendiary
bombs. Its alloys are essential for airplane and missile construction.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

magnesium aluminate

MgAl2 O4 ; melting point, 2,135 degrees C; sp gr, 3.6;

thermal expansion (100 to 1,000 degrees C), 9.0 X 10-6 . This
compound is the type mineral of the spinel group. See also:spinel
Dodd

magnesium-aluminum garnet

See:pyrope

magnesium bentonite

A smectite with exchangeable magnesium.

magnesium blodite

See:bloedite

magnesium carbonate

See:magnesite

magnesium chalcanthite

See:pentahydrite

magnesium-chlorophoenicite

A monoclinic mineral, (Mg,Mn)3 Zn2 (AsO4 )(OH,O) (sub

6) ; associated with manganese silicates at Franklin, NJ.

magnesium front

See:basic front

magnesium kaolinite

See:amesite

magnesium leonite

See:leonite

magnesium mica

See:phlogopite

magnesium minerals

Chiefly magnesite, dolomite, and brucite.

magnesium orthite

A magnesian variety of allanite.

magnesium titanate

MgTiO3 . Used in ceramic dielectric bodies. Although relatively low

in dielectric constant, it has a positive temperature coefficient of
capacity. Thus, it can be used in conjunction with a negative coefficient
material; e.g., titania, to produce a near 0 temperature coefficient
product. Lee

magnesium zirconate
MgZrO; melting point, 2,150 degrees C. This compound is sometimes added in
small amounts (up to 5%) to other electroceramic bodies to lower their
dielectric constant at the Curie point. Dodd

magnetic

Of or pertaining to a mineral, object, area, or locale possessing the

properties of a magnet. Long

magnetic alloys

Alnico is an alloy of aluminum, nickel, and cobalt, with strong magnetic

properties similar in all directions. Alcomax is anisotropic, with maximum
flux along preferred axis. Hycomax is also anisotropic. Platinax, a
cobalt-platinum alloy containing 23.3% cobalt, is isotropic.
Pryor, 3

magnetic anomaly

Variation of the measured magnetic pattern from a theoretical or

empirically smoothed magnetic field. Hy

magnetic azimuth

The azimuth measured clockwise from magnetic north through 360 degrees ;
the angle at the point of observation between the vertical plane through
the observed object and the vertical plane in which a freely suspended
magnetized needle, influenced by no transient artificial magnetic
disturbance, will come to rest. AGI

magnetic bearing

The bearing expressed as a horizontal angle between the local magnetic

meridian and a line on the Earth; a bearing measured clockwise from
magnetic north. It differs from a true bearing by the amount of magnetic
declination at the point of observation. AGI

magnetic bort

See:bort

magnetic bottle

A magnetic field used to confine a plasma in controlled-fusion

experiments. Lyman

magnetic circuit

The closed path taken by the magnetic flux in an electric machine or other
piece of apparatus. CTD
magnetic clutch

One in which connection between drive and driven member is provided by

electromagnetic force. Pryor, 3

magnetic correlation

The orientation of an underground survey, using the Earth's magnetic

field. BS, 7

magnetic crack detection

The part to be examined is magnetized either by passing a heavy current

through it or by making it the core of a coil through which a heavy
current is passed. Small cracks, or nonmagnetic phases such as inclusions,
cause the magnetic flux to break the surface, thus forming small magnets.
When the part is sprayed with a suspension of iron oxide particles in
paraffin, the particles cling to the small magnets and thereby reveal
defects. Hammond

magnetic declination

In nautical and aeronautical navigation, the continually changing acute

angle between the direction of the magnetic and geographic meridians. The
term "magnetic variation" is preferred. AGI

magnetic detector

An electrical device for indicating the presence of magnetic material in

an area.

magnetic dip

Vertical angle through which a freely suspended magnetic needle dips from
horizontal. Pryor, 3

magnetic domain

Aggregation of ferromagnetic atoms into a group, usually a fraction of a

micrometer in size, which lies among similar groups with random group
orientation. This cancels out any magnetic moment until or unless they all
are oriented by an applied magnetic field. Pryor, 3

magnetic elements

a. These are declination, dip, and magnetic intensity in the horizontal

plane. Pryor, 3
b. The characteristics of a magnetic field that can be expressed
numerically. The seven magnetic elements are declination D, inclination I,
total intensity F, horizontal intensity H, vertical intensity Z, north
component X, east component Y. Typically, only three elements are needed
to give a complete vector specification of the magnetic field. AGI

magnetic feeder

Any feeder that uses magnetism to pick up, hold, separate, and deliver
objects.

magnetic field

a. Space surrounding a magnet or current-carrying coil, in which

appreciable magnetic force exists. Its intensity (H) is the force exerted
on a unit pole. Pryor, 3
b. A region in which magnetic forces would be exerted on any magnetized
bodies or electric currents present; the region of influence of a
magnetized body or an electric current. AGI

magnetic field strength

The force exerted on a unit pole is the field strength at that point.
AGI

magnetic flocculation

Phenomenon that results from residual magnetism of ferromagnetic particles

that have bunched together under the influence of their individual polar
forces. Pryor, 3

magnetic flowmeter

A device used for the flow measurement of abrasive slurries. The

calibration is affected by the presence of magnetic constituents in the
slurry, and therefore, a pipe coil is also used to compensate the magnetic
flowmeter calibration for varying amounts of magnetic material in the
slurry. Nelson

magnetic flux

a. Induced strength or flux density in a magnetic field, measured in

maxwells: B = 4pi /A + H, where B = the flux density, P = the strength of
each magnetic pole, A = the cross-sectional area of a cylinder through
which the flux flows, and H = the magnetic intensity in oersteds.
See also:magnetic intensity
b. The surface area times the normal component of magnetic induction B;
the number of magnetic field lines crossing the surface of a given area.
Expressed in maxwells in the cgs system. AGI

magnetic gradiometer
An instrument, designed but not applied, for measuring the gradient of the
magnetic intensity. AGI

magnetic hoist

A hoisting device that does its lifting by means of an electromagnet.

Crispin

magnetic hysteresis

See:hysteresis

magnetic induction

a. Magnetic-flux density, symbolized by B. In a magnetic medium, it is the

vector sum of the inducing field H and the magnetization M. B is expressed
in teslas in SI and in gauss or gammas in the cgs system.
Syn:magnetic field
b. In a magnetic medium, the vector sum of the inducing field H and the
corresponding intensity of magnetization I, according to the relationship
B = H + 4pi I. AGI
c. A nonrecommended syn. of electromagnetic induction. AGI
d. The process of magnetizing a body by applying a magnetic field. This
usage is not recommended. AGI

magnetic intensity

A vector quantity pertaining to the condition at any point under magnetic

influence (as of a magnet, an electric current, or an electromagnetic
wave) measured by the force exerted in a vacuum upon a free unit north
pole placed at the point in question. Also called magnetic force.
Webster 3rd

magnetic iron ore

See:magnetite

magnetic level coil

A device for measuring the liquid level in sumps and other vessels. It
consists of a loop of wire that is encased in a fiber glass protective
sheath. The loop is inserted in a sump of thickener containing a magnetite
or ferrosilicon slurry, and the electrical signal given off represents the
level of the slurry surrounding the loop. Nelson

magnetic meridian

The horizontal line that is oriented, at any specified point on the

Earth's surface, along the direction of the horizontal component of the
Earth's magnetic field at that point; not to be confused with isogonic
line. Syn:geomagnetic meridian

magnetic method

A geophysical prospecting method that maps variations in the magnetic

field of the Earth that are attributable to changes of structure or
magnetic susceptibility in certain near-surface rocks. Sedimentary rocks
generally have a very small susceptibility compared with igneous or
metamorphic rocks, and most magnetic surveys are designed to map structure
on or within the basement, or to detect magnetic minerals directly. Most
magnetic prospecting is now carried on with airborne instruments.
Dobrin

magnetic mirror

A magnetic field used in controlled-fusion experiments to reflect charged

particles back into the central region of a magnetic bottle. Lyman

magnetic moment

a. That vector associated with a magnetized mass; the vector product of it

and the magnetic field intensity in which the mass is immersed (ignoring
the field distortion thereby produced) is a measure of the resulting
torque. Also called moment of a magnet. AGI
b. A vector quantity characteristic of a magnetized body or an
electric-current system; it is proportional to the magnetic-field
intensity produced by this body and also to the force experienced in the
magnetic field of another magnetized body or electric current. The
magnetic moment per unit volume is the magnetization. AGI

magnetic permeability

Ratio of magnetic induction (B) to the inducing field of magnetic

intensity (H). With magnetic intensity lines of force per square
centimeter in air, and flux density lines in a substance placed in that
field, B/H is the magnetic permeability. When this is less than 1.0, the
substance is diamagnetic; above 1.0, paramagnetic; and when high,
ferromagnetic. Pryor, 3

magnetic plug

A drain or inspection plug magnetized for the purpose of attracting and

holding iron or steel particles in a lubricant. Nichols, 1

magnetic polarity

The orientation of the constituent minerals within the rocks of the

Earth's crust conforming to the Earth's magnetic field as it existed at
the time the strata were deposited. See also:core orientation
Long

magnetic pole

a. Either of two points on the Earth's surface where the lines of magnetic
force are vertical; an end of the axis of the Earth's magnetic polarity,
not coincident with a geographic pole, and continually changing its
position. The north magnetic pole is in northern Canada.
Standard, 2
b. Either of two nonstationary regions on the Earth that sometimes move
many miles in a day, toward which the isogonic lines converge, and at
which the dip is + or -90 degrees . Webster 3rd
c. The area on a magnetized part at which the magnetic field leaves or
enters the part. It is a point of maximum attraction in a magnet.
ASM, 1

magnetic prospecting

See:magnetic method

magnetic pyrite

See:pyrrhotite

magnetic recording

Any process by which the output of a detector-amplifier system is recorded

on a magnetic recording medium. The advantages of such a system are that
the resulting records may be played back and converted into conventional
records with phase shifting, mixing, etc., between traces and with
filtering variations. Most modern magnetic recording is in digital form.
AGI

magnetic roasting process

Heating ferrous iron ore in the presence of air in order to oxidize the
iron content, present in whatever form, to the magnetic oxide so that in a
subsequent operation it can be separated from the gangue by means of a
magnetic separator. Also, roasting a hematitic ore with scrap iron to
reduce it to magnetite. Osborne

magnetic roll feeder

A feeder that uses magnetized, power-operated rolls for separating and

delivering objects.

magnetics

Branch of science that deals with magnetic phenomena. Osborne

magnetic separation

a. The separation of magnetic materials from nonmagnetic materials, using

a magnet. This is an esp. important process in the beneficiation of iron
ores in which the magnetic mineral is separated from nonmagnetic material;
e.g., magnetite from other minerals, roasted pyrite from sphalerite, etc.
Newton, 1; Henderson
b. The use of permanent magnets or electromagnets to remove relatively
strongly ferromagnetic particles from paramagnetic and diamagnetic ores.
Pryor, 2

magnetic separator

a. A device used to separate magnetic from less magnetic or nonmagnetic

materials. The crushed material is conveyed on a belt past a magnet.
ASM, 1
b. For medium solids recovery. A device in which medium solids are caused
to adhere, by magnetic means, to a conveying belt or drum, while a current
of water removes nonmagnetic particles that contaminate the medium.
BS, 5

magnetic storm

A worldwide disturbance of the Earth's magnetic field, commonly with

amplitude of 50 to 200 gammas. It generally lasts several days, and is
thought to be caused by charged particles ejected by solar flares.
Magnetic prospecting usually has to be suspended during such periods.
AGI

magnetic susceptibility

A measure of the degree to which a substance is attracted to a magnet; the

ratio of the intensity of magnetization to the magnetic field strength.
See:susceptibility

magnetic unit in prospecting

The gamma (Gamma ), which equals 10-5 Oe (7.9577 X 10-4

A/m). AGI

magnetic variation

See:declination

magnetic variometer

A geophysical instrument similar to the gravimeter in that absolute values

are not measured, but only the differences in vertical magnetic force
between field stations and a selected base station. Nelson
magnetism

a. That property of iron, steel, and some other substances, by virtue of

which they exert forces of attraction and repulsion according to fixed
laws. Crispin
b. The science that is concerned with the conditions and laws of magnetic
force. Crispin

magnetite

a. An isometric mineral, 8[FeOFe2 O3 ] ; spinel group; forms

series with jacobsite and with magnesioferrite; crystallizes in octahedra;
metallic; black; strongly ferrimagnetic; an accessory mineral in many
igneous rocks; a common detrital mineral; a major mineral in banded iron
formations and magmatic iron deposits; an ore of iron.
Syn:black iron ore; lodestone; magnetic iron ore; octahedral iron ore.
See also:iron ore
b. The mineral series magnesioferrite, magnetite, maghemite, franklinite,
jacobsite, and trevorite in the spinel group. Syn:iron series

magnetite

An igneous rock consisting essentially of magnetite and having an iron

content of 65% to 70% or more. Apatite may accompany the magnetite.
Johannsen

magnetite olivinite

A dunite high in content of titaniferous magnetite and containing shreds

of biotite. Holmes, 2

magnetite spinellite

An eruptive iron ore occurring at Routivara, Sweden, and consisting of

magnetite (in part titaniferous), spinel, and smaller amounts of olivine,
pyroxene, apatite, and pyrrhotite. The ore contains about 14% titanic
oxide.

magnetized

A body is said to be magnetized when it possesses or can be made to

possess that peculiar property whereby, under certain circumstances, it
will naturally attract or repel a similar body in accordance with magnetic
laws; e.g., drill rods become magnetized in use and will strongly attract
other iron or steel articles. Long

magnetizing force

a. The phenomenon associated with a magnetic flux density at a point.

Theoretically, measured by the mechanical force on a unit magnetic pole in
an evacuated tunnel along the direction of the magnetic flux; the
magnetomotive force per centimeter in this direction. CTD
b. A force field, resulting from the flow of electric currents or from
magnetized bodies, that produces magnetic induction. ASM, 1

magnetizing roast

A process in which an ore containing pyrite is heated and the magnetic

iron oxide so formed is removed by a magnetic separator. In many cases the
iron oxide is extracted as gangue. Nelson

magnetometer

a. An instrument for measuring magnetic intensity. In ground magnetic

prospecting, an instrument for measuring the vertical magnetic intensity;
in airborne magnetic prospecting, an instrument for measuring the total
magnetic intensity. Also, an instrument used in magnetic observatories for
measuring various components of the magnetic field of the Earth.
AGI
b. A sensitive instrument for detecting and measuring changes in the
Earth's magnetic field, used in prospecting to detect magnetic anomalies
and magnetic gradients in rock formations.
See also:airborne magnetometer

magnetoplumbite

a. A hexagonal mineral, Pb(Fe,Mn)12 O19 ; black;

ferrimagnetic; at Laangban, Sweden.
b. The mineral group hawthorneite, hibonite, magnetoplumbite, and
yimengite.

magnetorque

A form of transmission based on the principle that a magnetic field of

force is produced whose strength is varied so as to transmit a torque of
corresponding magnitude. With a system of this kind, control of any
particular operation is effected through the agency of the magnetorque
clutch, while the motor runs continuously at constant speed.
Mining

magnetostriction

The characteristic of a material that is manifest by strain when it is

subjected to a magnetic field; or the inverse. Some iron-nickel alloys
expand; pure nickel contracts. ASM, 1

magnetotelluric method

a. An electrical prospecting technique based on an application of telluric

currents in which the magnetic fields induced by the alternations in earth
currents would be measured simultaneously with the voltage fluctuations
between electrodes at the surface. The ratio between the amplitudes of
these alternating voltages and the associated magnetic fields would be
plotted as a function of frequency. Dobrin
b. An electromagnetic method of surveying, in which natural electric and
magnetic fields are measured. Usually the two horizontal electric-field
components plus the three magnetic-field components are recorded;
orthogonal pairs yield elements of the tensor impedance of the Earth. This
impedance is measured at frequencies within the range 10-5 Hz to
10 Hz. AGI

magniotriplite

A monoclinic mineral, (Mg,Fe,Mn)2 (PO4 )F ; yellow.

magnochromite

A variety of chromite that contains magnesium. Alternate spelling of

magnesiochromite. Standard, 2

magnocolumbite

An orthorhombic mineral, (Mg,Fe,Mn)(Nb,Ta)2 O6 .

CF:columbite

magnoferrite

Original form of magnesioferrite. Dana, 1

magnussonite

An isometric and tetragonal mineral, Mn5 As3 O9

(OH,Cl) ; green; forms crusts at Laangban, Sweden, and green to brown
selvages at Sterling Hill, NJ.

mahogany ore

Compact mixture of oxides of iron and copper. Schaller

mailly stone

A softer sort of limestone, very dusty. Arkell

main airway

a. The road along which the principal ventilating current passes.

Peel
b. Underground ventilation channel directly connected with a shaft or
other entry to a mine. Pryor, 3
main-and-tail haulage

A single-track haulage system operated by a haulage engine with two drums,

each with a separate rope. The engine is usually located at the out end of
the system. The main rope is attached to the out end of the set of tubs,
and the tail rope passes around a sheave in, and is then attached to, the
rear end of the set. To draw the full set out, the main rope is wound in,
the tail rope being allowed to run free. To draw the empty set in, the
tail rope is wound in, the main rope being allowed to run free. The tail
rope is equal to twice the length of the haulage road. The main-and-tail
haulage is adopted when the gradient is irregular and the empty set will
not run in by gravity. See also:rope haulage

main arch

a. The refractory blocks forming the part of a horizontal gas retort

comprising the division walls and the roof that covers the retorts and the
recuperators. Dodd
b. General term for the central part of a furnace roof, particularly used
as a syn. for the crown of a glass tank furnace. Dodd

main bord gate

York. The heading that is driven slightly to the rise from the shaft.
Fay

main bottom

Hard rock below alluvial deposits.

main break

In mine subsidence, the break that occurs over the seam at an angle from
the vertical equal to half the dip. Lewis

main brow

Eng. See:gate

main conveyor

See:underground mine conveyor

main crosscut

The crosscut that traverses the entire mining field and penetrates all
deposits. There is such a crosscut at each level, and it is the main one
for the level in question. It serves the same purpose as the shaft and
thus must have correct cross section, and be particularly well
constructed, as repairs to its support would hold up the transport of the
entire level. Stoces

main drive

A main tunnel driven in the rock underlying a lead and about 50 ft (15.2
m) below the wash dirt. It is used as a drainage tunnel for carrying the
water from the drainage holes to the shaft sump and also for the transport
of cars from the raises. Eng. Min. J., 1

main endings

Pairs of narrow coal headings with crosscuts at intervals, driven to form

large pillars of coal in panel working. See also:narrow work
Nelson

main engine

N. of Eng. The surface pumping engine, usually of the Cornish type.

Fay

main entry

a. The principal entry or set of entries driven through the mine from
which cross entries, room entries, or rooms are turned.
Federal Mine Safety
b. A term used in the United States for the principal horizontal gallery
giving access to an underground mine and used for haulage, ventilation,
etc. Where two entries are driven in parallel, the term "double entry" is
used. With three parallel entries, the term "triple entry" is used.
Nelson
c. An entry driven at right angles with the face slips of the coal.
See also:entry
d. A main haulage road. See also:main road

Maine sampler

A drive-type, split-tube soil-sampling device, usually equipped with a

flap or clack valve near the cutting shoe. Usually produced in sizes
having outside diameters ranging from 4 to 6-5/8 in (10 to 17 cm).
Long

Maine-type sampler

A soil-sampling device that works essentially on the same principle as a

Maine sampler. Long

main facets
a. The bezel and pavilion facets.
b. Any facet extending from the girdle to the table or from the girdle to
the cutlet.

main fans

Main fans produce the general ventilating current of the mine, and are
generally of large capacity and permanently installed. They are assisted
by natural ventilation, if present, and, if necessary, by booster fans.
They are installed to perform a certain duty, and great attention is paid
to their efficiency since this governs the cost of performing the duty.
Roberts, 1

main firing

The firing of a round of shots by means of current supplied by a

transformer fed from a main power supply. BS, 12

main gate

The principal or central heading along which the coal is conveyed from two
or more conveyor panels. Normally, the main gate is also the intake airway
to the face. See also:double-unit conveyor; bottom gate; mother gate.
Nelson

main haulage

a. That portion of the haulage system that moves the coal from the
secondary haulage system to the shaft or mine opening. The method employed
is the same for either longwall or room-and-pillar mining. Any one of four
methods may be used: (1) mine cars and battery or trolley locomotives, (2)
mine cars and a direct rope haulage, (3) a combination of methods 1 and 2,
or (4) belt conveyors. Wheeler, R.R.
b. The system by which coal is transported in trains in or out of a slope
or drift entry or from the bottom of a shaft. BCI

main haulage conveyor

Generally 500 to 3,000 ft (approx. 150 to 1,000 m) in length. It is used

to transport material between the intermediate haulage conveyor and a
car-loading point or the outside. NEMA, 2

main haulageway

The principal transportation road, drift, tunnel, etc. BCI

main hole
The first or primary borehole from which secondary or branch holes are
drilled. Also called original hole; parent hole. CF:branch
Long

main intake

The trunk or principal intake airway of a mine. The main intake air
current is usually split into two or more air currents before reaching the
workings. Nelson

main levels

The first and leading excavations in mines that are made for the purpose
of opening out or winning the material being mined, and that are intended
to be the principal roadways of the mine. Peel

main-line locomotive

A large, high-powered locomotive that hauls trains of cars over the main
haulage system. BCI

main-line motorman

In bituminous coal mining, a person who operates a mine locomotive to haul

cars over the main haulage tracks underground or at the surface, as
distinguished from the branch lines. DOT

main return

The principal return airway of a mine. The main return air current
represents the total quantity of air; i.e., after the air splits have
reunited. Nelson

main road

The principal underground road in a district along which mined material is

conveyed to the shafts, generally forming the main intake air course of
each district. See also:main entry

main rod

Corn. See:pump rod

main roof

The rock above the immediate roof. Obert

main rope
The rope that pulls a train of loaded cars out along a haulage plane, as
opposed to a tail rope that pulls a train of empty cars in, as in
main-and-tail haulage. See also:pull rope

main-rope haulage system

This system of haulage is used for hauling loaded trains of tubs or cars
up, or lowering them down, a comparatively steep gradient that is not
steep enough, in the latter case, for a self-acting incline. In the normal
system, a single track only is required. The electrically driven or
compressed-air-driven engine has a single drum that runs loose on the
forged-steel drum shaft; it is controlled by the brake when lowering the
empty train, and is clutched to the shaft by means of a dog clutch when
hauling the loaded train up the gradient. Sinclair, 5

main-rope rider

In bituminous coal mining, one who has charge of and rides trips (trains)
of cars hauled in and out of the mine along the main cable haulageway.
DOT

main-rope system

A system of underground haulage in which the weight of the empty cars is

sufficient to draw the rope in. Fay

main separation door

A wooden or steel door erected near the pit bottom to prevent the intake
air leaking into the main return airway or upcast shaft; a door to direct
the main intake air in toward the workings. It may be fitted with an
appliance, or shutter, to ease the opening for traveling purposes.
See also:fan drift doors

mains firing

Firing blasts from a mains supply. McAdam, 2

main shaft

The line of shafting that receives its power directly from the engine or
motor and transmits power to other parts. Crispin

mains lighting

A system of underground mine lighting in which the lamps are fed from the
main electrical supply. It is used principally at the pit bottom, using
filament lamps in either transparent well glass or prismatic bulkhead
fittings. Nelson
main-slope engineer

In bituminous coal mining, one who operates the hoisting engine for
raising or lowering workers, material, coal, and rock along the main
haulage slope (incline) of a mine having one or more auxiliary or relay
slopes. DOT

maintaining levels

In quarrying, consists of the removal by blasting of rock protruding above

the level of the quarry floor or bench, to allow the movement of loading
and transport equipment. Streefkerk

maintenage

Fr. The face of workings in inclined or vertical seams consisting of a

series of steps each about 6 ft (1.8 m) high, and forming the working
place for one person. Fay

maintenance

Proper care, repair, and keeping in good order. Crispin

main tie

Tension member connecting the feet of a roof truss, usually at the level
of bearing on the wall plate or padstone. Hammond

main transport

The conveying or haulage of mined material from the mining area subsidiary
transport to the shaft bottom or surface. For the main transport of coal,
the trend is toward trunk conveyors or locomotive haulage.
See also:subsidiary transport; underground haulage. Nelson

main way

A gangway or principal passage. Fay

maitlandite

See:thorogummite

Majac mill

A mill for dry-grinding mica by means of fluid energy. It consists of a

chamber containing two horizontal directly opposed jets. Mica is fed
continuously from a screw conveyor into this chamber. The particle size of
the product from this mill can be controlled over a broad range down to
the micrometer sizes. USBM, 7
major diameter

Formerly called outside diameter. It refers to the largest diameter of a

thread on a screw or nut. Crispin

major face

Used in widely different meanings in different manufacturing plants; the

meaning of the term depends on the special process of cutting used. Thus,
the faces of the major rhombohedron r 1011 are spoken of as the major face
when BT wafers are cut directly from a faced mother crystal. Also applied
to the prism faces that terminate in the faces of the major rhombohedron,
etc. Am. Mineral., 2

major mine disaster

Defined by the Mine Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of

Labor, as any accident that results in the death of five or more persons.
Federal Mine Safety

major principal plane

The plane normal to the direction of the major principal stress.

ASCE

major principal stress

The largest (with regard to sign) principal stress. ASCE

make

A wide portion of a lode. CF:pinch

make gas

Mid. To yield or produce gas. A seam of coal that gives off combustible
gas is said to make gas. Fay

make of water

The rate of entry of water into a mine or part of a mine. Also called
growth. BS, 10

makeup

To assemble; to couple or screw together. Usually applied to the process

of assembling the component parts of a drill string or pipe system.
Long

makeup bunker
See:makeup shed

makeup medium

Medium or medium solids added to the circuit to replace losses during the
separating operation. BS, 5

makeup shed

A surface building at which explosives, drawn from the magazine, are

issued and where the charges are prepared or made up.
Syn:makeup bunker

makeup time

The time required to couple together the component parts of a drill or

casing string and the lowering of such a string to the working position in
a borehole. Long

makeup water

a. Water supplied to a washery to replace that lost from the circuit.

BS, 5
b. Water supplied to replenish that lost by leaks, evaporation, etc.
Strock, 2

making hole

a. The depth gained in the day's drilling. Hess

b. The act of, or portion of work time spent in, actual drilling and
advancement of a bore or drill hole.

makings

Newc. The small coal hewn out in undercutting or channeling. Also, in some
localities, called bug dust. Fay

malachite

A monoclinic mineral, Cu2 CO3 (OH)2 ; dimorphous with

georgeite; bright green; occurs with azurite in oxidized zones of copper
deposits; a source of copper. Syn:Atlas ore

malacolite

a. A pale-colored, translucent variety of diopside with good (001)

parting; also diopside from Sala, Sweden.
b. See:diopside

malacon
A metamict variety of zircon. Also spelled malakon, malacone.

maldonite

An isometric mineral, Au2 Bi ; pink to silver-white; intermetallic

compound. Syn:black gold

male thread

See:pin thread

maletra furnace

A hand reverberatory furnace for roasting finely divided ore entirely

without the aid of extraneous heat. Fay

malignite

A mafic nepheline syenite. Fifty percent of the rock is composed of

aegirine-augite; the remainder is nepheline and orthoclase in about equal
amounts. Accessories include apatite, biotite, titanite, and opaque
oxides.

malinite

An aluminous variety of halloysite.

malinowskite

A variety of tetrahedrite that contains lead and silver.

Standard, 2

mall

Eng. A heavy hammer. A drawing or prop mall is a long-handled mall used

when withdrawing timber. SMRB

malladrite

A trigonal mineral, Na2 SiF6 . (Not mallardite.)

mallan

Soft turf containing lumps of ore, Derbyshire, U.K.

mallardite

A monoclinic mineral, MnSO4 .7H2 O ; melanterite group. (Not

malladrite.)
malleability

a. The characteristic of metals that permits plastic deformation in

compression without rupture. See also:plastic deformation
ASM, 1
b. Minerals are malleable when slices cut from them may be flattened out
under a hammer. Examples are native gold; silver; copper; platinum.
Nelson

malleable

a. Said of a mineral, e.g., gold, silver, copper, platinum, that can be

plastically deformed under compressive stress, e.g., hammering.
AGI
b. A mineral that can be sliced and the slices hammered flat without
breaking, e.g., gold, copper. CF:sectile; flexible.

malleable cast iron

A cast iron made by a prolonged anneal of white cast iron in which

decarburization or graphitization, or both, take place to eliminate some
or all of the cementite. The graphite is in the form of temper carbon. If
decarburization is the predominant reaction, the product will have a light
fracture, (whiteheart malleable); otherwise, the fracture will be dark
(blackheart malleable). Pearlitic malleable is a blackheart variety having
a pearlitic matrix along with, perhaps, some free ferrite.
See also:iron

malleable mineral

A mineral that may be flattened or deformed by hammering without breaking,

for example, native copper or gold. Stokes

malleable nickel

Nickel obtained by remelting and deoxidizing electrolytic nickel and

casting it into ingot molds. It can be rolled into sheet and used in
equipment for handling food, and for coinage, condensers, and other
purposes where resistance to corrosion, particularly by organic acids, is
required. CTD

malleablizing

Annealing white cast iron in such a way that some or all of the combined
carbon is transformed to graphite or, in some instances, part of the
carbon is removed completely. ASM, 1

malleate
To shape into a plate or leaf by beating or hammering; said of metal.
Standard, 2

malmstone

a. A hard, cherty, grayish-white sandstone, specif. the Malmstone from the

upper part of the Upper Greensand (Cretaceous) of Surrey and Sussex in
England, used as a building and paving material. AGI
b. A marly or chalky rock. AGI

malpais

A term used in the Southwestern United States and Mexico for a region of
rough and barren lava flows. The connotation of the term varies according
to the locality. Etymol: Spanish, mal pais, bad land. AGI

maltesite

A variety of andalusite, resembling chiastolite, showing in cross section

a maltese cross of pure material separated by areas of impure material.
English

maltha

a. Various natural tars resulting from the oxidation and drying of

petroleum. See also:mineral tar; pittasphalt. AGI
b. A black viscid substance intermediate between petroleum and asphalt.
Also called malthite. Webster 3rd
c. A variety of ozocerite. Webster 2nd

malthacite

A scaly, sometimes massive, white or yellowish clay related to fuller's

earth, having a Si-Al ratio of about 4. AGI

mammillary

Of, or pertaining to, smoothly rounded masses resembling breasts or

portions of spheres; descriptive of the shape of some mineral aggregates,
such as malachite or limonite; similar to but a larger size than
botryoidal. Fay

mammillary structure

See:pillow structure

mammillated

Said of a mineral displaying large spheroidal surfaces, e.g., malachite.

Nelson
managerial organization

Coordination of functional units and presentation of the results of their

achievements in policy-guiding form as facts, conclusions, and
recommendations. Efficient integration of the operations managed.
Pryor, 3

manandonite

An orthorhombic mineral, Li2 Al4 (Si2 AlB)O10

(OH)8 ; kaolinite-serpentine group.

manasseite

a. A hexagonal mineral, Mg6 Al2 (CO3 )(OH)16

.4H2 O ; dimorphous with hydrotalcite.
b. The mineral group barbertonite, chlormagaluminite, manasseite, and
sjoegrenite.

manchado

a. Spotted ore, Spain.

b. A commercial grade of mica which is stained to very slightly spotted,
Brazil.

Manchurian jade

See:soapstone

mandelstone

See:amygdaloid

mandrel

a. A miner's pick. Webster 3rd

b. A usually tapered or cylindrical axle spindle, or arbor that is
inserted into a hole in a piece of work so as to support the work during
machining. Webster 3rd
c. A metal bar that serves as a core around which metal or other material
may be cast, molded, forged, bent, or otherwise shaped.
Webster 3rd
d. Any of a train of jointed units intended to be pulled through an
underground duct as each joint is made to ensure perfect alinement, or
through a steel pipe in process of welding to ensure a smooth interior.
Webster 3rd
e. The shaft and bearings on which a tool (as a grinding disk or circular
saw) is mounted. Webster 3rd
f. A temporary interior support for a thin-walled tube (as a tubular steel
pile to be filled later with concrete) being driven into something.
Webster 3rd

mandril

A miner's pick. Nelson

Manebach law

A type of twinning in the monoclinic crystal system. The basal pinacoid is

the twinning plane. Hess

Manebach twin

A monoclinic crystal twinned across the basal pinacoid, according to the

Manebach law, e.g., orthoclase.

man engine

See:man machine

manganandalusite

A variety of andalusite containing 6.91% Mn2 O3 . It differs

from ordinary andalusite in its grass-green color and strong pleochroism.
From Vestana, Sweden. English

manganberzeliite

An isometric mineral, (Ca,Na)3 (Mn,Mg)2 (AsO4 ) (sub

3) ; forms a series with berzeliite and is yellow to orange.

manganblende

See:alabandite

mangandalusite

Variety of andalusite containing manganese. Alternate spelling of

manganandalusite.

manganepidote

See:piemontite

manganese

A gray-white, hard, brittle metallic element. Symbol, Mn. Manganese does

not occur uncombined in nature, but its minerals are widely distributed.
Pyrolusite (MnO2 ) and rhodochrosite (MnCO3 ) are the most
common minerals. The discovery of large quantities of manganese nodules on
the ocean floor, containing about 24% manganese, holds promise as a source
of manganese. Used to form many important alloys, esp. with steel,
aluminum, and antimony; used in dry cells and glass, and in the
preparation of oxygen, chlorine, and medicines.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

manganese-aluminum garnet

See:spessartine

manganese bronze

Alloy of 59% copper, 1% tin, and up to 40% manganese. Practically a brass

with high tensile strength and toughness. Used for ship's impellers and
such fittings as must withstand corrosion by seawater. Pryor, 3

manganese garnet

See:spessartite

manganese glance

See:alabandite

manganese-hoernesite

A monoclinic mineral, (Mn,Mg)3 (AsO4 )2 .8H2 O;

vivianite group.

manganese hydrate

See:wad

manganese minerals

Those in commercial production are pyrolusite, psilomelane, braunite, and

manganite. Manganese is used chiefly in steel manufacture.

manganese nodules

The concretions, primarily of manganese salts, covering extensive areas of

the ocean floor. These vary in size from extremely small to some 6 in
(15.2 cm) in diameter. They have a layer configuration and may prove a
useful source of minerals. Hy

manganese ore

A term used for ore containing 35% or more manganese; it may include
concentrate, nodules, or synthetic ore.
manganese oxide

There are several manganese oxides, the commonest being MnO2

(pyrolusite). It is used as a coloring oxide (red or purple); mixed with
the oxides of cobalt, chromium, and iron, it produces a black. This oxide
is also used to color facing bricks, and to promote adherence of
ground-coat vitreous enamels to the base metal. See also:manganite;
psilomelane. Dodd

manganese sicklerite

See:sicklerite

manganese silicate

See:rhodonite.

manganese spar

See:rhodonite; rhodochrosite.

manganiferous iron ore

A term used for iron ores containing 5% to 10% manganese.

manganiferous ore

A term used for any ore of importance for its manganese content containing
less than 35% manganese but not less than 5%. See also:natural ore

manganite

A monoclinic mineral, MnO(OH) ; trimorphous with feiknechtite and

groutite; a hydrothermal vein mineral; an ore of manganese.
Syn:gray manganese ore; sphenomanganite.

mangan-neptunite

A monoclinic mineral, KNa2 Li(MN,Fe)2 Ti2 Si8

O24 ; forms a series with neptunite. See also:neptunite

manganocalcite

A variety of calcite that contains manganese carbonate and is closely

related to rhodochrosite. Syn:kutnohorite

manganolangbeinite
An isometric mineral, K2 Mn2 (SO4 )3 ;
rose-red; forms tetrahedra in cavities in recent lavas on Mt. Vesuvius,
Italy.

manganolite

a. See:rhodonite.
b. A general term for rocks composed of manganese minerals, esp. manganese
oxides such as wad and psilomelane. AGI

manganophyllite

A manganoan variety of biotite.

manganosiderite

An intermediate member of the rhodochrosite-siderite series.

manganosite

An isometric mineral, MnO ; periclase group; emerald-green; forms

octahedra that blacken on exposure to air.

manganotantalite

An orthorhombic mineral, MnTa2 O6 ; dimorphous with

manganotapiolite; forms series with manganocolumbite and with
ferrotantalite.

manganpyrosmalite

A hexagonal mineral, (Mn,Fe)8 Si6 O15 (OH,Cl) (sub

10) ; dimorphous with brokenhillite; forms a series with ferropyrosmalite.

mangrove coast

A tropical or subtropical low-energy coast with a shore zone overgrown by

mangrove vegetation. Such coasts are common in Indonesia, Papua New
Guinea, and other tropical regions. The marine coast of southern Florida
is the only significant U.S. example. AGI

manhole

a. A safety hole. Hudson

b. Cubicles cut into the solid strata or built into the gob pile along
haulageways in which miners can be safe from passing locomotives and cars.
Also called refuge hole. BCI
c. A refuge hole constructed in the side of a gangway, tunnel, or slope.
Fay
d. A small and generally very short passage used only for the ingress and
egress of the miners. Fay
e. A hole in cylindrical boilers through which a worker can get into the
boiler to examine and repair it. Fay
f. A small passage connecting a level with a stope, or with the level next
above. Webster 2nd

manhole cover

A movable cast-iron plate fitting a cast-iron frame bedded on a rebated

concrete slab or kerb over a manhole. Covers over foul drains are formed
to prevent escape of foul air. Hammond

manila rope

Broadly, rope or cordage formed from twisted fibers obtained from abaca,
agave, or hemp plants. Long

manipulated variable

In mineral processing, a quantity or condition that is varied as a

function of the actuating signal so as to change the value of the
controlled variable. Fuerstenau

manipulator

a. A machine for moving and turning over hot billets or blooms of iron or
steel in the process of rolling. Standard, 2
b. A mechanical device used for safe handling of radioactive materials.
Frequently, it is remotely controlled from behind a protective shield.
Lyman

manless coal face

A coal face mined by remotely controlled equipment that eliminates the

need for workers in dangerous places. Encyclopaedia Britannica

manless coal mining

Longwall coal faces equipped for the automatic starting, stopping, and
steering of power-loading machines as well as the manipulation of electric
trailing cables, including air and water hoses; controlled automatic
advancing of face conveyors as well as advancing and setting of roof
supports. Each and all operations are correctly phased and accomplished
from a remote point. With the advent of electronics and automation
techniques, the prospects of manless coal mining are very promising.
Nelson

manless face
A longwall face on which the coal is cut and brought out to the gate road
mechanically, without the aid of miners on the face. The face is
unsupported. In general, the coal seam is thin but of high grade, and some
type of rapid plow is employed. See also:coal-sensing probe;
ram scraper. Nelson

manlock

An air lock through which workers pass to a working chamber that is under
air pressure. Hammond

man machine

Corn.; Derb. An obsolete term for a mechanical lift for lowering and
raising miners in a shaft by means of a reciprocating vertical rod of
heavy timber with platforms at intervals, or of two such rods moving in
opposite directions. In the former case, stationary platforms are placed
in the shaft, so that the miner in descending, for instance, can step from
the moving platform at the end of the downstroke and step back upon the
next platform below at the beginning of the next downstroke. When two rods
are employed, the miner steps from the platform on one rod to that on the
other. Syn:man engine; movable ladder. Fay

manmade diamond

Diamond produced synthetically. Also called MM diamond.

See also:diamond; synthetic diamond. Long

Mannheim process

Contact method of catalyzing SO2 to SO3 in two stages, using

first iron oxide and second platinized asbestos as catalysts.
Pryor, 3

Manning's formula

An empirical formula for the value of the coefficient, C, in the Chezy

formula, the factors of which are the hydraulic radius and a coefficient
of roughness; a simplification of the Kutter formula. Seelye, 1

man-of-war

Staff. A small pillar of coal left in a critical spot; also, a principal

support in thick coal workings. Fay

manometer

a. Any instrument that measures gaseous pressure. Nelson

b. Measures pressure or a pressure difference by balancing the applied
pressure against the hydrostatic head of a column of liquid of known
density. In practice, most manometers measure a pressure difference, so
that if an absolute pressure is to be measured, it is essential to have
access to an accurate barometer to determine the atmospheric pressure.
Roberts, 1
c. An instrument designed to give a continuous record of the pressure of
an explosion at the point where the instrument is located.
See also:micromanometer; piezometer; two-liquid differential manometer;
U-tube manometer; vernier-reading manometer; water gage.
Rice, 2; Roberts, 1

manometer calibration

Many manometers require calibration, and this may be carried out by the
(1) static method in which simultaneous readings of the manometer under
test and the primary standard are taken when one limb of the manometer and
the standard are connected to a variable pressure source, the other limbs
being connected to a source of constant pressure, or (2) the dynamic
method in which the difference in pressure obtained between a low-speed
atmospheric wind-tunnel hole (static pressure) and the atmospheric static
pressure is used to carry out the calibration. One limb of the manometer
and the low-pressure side of the Chattock-Fry are connected to the
tunnel-wall hole (reference variable pressure), while the other limb of
the manometer is connected to the atmospheric outlet of the Chattock-Fry.
Roberts, 1

manometric efficiency

a. The ratio of the actual head developed to the velocity pressure of air
moving at the fan-tip speed, equal to one-half the theoretical head of a
radial-tip fan. Hartman, 1
b. An indication of the capability of the fan to produce pressure. It is
the ratio of the initial depression to the theoretical depression.
Manometric efficiency = 4,380 total water gage / U2 , where U =
tip speed in feet per second of fan blades. Nelson
c. The chief value of the manometric efficiency lies in its being a rough
check on the mechanical efficiency of the fan.
See also:theoretical depression

manoscope

See:manometer

manoscopy

The science of determining the density of gases and vapors.

Standard, 2

man-riding car
A car or carriage designed for the riding of miners to and from the
workings. The car body has a low center of gravity to avoid the risk of
overturning and is fitted with track brakes and an overspeed clutch. The
train set is arranged to brake from the rear to avoid pileup, and the
brakes are applied immediately on overspeed from a preset velocity.
Nelson

man-riding conductor

A worker appointed by the mine manager to be in charge of the running of a train of man-
riding cars. This worker is the responsible person for
starting and stopping the vehicles, for giving the proper signals, and for
seeing that the safe seating capacity is not exceeded. During the shift
this worker is employed on other duties. Nelson

mansfieldite

An orthorhombic mineral, AlAsO4 .2H2 O ; variscite group;

forms a series with scorodite.

manshift

The output or work done by a worker in one shift; a basis for assessing
the magnitude of a job to complete. Nelson

Man-Ten steel alloy

An alloy containing 0.35% carbon as maximum, from 0.25% to 1.75%

manganese, 0.10% to 0.30% silicon, 0.01% to 0.25% copper, 0% to 0.40%
molybdenum, and 0% to 0.20% vanadium. Used for bodies and doors of
stripping shovel dippers, which have manganese steel for bail, lip, and
renewable teeth. Lewis

mantle

a. The soil or other unconsolidated rock material commonly referred to as

overburden. See:surface
b. A sheath of manganese steel that fits over the iron or steel cone of
the breaking (gyrating) head of a gyratory crusher. Pryor, 3
c. That part of a blast furnace that carries the weight of the stack,
continuing up from the bosh. Pryor, 3
d. See:mantle rock; regolith.
e. The outer zone in a zoned crystal; an overgrowth. AGI
f. The zone of the Earth below the crust and above the core, which is
divided into the upper mantle and the lower mantle, with a transition zone
between. AGI

mantle rock

See:regolith
manto

A flat-lying, bedded deposit; either a sedimentary bed or a replacement

strata-bound orebody. Etymol: Spanish, vein, stratum. CF:bed vein
AGI

manual haulage

The practice of pushing tubs, trams, etc., by hand.

See also:hand tramming

manual takeup

A hand-operated mechanism for adjusting the takeup or movable pulley.

NEMA, 2

manual-type belt-tensioning device

A hand-operated mechanism for adjusting a takeup pulley to vary the

tension in a conveyor belt. The most common types are chain-jack,
sylvester, rack, and screw. NEMA, 1

manual winding control

A system in which the winder is controlled in the conventional manner by

the driver, following the usual bell signals from the onsetter and the
banksman. The system of control ensures that the speed of the winder
follows closely the position of the driver's level, driving or dynamic
braking being applied automatically to the motor as needed to preserve the
chosen speed. See also:automatic cyclic winding

manufactured gas

A mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons produced from coal or oil.

See also:gas

manufactured marble

a. A mixture of marble dust and plastics.

b. A mixture of powdered stone and plastics.

manufactured sand

Fine aggregate produced by crushing rock. AIME, 1

manway

a. A compartment, vertical or inclined, for the accommodation of ladders,

pipes, and timber chutes. The drivage may be a winze or a raise and its
purpose is to give convenient access to a stope. Also called ladderway.
Nelson
b. A passageway for the use of miners only; an airshaft; a chute.
Standard, 2
c. Eng. See:manhole
d. A passage in or into a mine used as a footpath for workers.
Korson
e. A short heading between two chutes.

map

a. A horizontal projection of surface plants, mine workings, or both,

drawn to a definite scale, upon which is shown all the important features
of the mine; a plan; a plat.
b. The act of preparing such plans of a mine.
c. A representation to a definite scale on a horizontal plane of the
physical features of a portion of the Earth's surface (natural or
artificial or both) by means of symbols, which may emphasize, generalize,
or omit certain features as conditions may warrant. A map may be derived
from ground surveys made by transit, plane table, or camera, or from
aerial photographic surveys, or both. Seelye, 2

map projection

A method of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map. As

the true shape of the Earth is a globe, it is impossible to make a map of
large areas of the Earth's surface without some distortion.
Hammond

marathon mill

A form of tube mill used in the cement industry, in which the pulverizing
is done by long pieces of hardened steel shafting. Liddell

marbella

A Spanish magnetite with a siliceous gangue. Osborne

marble

a. A metamorphic rock composed essentially of calcite, dolomite, or a

combination of the two, with a fine- to coarse-grained crystalline
texture.
b. In commerce, any crystalline carbonate rock that will take a polish,
including true marble, certain coarse-grained limestones, alabaster, and
onyx.
c. See:verde antique

marble handsaw
A toothless blade fitted at the back with a block handle, used with sand,
for cutting slabs of marble into pieces. Fay

marble saw

A toothless blade used with sand in marble cutting. Standard, 2

Marble's reagent

An etchant for stainless steels, consisting of 4 g of copper sulfate in 20

mL of hydrochloric acid and 20 mL of water. Osborne

marcasite

a. White iron pyrites, FeS2 , the orthorhombic dimorph of pyrite,

having a lower specific gravity, less stability, and a paler color. Often
called white iron pyrites, coxcomb pyrites, and spear pyrites. AGI
b. In the gemstone trade, marcasite is either pyrite, polished steel
(widely used in ornamental jewelry in the form of small brilliants), or
even white metal. CTD
c. An orthorhombic mineral, FeS2 ; dimorphous with pyrite;
metallic; bronze-yellow to white; an authigenic or supergene mineral from
acid solutions. Syn:white iron pyrites; white pyrite; cockscomb pyrite;
spear pyrite; lamellar pyrite.
d. The mineral group ferroselite, frohbergite, hastite, kullerudite,
marcasite, and mattagamite.
e. A gemstone with a metallic luster, esp. pyrite, but including polished
steel and white metal. Syn:radiated pyrite

marcus

A patented shaker screen with a nonharmonic or quick-return motion.

Zern

Marcy mill

A ball mill in which a vertical-grate diaphragm is placed near the

discharge end. Between this perforated diaphragm and the end of the tube,
there are arranged screens for sizing the material, oversize being
returned for further grinding while undersize is discharged.
Liddell

mare ball

York and Lanc. Spherical ferruginous concretions. CF:caballa ball

Arkell

marekanite
Obsidian that occurs as rounded to subangular bodies, usually less than 2
in (5.1 cm) in diameter and having indented surfaces. These bodies occur
in masses of perlite and are of special interest because of their low
water content as compared with the surrounding perlite. The name is from
the Marekanka River, Okhotsk, Siberia, Russia. AGI

margarite

a. A beadlike string of globulites, commonly found in glassy igneous

rocks. AGI
b. A monoclinic mineral, 4[CaAl2 (Al2 Si2 O10
)(OH)2 ] ; mica group; forms brittle folia; associated with
corundum. Syn:brittle mica; pearl mica.

margarodite

A pearly variety of muscovite.

margarosanite

A triclinic mineral, Pb(Ca,Mn)2 Si3 O9 .

marginal deposit

a. A magmatic segregation at the bottom and periphery of an intrusive

rock; e.g., nickel-copper-sulfide deposits at Sudbury, ON, Canada.
b. Marginal ore deposit.

marginal fissure

A fracture, bordering an igneous intrusion, that has become filled with

magma. AGI

marginal ore deposit

A deposit near the lower limit of commercial workability.

Bateman, 2

marginal reserves

That part of the reserve base that, at the time of determination, borders
on being economically producible. Its essential characteristic is economic
uncertainty. Included are resources that would be producible, given
postulated changes in economic or technologic factors. USGS, 2

marginal sea

An adjacent sea that is widely open to the ocean.

See also:adjacent sea
marginal thrust

A thrust fault along the margin of an intrusive that dips toward the
intrusive. AGI

marginal trench

See:trench

maria glass

An early name for both mica and selenite (gypsum).

marialite

A tetragonal mineral, 3NaAlSi3 O8 .NaCl ; scapolite group;

forms a series with meionite.

Marietta miner

Trade name for a heavy track-mounted continuous miner for operation in

thick seams. The front end contains two cutter arms that rotate in
opposite directions to sweep the coal it cuts inwards toward the center.
The broken coal is taken back through the machine to a chain conveyor. Two
cutter chains are arranged at roof and floor level behind the arms to cut
down the coal left between the rotating arms. The machine cuts an area 12
ft (3.7 m) wide and 7 ft (2.1 m) high. Power is supplied by two motors,
one of 70 hp (52.2 kW) and the other of 25 hp (17.4 kW). It has a
continuous capacity from 3 to 3-1/2 st/min (2.7 to 3.2 t/min). This
machine has been subject to several modifications.
See also:continuous miner

marine biology

Science that treats of the living organisms of the sea, the chemical and
physical characteristics of their environment, and factors affecting their
distribution. Hy

marine core drill

Used for investigating strata beneath the seabed and taking sample and
cores from which dredging conditions may be assessed. Hammond

marine deposit

A sedimentary deposit laid down in the sea, usually beyond the seaward
edge of the littoral belt. Stokes

marine erosion
Erosion by moving seawater, the action of which is largely intensified by
detritus carried by it. Schieferdecker

marine geology

The marine science that treats of the topographical features of the sea
bottom, the phenomena that have developed it, and the types, processes,
and distribution of sedimentation. Hy

marine humus

Organic matter deposited on the sea bottom. Tomkeieff

marine invasion

The spreading of the sea over a land area. AGI

marine mining

The mining of marine mineral deposits, classified as unconsolidated

deposits such as gravel, mineral sands, or nodules; consolidated deposits
such as outcrops, veins, or crusts; and fluid that is seawater or
hydrothermal fluids; from, on, or beneath the seabed, whether on the
continental shelf or in the deep ocean basins. SME, 1

marine transgression

See:transgression

mariposite

A chromian variety of phengite, a siliceous variety of muscovite.

maritime plants

Plants that grow naturally under salty conditions on a foreshore and that
may materially help to prevent scour and stabilize sand dunes.
Hammond

marker

a. An easily recognized stratigraphic feature having characteristics

distinctive enough for it to serve as a reference or datum or to be
traceable over long distances, esp. in the subsurface, as in well drilling
or in a mine working; e.g., a stratigraphic unit readily identified, or
any recognizable rock surface such as an unconformity or a corrosion
surface. See also:format
marker formation. CF:horizon
b. A layer that yields characteristic reflections over a more or less
extensive area. AGI
c. A layer that accounts for a characteristic segment of a
seismic-refraction time-distance curve and can be followed over reasonably
extensive areas. AGI
d. S. Afr. See:outcrop
e. See:marker block

marker bed

a. See:marker
b. A stratigraphic bed selected for use in preparing structural,
paleogeologic, and other maps that emphasize the nature or attitude of a
plane or a surface. It is generally selected for lithologic
characteristics, but biologic factors and unconformities may control.
Syn:indicator; key bed; marker horizon. See also:horizon; marker.
CF:indicator

marker block

A small block on which the footage below the collar of a borehole is

marked and inserted between pieces of core at its appropriate place in a
core box to indicate the depth in the borehole at which the core was
obtained. Also called footage block; footmark; marker. The marker block is
placed in the core box on completion of each drilled interval.
See also:marker

marker formation

See:marker

marker horizon

See:marker bed; marker.

market pot

In silver refining, the pot at the end of the series of pots used in the
Pattinson process, in the direction in which the amount of silver left in
the lead is diminishing. It contains the market lead. Fay

markovnikovite

Variety of petroleum found in Russia. Tomkeieff

marl

a. An old term loosely applied to a variety of materials, most of which

occur as loose, earthy deposits consisting chiefly of an intimate mixture
of clay and calcium carbonate, formed under marine or esp. freshwater
conditions; specif. an earthy substance containing 35% to 65% clay and 65%
to 35% carbonate. Marl is usually gray; it is used esp. as a fertilizer
for acid soils deficient in lime. In the Coastal Plain area of
Southeastern United States, the term has been used for calcareous clays,
silts, and sands, esp. those containing glauconite (greensand marls); and
for newly formed deposits of shells mixed with clay. AGI
b. A soft, grayish to white, earthy or powdery, usually impure, calcium
carbonate precipitated on the bottoms of present-day freshwater lakes and
ponds, largely through the chemical action of aquatic plants, or forming
deposits that underlie marshes, swamps, and bogs that occupy the sites of
former (glacial) lakes. The calcium carbonate may range from 90% to less
than 30% . Syn:bog lime
c. A term occasionally used (as in Scotland) for a compact, impure,
argillaceous limestone. Etymol: French marle. AGI

marlite

See:marlstone

marl slate

An English term for calcareous shale; it is not a true slate. AGI

marlstone

a. An indurated rock of about the same composition as marl. It has a

blocky subconchoidal fracture, and is less fissile than shale.
Syn:marlite
b. A term originally applied by Bradley (1931) to slightly magnesian
calcareous mudstones or muddy limestones in the Green River Formation of
the Uinta Basin, UT, but subsequently applied to associated rocks
(including conventional shales, dolomites, and oil shales) whose
lithologic characters are not readily determined. Picard (1953)
recommended abandonment of the term as used in the Uinta Basin.
AGI
c. See:marlstone ore

marlstone ore

A stratified ironstone located in the Midlands (England) and occurring at

the top of the Middle Lias series. Nelson

marly

Pertaining to, containing, or resembling marl; e.g., marly limestone

containing 5% to 15% clay and 85% to 95% carbonate, or marly soil
containing at least 15% calcium carbonate and no more than 75% clay (in
addition to other constituents). AGI

marmarization

See:marmorization
marmarosh diamond

Rock crystal variety of quartz.

marmatite

A ferroan variety of sphalerite.

marmolite

A thinly foliated variety of serpentine.

marmorization

The conversion of limestone into marble by metamorphism.

Syn:marmarization; marmorosis.

marmorosis

See:marmorization

marm stone

Obsolete term for marble. Arkell

marokite

An orthorhombic mineral, CaMn2 O4 ; opaque black with dark

red internal reflection; in Morocco.

Marriner process

A modification of the cyanide process in which the ore is deadroasted,

after which all of it is ground to slime, and the resulting product is
treated by agitation. Liddell

marrow

a. Well sinkers' term for a fine-grained floury rock, Oxfordshire, U.K.

b. Up to six workers who pool and share earnings equally, all at the same
workplace but not necessarily on the same shift.

Marsaut lamp

An earlier type of miners' flame safety lamp fitted with two or three
conical gauzes, thus adding to the safety of the lamp when used in high
air velocities. The Marsaut lamp is the basis of modern flame safety
lamps. Nelson

marsh buggy
A special, self-propelled geophysical vehicle designated to operate over
marsh or extremely soft ground, usually having wheels with very wide tread
or buoyant wheels that will float the vehicle in water. AGI

Marsh funnel

An appliance for measuring viscosity. It consists of a copper funnel,

about 30 cm long with a 15-cm diameter at the top, that has a 10-mesh
screen over half its diameter to remove debris and a 6-mm-diameter exit
tube at the bottom through which the rate of flow is timed. It takes 26 s
for a quart of clean water to flow through and correspondingly longer for
muds of greater viscosity. Gel strength is measured by comparing the rate
of flow of freshly agitated mud with that of mud that has been allowed to
remain quiescent for 10 min. See also:hydrometer;
specific-gravity hydrometer. Nelson

marsh gas

a. Methane, CH4 . If the decaying matter at the bottom of a marsh

or pond is stirred, bubbles of methane rise to the surface, thus the name
marsh gas. Nelson
b. It is nonexplosive until met with air or oxygen. In miners' language
synonymous with firedamp. See also:methane; firedamp. BCI; Fay

marshite

An isometric mineral. CuI ; soft; oil brown; dodecahedral cleavage; at

Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia.

marsh ore

See:bog iron; bog iron ore.

marsh pan

A salt pan in a marsh. AGI

martenite

A synthetic fettling material, used for sintering open-hearth furnace

bottoms. The approximate composition (variable) is 5.2% silica, 2.1%
alumina, 10.5% ferric oxide, 13.4% lime, 66.5% magnesia (ignition loss,
2.3%). Martenite sinters more rapidly than magnesite, thereby reducing
repair time; moreover, it is suitable for hot patching. Martenite is as
wear resistant as magnesite and has no deleterious effect on the slag.
Osborne

martensite
Alpha-iron supersaturated with carbon as a result of quenching austinite
(gamma-iron) below 150 degrees C. (Not martinsite.)

martic

A mixture of bituminous matter, such as asphalt, and some foreign

material, such as sand. Mersereau, 2

Martin process

Used in the manufacture of steel. Also called Siemens-Martin and

open-hearth process. Fay

martinsite

See:kieserite

martite

Hematite pseudomorphous after magnetite octahedra.

martourite

See:berthierine

marundite

A coarse-grained pegmatite consisting of corundum and margerite with

accessory biotite, plagioclase, apatite, tourmaline, garnet, and kyanite.
Allied to plumasite grading into normal pegmatite. Hess

mascagnite

An orthorhombic mineral, (NH4 )2 SO4 ; occurs around

fumaroles and in guano deposits.

mascot emerald

A beryl triplet that simulates emerald.

maser

Contracted version of microwave amplification by simulated emission of

radiation. A class of amplifier from which the optical laser was
developed. See also:laser

mask
a. A screen, usually made of tracing cloth, to subdue and diffuse the
light behind a plumbline or other sighted object. BS, 7
b. See:respirator

maskeeg

See:muskeg

maskelynite

A plagioclase glass in some chondrites and irons formed by preterrestrial

impact between meteorites in space.

mason's hammer

A square-faced hammer with a peen in line with handle. Standard, 2

mass

a. The quantity of matter in a body, obtained by dividing the weight of

the body by the acceleration due to gravity.
b. A large irregular deposit of ore, which cannot be recognized as a vein
or bed. See also:nontabular deposit

mass aqua

Borosilicate glass imitative of aquamarine (beryl).

mass copper

In the Lake Superior region, a term for native copper occurring in large
masses.

mass density

Mass of air per unit volume. Measured in kilograms per cubic meter.
Hartman, 2

mass detonation

A term applied to the unintentional detonation of all or a part of a large

quantity of explosive material (bulk truckload, shipload, or caseload) by
the explosion of a smaller quantity of explosives or a flame.

mass diagram

A plotting of cumulative cuts and fills used for engineering computation

of highway jobs. Nichols, 1

mass effect
The tendency for hardened steel to decrease in hardness from the surface
to the center, as a result of the variation in the rate of cooling
throughout the section. Becomes less marked as the rate of cooling
required for hardening decreases; i.e., as the content of alloying
elements increases. CTD

mass fiber

a. One of the three recognized forms in which asbestos fiber is found in

rock deposits. In this form the fibers are usually found intermixed in a
matrix, which forms the orebody. Found mostly in the matrix of the
deposits of the amphibole varieties of asbestos. The rock forming the
orebody is sometimes inclined to be soft, and the fibers intermingled in
such a mass deposit consist of patches of apparent slip-fiber forms.
Indications of disturbed cross-fiber disposition are often discernible.
Sinclair, 7
b. A mass aggregate of interlaced, unoriented, or radiating fibers of
chrysotile serpentine asbestos.

mass haul diagram

Diagram used in construction work to show the location of digging and

filling sites, and the distances over which earth and materials are to be
transported. Pryor, 3

massicot

An orthorhombic mineral, PbO ; dimorphous with litharge; prismatic

cleavage; soft; yellow; occurs in oxidized zones of lead ore deposits.
Syn:lead ocher

massif

A massive topographic and structural feature, esp. in an orogenic belt,

commonly formed of rocks more rigid than those of its surroundings. These
rocks may be protruding bodies of basement rocks or younger plutonic
bodies. Examples are the crystalline massifs of the Helvetic Alps, whose
rocks were deformed mainly during the Hercynian orogeny, long before the
Alpine orogeny. AGI

massifs long

Fr. Pillar in longwall workings. Fay

massive

a. Said of a mineral deposit (esp. of sulfides) characterized by a great

concentration of ore in one place, as opposed to a disseminated or vein
deposit.
b. Said of any rock that has a homogeneous texture or fabric over a wide
area, with an absence of layering, foliation, cleavage, or any similar
directional structure. See also:massive rock
c. Said of a mineral that is physically isotropic; i.e., lacking a platy,
fibrous, or other structure. CF:amorphous

massive bedding

Very thick homogeneous stratification in sedimentary rocks.

massive eruption

Outpouring of lava from a line or system of fissures, so that vast areas

have become covered by nearly horizontal sheets of extrusive flows.

massive mineral

If the crystalline grains are so small that they cannot be distinguished

except under the high magnification of a microscope, the structure is
described as compact and the mineral as massive. CMD

massive pluton

Any pluton that is not tabular in shape.

massive rock

Isotropic, homogeneous rock with a strength that does not vary appreciably
from point to point. Typical examples are igneous rocks such as granite
and diorite; metamorphic rocks such as marble and quartzite; and some
thick-bedded sedimentary rocks. See also:massive

mass movement

The unit movement of a portion of the land surface; specif. the

gravitative transfer of material down a slope. Syn:mass-wasting
AGI

mass number

The sum of the neutrons and protons in a nucleus. It is the nearest whole
number to the actual atomic weight of the atom. Lyman

mass profile

A road profile showing cut and fill in cubic yards or meters.

Nichols, 1

mass shooting
Simultaneous exploding of charges in all of a large number of holes, as
contrasted with sequential firing with delay caps. Nichols, 1

mass spectra

Positive ray spectra obtained by means of a mass spectrograph. In such

spectra the images due to positive ray particles of different masses are
spaced according to the masses of the particles; i.e., according to their
atomic weights. CTD

mass spectrometer

An instrument for producing and measuring, usually by electrical means, a

mass spectrum. It is esp. useful for determining molecular weights and
relative abundances of isotopes within a compound. AGI

mass unit weight

See:wet unit weight

mass-wasting

See:mass movement

mast

a. A drill derrick or tripod mounted on a drill unit, which can be raised

to its operating position by mechanical means. Long
b. A single pole, used as a drill derrick, supported in an upright or
operating position by guys. Long
c. A tower or vertical beam carrying one or more load lines at its top.
Nichols, 1

master alloy

An alloy, rich in one or more desired addition elements, that can be added
to a melt to raise the percentage of a desired constituent. ASM, 1

master hauler

S. Wales. The person in charge of haulers in a coal mine and who controls
the horse haulage traffic and the allocation of trams. Nelson

master joint

A persistent joint plane of greater-than-average extent. AGI

master lode

The main productive lode of a district. CF:mother lode

master pin

The only pin in an integrated crawler track that will open the track when
driven out. Nichols, 1

mastershifter

N. of Eng. Official responsible for the working of a seam during the third
(night) shift of the day. Trist

master station

A position in the ventilation circuit of a mine specially chosen for the

regular and accurate estimation of the total quantity of air circulating.
Spalding

mat

a. An accumulation of broken mine timbers, rock, earth, etc., coincident

with the caving system of mining. As the ore is extracted, the mat
gradually settles and forms the roof of the working levels, slopes, etc.
b. Lusterless or dull surface in a metal, produced by a method of
finishing. Standard, 2

match

The part of a detonator that is most easily ignited. Mason

materials flowsheet

A flowsheet principally concerned with solid materials.

See also:operational capacities

materials handling

The art and science involving movement, packaging, and storage of

substances in any form.

materials lock

An air lock through which materials are passed into or out of a pneumatic
caisson or a shaft being driven under air pressure. See also:manlock
Hammond

Mathewson's device

An apparatus for separating matte and slag at lead-silver blast furnaces

where matte is of secondary importance. Fay

matildite
A hexagonal mineral, AgBiS2 ; forms prismatic crystals; sp gr, 6.9
. Syn:schapbachite; plenargyrite.

matlockite

A tetragonal mineral, 2[PbFCl] ; basal cleavage; an alteration of galena

or lead-bearing slags.

mat pack

Small pack of timber consisting of a number of timbers laid side by side

to form a solid mass 2 to 2-1/2 ft square by 4 to 6 in thick (approx. 0.7
m square by 10 to 15 cm thick). Holes are drilled edgeways through the
mat, and wires are threaded through to hold it together. Mats are
transported underground and built up to form very effective supports.
Spalding

matraite

A trigonal mineral, ZnS ; trimorphous with sphalerite and wurtzite.

matrix

a. The nonvaluable minerals in an ore; the gangue.

b. The rock material in which a fossil, crystal, or mineral is embedded.
Syn:groundmass
c. A local term for the phosphate-bearing gravel in the land-pebble
deposits of Florida. AGI
d. The metal in which the diamonds inset in the crown of a bit are
embedded. Long
e. The material that forms a cushion or binder in the construction of
pavement.
f. The finer-grained material between the larger particles of a rock or
the material surrounding a fossil or mineral. BS, 11
g. The principal phase or aggregate in which another constituent is
embedded. ASM, 1
h. In electroforming, a form used as a cathode. ASM, 1

matrix metal

The continuous phase of a polyphase alloy or mechanical mixture; the

physically continuous metallic constituent in which separate particles of
another constituent are embedded. ASTM

matrosite

A microscopical constituent of torbanite; opaque, black mass forming its

groundmass. CF:gelosite; humosite; retinosite. Tomkeieff

matte
A metallic sulfide mixture made by melting the roasted product in smelting
sulfide ores of copper, lead, and nickel. ASM, 1

matte fall

Weight of matte expressed as a percentage of the total charge.

Newton, 1

matte smelting

The smelting of copper-bearing materials, usually in a reverberatory

furnace. The valuable product is a liquid, copper-iron sulfide called
matte. Kirk

matting

The process of smelting sulfide ores into matte. Weed, 2

mattock

a. A miner's pickax. Fay

b. An implement that combines the features of an adz, ax, and pick, and is
used for digging, grubbing, and chopping. Webster 3rd

Matura diamond

Colorless to faintly smoky gem-quality zircon from the Matara (Matura)

district of Sri Lanka; any smokiness is removable by heating.

mature

a. Pertaining to the stage of maturity of the cycle of erosion; esp. said

of a topography or region having undergone maximum development and
accentuation of form; or of a stream (and its valley) with a fully
developed profile of equilibrium; or of a coast that is relatively stable.
AGI
b. Said of a clastic sediment that (1) has been differentiated or evolved
from its parent rock by processes acting over a long time and with a high
intensity and (2) is characterized by stable minerals (such as quartz),
deficiency of the more mobile oxides (such as soda), absence of
weatherable material (such as clay), and well-sorted but subangular to
angular grains. Example: a clay-free mature sandstone on a beach.
AGI

maturity

a. A stage in the development of a coast that is characterized by

straightening of the shoreline by bridging of bays and cutting back of
headlands so as to produce a smooth, regular shoreline consisting of
sweeping curves; and, eventually, retrogradation of the shore beyond the
bayheads so that it lies against the mainland as a line of eroded cliffs
throughout its course. AGI
b. The extent to which a clastic sediment texturally and compositionally
approaches the ultimate end product to which it is driven by the formative
processes that operate upon it. AGI
c. The stage in the development of a stream at which it has reached its
maximum efficiency, having attained a profile of equilibrium and a
velocity that is just sufficient to carry the sediment delivered to it by
tributaries. AGI
d. The second of the three principal stages of the cycle of erosion in the
topographic development of a landscape or region, intermediate between
youth and old age (or following adolescence), lasting through the period
of greatest diversity of form or maximum topographic differentiation,
during which nearly all the gradation resulting from operation of existing
agents has been accomplished. AGI

maturity index

A measure of the progress of a clastic sediment in the direction of

chemical or mineralogic stability; e.g., a high ratio of alumina-soda, of
quartz-feldspar, or of quartz + chert-feldspar + rock fragments indicates
a highly mature sediment. AGI

maucherite

A tetragonal mineral, Ni11 As8 ; forms tabular crystals;

occurs in nickel-cobalt-native-silver ore deposits. Syn:placodine;
temiskamite.

Mawco cutter loader

A cutter loader similar to an Anderton shearer except that the drum is

replaced by a frame jib 42 in (107 cm) high and 20 in (51 cm) deep. The
machine travels on an armored flexible conveyor at a speed of about 4-1/2
ft/min (1.4 m/min). It cuts a 20-in (51-cm) web on the cutting run, and
the plow deflector loads the cut coal onto the conveyor. On the reverse
run, the deflector loads all the loose coal left on the track, and the
conveyor is snaked over behind the machine. The loader is suitable for
medium-thickness seams, and the yield of large coal is good.
Nelson

maximum and minimum densities

In soil tests, the maximum density is found by compacting soil with a

Kango hammer; the minimum density is measured by pouring soil into a
container of known capacity. This test is useful for determining the
relative density of sands, by comparison with field tests. Hammond

maximum angle of inclination

The maximum angle at which a conveyor may be inclined and still deliver a
predetermined quantity of bulk material within a given time. As the
maximum angle is approached, the rate of handling of bulk material is
usually decreased.

maximum belt slope

The slope beyond which the material on a conveyor tends to roll downhill.
The maximum slope on which a conveyor can operate depends on (1) the
material carried, (2) the loading or feeding efficiency, (3) the size and
type of belt, and (4) the environment. In general, in the case of
run-of-mine coal and ore, belt conveyors can operate up to about 18
degrees . If the material conveyed contains large lumps, spillage may
result if the belt is too narrow. Nelson

maximum belt tension

The total of the starting and operating tensions. In the average conveyor
this is considered to be the same as the tight side tension.

maximum carbon dioxide content

The recommended maximum allowable concentration of carbon dioxide in mine

air is 0.5%. Hartman, 1

maximum charge weight per delay

The maximum quantity of explosive charge detonated on one interval (delay)

within a blast. The charge detonated within any 8-ms interval over the
entire duration of the blast.

maximum demand

Upper limit of electric power that may be drawn at any time from the mains
without penalty, as agreed by contract. Pryor, 3

maximum density

See:maximum unit weight

maximum dry density

The dry density obtained by the compaction of soil at its optimum moisture
content. Hammond

maximum microcline

Microcline with the most complete ordering possible of aluminum and

silicon ions in the tetrahedral sites and the smallest angle for beta
(maximum triclinicity). CF:mesomicrocline
maximum operating belt tension

The tension in the carrying run necessary to maintain the normal operating
speed of a loaded belt.

maximum per delay

The maximum vibration at distant points is that which has been generated
by the greatest amount of explosive fired at any one instant.
Leet, 2

maximum-pressure arch

See:pressure arch theory

maximum-pressure gage

An instrument for registering the maximum pressure occurring during an

explosion at the point where the instrument is located. Rice, 2

maximum subsidence

The maximum amount of subsidence in a subsidence basin. The value of

maximum subsidence for a given seam thickness depends on the underground
geometry and the thickness and character of the overburden.
See also:subsidence factor

maximum unit weight

The dry unit weight defined by the peak of a compaction curve.

Syn:maximum density

Maxton screen

A screening machine of the trommel class, rotating on rollers that support

the tube. There are radial elevating ribs to prevent wear of screen cloth
and to elevate the oversize. Unscreened material is delivered on the
inside screen surface, undersize passes through, and oversize is elevated
and discharged into a separate launder. Liddell

maxwell

The cgs (centimeter-gram-second) unit of magnetic flux. One maxwell = 10

-8
Wb, or the flux through 1 cm2 normal to a field of
magnetic induction of 1 Gs. AGI

Maxwell's rule
A law stating that every part of an electric circuit is acted upon by a
force tending to move it in such a direction as to enclose the maximum
amount of magnetic flux. CTD

Mayari iron

Pig iron made from Cuban ores that contain vanadium and titanium, or pig
iron made to duplicate the Cuban iron. Brady, 1

mayenite

An isometric mineral, Ca12 Al14 O33 ; occurs in

metamorphosed marly limestone; an important constituent of portland cement
clinker.

mboziite

A potassian variety of taramite amphibole.

McGinty

Three sheaves over which a rope is passed so as to take a course somewhat

like that of the letter M. The resulting friction causes the rope to slide
with difficulty. It is used for lowering loaded cars from the face to the
mouth of a room on a steep roadway. Zern

mcgovernite

A trigonal mineral, (Mn,Mg,Zn)22 (AsO3 )(AsO4 ) (sub

3) (SiO4 )3 (OH)20 ; reddish-bronze; forms granular
masses with perfect basal cleavage. Also spelled macgovernite.

McKelvey diagram

A graphical classification of mineral resources according to economic

viability and certainty of existence. Used by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and
the U.S. Geological Survey in their definitions of mineral resources and
reserves, USGS Circular 831. Named after Vincent E. McKelvey, ninth
director of the U.S. Geological Survey. Barton

McLuckie gas detector

This nonautomatic detector, or portable air analysis apparatus, can be

used underground, or samples of air can be brought out of the mine in
small rubber bladders and analyzed at the surface. This apparatus depends
for its action on the fact that when methane is burned in air (oxygen) a
definite chemical action takes place. When the resulting steam condenses
to water there is a reduction in pressure and in the McLuckie detector
this reduction of pressure, which is proportionate to the methane present,
is indicated by the height of the liquid in one limb of the U-tube which
rises up the side of the scale: the scale is graduated from 0% to 3% in
steps of 0.1%. Cooper

McNally-Carpenter centrifuge

A fine-coal dewatering machine consisting of a conical rotating element

with a vertical axis, built up of three rows of perforated stainless steel
screen plates or stainless steel wedge or round-wire sections cut and
rolled to conform to the surface of the cone. Wet feed is deposited by
gravity into the top of the cone-shaped dryer onto a distributing disk
that throws the material by centrifugal force onto the stepped screen or
basket. The rapid circular movement of the basket forces the water through
the screen, while the coal moves toward the bottom. Peripheral velocity
and centrifugal force become greater for each particle, breaking down the
surface tension of water film on each piece, increasing drying action
directly in ratio to the cone circumference and peripheral speed. The most
effective drying area is at the bottom of the cone just before the
material is discharged from the machine. See also:dewatering
Kentucky; Mitchell

McNally-Norton jig

In this jig, raw coal is conveyed to a wash box through sluices. Air
pulsations are transmitted through valves to water in a compartment
adjacent to the washing bed, causing the water in the wash box to rise.
Pulsating water causes the incoming fuel to be loosely suspended in the
water and permits heavier refuse to sink to the screen plate while
suspended coal spills over into the second compartment. In the second
compartment the process is repeated with the remaining refuse sinking to
the screen and clean coal discharging to the dewatering screens.
Kentucky

McNally-Vissac dryer

A convection dryer of the forced-draft type. The heat source is a

coal-fired furnace. It consists essentially of a declined reciprocating
screen over which the coal travels. Two balanced tandem decks are used.
They are suspended from the supporting structure by inclined flexible
hangers and actuated in opposition through flexible pitmans from a common
eccentric shaft. The removal of moisture is accomplished by passing hot
furnace gases, tempered with cold air, downward through the bed of coal as
it travels along the screen. An induced-draft fan at the exhaust end
provides the motive force for the gases. See also:thermal drying
Mitchell

McNamara clamp

A drill-rod safety clamp somewhat similar to a Wommer's safety clamp.

Long
M-design core barrel

Standard-design, double-tube, swivel-type core barrel made in sizes to be

used with appropriate standard ranges of diamond-drill fittings. Its
distinguishing features are that a 2-1/2 degrees taper core lifter is
carried inside a short tubular sleeve (called a lifter case) coupled to
the bottom end of the inner tube, and that the lifter case extends
downward inside the bit shank to within a very short distance behind the
face of the core bit. Long

M-discontinuity

See:Mohorovicic discontinuity

M.E. 6 exploder

An exploder approved for firing six shots simultaneously in British coal

mines. It contains a 67-1/2-V high-tension dry battery, used to charge a
150-mu F condenser, which in turn is discharged through the shotfiring
circuit by a firing key. The test circuit and an ohmmeter are incorporated
in the exploder, thc ohmmeter pointer moving over a scale to indicate
whether or not the external circuit is in order. A pushbutton disconnects
the test circuit from the external circuit and makes connection with the
firing circuit. See also:blasting machine

meadow ore

See:bog iron; bog iron ore; limonite.

meager feel

Moistureless; dry and rough to the touch, such as chalk and magnesite.
Nelson

mean

An arithmetic average of a series of values; esp. arithmetic mean.

CF:mode

mean birefringence

The numeral that represents the average between the greatest strength of
double refraction and the least strength of double refraction possessed by
a species or variety. The refractive index of sphene, e.g., is 1.885 to
1.990 and 1.915 to 2.050; hence the birefringence ranges from 0.105 to
0.135. The average, or mean, is 0.120. Syn:refractive index

mean calorie
One-hundredth of the heat required to raise 1 g of water from 0 degrees C
to 100 degrees C. Newton, 1

mean depth

The cross-sectional area of a stream divided by its width at the surface.

AGI

meander

a. One of a series of regular, freely developing sinuous curves, bends, or

loops in the course of a stream. It is produced by a mature stream
swinging from side to side as it flows across its floodplain or shifts its
course laterally toward the convex side of an original curve. Etymol:
Greek maiandros, from Maiandros River in western Asia Minor (now known as
Menderes River in SW Turkey), proverbial for its windings. AGI
b. To wind or turn in a sinuous or intricate course; to form a meander.
AGI

meander belt

That part of a floodplain between two lines tangent to the outer bends of
all the meanders. It is the zone within which channel migration occurs, as
indicated by abandoned channels, accretion topography, and oxbow lakes.

meander line

A line run in a survey of a mining claim bordering on a stream or other

body of water, not as a boundary of the tract surveyed, but for the
purpose of defining the sinuosities of the bank or shore of the water, and
as a means of ascertaining the quantity of land within the surveyed area.
Ricketts

mean effective pressure

In an air compressor, the equivalent average pressure exerted by the

piston throughout a stroke. Lewis

mean radiant temperature (mrt)

Single temperature of all enclosing surfaces that would result in the same
heat emission as the same surface with various different temperatures.
Strock, 2

mean refractive index

a. The index of refraction measured for the D line of sodium.

b. For uniaxial crystals: (2nomega +nepsilon )/3. For
biaxial crystals: (nalpha +nbeta +ngamma )/3.
mean size

The weighted average particle size of any sample, batch, or consignment of

particulate material. BS, 5

mean sphere depth

The uniform depth to which water would cover the Earth if the solid
surface were smoothed off and parallel to the surface of the geoid.
Generally accepted as a depth of 2,440 m. Hy

mean stress

a. In fatigue testing, the algebraic mean of the maximum and minimum

stress in one cycle. Also called the steady-stress component.
ASM, 1
b. In any multiaxial stress system, the algebraic mean of three principal
stresses; more correctly called mean normal stress. ASM, 1

measured depth

See:measured drilling depth

measured drilling depth

The apparent depth of a borehole as measured along the longitudinal axis

of the borehole. The measured drilling depth is always equal to the
unoverlapped drilled footage in a borehole. Also called measured depth.
Sometimes abbreviated md. Long

measured resources

Resources from which the quantity is computed from dimensions revealed in

outcrops, trenches, workings, or drill holes; grade and/or quality are
computed from the results of detailed sampling. The sites for inspection,
sampling, and measurement are spaced so closely and the geologic character
is so well defined that size, shape, depth, and mineral content of the
resource are well established. See also:reserves

measurement

The finding of the number of units of measure in a line, area, space or

volume, period of time, etc. Jones, 2

measurement of concentration

Gr. Brit. At the National Coal Board collieries, in order to assess the
degree of concentration, certain basic data are collected, involving the
pithead output, length of main haulage roads, and length of coalface in
production. See also:face concentration; geographical concentration;
overall concentration. Nelson

measures

A group or series of sedimentary rocks having some characteristic in

common; specif. coal measures. The term apparently refers to the old
practice of designating the different seams of a coalfield by its measure
or thickness. AGI

measures head

A heading or drift made in various strata. Fay

measuring chain

A surveyor's chain, containing 100 links of 7.92 in (20.12 cm) each.

measuring chute

A bin installed adjacent to the shaft bottom in skip winding. The capacity
of the chute is equal to that of the skip used, ranging from 4 to 10 st
(3.6 to 9.1 t). Bin-feeding arrangements differ but may be by a steelplate
conveyor from a surge bunker that in turn receives the ore or coal from
the mine cars or a trunk conveyor. A measuring chute ensures a quick and
correct loading of skips without spillage. Immediately the skip is
positioned in line, the measuring chute bottom door opens and material is
discharged into the skip. See also:pocket
Nelson

measuring day

The day when face or other work is measured and recorded for assessing
wages. Nelson

measuring element

In flotation, that portion of the feedback elements that converts the

signal from the primary detecting element to a form compatible with the
reference input. Fuerstenau

measuring pocket

Storage space near an entry from underground workings to a hoisting shaft;

laid out so as to deliver a measured volume into a hoisting skip and to be
refilled before the skip returns empty. Pryor, 3

measuring tape
A graduated tape, steel or linen, usually in 50-ft or 100-ft (15-m or
30.4-m) lengths; used by engineers, builders, surveyors, etc.
Crispin

measuring weir

A device for measuring the flow of water. It generally consists of a

rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, or other shaped notch in a thin
plate in a vertical plane through which the water flows. The weir head is
an index of the rate of flow. See also:notch

mechanical advantage

Ratio between the resistance or load raised by a machine, and the applied
force. Mechanical advantage divided by velocity ratio gives the efficiency
of the machine. Hammond

mechanical air machine

A flotation machine that utilizes pulp-body concentration by the agitation

froth method and bubble-column action by pneumatic and cascade means.
Taggart, 1

mechanical analysis

Determination of the particle-size distribution of a soil, sediment, or

rock by screening, sieving, or other means of mechanical separation; the
quantitative expression of the size-frequency distribution of particles in
granular, fragmental, or powdered material. It is usually expressed in
percentage by weight (and sometimes by number or count) of particles
within specific size limits. See also:particle-size analysis
AGI

mechanical classifier

One of the machines, such as the Dorr classifier, that are commonly used
to classify a ball-mill or rod-mill discharge into finished product and
oversize. Newton, 1

mechanical clay

A clay formed from the products of the abrasion of rocks.

mechanical cleaning

The removal of impurities by mechanical units as compared with hand

picking. Broadly, mechanical cleaning may be subdivided into dry cleaning
and wet cleaning. Mitchell; Nelson

mechanical efficiency
The ratio of the air-indicated horsepower to the indicated horsepower in a
power cylinder, in the case of compression driven by steam or
internal-combustion engines, and to the brake horsepower delivered to the
shaft in the case of a power-driven machine. Lewis

mechanical equivalent of heat

Amount of mechanical energy that can be transformed into a single heat

unit; the equivalent of 778 ft.lbf/Btu (1,000 N.m/kJ). Hammond

mechanical extensometer

An appliance for measuring strain; often used in roof control

investigations. It employs a micrometer dial gage actuated through a lever
giving initial magnification of the movement.
See also:acoustic-strain gage; electrical resistance strain gage.
Nelson

mechanical flotation cell

A cell in which the solids-water pulp feed is kept agitated, and is

circulated by means of an impeller mounted at the bottom of a vertical
shaft. The rotating impeller creates vacuum enough to draw air down the
standpipe surrounding the impeller shaft, and the impeller disperses the
air throughout the pulp in the form of small bubbles. The flotable
minerals are carried upward by the bubbles and eventually collect in the
froth above the pulp in the machine. Automatic scrapers remove the
mineral-laden froth that contains the concentrate, and after the values
have been removed, the barren pulp containing the tailing flows out of the
cell. Newton, 1
/;
NûNµ÷ eDICTIONARY TERMS:mechanical loader A power machine for loading mater
[\B]mechanical loader[\N]

mechanical mixture

A composition of two or more substances, each remaining distinct, and

generally capable of separation by mechanical means. Standard, 2

mechanical properties

Of metals: the elastic limit, elongation, fatigue range, hardness, maximum

stress, reduction in area, shock resistance, and yield point.
Pryor, 3

mechanical puddler

A wrought-iron (rocking) furnace in which puddling is done by mechanical

motion instead of by hand. Mersereau, 2

mechanical puddling

See:mechanical puddler

mechanical rabble

A rabble worked by machinery. See also:rabble

mechanical rammer

A machine embodying a weight that is lifted and dropped upon the material
being rammed. See also:power rammer

mechanical sampling

Mechanical sampling systematically removes a portion of the stream of

material for a sample. Mechanical sampling is widely used in cone
preparation plants and concentrators where large quantities of materials
are to be sampled, while hand sampling is used for smaller amounts.
CF:hand sampling

mechanical sediment

Sediment that has been brought to its places of deposition as separate

particles by mechanical means. Water, wind, and ice are the agents
commonly involved; the resulting rocks are conglomerate, sandstone,
siltstone, shale, and certain limestones. Stokes

mechanical set
Bits produced by the various means in which diamonds are set in a bit mold
into which a cast or powder metal is placed, embedding the diamonds and
forming the bit crown, as opposed to handsetting. Also, the act or process
of producing diamond bits in such a manner. Also called cast set; machine
set; sinter set. CF:handset

mechanical-set bit

A diamond bit produced by mechanical methods as opposed to handsetting

methods. See also:mechanical set

mechanical shovel

A loader limited to level or only slightly graded drivages. The machine

operates a shovel in front of it and pushes itself forward; when full, the
shovel is swung over the machine and delivers into a mine car or tub
behind. It will shunt, pull, and push its own cars, delivering them into a
shunt or passby when full. See also:shovel loader

mechanical stabilization

Mixing two or more poorly graded soils to obtain a well-graded one.

Nelson

mechanical weathering

The process of weathering by which frost action, salt-crystal growth,

absorption of water, and other physical processes break down a rock to
fragments, involving no chemical change. CF:chemical weathering
Syn:disintegration

mechanical working

Subjecting metal to pressure exerted by rolls, presses, or hammers, to

change its form or affect the structure, and therefore the physical
properties. Rolfe

mechanical yielding prop

A steel prop in which yield is controlled by friction between two sliding

surfaces or telescopic tubes. Although crude when compared with the
hydraulic prop, the friction yield prop is very robust, is cheap, and
requires little maintenance. Nelson

mechanics

The branch of physics that treats of the phenomena caused by the action of
forces on material bodies. It is subdivided into statics, dynamics, or
kinetics; or into the mechanics of rigid bodies and hydromechanics
(including hydrostatics and hydrodynamics). Standard, 2
mechanization

Essentially, the introduction of power machines to replace manual labor.

In coal mining, it may denote the introduction of conventional machine
mining to replace hand mining, or continuous mining to replace
conventional machine mining. Nelson

mechanization engineer

Usually a qualified mining engineer with first-hand experience and

knowledge of the various mining machines and the physical conditions most
suitable for them. In general, the National Coal Board, Great Britain,
appoints a mechanization engineer for each group of collieries.
Nelson

mechanization scheme

A plan or project to convert a handmining or a conventional machine mining

face to mechanized mining; i.e., the use of machines that either load
prepared coal or cut and load coal simultaneously (cutter loaders). The
scheme may also include the introduction of locomotives, skip winding,
etc. Nelson

mechanized

Term descriptive of a mine that has a high percentage of machinery for all
steps of mining and handling mineral product, from the face to the mine
working place, and on to the tipple or treatment plant. BCI

mechanized heading development

A pillar method of working suitable for seams 4 ft (1.2 m) and over in

thickness. Three or more narrow headings are driven rapidly with machines
at about 30-yd (10-m) centers with crosscuts for ventilation. The headings
are 10 ft (3 m) or more wide and 5 to 6 ft (approx. 2 m) high or seam
thickness. Upon reaching the boundary, the pillars formed by the headings
are extracted, again with machines, on the retreat. This method is favored
in the United States and the heading work is quite as productive, if not
more so, than pillar working. See also:entry; longwall retreating.
Nelson

mechanized output

The coal produced by all coal face machinery that either loads prepared
coal or cuts and loads coal simultaneously. Also includes all coal
obtained by hand filling on faces where an armored flexible conveyor is
used on a prop-free front. Nelson

Meco-Moore cutter loader

A heavy 120-hp (89.5-kW) cutter loader. The first Meco-Moore was used in a
Lancashire, England, colliery in 1934. See also:A
Nelson

medfordite

See:moss agate

median diameter

An expression of the average particle size of a sediment or rock, obtained

graphically by locating the diameter associated with the midpoint of the
particle-size distribution; the middlemost diameter that is larger than
50% of the diameters in the distribution and smaller than the other 50%.
AGI

medical lock

An air chamber comprising steel cylinder 18 ft (5.5 m) long and about 6 ft

(1.8 m) in diameter, which has airtight doors at one end and is closed at
the other. It is used for immediate treatment of sufferers from caisson
disease. Hammond

Medina emerald

Green glass emerald simulant.

mediosilicic

A term proposed by Clarke (1908) to replace intermediate. CF:subsilicic;

persilicic. See also:intermediate

Mediterranean suite

A major group of igneous rocks, characterized by high potassium content.

This suite was so named because of the predominance of potassium-rich
lavas around the Mediterranean Sea; specif. those of Vesuvius and
Stromboli. CF:Atlantic suite; Pacific suite. AGI

medium

Any suspension of medium solids in water. BS, 5

medium band

A field term that, in accordance with an arbitrary scale established for

use in describing banded coal, denotes a vitrain band ranging in thickness
from approx. 1/12 to 1/5 in (2 to 5 mm). AGI

medium draining screen

A screen for draining the separating medium from dense-medium bath
products. BS, 5

medium-grained

a. Said of an igneous rock, and of its texture, in which the individual

crystals have an average diameter in the range of 0.04 to 0.2 in (1 to 5
mm). AGI
b. Said of a sediment or sedimentary rock, and of its texture, in which
the individual particles have an average diameter in the range of 1/16 to
2 mm (62 to 2,000 mu m, or sand size). CF:coarse-grained; fine-grained.
AGI

medium-inclined

Said of deposits and coal seams with a dip of 25 degrees to 40 degrees .

Stoces

medium pressure

When applied to valves and fittings, means suitable for a working pressure
of 125 to 175 psi (860 to 1,200 kPa). Strock, 1

medium-recovery screen

A composite screen for draining and spraying the product from a

dense-medium bath to remove adherent medium solids. BS, 5

medium-round nose

A diamond bit the cross-sectional outline of which is partially rounded

but not as fully rounded as a double-round nose bit.
Syn:half-round nose; modified-round nose. Long

medium solids

The solid component of a dense-medium suspension. BS, 5

medium-solids preparation

Any purification or grinding of the raw dense-medium solids to make them

suitable for use. BS, 5

medium-solids recovery

See:dense-medium recovery

medium-solids recovery plant

The equipment used to remove adherent medium solids from a product from a
dense-medium bath (after drainage of surplus medium), usually by spraying,
and to remove contaminating coal and clay from these medium solids.
BS, 5

medium-stone bit

A bit with diamonds ranging from 8 to 40 per carat in size. Long

medium-thickness seam

In general, a coal seam over 2 ft (0.6 m) and up to 4 ft (1.2 m) in

thickness. Nelson

medium-volatile bituminous coal

The rank of coal, within the bituminous class of Classification D 388,

such that, on the dry and mineral-matter-free basis, the volatile matter
content of the coal is greater than 22% but equal to or less than 31% (or
the fixed carbon content is equal to or greater than 69% but less than
78%), and the coal commonly agglomerates. CF:bituminous coal
ASTM

medium voltage

In coal mining, voltage from 661 to 1,000 V. CF:high voltage;

low voltage. Federal Mine Safety

medmontite

A mixture of chrysocolla and mica. See also:cupromontmorillonite

meehanite

High-duty cast iron produced by ladle addition of calcium silicide.

Pryor, 3

meerschaum

See:sepiolite

meet

a. Eng. To keep pace with; e.g., to keep sufficient supply of coal at the
pit bottom to supply the winding engine. Fay
b. To come together exactly, as in survey lines from opposite directions.
Fay

meeting
a. A siding or bypass on underground roads. Fay
b. Newc. The place at middle-depth of a shaft, slope, or plane, where
ascending and descending cars pass each other. Fay

meeting post

A vertical timber at the outer edge of each of a pair of lock gates,

mitered so that the gates fit tightly when closed. Hammond

mega-

a. A prefix meaning large. As a prefix to petrological and other geologic

terms, it signifies parts or properties that are recognizable by the
unaided eye. Opposite of micro-. Stokes
b. A combining form meaning 1 million times; e.g., megavolt for 1 million
volts. AGI

megabar

A unit of pressure equal to 1 Mdyn/cm2 . Standard, 2

megacycle

A unit of 1 million cycles. CTD

megaphenocryst

A phenocryst that is visible to the unaided eye. AGI

megascopic

Said of an object or phenomenon, or of its characteristics, that can be

observed with the unaided eye or with a hand lens. Syn:macroscopic
CF:microscopic

megaseismic region

The most disturbed earthquake area. Schieferdecker

megaspore

Female spore; part of the reproduction organs of many coal measures

plants. See also:spore

Megator

A displacement type of pump operating on the eccentric principle.

Mason

megger
An electrical measuring instrument comprising a hand-operated generator
equipped with a governor, a moving measuring system consisting of a
voltage, and a current coil so disposed that the deflection of the moving
system is proportional to the ratio of voltage to current. Used to measure
insulation resistance and resistance to ground. It has been used to some
extent in electrical prospecting. AGI

Meigen's reaction

A test to distinguish calcite from aragonite. After boiling for 20 min in

a cobalt nitrate solution, aragonite becomes lilac, the color showing in
thin section, while calcite and dolomite become pale blue, the color not
showing in thin section.

meionite

A tetragonal mineral, 3CaAl2 Si2 O8 .CaCO3 ;

scapolite group; forms a series with marialite.

meizoseismal

Of or pertaining to the maximum destructive force of an earthquake.

Standard, 2

meizoseismal area

The most disturbed area within the innermost isoseismal line.

Schieferdecker

meizoseismal curve

A curved line connecting the points of the maximum destructive energy of

an earthquake shock around its epicenter. Standard, 2

mela-

A prefix meaning dark-colored. AGI

melaconite

An earthy variety of tenorite. See also:black copper ore; tenorite.

melanasphalt

An early name for albertite. Tomkeieff

melanchyme

A bituminous substance found in masses in the brown coal of Zweifelsruth,

Bohemia, former Czechoslovakia. That part of this substance that is
soluble in alcohol is termed rochlederite, the residue melanellite. Also
spelled melanchym. Fay

melanellite

That portion of melanchyme that is insoluble in alcohol; it is black and

gelatinous. Fay

melange

a. Diamonds of mixed sizes. Hess

b. An assortment of mixed sizes of diamonds weighing more than 1/4 carat;
e.g., larger than those of a melee.
c. A body of rock mappable at a scale of 1:24,000 or smaller,
characterized by a lack of internal continuity of contacts or strata and
by the inclusion of fragments and blocks of all sizes, both exotic and
native, embedded in a fragmental matrix of finer-grained material. Neither
matrix composition and fabric nor genesis is significant for the
definition.

melanic

See:melanocratic

melanite

A titanian variety of andradite. Syn:black andradite garnet; pyreneite.

melanocratic

Applied to dark-colored rocks, esp. igneous rocks, containing between 60%

and 100% dark minerals; i.e., rocks, the color index of which is between
60 and 100. CF:hypermelanic; leucocratic; mesocratic. AGI

melanostibite

A trigonal mineral, Mn2 SbFeO6 . Originally named

melanostibian.

melanotekite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb2 Fe2 Si2 O9 ;

forms a series with kentrolite.

melanovanadite

A triclinic mineral, CaV4 O10 .5H2 O ; a natural

vanadium bronze with perfect prismatic cleavage; at Cerro de Pasco, Peru,
and on the Colorado Plateau.
melanterite

a. A monoclinic mineral, FeSO4 .7H2 O ; green; tastes

slightly sweet, astringent, and metallic; from the decomposition of
pyrite.
b. The mineral group bieberite, boothite, mallardite, melanterite, and
zincmelanterite. Syn:copperas; green vitriol; iron vitriol.

melatope

The narrowest part of an isogyre in an interference figure representing

the point of emergence of an optic axis. CF:interference figure

melee

a. A collective term for small round faceted diamonds, such as those

mounted in jewelry. The term is sometimes applied to colored stones of the
same size and shape as the diamonds. AGI
b. A small diamond cut from a fragment of a larger size. AGI
c. In diamond classification, a term for small round-cut diamonds weighing
more than 1/4 carat. CF:melange

melilite

a. A tetragonal mineral in the series akermanite, Ca2 MgSi2

O7 -gehlinite, Ca2 Al(AlSi)O7 .
b. The mineral group akermanite, gehlenite, hardystonite, and melilite.
Jeffreyite, leucophanite, and meliphanite are structurally similar. Also
spelled mellilite.

melilitite

A generally olivine-free extrusive rock composed of melilite and

clinopyroxene (or other mafic mineral) usually comprising more than 90% of
the rock, with minor amounts of feldspathoids and sometimes plagioclase.
AGI

melinite

a. A high explosive similar to lyddite; said to be chiefly picric acid.

Webster 2nd
b. A species of soft, unctuous clay, common in Bavaria, and probably
identical with bole. Standard, 2

meliphanite

A tetragonal mineral, (Ca,Na)2 Be(Si,Al)2 (O,OH,F)7 ;

structurally similar to the melilites. Also spelled meliphane.
Syn:gugiaite
melle

Small cut diamonds, usually about one-eighth carat. Generally refers to

stones used in jewelry. Hess

mellilite

See:melilite

mellite

A tetragonal mineral, Al2 [C6 (COO)6 ].16H2 O;

resinous; honey yellow; forms nodules in brown coal. Also spelled
melinite, mellilite. (Not melite.) Syn:honey stone

mellorite

A silicate of ferric iron, calcium, etc., approaching garnet in

composition, but with optical properties similar to those of an
orthorhombic pyroxene. Formed by the action of basic slag on silica brick
in a steel furnace. Spencer, 2; AGI

mellow amber

See:gedanite

melonite

a. A trigonal mineral, NiTe2 ; forms a series with merenskyite;

one perfect cleavage; metallic reddish white; soft; sp gr, 7.3.
b. The mineral group berndtite, kitkaite, melonite, merenskyite, and
moncheite. Syn:tellurnickel

melteigite

A dark-colored plutonic rock that is part of the ijolite series and

contains nepheline and 60% to 90% mafic minerals, esp. green pyroxene. The
name is from Melteig farm, Fen complex, Norway. AGI

melting hole

The opening in the floor to a furnace in a melting house.

Mersereau, 2

melting house

The building in which crucible furnaces for steel making are located.
Mersereau, 2

melting point
That temperature at which a single, pure solid changes phase to a liquid
or to a liquid plus another solid phase, upon the addition of heat at a
specific pressure. Unless otherwise specified, melting points are usually
stated in terms of 1 kPa. The term can also be used for the isothermal
melting of certain mixtures, such as eutectic mixtures. Erroneously used
also to refer to the temperature at which some appreciable but unspecified
amount of liquid develops in a complex solid mixture that possesses a
melting range; e.g., the melting point of granite. Abbrev.: mp or MP.
AGI

melting pot

A crucible. Standard, 2

melting shop

Open-hearth plant. Newton, 1

melting zone

The hottest part of a furnace, where melting takes place.

Mersereau, 2

member

A division of a formation, generally of distinct lithologic character and

of only local extent.

membrane filter

See:molecular filter sampler

membrane theory

An advanced theory of design for thin shells, based on the premise that a
shell cannot resist bending because it deflects. The only stresses that
exist, therefore, in any section are shear stress and direct compression
or tension. Hammond

menaccanite

a. A variety of ilmenite found as sand at Menaccan, Cornwall, Eng.

b. A black, magnetic sand from Cornwall, England, from which the element,
titanium, was first isolated. Also spelled menachanite; manaccanite;
menachite. Hess

mend

Eng. To load, or reload, trams at the gate ends out of smaller trams used
only in the working faces of thin seams.
mendipite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb3 Cl2 O2 ; white; in the

Mendip Hills, United Kingdom.

mendozite

A monoclinic mineral, NaAl(SO4 )2 .11H2 O .

See also:soda alum

meneghinite

An orthorhombic mineral, Pb13 CuSb7 S24 ; forms

slender prismatic blackish lead-gray crystals.

Menevian

European stage: Middle Cambrian (above Solvan, below Maentwrogian).

AGI

menilite

A concretionary, opaque, dull, grayish variety of opal. Syn:liver opal

Fay

meniscus

a. The curved top surface of a liquid column. It is concave upwards when

the containing walls are wetted by some liquid (such as water in a
vertical glass tube) and convex upwards when wetted with other liquids
(such as mercury in a vertical glass tube). Webster 3rd
b. A concavoconvex lens; esp., one of true crescent-shaped cross section.
Webster 3rd

men on!

Scot. A brief expression to indicate that workers are on the cage to be

raised, or lowered, in a shaft. Fay

Menzies cone separator

Consists of a 60 degrees cone with a short cylindrical top section. It is

provided with a stirring shaft, located in its vertical axis, carrying
several sets of horizontal arms with rings of nozzles projecting through
the sides of the cone for the admission, at several horizons, of the
required water currents. At the base of the cone, a classifier column
several feet long is fitted, through which refuse discharges continuously
to an inclined refuse conveyor. Water is supplied by a centrifugal pump.
See also:cone classifier
mephitic air

a. Carbon dioxide. Webster 3rd

b. Air exhausted of oxygen and containing chiefly nitrogen.
Webster 3rd

mephitic gas

See:mephitic air

mephitis

A noxious exhalation caused by the decomposition of organic remains;

applied also to gases emanating from deep sources, such as mines, caves,
and volcanic regions. Standard, 2

merchant

A metal merchant, as distinct from a producer's agent or broker, often

acts as a principal, buying metal or concentrate from producers and others
and selling it to others. The merchant will often hold metal on personal
account while waiting for a buyer. Wolff

merchant iron

Iron in the common bar form, which is convenient for the market. Also
called merchant bar. Standard, 2

mercurial horn ore

See:calomel

mercury

a. A liquid mineral, (trigonal below -38.87 degrees C); metallic silver to

tin white; sp gr, 13.6; occurs as minute droplets in cinnabar and in some
hot-spring deposits; amalgamates with many metals.
b. Symbol: Hg. Rarely occurs free in nature. Chief ore is cinnabar, HgS .
Used in laboratory work for making thermometers, barometers, diffusion
pumps, mercury-vapor lamps, advertising signs, and pesticides. Mercury is
a virulent poison and is readily absorbed through the respiratory tract,
gastrointestinal tract, or unbroken skin.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

mercury gatherer

A stirring apparatus that causes mercury, which has become floured or

mixed with sulfur in amalgamating, to resume the fluid condition, through
the agency of mechanical agitation and rubbing. Fay
mercury ore

Native mercury; same as cinnabar (sulfide). Dana, 3

mercury switch

A glass tube employing mercury to establish electrical contact between

circuits when the tube is tilted so that the mercury bridges the gap
between contacts, and conversely. Strock, 2

mercury-vapor lamp

Consists essentially of a sealed glass tube provided with two electrodes

and containing a gas. When an electrical potential difference is applied,
a current passes and with a suitable gas, light will be emitted. In the
case of mercury vapor, this light is of a bluish color and has proven
effective in distinguishing dirt from coal. A special starting electrode
close to one of the main electrodes initiates the discharge, and a choke
coil in series with the lamp serves to limit the current passing, since
the resistance tends to fall with increasing current. Mason

mero-

A prefix signifying part or portion. AGI

merocrystalline

See:hypocrystalline

merohedral

Any crystal form with fewer faces than the holohedral equivalent for the
crystal system. CF:hemihedral; holohedral. See also:tetartohedral

meroleims

Coalified remains of parts of plants. Tomkeieff

merosymmetric

Any crystal class with less symmetry than the distribution of points in
its lattice.

meroxene

Biotite with its optic axial plane parallel to its b crystallographic

axis.

Merrill-Crowe process
Removal of gold from pregnant cyanide solution by deoxygenation, followed
by precipitation on zinc dust, followed by filtration to recover the
resultant auriferous gold slimes. Pryor, 3

Merrill filter

A type of plate and frame pressure filter.

merrillite

a. High-purity zinc dust used to precipitate gold and silver in the

cyanide process.
b. See:whitlockite

Merrit plate

See:bloomery

mersey yellow coal

See:tasmanite

merwinite

A monoclinic mineral, Ca3 Mg(SiO4 )2 ; colorless to

pale green.

mesa

An isolated, nearly level landmass standing distinctly above the

surrounding country, bounded by abrupt or steeply sloping erosion scarps,
and capped by a layer of resistant, nearly horizontal rock (often lava).
CF:plateau

Mesabi non-Bessemer ore

See:natural ore

mesa-butte

See:butte

Mesa Grande tourmaline

Fine-quality tourmaline from a pegmatite near Mesa Grande, San Diego

County, CA.

mesh
a. In ventilation, a series of airways that form a closed loop.
Roberts, 1
b. The screen number of the finest screen of a specified standard screen
scale.
c. The number of apertures per unit area of a screen (sieve).

mesh aperture

The dimension or dimensions of the aperture in a screen deck, usually with

a qualification as to the shape of aperture; e.g., round-hole,
square-mesh, and long-slot. BS, 5

mesh fraction

That part of a material passing a specified mesh screen and retained by

some stated finer mesh. Henderson

mesh liberation size

The particle size at which substantially all of the valuable minerals are
detached from the gangue minerals. Fuerstenau

mesh number

The designation of size of an abrasive grain, derived from the openings

per linear inch in the control sieving screen. Syn:grit number
ACSG, 2

mesh of grind

Optimum particle size resulting from a specific grinding operation, stated

in terms of percentage of material passing (or alternatively being
retained on) a given size screen. The mesh of grind is the liberation mesh
decided on as correct for commercial treatment of the material. Abbrev.,
m.o.g. Pryor, 3

mesh structure

A structure resembling network or latticework that is found in certain

alteration products of minerals. Also called net structure; lattice
structure. Standard, 2; Fay

mesh texture

a. A texture resembling a network, caused by the alteration of certain

minerals; e.g., the serpentinization of olivine.
Syn:reticulate texture
b. An interlacing network of microveinlets of fibrous serpentine enclosing
cores of more weakly birefringent cryptocrystalline serpentine in which
relict remnants of olivine may survive. Also called net structure; lattice
structure.

meso-

A prefix meaning middle. CF:cata-; meta-. AGI

mesocratic

Applied to igneous rocks that are intermediate between leucocratic and

melanocratic rocks; they contain 30% to 60% dark minerals.
CF:melanocratic; leucocratic. CTD

mesocrystalline

Said of the texture of a rock intermediate between microcrystalline and

macrocrystalline; also, said of a rock with such a texture. AGI

mesogene

Said of a mineral deposit or enrichment of mingled hypogene and supergene

solutions; also, said of such solutions and environment. CF:hypogene;
supergene. AGI

mesokaites

Group name for brown coals. Tomkeieff

mesolite

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 Ca2 [Al2 Si3 O (sub

10) ]3 .8H2 O ; zeolite group; pseudo-orthorhombic; in
cavities in basalt and andesite, geodes, and hydrothermal veins.
Syn:cotton stone; winchellite.

mesomicrocline

Microcline intermediate in structural state between orthoclase and maximum

microcline. Syn:intermediate microcline

mesostasis

The last-formed interstitial material between the larger mineral grains in

an igneous rock or in a microcrystalline groundmass. CF:groundmass

mesothermal

Said of a hydrothermal mineral deposit formed at considerable depth and in

the temperature range of 200 to 300 degrees C. Also, said of that
environment. CF:hypothermal deposit; epithermal; leptothermal;
telethermal; xenothermal. AGI

mesothermal deposit

A mineral deposit formed at moderate temperature and pressure, in and

along fissures or other openings in rocks, by deposition at intermediate
depths, from hydrothermal fluids. Mesothermal deposits are believed to
have formed mostly between 175 degrees C and 300 degrees C at depths of
4,000 to 12,000 ft (1,220 to 3,660 m). Many valuable metalliferous
deposits of western North America are of this type. Stokes

Mesozoic

An era of geologic time, from the end of the Paleozoic to the beginning of
the Cenozoic, or from about 225 million years to about 65 million years
ago. AGI

mesozone

According to Grubenmann's classification of metamorphic rocks (1904), the

intermediate-depth zone of metamorphism, which is characterized by
temperatures of 300 to 500 degrees C and moderate hydrostatic pressure and
shearing stress. Modern usage stresses temperature-pressure conditions
(medium to high metamorphic grade) rather than the likely depth of zone.
CF:katazone; epizone. AGI

messelite

A triclinic mineral, Ca2 (Fe,Mn)(PO4 )2 .2H2 O;

fairfieldite group. Syn:neomesselite; parbigite. (Not mesolite.)

mestre

Port. Mine boss. Hess

meta

a. In petrology, indicates a metamorphosed protolith.

b. In mineralogy, indicates a mineral species that is a dehydration
product of another mineral species or is a polymorph.

meta-

A prefix that, when used with the name of a sedimentary or igneous rock,
indicates that the rock has been metamorphosed, e.g., metabasalt.
CF:cata-; meso-. AGI

meta-alunogen
A monoclinic mineral, Al4 (SO4 )6 .27H2 O .
See also:alunogen

meta-anthracite

The rank of coal, within the anthracite class of Classification D-388,

such that, on the dry and mineral-matter-free basis, the volatile matter
content of the coal is equal to or less than 2% (or the fixed carbon is
equal to or greater than 98%), and the coal is nonagglomerating.
ASTM

meta-argillite

An argillite that has been metamorphosed. AGI

meta-arkose

Arkose that has been welded or recrystallized by metamorphism so that it

resembles a granite or a granitized sediment. CF:recomposed granite
AGI

meta-autunite

a. A tetragonal mineral, Ca(UO2 )2 (PO4 )2 .

2-6H2 O ; yellow; an alteration product of uraninite and other
uranium-bearing minerals.
b. The mineral group abernathyite, bassetite, chernikovite,
meta-ankoleite, meta-autunite, metaheinrichite, metakahlerite,
metakirchheimerite, metalodevite, metanovacekite, metatorbernite,
meta-uranocircite, meta-uranospinite, metazeunerite, sodium uranospinite,
and uramphite.

metabasite

A collective term, first used by Finnish geologists, for metamorphosed

mafic rock that has lost all traces of its original texture and mineralogy
owing to complete recrystallization. AGI

metabentonite

a. Metamorphosed, altered, or somewhat indurated bentonite; characterized

by clay minerals (esp. illite) that no longer have the property of
absorbing or adsorbing large quantities of water; nonswelling bentonite,
or bentonite that swells no more than do ordinary clays. The term has been
applied to certain Ordovician clays of the Appalachian region and upper
Mississippi River Valley. See also:potassium bentonite
b. A mineral of the montmorillonite group with SiO2 layers in the
montmorillonite structure. AGI

metabitumite
Hard black lustrous variety of hydrocarbon found in proximity of igneous
intrusions. Tomkeieff

metabolism

A term proposed by Barth (1962) for the redistribution of granitizing

materials within sediments by mobilization, transfer, and reprecipitation,
as opposed to metasomatism involving addition of new materials.
AGI

metabolite

a. An old term for altered glassy trachyte.

b. Iron meteorite with the composition of an octahedrite but lacking
Widmaenstatten figures.

metaborite

An isometric mineral, HBO2 ; in crystalline aggregates in rock salt

in Kazakhstan(?).

metabrushite

See:brushite

metachemical metamorphism

A term proposed by Dana to describe metamorphism that involves a chemical

change in the affected rocks.

metacinnabar

An isometric mineral, HgS ; forms black tetrahedra; sp gr, 7.7; a source

of mercury. Also called metacinnabarite. Also spelled: metacinnibar

metacinnabarite

A mineral of the same composition as a cinnabar, but black in color, and

crystallizing in isometric forms (tetrahedral). Used as a source of
mercury. Sanford

metaclase

Leith's term for a rock possessing secondary cleavage, or cleavage in its

modern meaning (1905). CF:protoclase

metacryst

Any large crystal developed in a metamorphic rock by recrystallization,

such as garnet or staurolite in mica schists.
metacrystal

See:porphyroblast

metadiabase

A contraction of metamorphic diabase, suggested by Dana for certain rocks

simulating diabase, but which were possibly produced by the metamorphism
of sedimentary rocks. CF:metadiorite

metadiorite

a. A contraction of metamorphic diorite that was proposed for certain

metamorphic rocks that resemble diorite, but which may have been the
result of the metamorphism of sedimentary rocks. CF:metadiabase
Fay
b. Metamorphosed gabbro, diabase, or diorite. AGI

metadolomite

A metamorphic dolomite, or dolomite marble.

metadurit

Durain of a high-rank bituminous coal. See also:durain

Tomkeieff

metaglyph

A hieroglyph formed during metamorphism. Pettijohn, 1

metahalloysite

Dehydrated halloysite. See also:halloysite

metaheinrichite

A tetragonal mineral, Ba(UO2 )2 (AsO4 )2 .8H

2 O ; meta-autunite group; yellow; a secondary mineral.
Syn:arsenuranocircite; metasandbergite. CF:heinrichite

metahewettite

A monoclinic mineral, CaV6 O16 .3H2 O ; dark-red to

yellow-brown; forms tabular crystals impregnating sandstone in southwest
Colorado and southeast Utah. CF:hewettite

metahohmannite
A mineral, Fe2 (SO4 )2 (OH)2 .3H2 O .
See also:hohmannite

metahydroboracite

A hydrous calcium and magnesium borate, CaMgB6 O8 (OH) (sub

6) .XH2 0 ; like hydroboracite but with more water.
Syn:inderborite

metakahlerite

A tetragonal mineral, Fe(UO2 )2 (AsO4 )2 .8H

2 O; meta-autunite group.

metakirchheimerite

A possibly tetragonal mineral, Co(UO2 )2 (AsO4 ) (sub

2) .8H2 O ; meta-autunite group.

metal

In most cases, an opaque, lustrous, elemental substance that is a good

conductor of heat and electricity. It is also malleable and ductile,
possesses high melting and boiling points, and tends to form positive ions
in chemical compounds.

metal bath

A bath, such as of mercury or tin, employed for chemical processes

requiring high temperatures.

metal drift

A drift or heading driven in barren and hard rock. Nelson

metaleucite

A name for isometric leucite that is stable above 625 degrees C.

CF:pseudoleucite

metalimestone

A metamorphosed carbonate rock not suitable for use as polished dimension

stone (Brooks, 1954). CF:metamarble; ortholimestone.

metalist

A metallurgist. Standard, 2; Fay

metalized slurry blasting

The breaking of rocks, etc., using slurried explosive medium containing a
powdered metal, such as powdered aluminum.

metallic

a. A term used to describe metal particles, such as gold in ores.

Newton, 1
b. (adj.) The adj. indicates that the noun it modifies possesses metallic
properties. These properties often include a metallike luster, conduction
of electricity, tensile strength, opacity, and malleability, although some
metallic materials may possess only a few such characteristics.
c. When used with "mineral" in the context of resources, e.g., metallic
mineral, it has a different and special meaning; it refers to the product,
not the mineralogy. Thus chalcopyrite, CuFeS2 , is metallic (in the
sense above), and the copper and iron it contains are metallic minerals in
the resource sense. A single mineral, such as chalcopyrite, may also be
the source of a nonmetal, sulfur. Adding to the confusion, rutile (TiO
2 ) is the source of both titanium, which is used as metallic
titanium, and titanium oxide, which is used as a nonmetallic mineral
pigment. Because many industrial minerals (in a resource sense) tend to be
nonmetallic (in either the mineralogical or the resource sense), the terms
"industrial minerals" and "nonmetallic minerals" are sometimes carelessly
used interchangeably. CF:mineral; nonmetallic mineral;
industrial minerals. Syn:metalliferous

metallic element

Element that is generally distinguishable from nonmetallic elements by its

luster, malleability, and electrical conductivity, and its usual ability
to form positive ions. Henderson

metallic iron

Metal iron, as distinguished from iron ore.

metallic luster

The ordinary luster of metals. When feebly displayed, it is termed

submetallic. Gold, iron pyrites, and galena have a metallic luster, e.g.,
while chromite and cuprite have a submetallic luster. Nelson

metallic minerals

Minerals with a high specific gravity and metallic luster, such as

titanium, rutile, tungsten, uranium, tin, lead, iron, etc. In general, the
metallic minerals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
See also:nonmetallic minerals

metallic ore
From a strictly scientific point of view, the terms metallic ore and ore
deposits have no clear significance. These are purely conventional
expressions, used to describe those metalliferous minerals or bodies of
mineral having economic value, from which useful metals can be
advantageously extracted. In one sense, rock salt is an ore of sodium, and
limestone an ore of calcium, but to term beds of those substances ore
deposits would be quite outside of current usage. Ricketts

metalliferous

Metal-bearing; specif., pertaining to a mineral deposit from which a metal

or metals can be extracted by metallurgical processes.
See also:metallic

metalliferous mud

Marine deposit of mud formed under anoxic conditions and containing

anomalously high quantities of zinc, silver, and copper, and lesser
amounts of lead and gold. The term has most often been applied to deposits
of muds in the Red Sea which have been formed by submarine precipitation
of metallic sulfides from hydrothermal vents. These vents occur along the
axis of a spreading center which forms the Red Sea Basin.
Cruickshank

metallify

To convert into metal. Fay

metallites

A word used to embrace all ores or metalliferous material.

metallization

The process or processes by which metals are introduced into a rock,

resulting in an economically valuable deposit; the mineralization of
metals. AGI

metallogenetic epoch

The time interval favorable for the genesis or deposition of certain

useful metals or minerals. Syn:minerogenetic epoch

metallogenetic province

See:minerogenetic province

metallogenic element
An element normally forming sulfides, selenides, tellurides, arsenides,
antimonides, and/or sulfosalts, or occurring uncombined as a native
element; i.e., an element of primary ore deposits. Schieferdecker

metallogenic province

a. An area characterized by a particular assemblage of mineral deposits,

or by one or more characteristic types of mineralization. A metallogenic
province may have had more than one episode of mineralization.
Syn:metallographic province
b. See:minerogenetic province

metallogeny

The study of the genesis of mineral deposits, with emphasis on its

relationship in space and time to regional petrographic and tectonic
features of the Earth's crust. The term has been used for both metallic
and nonmetallic mineral deposits. Adj: metallogenic. Syn:ore geology
CF:genesis

metallograph

An optical instrument designed for both visual observation and

photomicrography of prepared surfaces of opaque materials, at
magnifications ranging from about 25 to about 1,500 diameters. The
instrument consists of a high-intensity illuminating source, a microscope,
and a camera bellows. On some instruments, provisions are made for
examination of specimen surfaces with polarized light, phase contrast,
oblique illumination, dark-field illumination, and customary bright-field
illumination. ASM, 1

metallographic province

See:metallogenic province

metallography

a. The science dealing with the constitution and structure of metals and
alloys as revealed by the unaided eye or by tools, such as low-power
magnification, optical microscope, electron microscope, and diffraction or
X-ray techniques. See also:reflected-light microscope
b. The study of the constitution and structure of metals and alloys.

metalloid

a. A nonmetal, such as carbon or nitrogen, that can combine with a metal

to form an alloy. Webster 3rd
b. An element--such as boron, silicon, arsenic, or tellurium--intermediate
in properties between the typical metals and nonmetals.
Webster 3rd
metalloidal luster

a. Reflecting light, somewhat like a metal, but less than metallic luster.
b. Having the luster of a semimetal; e.g., native bismuth or arsenic.

metallometric surveying

Geochemical prospecting term used by Russian authors for soil surveys or

for the chemical analysis of systematically collected samples of soil and
weathered rock. Hawkes, 2

metallometry

The geochemical determination of metals. AGI

metallo-organic compound

A compound in which a metal combines with organic compounds to form

metallo-organic complexes, such as porphyrins and salts of various organic
acids. Some metallo-organic compounds are soluble in water, others are
not. Hawkes, 2

metallurgical balance sheet

Material balance of a process.

metallurgical coke

A coke with very high compressive strength at elevated temperatures, used

in metallurgical furnaces, not only as a fuel, but also to support the
weight of the charge. ASM, 1

metallurgical engineer

One who applies engineering principles to the science and technology of

metallurgy. CF:metallurgist

metallurgical fume

A mixture of fine particles of elements and metallic and nonmetallic

compounds either sublimed or condensed from the vapor state. Fay

metallurgical smoke

A term applied to the gases and vapors, and fine dust entrained by them,
that issue from the throats of furnaces; consists of three distinct
substances: gases (including air), flue dust, and the fume. Fay

metallurgist
One who is skilled in, or who practices, metallurgy.
CF:metallurgical engineer

metallurgy

a. The science and art of separating metals and metallic minerals from
their ores by mechanical and chemical processes; the preparation of
metalliferous materials from raw ore.
b. Study of the physical properties of metals as affected by composition,
mechanical working, and heat treatment.

metal mining

The industry that supplies the community with the various metals and
associated products. Similar to coal mining, it is an extractive industry,
and once the raw material, the orebody, is depleted it is not
replenishable. See also:vein miner

metal notch

See:taphole

metal pickling

The immersion of metal objects in an acid bath to remove scale, oxide,

tarnish, etc., leaving a chemically clean surface for galvanizing or
painting. Nelson

metal powder

a. Metallic elements or alloys in finely divided or powder form.

Henderson
b. A general term applied by drillers, bit setters, and bit manufacturers
to various finely ground metals, which, when mixed, are commonly used to
produce sintered-metal diamond bit crowns. Also called powdered metal;
powder metal. Long

metal stone

a. Newc. An argillaceous stone, shale, and sandstone.

b. Staff. See:ironstone

metamarble

A marble suitable for use as polished dimension stone; e.g., the Vermont
metamarble. CF:orthomarble; metalimestone.

metamic
A metal ceramic consisting of high Cr.Al2 O3 .
Osborne

metamict

a. A mineral that has become virtually amorphous owing to the breakdown of

the original crystal structure by internal bombardment with alpha
particles (helium nuclei) emitted by radioactive atoms within the mineral.
Many green zircons, esp. those from Sri Lanka, which are Precambrian in
age, and have thus had over 800 million years of this internal
bombardment, owe their low refractive index and density to this cause, and
may be termed metamict zircons. Anderson
b. Said of a mineral containing radioactive elements in which various
degrees of lattice disruption and changes have taken place as a result of
radiation damage, while its original external morphology has been
retained. Examples occur in zircon, thorite and several other minerals.
Not all minerals containing radioactive elements are metamict; e.g.,
xenotime and apatite are not. AGI

metamictization

The process of disruption of the structure of a crystal by radiations from

contained radioactive atoms, rendering the material partly or wholly
amorphous. AGI

metamict mineral

A mineral whose crystal structure has been disrupted by radiation from

contained radioactive particles. AGI

metamontmorillonite

a. The product of dehydration of montmorillonite at 400 degrees C.

Hey, 2
b. A dehydrated smectite.

metamorphic

Pertaining to the process of metamorphism or to its results. AGI

metamorphic aureole

See:aureole

metamorphic deposit

An ore deposit that has been subjected to great pressure, high

temperature, and alteration by solutions. It may have become warped,
twisted, or folded, and the original minerals may have been rearranged and
recrystallized.
metamorphic differentiation

A collective term for the various processes by which minerals or mineral

assemblages are locally segregated from an initially uniform parent rock
during metamorphism; e.g., garnet porphyroblasts in fine-grained mica
schist. AGI

metamorphic diffusion

Migration, by diffusion, of materials from one part of a rock mass to

another during metamorphism. Diffusion may involve chemically active
fluids from magmatic sources, hot pore fluids, or fluids released from
hydrous minerals or carbonates. Ionic diffusion in the solid state may
also occur. AGI

metamorphic facies

A set of metamorphic mineral assemblages, repeatedly associated in space

and time, such that there is a constant and therefore predictable relation
between mineral composition and chemical composition. It is generally
assumed that the metamorphic facies represent the results of equilibrium
crystallization of rocks under a restricted range of externally imposed
physical conditions; e.g., temperature, lithostatic pressure, and water
pressure. Syn:mineral facies

metamorphic grade

The intensity or rank of metamorphism, measured by the amount or degree of

difference between the original parent rock and the metamorphic rock. It
indicates in a general way the pressure-temperature environment or facies
in which the metamorphism took place. For example, conversion of shale to
slate or phyllite would be low-grade dynamothermal metamorphism
(greenschist facies), whereas its continued alteration to a
garnet-sillimanite schist would be high-grade metamorphism
(almandine-amphibolite facies). Syn:metamorphic rank
See also:high-rank metamorphism

metamorphic overprint

See:overprint

metamorphic rank

See:metamorphic grade

metamorphic rock

Any rock derived from preexisting rocks by mineralogical, chemical, and/or

structural changes, essentially in the solid state, in response to marked
changes in temperature, pressure, shearing stress, and chemical
environment, generally at depth in the Earth's crust. AGI

metamorphic water

Water driven out of rocks by metamorphism. Stokes

metamorphism

The mineralogical, chemical, and structural adjustment of solid rocks to

physical and chemical conditions that have generally been imposed at depth
below the surface zones of weathering and cementation, and that differ
from the conditions under which the rocks in question originated.
AGI

metarossite

A triclinic mineral, CaV2 O6 .2H2 O ; pearly to dull

yellow; a dehydration product of rossite.
-<ò?OrAOj+< 2DICTIONARY TERMS:metasandbergite See:metaheinrichite
[\B]metasandbergite[\N]

metasapropel

Compact sapropel rock. Tomkeieff

metaschoderite

A monoclinic mineral, Al2 (PO4 )(VO4 ).6H2 O .

metaschoepite

Formerly called schoepite II. See also:schoepite; paraschoepite.

metasediment

A sediment or sedimentary rock that shows evidence of having been

subjected to metamorphism. AGI

metashale

Shale altered by incipient metamorphic reconstitution but not

recrystallized and without the development of partings or preferred
mineral orientation. AGI

metasomasis

See:metasomatism

metasomatic
Pertaining to the process of metasomatism and to its results. The term is
esp. used in connection with the origin of ore deposits. AGI

metasomatism

The process of practically simultaneous capillary solution and deposition

by which a new mineral of partly or wholly different chemical composition
may grow in the body of an old mineral or mineral aggregate. The presence
of interstitial, chemically active pore liquids or gases contained within
a rock body or introduced from external sources is essential for the
replacement process, that often, though not necessarily, occurs at
constant volume with little disturbance of textural or structural
features. Syn:metasomosis

metasomatite

A rock produced by metasomatism.

metasome

a. A replacing mineral that grows in size at the expense of another

mineral (the host or palasome); a mineral grain formed by metasomatism.
AGI
b. The newly formed part of a migmatite or composite rock, introduced
during metasomatism. AGI

metasomosis

See:metasomatism

metastrengite

Monoclinic FePO4 .2H2 O , dimorphous with orthorhombic

strengite; named to correspond with metavariscite and variscite AlPO (sub
4) .2H2 O . Syn:phosphosiderite; clinostrengite.
Spencer, 4

metatorbernite

A tetragonal mineral, Cu(UO2 )2 (PO4 )2 .8H

2 O ; meta-autunite group; strongly radioactive; emerald to apple
green; occurs in granite pegmatites. CF:torbernite

metatyuyamunite

An orthorhombic mineral, Ca(UO2 )2 V2 O8 .3H

2 O ; yellow; radioactive; a secondary mineral.

meta-uranocircite
A monoclinic mineral, Ba(UO2 )2 (PO4 )2 .8H
2 O ; meta-autunite group; yellow green; radioactive; a secondary
mineral in quartz veins.

meta-uranopilite

A mineral, (UO2 )6 (SO4 )(OH)10 .5H2 O;

radioactive.

meta-uranospinite

A tetragonal mineral, Ca(UO2 )(AsO4 )2 .8H2 O;

meta-autunite group.

metavariscite

A monoclinic mineral, AlPO4 .2H2 O ; green; dimorphous with

variscite.

metavauxite

A monoclinic mineral, FeAl2 (PO4 )2 (OH)2 .8H

2 O ; dimorphous with paravauxite; forms acicular crystals or
radiating fibrous aggregates.

metavermiculite

The product of dehydration of vermiculite at 400 degrees C. Hey, 2

metavolcanic

Said of partly metamorphosed volcanic rock. Stokes

metavoltine

A hexagonal mineral, K2 Na6 Fe7 (SO4 ) (sub

12) O2 .18H2 O .

metaxite

a. A fibrous serpentine mineral; a variety of chrysotile. AGI

b. See:micaceous sandstone

metazeunerite

A tetragonal mineral, Cu(UO2 )2 (AsO4 )2 .8H

2 O ; meta-autunite group; grass to emerald green.

meteoric iron
a. Iron of meteoric origin. AGI
b. An iron meteorite. AGI

meteoric stone

a. A stone of meteoric origin; a stony meteorite. AGI

b. A meteorite having the appearance of a stone. AGI

meteoric water

Ground water of atmospheric origin.

meteorite

A stony or metallic body that has fallen to the Earth's surface from outer
space. Adj: meteoritic.

meter

a. An instrument, apparatus, or machine for measuring fluids, gases,

electric currents, etc., and recording the results obtained; e.g., a
gasmeter, a watermeter, or an air meter. Standard, 2
b. The fundamental unit of length in the metric system equal to 39.37079
in or 3.2808 ft. Standard, 2; Fay

metering pin

A valve plunger that controls the rate of flow of a liquid or a gas.

Nichols, 1

methane

CH4 ; carbureted hydrogen or marsh gas or combustible gases; formed

by the decomposition of organic matter. The most common gas found in coal
mines. It is a tasteless, colorless, nonpoisonous, and odorless gas; in
mines the presence of impurities may give it a peculiar smell. It weighs
less than air and may therefore form layers along the roof and occupy roof
cavities. Methane will not support life or combustion; with air, however,
it forms an explosive mixture, CH4 +2O2 -->CO2 .2H
2 O. The gases resulting from a methane explosion are irrespirable.
Methane is often referred to as combustible gases because it is the
principal gas composing a mixture that, when combined with proper
proportions of air, will explode when ignited. Breathing methane causes
ill effects only where the air is so heavily laden with it that oxygen is
supplanted. See also:colliery explosion; marsh gas; firedamp;
limits of flammability. Nelson; Webster 2nd; BCI

methane drainage
a. Capture of the concentrated methane through boreholes drilled into a
coalbed or associated strata. SME, 1
b. Outside the United States three main systems of methane drainage have
been developed: (1) the cross-measure borehole method, (2) the superjacent
roadway system and (3) the pack cavity system. The cross-measure borehole
method which consists of boring holes from 2-1/4 to 3-1/4 in (5.7 to 8.3
cm) in diameter and 150 to 300 ft (45 to 90 m) in length, into the strata
above or below the seam, generally close to the working face. This method
has the advantage of being suited to a wide variety of conditions and does
not require another seam within reasonable distance above or below the
seam to be drained, or the use of solid stowing
Syn:cross-measure borehole system
boreholes are drilled from a roadway situated above the seam being worked,
the drainage of the methane then taking place from this roadway. In the
pack cavity system, corridors are left and supported in the goaf as the
face advances, and from these combustible gases is drawn off.
Syn:combustible gases drainage; corridor system.
Sinclair, 1; Roberts, 1
c. In contrast to the above, methane drainage technology in the United
States is conducted from the surface as well as underground. Underground
methane drainage is primarily by means of horizontal boreholes drilled
into the coalbed to be extracted. Surface methane drainage methods include
vertical gob gas vent holes on longwall panels and hydraulically
stimulated vertical wells generally drilled several years in advance of
mining into virgin coalbeds.

methane monitoring system

A system whereby the methane content of the mine air is indicated

automatically at all times. When the content reaches a predetermined
concentration, the electric power is cut off automatically from each
machine in the affected area. The mechanism is so devised that its setting
cannot be altered. The system is used, mainly, in conjunction with the
operation of continuous miners and power loaders. Nelson

methanephone

An instrument for detecting methane in mine air. It contains an electric

battery that sustains a small electric glow light. As soon as a certain
percentage of methane enters the workings, a tiny explosion occurs in the
fuse head, where a fine wire filament is melted and starts a bell ringing
continuously. Fay

methane recorder

An instrument that gives a continuous record of the methane concentration

over a period of time. Roberts, 1

methane removal
See:water infusion method

methane tester

A methane detector. See also:methanometer

methane tester type S.3

A nonautomatic methane detector approved under the regulations for use in

coal mines. The instrument is normally calibrated at 1% methane, and this
provides an accuracy of + or -0.05% over the most important part of the
scale; i.e., 0.75% to 1.5%. It weighs 3-1/2 lb (1.6 kg), and the source of
power is an Edison cap lamp battery. Nelson

methanometer

An instrument for determining the methane content in mine air.

See also:sampling instrument; catalytic methanometer. Nelson

methenyl tribromide

See:bromoform

method of working

The system adopted to work or extract material in a mine. It includes all

the operations involved in the cutting, handling, and transport of
valuable material and waste rock, support of ground, ventilation of
workings, and provision of supplies. The term does not include winding or
hoisting, surface handling, and preparation or dressing.
See also:coal mining methods

method study

A study to provide the essential data on which mine management can operate
in making the most effective use of workpower, machines, and materials.
Method study has been applied in the mining industry for many years,
although sometimes under different names. See also:time study;
work study. Nelson

methyl acetone

A mixture of methyl acetate and acetone. Used as a solvent.

Crispin

methylene iodide

A heavy liquid used for mineral separation (sp gr, 3.33); also for
refractive index determination (R.I.=1.74). CF:Clerici solution;
Sonstadt solution; Klein solution; bromoform.
metore

Both capping and gossan. AGI

metra

A pocket implement combining the uses of many instruments, such as

thermometer, level, plummet, and lens. Standard, 2

metric carat

An international unit equal to 200 mg that had been adopted in most

European countries and in Japan when it was made the standard in the
United States in 1913. Abbrev.: M.C. and cm. See also:carat
Webster 3rd

Mexican diamond

Rock crystal (quartz).

Mexican onyx

Yellowish brown or greenish brown banded calcite. See also:onyx marble;

Gibraltar stone.

Mexican turquoise

Turquoise from the central part of Baja California, Mexico.

Mexican water opal

A fire opal from Mexico.

meyerhofferite

A triclinic mineral, Ca2 B6 O6 (OH)10 .2H (sub

2) O ; forms prismatic, commonly tabular, crystals or is fibrous; an
alteration product of inyoite from Inyo County, CA.

meymacite

An amorphous mineral, WO3 .2H2 O ; resinous; yellow brown.

miargyrite

A monoclinic mineral, AgSbS2 ; soft; metallic; in low-temperature

hydrothermal veins; an ore of silver.

miarolite
A granite having miarolitic cavities; a textural modification of normal
granite. Johannsen

miarolithite

A chorismite having miarolitic cavities or remnants thereof; a variety of

ophthalmite. AGI

miarolitic

A term applied to small irregular cavities in igneous rocks, esp.

granites, into which small crystals of the rock-forming minerals protrude;
characteristic of, pertaining to, or occurring in such cavities. Also,
said of a rock containing such cavities. CF:drusy

miarolitic cavity

A cavity of irregular shape in certain plutonic rocks. Crystals of the

rock constituents sometimes project into the cavity. CF:druse; vug.
Schieferdecker

miascite

A mixture of strontianite and calcite. Hey, 1

mica

a. A group of phyllosilicate minerals having the general composition, X

2 Y4-6 Z8 O20 (OH,F) where X=(Ba,Ca,Cs,H (sub
3) O,K,Na,NH4 ), Y=(Al,Cr,Fe,Li,Mg,Mn,V,Zn), and Z=(Al,Be,Fe,Si);
may be monoclinic, pseudohexagonal or pseudo-orthorhombic; soft; perfect
basal (micaceous) cleavage yielding tough, elastic flakes and sheets;
colorless, white, yellow, green, brown, or black; excellent electrical and
thermal insulators (isinglass); common rock-forming minerals in igneous,
metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. See also:brittle mica
Syn:glimmer; isinglass.
b. The mineral group anandite, annite, biotite, bityite, celadonite,
chernykhite, clintonite, ephesite, ferri-annite, glauconite, hendricksite,
kinoshitalite, lepidolite, margarite, masutomilite, montdorite, muscovite,
nanpingite, norrishite, paragonite, phlogopite, polylithionite,
preiswerkite, roscoelite, siderophyllite, sodium phlogopite, taeniolite,
tobelite, wonesite, and zinnwaldite.

micaceous

a. Consisting of or containing mica; e.g., a micaceous sediment.

b. Resembling mica; i.e., thinly foliated.

micaceous iron ore

Hematite in which the texture is foliated or micaceous; some micaceous
varieties are soft and unctuous. Rice, 1

micaceous sandstone

A sandstone containing conspicuous layers or flakes of mica, usually

muscovite. Syn:metaxite

mica house

A shop where hand-cobbed mica is rifted, trimmed, graded, and qualified.

Syn:trimming shed

Micanite

Trade name for a form of built-up mica used for insulating.

mica peridotite

A peridotite consisting principally of altered olivine and biotite.

mica plate

An accessory introduced into the optic path of a polarized-light

microscope to produce a first-order gray interference color.
Syn:glimmer plate; lambda plate. See also:accessory plate

mica powder

A dynamite in which the dope consists of fine scales of mica. Fay

mica schist

A schist whose essential constituents are mica and quartz, and whose
schistosity is mainly due to the parallel arrangement of mica flakes.

michenerite

An isometric mineral, (Pd,Pt)BiTe ; pyrite group; metallic; at Sudbury,

ON, Canada and Monchegorsk, Kola Peninsula, Russia.

Michigan cut

a. In the United States, a cut that consists of drilling a hole with a

large diameter or a number of holes of smaller diameter at the center of
the heading and parallel to the direction of the tunnel. These holes are
not charged. The remaining bench holes are then broken out towards these
holes. Fraenkel
b. See:burned cut
Michigan slip

A very plastic, tough, fine-grained impure clay, similar to Albany slip

clay; used as a bonding and plasticizing agent in grinding wheels,
refractories, etc., and as a suspension agent for glassy frit in vitreous
enamels. CCD, 1

micrinite

a. A maceral of the inertinite group consisting of granular material

without cellular structure; one of the principal components of durain and
clarain. AGI
b. Proposed by the Heerlen Congress, 1935, as a substitute for micronite.
Tomkeieff

micrinoid

A coal constituent similar to material derived from finely macerated

vegetation. AGI

micrite

a. A descriptive term originally used for the semiopaque crystalline

matrix of limestones, consisting of chemically precipitated carbonate mud
with crystals less than 4 mu m in diameter, and interpreted as a lithified
ooze. The term is now commonly used in a descriptive sense without genetic
implication. AGI
b. A limestone consisting dominantly of micrite matrix; e.g., lithographic
limestone. AGI

micro-

a. A prefix that divides a basic unit by 1 million or multiplies it by 10

-6
. Abbrev., mu . Lyman
b. A prefix meaning small. When modifying a rock name, it signifies
fine-grained hypabyssal, as in microgranite. CF:macro-

microampere

One-millionth of an ampere; 10-6 A; abbrev., mu a.

Crispin

microaphanitic

See:cryptocrystalline

microballoon
One of the tiny hollow spheres of glass or plastic that are added to
explosive materials to enhance sensitivity and control density by assuring
an adequate content of entrapped air. Atlas

microbar

A unit of pressure commonly used in acoustics. One microbar is equal to 1

dyn/cm2 . Hunt

microbreccia

a. A poorly sorted sandstone containing large angular particles of sand

set in a fine silty or clayey matrix; e.g., a graywacke. It is somewhat
less micaceous than a siltstone. AGI
b. A breccia within fragments of a coarser breccia. AGI
c. A well-indurated, massive rock that has been crushed to very fine grain
size through cataclastic flow, commonly in detachment faults. AGI

microchemical

Applied to chemical reactions conducted on the stage of a microscope and

viewed through the microscope.

microclastic

a. Applied to a clastic or fragmental rock composed of very small

particles.
b. Said of coal that is composed mainly of fine particles; e.g., cannel
coal. AGI

microcline

A triclinic mineral, KAlSi3 O8 ; feldspar group;

pseudomonoclinic; dimorphous with orthoclase; a major rock-forming mineral
in granites, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks; may be a detrital mineral
in arkoses and graywackes. CF:orthoclase

microconglomerate

A sedimentary rock composed of relatively coarse sand grains in a very

fine silt or clay matrix. AGI

microcosmic salt

See:stercorite

microcryptocrystalline

See:cryptocrystalline
microcrystalline

Said of the texture of a rock consisting of or having crystals that are

small enough to be visible only under the microscope; also, said of a rock
with such a texture. Syn:cryptocrystalline; micromeritic. AGI

microelement

See:trace element

microfacies

Those characteristic and distinctive aspects of a sedimentary rock that

are visible and identifiable only under the microscope (low-power
magnification). AGI

microfarad

A unit of capacitance; one-millionth of a farad; symbol, mu F.

Crispin

microfelsitic

See:cryptocrystalline

microfluidal

Having a microscopic flow texture. Standard, 2

microgeology

a. The study of the microscopic features of rocks.

b. The study of the relationships of microorganisms to geologic and
geochemical processes.

microgranitoid

Having a microscopic granitoid structure. Standard, 2

microgranular

a. Said of the texture of a microcrystalline, xenomorphic igneous rock.

Also, said of a rock with such a texture. AGI
b. Minutely granular; specif. said of the texture of a carbonate
sedimentary rock wherein the particles are mostly 10 to 60 mu m in
diameter and are well-sorted, and the finer clay-sized matrix is absent.
Also said of a sedimentary rock with such a texture. AGI

micrograph
A graphic reproduction of a magnified object as seen through a microscope.
When it is a photograph, it is called a photomicrograph. Stokes

micrographic

Said of the graphic texture of an igneous rock that is distinguishable

only with the aid of a microscope; also, said of a rock having such
texture. AGI

microhardness

The hardness of microscopic areas or of the individual microconstituents

in a metal, as measured by means such as the Tukon, Knoop, or scratch
methods. ASM, 1

microhm

One microhm equals 10-6 Omega , which equals 103

electromagnetic units. Symbol, mu Omega . Webster 2nd

microite

Microite is found in many coals and occurs in large quantities in Gondwana

coals and in Permocarboniferous coals of the former U.S.S.R. It is most
abundant in coals with little exinite, or coals of high rank in which
exinite cannot be recognized, and may occur in very persistent thick
bands. It is present in small amounts in Carboniferous coals of the
Northern Hemisphere. IHCP

microlaterolog

A well log obtained with an arrangement of electrodes similar to a

miniature laterolog but disposed in concentric fashion in an insulating
pad. The current from a central electrode is focused and flows out in a
pattern that resembles the shape of a trumpet. As in the microlog, the
electrodes are mounted on a pad that is held against the wall of the hole
by springs. The microlaterolog serves a purpose similar to that of a
microlog, investigating only a small volume of rock immediately adjacent
to the hole. Syn:trumpet log

microlite

a. A microscopic crystal that polarizes light and has some determinable

optical properties. CF:crystallite; crystalloid. Syn:microlith
AGI
b. A pale-yellow, reddish, brown, or black isometric mineral of the
pyrochlore group: (Ca,Na)2 Ta2 O6 (O,OH,F). It is
isomorphous with pyrochlore, and it often contains small amounts of other
elements (including uranium and titanium). Microlite occurs in granitic
pegmatites and in pegmatites related to alkalic igneous rocks, and it
constitutes an ore of tantalum. Syn:djalmaite

microlith

See:microlite

microlithotype

A typical association of macerals in coals, occurring in bands at least 50

mu m wide. Microlithotype names bear the suffix "-ite".
See also:lithotype

microlitic

Said of the texture of a porphyritic igneous rock in which the groundmass

is composed of an aggregate of differently oriented or parallel microlites
in a glassy or cryptocrystalline mesostasis. AGI

micromanometer

Essentially a U-type gage employing a micrometer to measure the change in

inclination of the gage from its zero or datum position. Normally,
micromanometers are used in the laboratory for such purposes as the
calibration of secondary manometers and, in conjunction with pressure
measurement, in low-speed atmospheric wind tunnels. See also:manometer
Roberts, 1

micromeritic

An obsolete syn. of microcrystalline. See also:microcrystalline

AGI

micrometer

a. An instrument for measuring very small dimensions or angles. Used in

connection with a microscope or a telescope. There are a great variety of
forms, but in nearly all, the measurement is made by turning a very fine
screw, which gives motion to a scale, a spider line, a lens, a prism, or a
ruled glass plate. Standard, 2
b. A unit of length, equal to one-millionth of a meter. Symbol, mu m. (1
mu m = 10-6 m). Formerly called micron.
c. A micrometer caliper. Standard, 2

micrometer caliper

A caliper with a graduated screw attachment for measuring minute

distances. Crispin

micrometer-reading manometer
See:vernier-reading manometer

micrometrics

The study of very fine particles. AGI

micromillimeter

One-millionth of a millimeter; abbrev., mmu . AGI

micron

Former term for micrometer.

micronized mica

An ultrafine material produced in a disintegrator that has no moving parts

but depends on jets of high-pressure superheated steam to reduce the mica
to micrometer sizes. Micronized mica is produced in particle size ranges
of 10 to 20 mu m and 5 to 10 mu m. USBM, 7

Micronizer

A special type of dry-grinding machine in which micronized mica is

produced. It consists of a disintegrator that has no moving parts but
depends on jets of high-pressure superheated steam for reducing the mica
to micrometer sizes. USBM, 7

micronizer mill

Disintegrator, in which feed particles are entrained in a pressure jet

(steam or air) and whirled through a cylindrical chamber with sufficient
force to break them. Pryor, 3

micropegmatite

A less-preferred syn. of granophyre. See also:granophyre

microperthite

Exsolution lamellae in alkali feldspar visible only with the aid of a

microscope. See also:cryptoperthite; perthite.

micropetrological unit

See:maceral

microphotograph

See:photomicrograph
microporosity

Porosity visible only with the aid of a microscope. ASM, 1

microscope

An instrument used to produce enlarged images; it consists of a lens (or

lenses) of the objective and an ocular set into a tube, with or without
other accessories, and held by an adjustable arm over an object stage.

microscopic

a. Of, relating to, or conducted with a microscope or microscopy.

Webster 3rd
b. So small or fine as to be invisible or not clearly distinguishable
without the use of a microscope. CF:macroscopic; megascopic.
Webster 3rd

microscopy

The art and practice of using a microscope for identification and analysis
of objects. See also:ore microscopy; reflected-light microscope.

microsecond

One-millionth of a second; abbrev.: mu sec, mu s. Webster 3rd

microsection

a. Any thin section used in microscopic analysis. AGI

b. A polished section. AGI

microseism

A collective term for small motions in the Earth that are unrelated to an
earthquake and that have a period of 1.0 to 9.0 s. They are caused by a
variety of natural and artificial agents, esp. atmospheric events.
Syn:seismic noise

microseismic instrument

An instrument for observing the behavior of roof strata and supports. The
device is inserted in 4-ft (1.2-m) long 1-1/2-in (3.8-cm) diameter holes,
drilled at selected points, for listening to subaudible vibrations which
are known to precede rock failure. Nelson

microseismic movement

See:microseism.
microseismic rate

The number of microseisms per unit of time. Issacson

microseismic region

Area in which an earthquake is registered by instruments only.

Schieferdecker

microseismometer

An apparatus for indicating the direction, duration, and intensity of

microseisms. Also called microseismograph. Standard, 2

microspar

Calcite matrix in limestones, occurring as uniformly sized and generally

loaf-shaped crystals ranging from 5 mu m to more than 20 mu m in diameter.
AGI

microspherulitic

Said of the spherulitic texture of an igneous rock that is distinguishable

only with the aid of a microscope, owing to the small size of the
spherules. Also, said of a rock having such texture. AGI

microstriation

Microscopic scratch developed on the polished surface of a rock or mineral

as a result of abrasion. AGI

microstructure

a. Structural features of rocks that can be discerned only with the aid of
the microscope. AGI
b. The structure of polished and etched metals as revealed by a microscope
at a magnification greater than 10 diameters. ASM, 1

microstylolite

A type of grain boundary indicating differential solution between two

minerals and characterized by fine interpenetrating teeth; often marked by
a little opaque material. See also:stylolite

microvitrain

The thin vitrainlike bands present in clarain, having a maximum thickness

of about 1/10 in (2.5 mm) with a tolerance of 1 mm, and a minimum
thickness of 0.05 mm (50 mu m). AGI
microvolt

One-millionth of a volt; 10-6 V; symbol, mu V. Crispin

microwatt

One-millionth of a watt; symbol, mu W. Webster 3rd

midalkalite

See:foyaite; nepheline syenite.

Mid-Atlantic Ridge

A mountain range that extends parallel to the continental margins in

mid-ocean in both the North and South Atlantic Oceans. It rises 6,000 ft
above the ocean floor and surfaces as the Azores, Ascension Island, Saint
Helena, and Tristan da Cunha islands. AGI

middle

Pertaining to a segment of geologic time intermediate between Late and

Early, or to rocks intermediate between Upper and Lower. Thus, rocks of
the Middle Jurassic Series were formed during the Middle Jurassic Epoch.
CF:Upper; Lower.

middle cut

A machine cut in the midsection of a coal seam; sometimes adopted in thick

seams (over 4 ft or 1.2 m) with a layer of dirt or inferior coal in the
middle. A middle cut would be made with a turret coal cutter.
See also:bottom cut; top cut. Syn:intermediate cut

middle man

A stratum of rock dividing or separating two seams or beds of coal.

Fay

middle prop

See:center prop

middles

See:middlings

middletonite
A brown, resinous, brittle mineral found between layers of coal at the
Middleton collieries, near Leeds, England, and also at Newcastle.
Fay

middlings

a. That part of the product of a washery, concentration, or preparation

plant that is neither clean mineral product nor reject (tailings). It
consists of fragments of coal ore mineral and gangue. The material is
often sent back for crushing and/or retreatment. Syn:middles
Nelson
b. In two-component ore, particles incompletely liberated by comminution
into concentrate or gangue. In complex ores, in addition to incomplete
liberation, there may be multiphased particles of middling or intermediate
species that react too feebly to treatment to report as concentrate or
tailing. Pryor, 2

middlings elevator

An elevator that removes material for further treatment or for disposal as

an inferior product. BS, 5

middoor

Scot. The middle one of three landing places in a shaft. Fay

midfeather

In mining, a support to the center of a tunnel. Standard, 2

midge

N. of Eng. Lamp (not safety) carried by trammers, etc. Fay

midge stone

Moss agate with inclusions resembling a swarm of mosquitoes. Also called

gnat stone; mosquito agate.

midget impinger

A dust-sampling apparatus almost identical in principle and design with

the regular Greenburg-Smith impinger, the main difference being its
smaller size and the fact that only a 12-in (30.5-cm) head of water is
required for its operation. See also:Greenburg-Smith impinger

mid-ocean ridge

A continuous, seismic, median mountain range extending through the North

and South Atlantic Oceans, the Indian Ocean, and the South Pacific Ocean.
It is a broad, fractured swell with a central rift valley and usually
extremely rugged topography; it is 1 to 3 km in elevation, about 1,500 km
in width, and over 84,000 km in length. According to the hypothesis of
sea-floor spreading, the mid-ocean ridge is the source of new crustal
material. See also:rift valley
AGI

midocean rift

See:rift valley

mid-ocean rise

See:mid-ocean ridge

midworkings

a. Scot. Mine workings above or below in the same mine or colliery.

Fay
b. See:middoor

miemite

A variety of dolomite from Miemo, Tuscany, Italy.

miersite

An isometric mineral, (Ag,Cu)I ; canary yellow.

miesite

A brown variety of pyromorphite containing calcium from Mies, Czech

Republic.

migma

Mobile, or potentially mobile, mixture of solid rock material(s) and

magma, the magma having been injected into or melted out of the rock
material. Etymol: Greek, mixture. AGI

migmatite

A composite rock composed of igneous or igneous-appearing and/or

metamorphic materials that are generally distinguishable megascopically.
See also:composite gneiss
AGI

migmatization
Formation of a migmatite. The more mobile, typically light-colored, part
of a migmatite may be formed as the result of anatexis, lateral secretion,
metasomatism, or injection. AGI

migration

a. The movement of oil, gas, or water through porous and permeable rock.
Parallel (longitudinal) migration is movement parallel to the bedding
plane. Transverse migration is movement across the bedding plane.
AGI
b. The process by which events on a reflection seismogram are mapped in an
approximation of their true spatial positions. It requires knowledge of
the velocity distribution along the raypath. Also, the seismic correction
that is applied. AGI; Schieferdecker
c. The movement of a topographic feature from one locality to another by
the operation of natural forces; specif. the movement of a dune by the
continual transfer of sand from its windward to its leeward side.
AGI
d. The slow downstream movement of a system of meanders, accompanied by
enlargement of the curves and widening of the meander belt. AGI
e. A broad term applied to the movements of plants and animals from one
place to another over long periods of time. AGI

migration of oil

The movement or seepage of oil through rocks wherever they are

sufficiently permeable to allow such passage; of considerable importance
in oil geology. Nelson

mikheevite

See:goergeyite

milarite

A hexagonal mineral, K2 Ca4 Al2 Be4 Si (sub

24) O60 .H2 O ; osumilite group; forms colorless to greenish
prisms. (Not millerite.)

mild and tough

Mellowed or ripened by weathering; said of brick clay; opposite of short

and rough. Standard, 2

mild earth

Eng. Soft, loamy clay suitable for brickmaking, as opposed to stiffer clay
below, which is suitable for making tiles and drainpipes. Kimeridge clay,
Brill, Buckinghamshire. Arkell
mild steel

Steel that contains from 0.12% to 0.25% carbon. Also called low-carbon
steel; soft steel. See also:yield stress

mil-foot

A standard of resistance in wire. The resistance of 1 ft (30.5 cm) of wire

that is 1 mil (25.4 mu m) in diameter. Crispin

milk of sulfur

See:colloidal sulfur

milk-opal

A translucent, milk-white to green, yellow, or blue variety of common

opal.

milky quartz

A milk-white, nearly opaque variety of quartz, commonly with a greasy

luster. The milkiness is due to the presence of minute, fluid-filled
inclusions. Syn:greasy quartz

mill

a. A mineral treatment plant in which crushing, wet grinding, and further

treatment of ore is conducted. Also, separate components, such as ball
mill, hammer mill, and rod mill. See also:ball mill; hammermill;
rod mill; grinding mill; pug mill.
b. A passage connecting a stope or upper level with a level below,
intended to be filled with broken ore that can then be drawn out at the
bottom as desired for further transportation; an opening in the floor or
bottom of a stope, through which the ore or mineral is passed or thrown
downward along the footwall to the level. See also:glory hole
Fay
c. To fill a winze, or interior incline, with broken ore, to be drawn out
at the bottom. Fay
d. A finishing plant where blocks of stone are sawed and trimmed.
e. In quarrying, usually applied to the finishing plant where blocks are
sawed into slabs; all other manufacturing processes are classed as shop
work. AIME, 1
f. An excavation made in the country rock, by a crosscut from the workings
on a vein, to obtain waste for filling. It is left without timber so that
the roof may fall in and furnish the required rock. Fay
g. Can. Reducing plant where ore is concentrated and/or metals are
recovered. Hoffman
h. A single machine or a complete plant for rolling metals.
i. See:cogging mill
j. To grind or cut away steel or iron with a toothed or serrated face bit;
also, the tool so used. Long
k. Eng. That part of an ironworks where puddle bars are converted into
merchant iron; i.e., rolled iron ready for sale in bars, rods, or sheets.
See also:forge
l. A preparation facility within which metal ore is cleaned, concentrated,
or otherwise processed before it is shipped to the customer, refiner,
smelter, or manufacturer. A mill includes all ancillary operations and
structures necessary to clean, concentrate, or otherwise process metal
ore, such as ore and gangue storage areas and loading facilities.
SME, 1
m. By common usage, any establishment for reducing ores by other means
than smelting. More strictly, a place or a machine in which ore or rock is
crushed. Fay

mill bar

A rough bar rolled or drawn directly from a bloom or puddle bar for
conversion into merchant iron in the mill.

mill car

A car without a roof for carrying hoisting apparatus. Standard, 2

milled

A metal object lost in a borehole that has been cut or ground away with a
milling bit. Long

Miller-Bravais indices

A four-index type of Miller indices, useful but not necessary in order to

define planes in crystal lattices in the hexagonal system; the symbols are
hkil, in which i = -(h + k). CF:Miller indices

Miller indices

Integers used to designate crystallographic planes. They are found as

follows: (1) Determine where the plane intercepts each crystallographic
axis in terms of multiples of the axial parameters; (2) take the
reciprocals of these numbers and clear of fractions and common factors.
These three numbers, designated (hkl), are the Miller indices for that
plane. CF:Bragg indices; Miller-Bravais indices; crystal face;
crystal indices; intercept. See also:symbols of crystal faces;
indices of a crystal face.

millerite

A brass-yellow to bronze-yellow rhombohedral mineral: NiS. It usually has

traces of cobalt, copper, and iron, and is often tarnished. Millerite
generally occurs in fine hairlike or capillary crystals of extreme
delicacy, chiefly as nodules in clay ironstone. Syn:capillary pyrite;
nickel pyrite; hair pyrite. (Not milarite.) AGI

mill feeder

In ore dressing, smelting, and refining, a laborer who regulates flow of

ore, coke, flue scrapings, or other materials from bins, chutes, or belts
into crushers, furnaces, or other equipment, or onto conveyor belts
leading to equipment. Syn:conveyor-feeder operator

mill furnace

A furnace for reheating iron that is to be rerolled, or welded, under a

hammer. Standard, 2

millgrit rock

Som. Triassic dolomitic conglomerate.

mill head

a. Ore accepted for treatment in a concentrator, after any preliminary

rejection such as waste removal. Pryor, 4
b. Assay value, or units of value per ton, in ore accepted for treatment
in a concentrating plant or mill. Pryor, 3

mill-head grade

The grade of ore as it comes from a mine and goes to a mill.

McKinstry

mill-head ore

See:run-of-mill

mill hole

An auxiliary shaft connecting a stope or other excavation with the level

below. See also:mill; glory hole. Lewis

milli-

A prefix meaning one thousandth of. It divides a basic unit by 1,000, or

multiplies it by 10-3 ; abbrev., m. Commonly applied to units of
measure in the metric and cgs systems; e.g., 1 mg = 0.001 g. Lyman

milliampere

One-thousandth of an ampere; abbrev., mA. Crispin

milliangstrom

One-thousandth of an angstrom; abbrev., mAa. Webster 3rd

millibar

A unit of atmospheric pressure equal to one-thousandth of a bar or 1,000

dyn/cm2 ; abbrev., mb. Webster 3rd

millicurie-hour

A measure of gamma-ray exposure expressed as the product of the source in

millicuries and the time of exposure in hours. NCB

millidarcy

The customary unit of measurement of permeability, equal to one-thousandth

of a darcy. See also:permeability
AGI; Webster 3rd

millidegree

A unit of temperature equal to one-thousandth of a degree; abbrev., mdeg.

Webster 3rd

millifarad

One-thousandth of a farad; abbrev., mF. Webster 3rd

milligal

a. A unit employed in the gravitational method of geophysical prospecting.

It is about one millionth of the average value of the acceleration due to
gravity at the Earth's surface; i.e., 1 milligal = 1 cm/s2 .
Nelson
b. A unit of acceleration used with gravity measurements; 10-3
Gal = 10-5 m/s2 . Abbrev: mGal. AGI

milligauss

One-thousandth of a gauss; abbrev., mG. Standard, 2

milligram-hour

A measure of gamma-ray exposure expressed as the product of the equivalent

radium content of the source, in milligrams, and the time of exposure in
hours. NCB

millihenry
One-thousandth of a henry; a unit of inductance; abbrev., mH.
Webster 3rd

millimeter screw micrometer

A precision caliper gage that measures the overall dimensions of unmounted

fashioned gems more accurately but less conveniently than dial gages.

milling

a. The grinding or crushing of ore. The term may include the operation of
removing valueless or harmful constituents and preparation for market.
Nelson
b. A combination of open-cut and underground mining, wherein the ore is
mined in open cut and handled underground. It is underhand stoping applied
to large deposits, wherein the ore is mined near the mouth of winzes or
raises, and dropped by gravity to working levels below for transportation
to the surface. Usually called glory-hole system. See also:mill
c. The act or process of cutting or grinding away a metal object lost in a
borehole with a mill or milling bit. Long

milling bit

A bit equipped with hardened serrations or teeth used to grind or cut away
metallic materials or junk obstructing a borehole. Also called rose bit.
CF:junk mill

milling grade

a. Ore containing sufficient recoverable value to warrant treatment.

Pryor, 3
b. S. Afr. An assumed average value of the ore sent to a mill, expressed
as a percentage, or in pennyweights per short ton. Beerman

milling ore

a. Any ore that contains sufficient valuable minerals to be treated by any

milling process. Syn:mill ore
b. A dry ore that can be amalgamated or treated by leaching and other
processes; usually these ores are low grade and free, or nearly so, from
base metals.

milling width

Width of a lode that is designated for treatment in a mill, as calculated

with regard to daily tonnage. Any excess broken during mining (stoping
width) should be rejected before milling. Pryor, 3

milling yield
S. Afr. The valuable material obtained from milling, expressed as a
percentage or in pennyweights per short ton. Beerman

millisecond

One-thousandth of a second; abbrev.: msec; ms. Webster 3rd

millisecond delay

A type of delay cap with a definite but extremely short interval between
the passing of current and the explosion. Nichols, 1

millisecond-delay cap

A detonating cap that fires from 0.02 to 0.5 s after the firing current
passes through it. Nichols, 1

millisecond-delay detonator

See:short-delay detonator

millivolt

One-thousandth of a volt; abbrev., mV. Crispin

millman

One who is employed in a mill, such as in an ore-dressing plant.

Fay

mill ore

See:milling ore

mill roll

One of the rolls through which puddled iron is run prior to being
marketed. Standard, 2

mill run

a. A given quantity of ore tested for its quality by actual milling; the
yield of such a test. Craigie
b. Average, not esp. selected. Craigie
c. In intermittent treatment of ore, with periodic cleanup, the period of
such a run. Bulk test on a sample of ore during development of a treatment
process. Pryor, 3

mill sampler
A laborer who removes samples of crushed ore, concentrates, or tailings at
various stages of processing, and puts them in labeled containers for
laboratory analysis. Also called sampler. DOT

mill scale

The scale of ferric oxide that peels from iron during rolling.
Standard, 2

Mills-Crowe process

Method of regeneration of foul cyanide liquor from the gold leaching

process. The barren solution is acidified, and gaseous hydrocyanic acid
(HCN) is liberated, separated, and reabsorbed in an alkaline solution,
such as lime water. Pryor, 3

mill shoe

a. A shoe equipped with a hardened serrated cutting edge used to mill

downward over and around a piece of drill-stem equipment lost in a
borehole. See also:mill
b. A shoe designed either to dress the down-hole tools for access to
retrieve them, or to grind up the tool in a drill hole so that drilling
can continue.

millstock

Term used in the slate industry to include all forms of structural slate
used in exterior or interior construction.

millstone

A buhrstone; e.g., a coarse-grained sandstone or a fine-grained quartz

conglomerate. Also, one of two thick disks of such material used for
grinding grain and other materials fed through a center hole in the upper
stone. Quarried underground in Virginia; also, produced in New York and
(of granite) in North Carolina. See also:buhrstone

millstone grit

Any hard, siliceous rock suitable for use as a material for millstones;
specif. the Millstone Grit of the British Carboniferous, a coarse
conglomeratic sandstone. AGI

mill test

The determination of the metallic contents and recoverable metal in any

given ore by the milling of a sufficient quantity to afford average
milling conditions. See also:mill run
milltons

Net tonnage of ore available for milling after eliminating waste and
unpayable material. Beerman

mill value

S. Afr. The calculated value of ore before crushing. After treatment,

there remains a residue of the valuable metal in the sands, slimes, or
tailings, which, added to the yield obtained by treatment, should be equal
to the mill value. Beerman

mimetene

See:mimetite

mimetesite

See:mimetite

mimetic

a. Said of crystals appearing to have a higher symmetry than their

internal structure due to twinning, distortion, or interfacial angles at
or close to a more symmetric form.
b. Said of crystals showing highly complex pseudosymmetry.
CF:pseudosymmetry
c. A tectonite with a deformation fabric influenced by preexisting
structural anisotropy; also the fabric itself.

mimetite

A monoclinic mineral, Pb5 Cl(AsO4 )3 ; apatite group,

with arsenate replaced by phosphate; pseudohexagonal; resinous; sp gr,
7.3; in oxidized zones of lead-ore deposits. Syn:mimetesite; campylite;
mimetene. CF:hedyphane

minal

See:end member

minasragrite

A monoclinic mineral, VO(SO4 ).5H2 O ; a blue efflorescence

at Minasragra, near Cerro de Pasco, Peru.

mine

a. An opening or excavation in the ground for the purpose of extracting

minerals; a pit or excavation from which ores or other mineral substances
are taken by digging; an opening in the ground made for the purpose of
taking out minerals, and in case of coal mines, commonly a worked vein; an
excavation properly underground for digging out some usual product, such
as ore, metal, or coal, including any deposit of any material suitable for
excavation and working as a placer mine; collectively, the underground
passage and workings and the minerals themselves. Ricketts
b. A work for the excavation of minerals by means of pits, shafts, levels,
tunnels, etc., as opposed to a quarry, where the whole excavation is open.
In general, the existence of a mine is determined by the mode in which the
mineral is obtained, and not by its chemical or geological character. The
term also includes only excavations for their minerals or valuable mineral
deposits. Ricketts
c. An excavation beneath the surface of the ground from which mineral
matter of value is extracted. The word carries the sense of laborers
working beneath a cover of ground and thus excludes oil, brine, and sulfur
wells. Excavations for the extraction of ore or other economic minerals
not requiring work beneath the surface are designated by a modifying word
or phrase as: (1) opencut mine--an excavation for removing minerals that
is open to the weather; (2) steam shovel mine--an opencut mine in which
steam shovels or other power shovels are used for loading cars; (3) strip
mine--a stripping; an opencut mine in which the overburden is removed from
a coalbed before the coal is taken out; (4) placer mine--a deposit of
sand, gravel, or talus from which some valuable mineral is extracted; and
(5) hydraulic mine--a placer mine worked by means of a stream of water
directed against a bank of sand, gravel, or talus; soft rock similarly
worked. A quarry from which rock is extracted becomes a mine when it is
carried under cover. Mines are commonly known by the mineral or metal
extracted such as bauxite mines, copper mines, silver mines, coal mines,
etc. Hess
d. The terms mine and coal mine are intended to signify any and all parts
of the property of a mining plant, either on the surface or underground,
that contribute directly or indirectly to the mining or handling of coal
or ore. Fay
e. The term mine, as applied by quarrymen, is applied to underground
workings having a roof of undisturbed rock. It is used in contrast with
the open pit quarry. Fay
f. To dig a mine; to get ore, metals, coal, or precious stones out of the
earth; to dig into, as the ground, for ore or metal; to work in a mine.
Webster 3rd
g. An active mining area, including all land and property placed under, or
above the surface of such land, used in or resulting from the work of
extracting metal ore or minerals from their natural deposits by any means
or method, including secondary recovery of metal ore from refuse or other
storage piles, wastes, or rock dumps and mill tailings derived from the
mining, cleaning, or concentration of metal ores. CFR, 7

mine atmosphere

The concentration of gases, including oxygen, that are present in a mine.

Safe levels are maintained through ventilation. Measured at any point at
least 12 in (30.5 cm) away from the back, face, rib, and floor in any
mine. CFR, 1

mine bank

a. An area of ore deposits that can be worked by excavations above the

water level. Craigie
b. The ground at the top of a mining shaft. Craigie

mine cage

Elevator used to transport workers in a lined shaft; available in open,

semienclosed or fully enclosed models with a choice of sliding, folding,
or rollup doors. Cages are used in either vertical or incline mine shafts.
All cages are required to contain necessary safety features.
Best, 1

mine captain

a. A superintendent of a mine. Standard, 2

b. The director of work in a mine, with or without superior officials or
subordinates. Fay
c. In metal mining, a foreman who supervises the extraction, hauling, and
hoisting of ore in a mine. Also called ground boss. DOT

mine car

One of the cars that are loaded at production points and hauled to the pit
bottom or surface in a train by locomotives or other power. They vary in
capacity, and are either of wood or steel construction or combinations of
both. Mine cars have been classified into six kinds: (1) the solid or box
type, which requires a rotary dump at the unloading terminal; (2) the
rocker dump type, which has a V-shaped body rounded at the bottom; (3) the
gable-bottom car, which is shaped like a capital W in cross section; (4)
the Granby car, a special form of a side-dumping car; (5) bottom-dump
cars; and (6) end-dump cars, which are commonly used for hand tramming in
small mines. See also:drop-bottom car; endgate car; gable-bottom car;
Granby car; solid car. BCI; Kentucky; Lewis

mine-car repairman

In anthracite coal mining; bituminous coal mining; metal mining; nonmetal

mining, a person who repairs or replaces damaged parts of mine (pit) cars,
such as axles, wheels, bodies, and couplings, by straightening, bolting,
riveting, refitting, or making new parts as required. Also called car
whacker; pit-car repairer. DOT

mine characteristic
The relation between pressure, p, and volume, Q, in the ventilation of a
mine. If the resistance, R, of the mine is known, then the mine
characteristic can be expressed as p=RQ2 . The curve of this
equation for a particular mine may thus be plotted on the same axes as the
characteristics of a fan. The point of intersection of this curve, termed
the mine characteristic, with the pressure characteristic of the fan,
indicates the pressure and volume at which the fan would work in
ventilating that mine. Knowing the volume and pressure, the power and
efficiency are obtained. The suitability of any fan to any mine can be
studied, and the effect of possible changes in mine resistance may be
predicted. Roberts, 1

mine characteristic curve

As a graphical aid to the solution of problems in mine ventilation, the

mine head (static and/or total) is often plotted against the quantity.
This is called the mine characteristic curve, or simply the mine
characteristic. Hartman, 2

mine circulating fan

Mines create special problems in proper ventilation by their isolation

from fresh air sources, and the presence of dangerous gases and dusts.
Large fans are used for the stationary systems, while small portable types
provide fresh air in dead-ends and other inaccessible locations. These
fans may be driven by electricity or compressed air, and in addition to
mine operations, are useful for work in manholes, pipe galleries, silos,
tanks, vats, plane fuselages, ship holds, etc. The Mine Safety and Health
Administration, Department of Labor can furnish specific recommendations
concerning special problems. Best, 1

mine committee

Representatives chosen by the union employees to confer with the

representatives of the company; corresponds in mining to shop committees
in manufacturing. Also called pit committee. BCI

mine conveyor

See:underground mine conveyor

mine cooling load

The total amount of heat, sensible and latent, which must be removed by
the air in the working places. Hartman, 2

mine development
The term employed to designate the operations involved in preparing a mine
for ore extraction. These operations include tunneling, sinking,
crosscutting, drifting and raising. Jackson, 3

mine dial

See:miner's dial

mine door

See:trapdoor; door.

mine drainage

See:drainage; drain tunnel; water hoist.

mined strata

In mine subsidence, the strata lying over the excavated area.

Briggs

mine dust

a. Dust from rock drills, blasting, or handling rock. Fay

b. In the quantity inhaled by workers, dust may be classified as
dangerous, harmless, and borderline, although the classification is purely
arbitrary. Silica is a dangerous dust and aluminum hydroxide is
borderline. Lewis
c. Scot. Calcined ironstone screenings. Standard, 2
d. See:coal dust

mined volume

In mine subsidence, the mined area multiplied by the mean thickness of the
bed, or of that part of the bed that has been extracted. Briggs

mine examiner

See:fire boss

mine expert

See:mining engineer

mine fan

a. The main fan for a mine; normally situated at the surface.

BS, 8
b. A radial- or axial-flow ventilator. See also:fan; ventilation.
Nelson
mine fan signal system

A system that indicates by electric light or electric audible signal, or

both, the slowing down or stopping of a mine ventilating fan.

mine feeder circuit

A conductor or group of conductors, including feeder and sectionalizing

switches or circuit breakers, installed in mine entries or gangways and
extending to the limits set for permanent mine wiring, beyond which limits
portable cables are used.

mine fill

See:hydraulic fill

mine fire

This very dangerous occurrence may arise as the result of spontaneous

combustion, the ignition of timbers by gob fires, electric cable defects,
or the heating and ignition of conveyor belts due to friction.
Nelson

mine fire truck

Designed to fight underground fires in mining operations, this low slung

railcar is equipped with a water supply and pressure equipment for its
fire hoses. When a fire occurs, the car can be sped to the scene along
existing rails. The truck is capable of delivering hundreds of gallons of
water, depending upon the size and model used. Best, 1

mine foreman

a. The person charged with the responsibility of the general supervision

of the underground workings of a mine and the persons employed therein. In
certain states, the mine foreman is designated as the mine manager.
See also:foreman
b. Generally used to designate that company representative in complete
24-h charge of underground workings and legally held responsible for the
safety and welfare of all underground employees. The foreman is generally
State certified for competency. BCI
c. A deputy in metal mines. Nelson
d. An official in charge of plant and associated labor on the surface,
e.g., screen foreman. Nelson

mine ground

A stratum or group of strata containing layers of ironstone.

minehead
See:pithead

mine head

In a mine ventilation system, the cumulative energy consumption is called

the mine head. A head is in reality a pressure difference, determined in
accordance with Bernoulli's principle. Hartman, 1

mine hoist

A device for raising or lowering ore, rock, or coal from a mine and for
lowering and raising workers and supplies. See also:hoist

mine hoist control

This mechanism is designed to prevent accidents in mine cages caused by

overspeeding in hoisting and lowering. It also prevents hoisting or
lowering beyond the limits for which the controller is set. On electric
hoists, it can apply a brake in case of power failure and may regulate
brake speed in the event of an emergency stop. Best, 1

mine inspector

a. Person who checks mines to determine the safety condition of working

areas, equipment, ventilation, and electricity, and to detect fire and
dust hazards. Webster 3rd
b. Generally used as denoting the State mine inspector as contrasted to
the Federal mine inspector. See also:inspector

mine iron

Pig iron made entirely from ore; distinguished from cinder pig.
Standard, 2

mine jeep

A special electrically driven car for underground transportation of

officials, inspectors, repair, maintenance, and surveying crews and rescue
workers.

mine lamp

Battery operated lamp; may be attached to a miner's cap to provide

illumination in poorly lighted mine areas. Lamps are designed to focus on
working areas when attached. A unit consists of a rechargeable battery,
bulb, reflector, wires, etc. Mine lamps may be purchased outright or
leased. Models include cap lamps, hand lamps, and trip lamps.
Best, 1

mine land reclamation

The process of transforming mine land into usable conditions; e.g., with
regard to residential, recreational, agricultural, commercial or forestry
purposes. SME, 1

mine locomotive

A low, heavy, haulage engine, designed for underground operation; usually

propelled by electricity, gasoline, or compressed air.
See also:electric mine locomotive; trolley locomotive. Fay

mine mason

Mineworker who lines the galleries and other rooms with masonry, works on
the repair of mine supports, and builds ventilation doors and dams.
Stoces

mine motorman

See:motorman

mine opening

See:opening

mine power center

A mine power center is a combined transformer and distribution unit

complete within a metal enclosure, usually of explosion-proof design, from
which one or more low-voltage power circuits are taken.

mine prop

Section of wood, generally part of a small tree trunk, used for holding up
rock in the roof of a mine. Mersereau, 2

miner

a. In anthracite and bituminous coal mining, one who performs the complete
set of duties involved in driving underground openings to extract coal,
slate, and rock, with a hand or machine drill, into which explosives are
charged and set off to break up the mass. Also called coal digger; coal
getter; coal hewer; digger; faceman. DOT
b. In nonmetal mining, such as limestone, one who drills holes in working
face of a limestone mine, and inserts and sets off charges of explosives
in holes. May be designated as development miner when working in new areas
to drive drifts, shafts, sumps, and entry areas into stopes; high-raise
miner when working in vertical areas to gain access into new development
areas; or stope miner when working in horizontal openings in limestone
strata. Syn:stope miner
c. In mining, one who performs the complete set of duties involved in
driving underground openings to extract ore or rock: drills holes in
working face of ore or rock, with a hand or machine drill; inserts
explosives in drill holes and sets them off to break up the mass; shovels
ore or rock into mine cars or onto a conveyor, and pushes mine cars to
haulageways, where they are hauled by draft animals, mine locomotive
(motor), or haulage cable to the surface, or to the shaft bottom for
hoisting; and installs timbering to support the walls and roof, or for
chutes or staging. Due to standardization of mining methods and
development of mining machinery, these jobs may be performed by several
workers. Where conditions are favorable, loading is done by machine.
DOT
d. One who mines; such as (1) a person engaged in the business or
occupation of getting ore, coal, precious substances, or other natural
substances out of the earth; (2) a machine for automatic mining (as of
coal); and (3) a worker on the construction of underground tunnels and
shafts (as for roads, railways, waterways). Webster 3rd
e. A worker in a coal mine who is paid a certain price for each ton of
coal he or she digs or blasts from the solid seam, as distinguished from
the laborer who loads the cars, etc. The miner's helpers load the coal;
they are also called laborers. Fay
f. Includes all laborers who work in a mine, whether digging coal,
timbering, or making places safe. Fay
g. Loosely used to designate all underground employees; technically, and
in many cases legally, only those who have served an apprenticeship as
helpers or those who are State licensed as miners. BCI
h. A worker who cuts coal in a breast or chamber by contract; the
highest-skilled worker of a colliery. Korson
i. One who mines; a digger for metals and other minerals; is not
necessarily a mechanic, handcraftsman, or artisan, and the term imports
neither learning nor skill. Ricketts
j. Abbrev. for continuous miner. Nelson

mineragraphy

See:ore microscopy

mineral

a. A naturally occurring inorganic element or compound having an orderly

internal structure and characteristic chemical composition, crystal form,
and physical properties. CF:metallic
b. In miner's phraseology, ore. See also:ore
c. See:mineral species; mineral series; mineral group.
d. Any natural resource extracted from the earth for human use; e.g.,
ores, salts, coal, or petroleum.
e. In flotation, valuable mineral constituents of ore as opposed to gangue
minerals.
f. Any inorganic plant or animal nutrient.
g. Any member of the mineral kingdom as opposed to the animal and plant
kingdoms.
mineral acre

The full mineral interest in 1 acre (0.4 ha) of land. Williams

mineral adipocire

See:hatchettite

mineral assessment

a. The process of appraisal of identified and undiscovered mineral

resources within some specified region, and the product of that appraisal.
Barton
b. The estimation of mineral endowment, meaning the number of deposits or
the tonnage of metal that occurs in the region, given some minimum size of
accumulation (deposit), minimum concentration (grade), and maximum depth
of occurrence. Syn:predictive metallogeny

mineral association

A group of minerals found together in a rock, esp. in a sedimentary rock.

AGI

mineral belt

An elongated region of mineralization; an area containing several mineral

deposits. AGI

mineral blossom

Drusy quartz. Fay

mineral bruto

Sp. Raw ore. Hess

mineral caoutchouc

See:elaterite; helenite.

mineral carbonatado

Sp. Carbonate ore. Hess

mineral charcoal

a. A pulverulent, lusterless substance, showing distinct vegetal

structure, and containing a high percentage of carbon with little hydrogen
and oxygen, occurring in thin layers in bituminous coal. Called mother of
coal by miners. Fay
b. Another name for fusain. BS, 4

mineral claim

A mining claim. Mathews

mineral cleavage

Mineral breakage along specific crystallographic planes in all specimens

due to fewer or weaker chemical bonds in those directions.
CF:mineral parting

mineral deed

A conveyance of an interest in the minerals in, on, or under a described

tract of land. The grantee is given operating rights on the land;
easements of access to the minerals are normally implied unless expressly
negated. Williams

mineral de fusion propia

Sp. Self-fluxing ore. Hess

mineral deposit

a. A mass of naturally occurring mineral material; e.g., metal ores or

nonmetallic minerals, usually of economic value, without regard to mode of
origin. Accumulations of coal and petroleum may or may not be included;
usage should be defined in context. Syn:orebody
b. A mineral occurrence of sufficient size and grade that it might, under
favorable circumstances, be considered to have economic potential.
See also:ore; ore deposit. USGS, 1

mineral deposit model

The systematically arranged information describing the essential

attributes (properties) of a class of mineral deposits. The model may be
empirical (descriptive), in which instance the various attributes are
recognized as essential even though their relationships are unknown; or it
may be theoretical (genetic), in which instance the attributes are
interrelated through some fundamental concept. See also:model
SME, 1

mineral dresser

A machine for trimming or dressing mineralogical specimens.

Standard, 2

mineral dressing
a. Physical and chemical concentration of raw ore into a product from
which a metal can be recovered at a profit. ASM, 1
b. Treatment of natural ores or partly processed products derived from
such ores in order to segregate or upgrade some or all of their valuable
constituents, and/or remove those not desired by an industrial user.
Mineral dressing processes are applied to industrial wastes to retrieve
useful byproducts. See also:mineral processing; ore dressing.
Pryor, 2

mineral economics

Study and application of the technical and administrative processes used

in management, control, and finance connected with the discovery,
development, exploitation, and marketing of minerals. Pryor, 3

mineral endowment

The physical aggregate of mineral occurrences in a region above some lower

cutoff. Shanz

mineral engineering

Term covers a wide field in which many resources of modern science and
engineering are used in discovery, development, exploitation, and use of
natural mineral deposits. Pryor, 3

mineral entry

The filing of a claim for public land to obtain the right to any minerals
it may contain. Craigie

mineral facies

See:metamorphic facies

mineral fat

See:ozocerite

mineral fiber

a. Fibrous mineral whose fibers are longer than 5 mu m and with an aspect
ratio (length over width) equal to or greater than 3:1 as determined by
the membrane filter method at 400X to 500X magnification (4-mm objective)
phase contrast illumination. ACGIH, 1
b. The smallest elongated crystalline unit that can be separated from a
bundle or appears to have grown individually in that shape, and that
exhibits a resemblance to organic fibers. Campbell

mineral field
Scot. A tract of country in which workable minerals are found; a mineral
leasehold.

mineral filler

A finely pulverized inert mineral or rock that is included in a

manufactured product--e.g., paper, rubber, and plastics--to impart certain
useful properties, such as hardness, smoothness, or strength. Common
mineral fillers include asbestos, kaolin, and talc. AGI

mineral fuel

Coal or petroleum. See also:fossil fuel

mineral group

Two or more mineral species having identical or closely related

structures; e.g., hematite group or zeolite group. See also:mineral

mineral interests

Mineral interests in land means all the minerals beneath the surface. Such
interests are a part of the realty, and the estate in them is subject to
the ordinary rules of law governing the title to real property.
Ricketts

mineral inventory

An accounting of the mineral reserves and resources contained in known

mineral deposits including inactive mines, operating mines, and
undeveloped sites. Shanz

mineralization

The process or processes by which a mineral or minerals are introduced

into a rock, resulting in a valuable or potentially valuable deposit. It
is a general term, incorporating various types; e.g., fissure filling,
impregnation, and replacement. AGI

mineralize

To convert to a mineral substance; to impregnate with mineral material.

The term is applied to the processes of ore formation and also to the
process of fossilization. AGI

mineralized bubble

In flotation, one of the bubbles that rise from the pulp loaded with
particles of desired mineral. Pryor, 3
mineralizer

See:ore-forming fluid; geologic mineralizer.

mineralizing agent

See:ore-forming fluid; geologic mineralizer.

mineral land

Land that is worth more for mining than for agriculture. The fact that the
land contains some gold or silver would not constitute it mineral land if
the gold and silver did not exist in sufficient quantities to pay to work.
Land not mineral in character is subject to entry and patent as a
homestead, however limited its value for agricultural purposes.
CF:stone land

Mineral Lands and Mining

The leasable minerals include oil, gas, sodium, potash, phosphate, coal,
and all minerals within acquired lands. Acquisition is by application for
a Government lease and permits to mine or explore after lease issuance.
SME, 1

mineral lease

See:mining lease

mineral occurrence

a. The presence of useful minerals or rocks in an area under examination.

Shanz
b. A concentration of a mineral (usually, but not necessarily, considered
in terms of some commodity, such as copper, barite, or gold) that is
considered to be valuable or that is of scientific or technical interest.
In rare instances (such as titanium in a rutile-bearing black sand), the
concentration of the commodity might be less than its average crustal
abundance. USGS, 1

mineralogical guide

A mineral that is present near an orebody and is related to the processes

of ore deposition. Guides help locate ore and may constitute targets for
ore search.

mineralogical phase rule

Any of several modifications of the fundamental Gibbs phase rule, taking

into account the number of degrees of freedom consumed by the fixing of
physical-chemical variables in the natural environment. The most famous
such rule, that of Goldschmidt, assumes that two variables (taken as
pressure and temperature) are fixed externally and that consequently the
number of phases (minerals) in a system (rock) will not generally exceed
the number of components. The Korzhinskii-Thompson version takes into
account the external imposition of chemical potentials of perfectly mobile
components, and thereby reduces the maximum expectable number of minerals
in a given rock to the number of inert components.
Syn:Goldschmidt's phase rule

mineralogist

Person who studies the formation, properties, use, occurrence,

composition, and classification of minerals; a geologist specialized in
mineralogy. Syn:oryctologist (obsolete)

mineralography

See:ore microscopy

mineralogy

The study of minerals: formation, occurrence, use, properties,

composition, and classification. Adj. mineralogic, mineralogical.

mineraloid

Minerallike constituent of rocks which is not definite enough in chemical

composition or in physical properties to be considered a mineral.
Hydrocarbons, volcanic glass, and palagonite are classed as mineraloids.
Hess

mineral paint

See:mineral pigment

mineral parting

Mineral breakage along specific crystallographic planes in some specimens

due to twinning, exsolution lamellae, or chemical alteration.
See also:parting

mineral pigment

A mineral material used to give color, opacity, or body to a paint,

stucco, plaster, or similar material. See also:ocher; sienna; umber.

mineral processing

The dry and wet crushing and grinding of ore or other mineral-bearing
products for the purpose of raising concentrate grade; removal of waste
and unwanted or deleterious substances from an otherwise useful product;
separation into distinct species of mixed minerals; chemical attack and
dissolution of selected values. Among the methods used are hand sorting
(including radioactivation and fluorescence); dense media separation;
screening and classification; gravity treatment with jigs, shaking tables,
Humphries spirals, Frue vanners, or sluices; magnetic separation at low or
high intensity; leach treatment, perhaps using pressure and heat; and
(universally) froth flotation. Also called beneficiation; ore dressing;
mineral dressing.

mineral province

A region in which the source, age, and regional distribution of a complex

of minerals in a sediment are related. Schieferdecker

mineral reserves

See:reserves

mineral resin

Any of a group of resinous, usually fossilized, mineral hydrocarbon

deposits; e.g., bitumen and asphalt. See also:resin

mineral right

The ownership of the minerals under a given surface, with the right to
enter thereon, mine, and remove them. It may be separated from the surface
ownership, but, if not so separated by distinct conveyance, the latter
includes it.

mineral rubber

See:uintaite

mineral salt

Mined rock salt, halite.

mineral sequence

The sequential order of mineral deposition during formation of an ore

deposit. CF:paragenesis

mineral series

Mineral species showing continuous variation in their properties with

change in composition. A series may be complete; e.g.,
tennantite-tetrahedrite, or partial; e.g., iron replacing zinc in
sphalerite. Syn:crystal solution; solid solution. See also:mineral
mineral species

a. Any mineral that can be distinguished from all other minerals by

current determinative methods. Stokes b. A naturally occurring homogeneous substance of
inorganic origin, in
chemical composition either definite or ranging between certain limits,
and possessing characteristic physical properties and usually a
crystalline structure. See also:mineral

mineral spring

A spring whose water contains enough mineral matter to give it a definite

taste, in comparison to ordinary drinking water, esp. if the taste is
unpleasant or if the water is regarded as having therapeutic value. This
type of spring is often described in terms of its principal characteristic
constituent; e.g., salt spring. AGI

minerals separation process

A flotation process based on surface-tension phenomena, accelerated by

means of addition to the pulp of small quantities of oil and air in minute
subdivision. Only about 0.1% oil is added, and the pulp is violently
agitated for 1 to 10 min. Innumerable small bubbles of air are thus
mechanically introduced, which join the oil-coated particles. These are
then removed in a spitzkasten. Exposure to the air after this treatment
then aerates any mineral that has not already taken up its oil film, after
which a second spitzkasten treatment removes this. An early name for froth
flotation. Liddell; Pryor, 3

mineral stabilizer

A fine, water-insoluble, inorganic material, used in admixture with solid

or semisolid bituminous materials. ASTM

mineral streaking

In metamorphic rocks, lineation of grains of a mineral. Syn:streaking

AGI

mineral tallow

See:hatchettine; hatchettite. Also called mountain tallow.

mineral tar

a. Tar derived from various bituminous minerals, such as coal, shale,

peat, etc. Shale tar. Syn:mountain tar
b. See:maltha; pittasphalt.

mineral turquoise
Term to distinguish true turquoise from odonotolite (bone turquoise).

mineral variety

Specimens of a mineral species with distinctive physical properties due

to: (1) specific history; e.g., Iceland spar, a coarsely crystalline
variety of calcite of optical grade, or (2) small chemical variation;
e.g., amalgam, a mercurian variety of native silver.

mineral vein

See:vein

mineral water

Water that contains an unusually high percentage of some mineral substance

that gives the water a distinctive taste and sometimes other properties.
Considered to be beneficial in the treatment of various ailments. Also
called spa water. Cooper

mineral wax

See:ozocerite

mineral wedging

A form of chemical weathering resulting in the formation of new minerals

that have greater aggregate volumes than the old ones. These expanding
minerals then act as wedges to split adjacent minerals and rocks apart.
AGI

mineral wool

A substance outwardly resembling wool, presenting a mass of fine

interlaced filaments. It is made by subjecting furnace slag or certain
rocks, while molten, to a strong blast. Being both insect proof and
fireproof, it forms a desirable packing for walls, a covering for steam
boilers, etc. Also called mineral cotton, silicate cotton, and slag wool.
Syn:glass wool

mineral zoning

See:zoning of ore deposits

mine refuse

a. Waste material in the raw coal that has been removed in a cleaning or
preparation plant.
b. Notably used to describe colliery rejects; also called tailings.
Pryor, 3
mine rescue apparatus

The rescuing of miners overcome by a mine fire, or trapped in workings by

an explosion, necessitates the use of apparatus that will enable the
rescue team to work in irrespirable or poisonous gases. The equipment used
is known as mine rescue apparatus. See also:rescue apparatus
Nelson

mine rescue car

One of a number of railway cars specially equipped with mine rescue

apparatus, safety lamps, first-aid supplies, and other materials,
maintained by the Mine Safety and Health Administration in various
sections of the United States. These cars serve as movable stations for
the training of miners in the use of mine rescue apparatus, and in first
aid to the injured; as centers for the promotion of mine safety; as
emergency stations for assisting at mine fires, explosions, or other
disasters. Similar cars are maintained by a number of mining companies.
Syn:mine-safety car

mine rescue crew

A crew consisting usually of five people who are thoroughly trained in the
use of mine rescue apparatus, and are capable of wearing it in rescue or
recovery work in a mine following an explosion, or to combat a mine fire.
Fay

mine rescue lamp

A name given to a particular type of electric safety hand lamp used in

rescue operations. It is equipped with a lens for concentrating or
diffusing the light beam as occasion may require. Fay

mine resistance

a. The resistance offered by a mine to the passage of an air current. The

mine resistance is due to the friction of the air rubbing along the sides,
top, and bottom of the air passages. To overcome this friction, the total
ventilating pressure must be applied against the airway and this pressure
must be equal to the mine resistance. Mine resistance is caused by the
dragging of the air against the mine surfaces and other obstructions. The
rougher the mine surfaces and the more the obstructions, the greater the
resistance to the flow of air. Kentucky
b. Includes any natural ventilation effect present and is calculated from
air volume and total pressure. The standard practice in the United Kingdom
is to express the resistance of a mine in square feet of equivalent
orifice. Roberts, 1

mine road
Any mine track used for general haulage. Fay

mine roadway area measurement

See:tape-triangulation method

mine rock

A more or less altered rock found in ore channels. Gangue.

minerocoenology

The study of mineral associations in the broadest sense, such as the

correlation of igneous rocks or magmatic provinces with their ore
deposits. AGI

minerogenesis

The origin and growth of minerals. Challinor

minerogenetic epoch

See:metallogenetic epoch

minerogenetic province

a. An area in which mineralization has been active at one or more periods.

If the mineralization has been chiefly metalliferous, the term
metallogenetic is applicable. Syn:metallogenetic province
b. A region characterized by relatively abundant mineralization dominantly
of one type. AGI

miners

The row of drill holes in a tunnel face, located below the breaking-down
holes. Stauffer

miner's bar

An iron bar pointed at one end, chisel-edged at the other, used in coal
mining. Standard, 2

miner's box

A wood or iron box located in or near the working place of a miner in

which tools, supplies, etc. are kept. Required by law in some States.
Fay

miner's dial
An underground surveying instrument for measuring and setting out angles
and determining magnetic north. Syn:mine dial

miner's dip needle

A portable form of dip needle used for indicating the presence of magnetic
ores. Also called dipping compass. CTD

miner's electric cap lamp

a. A lamp for mounting on a miner's cap and receiving electric energy

through a cord which connects the lamp with a small battery.
b. An electric lamp designed for fixing to a miner's helmet. Its principal
parts are: (1) the battery, either lead acid or alkaline; (2) the
headpiece, of plastic or aluminum alloy, with switch; and (3) a length of
twin-cord cable covered with tough rubber or with neoprene--a fire- and
acid-resisting substitute. The lead-acid lamps commonly use either a 4-V,
1.0-A bulb with a light output of about 47.5 lumens or else a 4-V, 0.8-A
bulb of 38 lumens output. The headpiece is equipped with an auxiliary, 4
V, 0.46-A bulb. Nelson

miner's hammer

A hammer for breaking ore. Standard, 2

miner's hand lamp

A self-contained mine lamp with a handle for convenience in carrying.

miner's hard cap

Cap made of rigid, strong materials such as vulcanized fiber, glass fiber
or plastic, which protects a worker from injury caused by falling objects,
large chips, or by striking the head against projecting materials. The cap
has a cradle to cushion the shock of blows and a sweat band to absorb
perspiration; it is water resistant and nonconductive. A front visor
shields the face and eyes from overhead glare, and makes the cap suitable
for wear in close, confined spaces where a full brim might interfere.
Best, 1

miner's helmet

A hat designed for miners to provide head protection and for holding the
cap lamp. See also:miner's hard cap

miner's horn

A horn or metal spoon used to collect ore particles in gold washing.

Standard, 2
miner's inch

a. The rate of flow of water through an aperture 1 in (2.54 cm) square

under a given pressure, generally taken to be that of water standing 6 in
(15.2 cm) above the top of the aperture. It is not a universal value but
is fixed by statute in several States. A commonly accepted rate is 90 ft
3
/h (2.5 m3 /h), or 1-1/2 ft3 /min (0.042 m
3
/min). CF:sluice head
b. A unit used in California, around 1900, for measuring water flow in
hydraulicking. It represented the outflow from a 1-in2 (6.5-cm
2
) opening in the side of a box. It varied from 2,000 to 2,600 ft
3
/per day (56.6 to 73.6 m3 /d), according to the height
of water, etc. Nelson
c. The term is not definite without specification of the head or pressure.
It has no fixed meaning and in one locality sometimes is a very different
quantity according to miner's measurement in another locality. It has been
defined as the amount of water that will pass in 24 hours through an
opening 1 in (2.54 cm) square under a head of 6 in. Ricketts

miner's inch day

Flow of 1 miner's inch for 24 hours. Mining

miner's lamp

a. In nongassy mines, acetylene lamps and various electric lamps; in gassy

mines, approved flame safety lamps, electric hand or cap lamps.
Nelson
b. Any one of a variety of lamps used by a miner to furnish light; e.g.,
oil lamps, carbide lamps, flame safety lamps, electric cap lamps, etc.
Fay

miner's lung

See:pneumoconiosis

miner's needle

A long, slender, tapering, metal rod left in a hole when tamping and
afterwards withdrawn, to provide a passage, to the blasting charge, for
the squib. Fay

miners' nystagmus

An occupational disease that occurs among coal miners, usually those of

middle age or elderly, who have worked for a period of 25 to 30 years
underground. Its physical symptoms consist of difficulty of seeing in the
dark or in poor light, excessive sensitivity to and intolerance of glare,
and a rhythmic oscillation of the eyeballs. As a result of these
oscillations, there may be apparent movement of the objects looked at and
defective visual acuity. Associated with these ocular symptoms are other
general disorders, such as headaches and dizziness, particularly after
stooping or bending, and the development of psychoneurotic symptoms is
common in the later stages of the disease. If the disease is not checked,
the nervous disorders may become so severe as to render the miner totally
disabled. Roberts, 2

miners' oil

An oil, producing little smoke, used in miners' wick-fed open lamps.

Fay

miner's pan

See:pan

miner's pick

See:pick

miners' rescue party

A team of trained mine rescue workers, from five to eight strong; they
operate after explosions, and during and after mine fires.
See also:rescue team

miner's right

a. An annual permit from the Government to occupy and work mineral land.
b. In California, the right of a miner to dig for precious metals on
public lands, occupied by another for agricultural purposes.

miners' rules

Rules and regulations proclaimed by the miners of any district relating to

the location, recording, and the work necessary to hold possession of a
mining claim. It was the miners' rules of the early days of the mining
industry that were the basis of the present laws. The local mining laws
and regulations of 1849 and later are given in vol. 14, 10th Census of the
United States, 1880, compiled by Clarence King. Fay

miner's self-rescuer

A small form of breathing apparatus for protection against carbon

monoxide, worn on a miner's belt. It consists of a canister with a
mouthpiece directly attached to it. The wearer breathes through the mouth,
the nose being closed by a clip. The canister contains a layer of fused
calcium chloride to absorb the water vapor in the air which destroys the
efficiency of the other chemical called hopcalite. The self-rescuer
affords protection for 30 min, so that miners surviving an explosion may
walk out through a mine atmosphere that contains sufficient oxygen but
also a fatal percentage of carbon monoxide.

miner's wedge

A metallic wedge or plug for splitting off masses of coal.

Standard, 2

miner's weight

The term used in a coal mining lease as the basis for the price per ton to
be paid for mining. It is not a fixed, unvarying quantity of mine-run
material, but is such a quantity of material as operators and miners may,
from time to time, agree as being necessary or sufficent to produce a ton
of prepared coal. Ricketts

mine run

a. The entire unscreened output of a mine. Also called run-of-mine.

Zern
b. The product of the mines before being sized and cleaned. Hudson
c. A product of common or average grade. Webster 3rd

mine-run coal

Ungraded coal of mixed sizes as it comes from the mine. Hess

mine-run mica

See:book mica

mine-safety car

See:mine rescue car

mine signal system

Designed esp. for use in mines, these signal lights at individual switches
immediately indicate to the motorman whether or not it is safe to proceed.
Green and amber lights work automatically with the movement of the
switches. May be used with locally controlled switches, or with those
operated by a central dispatcher. Best, 1

mine skip

Skip used to bring mined material to the surface of a mine shaft;

manufactured in various sizes and designs for both vertical and incline
shafts, including tipover models and bottom door dump models.
Best, 1
mine static head

The energy consumed in the ventilation system to overcome all flow head
losses. It includes all the decreases in total head (supplied from static
head) that occur between the entrance and discharge of the system.
Hartman, 2

mine superintendent

A mine manager or group manager. Nelson

mine surveyor

The official at a mine who periodically surveys the mine workings and
prepares plans for the manager. Formerly, the mine surveyor carried out
many of the duties now performed by the planning department.
See:surveyor; mine. Nelson

mine tin

Tin obtained from veins or lodes, as distinguished from stream tin.

mine tons

Gross tonnage of ore including waste and unpayable material.

Beerman

mine total head

The sum of all energy losses in the ventilation system. Numerically, it is

the total of the mine static and velocity heads.
See also:total ventilating pressure; ventilating pressure.
Hartman, 2

mine track device

One of a variety of track devices to provide maximum safety for haulage

trains in mines. Designed to be used in conjunction with switch signals,
these devices include electric switch throwers operated by hand
contractors on a copper plate, overhead hand controllers, remote control,
or trolley contractors. Other safety equipment includes mechanical
switches for gaseous or hot mines, derailing switches for trains out of
control, and automatic mine-door opening devices. Best, 1

mine tractor

A trackless, self-propelled vehicle used to transport equipment and

supplies and for general service work. See also:tractor

mine valuation
Properly weighing the financial considerations to place a present value on
mineral reserves. Nelson

mine velocity head

The velocity head at the discharge of the ventilation system. Throughout

the system, the velocity head changes with each change in duct area or
number and is a function only of the velocity of airflow. It is not a head
loss. The velocity head for the system must technically be counted a loss,
because the kinetic energy of the air is discharged to the atmosphere and
wasted. Therefore, it must be considered a loss to the system in
determining overall energy loss. Hartman, 2

mine ventilating fan

A motor-driven disk, propeller, or wheel for blowing (or exhausting) air

to provide ventilation of a mine. See also:ventilation
Syn:ventilating fan

mine ventilation auxiliary fan

A small fan installed underground for ventilating coal faces or hard rock
headings that are not adequately ventilated by the air current produced by
the mine-ventilation fan. An auxiliary fan is usually from 0.5 to 1.0 m in
diameter. It is driven by compressed air or electricity. The auxiliary fan
can be used to force or exhaust ventilate the workplace.

mine-ventilation fan

A machine possessing rotating air-moving blades to exhaust or push the air

volume necessary to ventilate mine workings. See also:aerofoil-vane fan;
axial-flow fan.

mine-ventilation fan characteristics

The behavior of a fan under various conditions cannot be expressed in

simple mathematics but may be shown graphically by suitable curves, known
as the fan's characteristic curves or characteristics. The curves of
interest are generally head versus air quantity, power versus air
quantity, and efficiency versus air quantity. Hartman, 2

mine ventilation system

An arrangement of connecting airways in a mine together with the pressure

sources and control devices that produce and govern airflow.
Hartman, 2

mine water
Water pumped from mines usually contains impurities, some of which are in
suspension, but the majority, which are soluble, cause the water to be
hard. The water often contains corrosive agents, such as acids or alkalis.
Cooper

mine wireman

See:wireman

mineworks

Ancient subterranean passages or mine excavations. Standard, 2

mingled ground

Mixed clay and sand or rock. Arkell

minguzzite

A monoclinic mineral, K3 Fe(C2 O4 )3 .3H (sub

2) O ; green; an oxalate.

miniature current meter

A device used to measure the passage of current past a probe on each blade
of a propeller type, or each cup of a price-type meter by detecting the
change of electrical resistance between that probe and a distant
electrode. Hunt

minimum deviation

A method for measuring the refractive index of a prism or a liquid in a

hollow prism by determining the minimum deflected angle of a light beam.

minimum firing current

As applied to electric blasting caps, the limit below which firing will
not occur. Fraenkel

minimum ignition energy

The minimum ignition energy required for the ignition of a particular

flammable mixture at a specified temperature and pressure.
Van Dolah

minimum oxygen content

The U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration and other recognized safety
and health agencies recommend 19.5% as the minimum oxygen content
allowable. Hartman, 1
minimum product firing temperature

The lowest product temperature at which an explosive or explosive unit is

approved for use. CFR, 4

mining

The science, technique, and business of mineral discovery and

exploitation. Strictly, the word connotes underground work directed to
severance and treatment of ore or associated rock. Practically, it
includes opencast work, quarrying, alluvial dredging, and combined
operations, including surface and underground attack and ore treatment.
CF:mining geology; mining engineering. Pryor, 3

mining advancing

A method of mining by which the ore or coal is mined as the excavation

advances from the shaft or main opening. CF:mining retreating
Fay

mining camp

a. A colony of miners settled temporarily near a mine or a goldfield.

Standard, 2
b. A term loosely applied to any mining town. Fay

mining captain

Person in charge of mining operations. Craigie

mining case

A frame of a shaft, or gallery, composed of four pieces of plank.

Standard, 2

mining claim

a. That portion of the public mineral lands that a miner, for mining
purposes, takes hold of and possesses in accordance with mining laws.
b. A mining claim is a parcel of land containing valuable minerals in the
soil or rock. A location is the act of appropriating such a parcel of land
according to law or to certain established rules. See also:claim;
placer claim; location.
c. In the General Mining Law of 1872, that portion of a vein or lode and
of the adjoining surface, or of the surface and subjacent material to
which a claimant has acquired the right of possession by virtue of a
compliance with such statute and the local laws and rules of the district
within which the location may be situated. Independent of acts of the U.S.
Congress providing a mode for the acquisition of title to the mineral
lands of the United States, the term has always been applied to a portion
of such lands to which the right of exclusive possession and enjoyment by
a private person or persons, has been asserted by actual occupation, and
compliance with the mining laws and regulations. Syn:holding
Ricketts
d. Distinction between mining claim and location is that they are not
always synonymous and may often mean different things; a mining claim may
refer to a parcel of land containing valuable mineral in its soil or rock,
while location is the act of appropriating such land according to certain
established rules. A mining claim may include as many adjoining locations
as the locator may make or purchase, and the ground covered by all, though
constituting what is claimed for mining purposes, will constitute a mining
claim and will be so designated. Ricketts
e. Title issued by the Government concerned to an individual or group,
which grants that individual or group the right to exploit mineral wealth
in a specified area by approved methods in accordance with the ruling laws
and regulations. Pryor, 3
f. A claim on mineral lands. AGI

mining compass

An instrument giving qualitative indications of anomalies in the magnetic

field. Schieferdecker

mining dial

See:dial

mining disaster

An accident in a mine in which a large number of people are killed.

See also:major mine disaster

mining disease

See also:anthracosis; infective jaundice; nystagmus; pneumoconiosis;

silicosis; simple silicosis.

mining district

A section of country usually designated by name, having described or

understood boundaries within which minerals are found and worked under
rules and regulations prescribed by the miners therein. There is no limit
to its territorial extent and its boundaries may be changed if vested
rights are not thereby interfered with. Ricketts

mining ditch

A ditch for conducting water used in mining. CF:mining sluice

Craigie
mining engineer

a. A person qualified by education, training, and experience in mining

engineering. Nelson
b. If qualified and of standing in the profession, a trained engineer with
knowledge of the science, economics, and arts of mineral location,
extraction, concentration and sale, and the administrative and financial
problems of practical importance in connection with the profitable conduct
of mining. Usually a specialist in one or more branches of work.
Activities may include prospecting, surveying, sampling and valuation,
technical underground management, milling, assaying, ventilation control,
layout of workings and plant, geological examination, and company
administration. Pryor, 3
c. One versed in, or one who follows, as a calling or profession, the
business of mining engineering. Graduates of technical mining schools are
given the degree of engineer of mines and authority to sign the letters
E.M. after their names.

mining engineering

The planning and design of mines, taking into account economic, technical,
and geologic factors; also supervision of the extraction, and sometimes
the preliminary refinement, of the raw material. CF:mining;
mining geology. AGI

mining explosive

One of the high explosives used for mining and quarrying. They can be
divided into four main classes: gelatins; semigelatins; nitroglycerin
powders, and non-nitroglycerin explosives, including water gels,
emulsions, and ANFO.

mining geology

a. The study of geologic structures and particularly the modes of

formation and occurrence of mineral deposits and their discovery.
Syn:ore geology
b. In coal mining, the study of: rock formations, particularly with
reference to the Carboniferous System; the mode of formation of coal
seams, their discovery and correlation. See also:geology
Nelson
c. The study of the geologic aspects of mineral deposits, with particular
regard to problems associated with mining. CF:mining;
mining engineering. AGI
é=‰Q‡ŽQM«ù {DICTIONARY TERMS:mining ground No land can be a mining claim
unless
[\B]mining ground[\N]

mining hazard
Any of the dangers peculiar to the winning and working of coal and
minerals. These include collapse of ground, explosion of released gas,
inundation by water, spontaneous combustion, inhalation of dust and
poisonous gases, etc. Nelson

mining head

The mechanism on a continuous mining machine that breaks down the coal.

mining lease

A legal contract for the right to work a mine and extract the mineral or
other valuable deposits from it under prescribed conditions of time,
price, rental, or royalties. Syn:mineral lease

mining locomotive

A small locomotive for use in underground haulage, sometimes consisting of

a car bearing a powerful electric motor, built very low and operated
through a trolley. May also be operated by electricity from batteries.
Standard, 2

mining machine

A coal-cutting machine. Standard, 2

mining machine operator

See:machine miner

mining-machine-operator helper

See:machine helper

mining machine truck

A truck used for transporting shortwall mining machines. Track-mounted

trucks are necessarily limited in use to sections employing track.
Crawler-type trucks are capable of transporting the cutting machine
without need of track and without benefit of ropes. Jones, 1

mining method

Any of the systems employed in the exploitation of coal seams and

orebodies. The method adopted depends on a large number of factors,
mainly, the quality, shape, size, and depth of the deposit; accessibility
and capital available. See also:coal mining methods; metal mining;
stoping methods. Nelson

mining ore from top down

See:top slicing and cover caving

mining property

Property, esp. land, valued for its mining possibilities. Craigie

mining purposes

The term "mining purposes" as used in connection with mill-site locations,

is very comprehensive, and may include any reasonable use for mining
purposes that the quartz lode mining claim may require for its proper
working and development. This may be very little, or it may be a great
deal. The locator of a quartz lode mining claim is required to do only
$100 worth of work each year until obtaining a patent. Ricketts

mining recorder

In a mining camp, a person selected to keep a record of all mining claims

and properties. Mathews

mining retreating

A process of mining by which the ore, or coal, is untouched until after

all the gangways, etc., are driven, when the work of extraction begins at
the boundary and progresses toward the shaft. CF:mining advancing
Fay

mining right

Upon a specific piece of ground, a right to enter upon and occupy the
ground for the purpose of working it, either by underground excavations or
open workings, to obtain from it the mineral ores which may be deposited
therein. Ricketts

mining shield

A cover or canopy developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines for the protection
of mine workers and machines at the face of a mechanized coal heading.
Hydraulic rams telescope and steer the shield forward as the face
advances. It enables continuous miners to operate with greater safety.
Nelson

mining sluice

An artificial channel or passage for water used in mining.

CF:mining ditch

mining system
Work, as it is commenced on the ground, is such that, if continued, will
lead to a discovery and development of the veins or orebodies that are
supposed to be in the claim, or, if these are known, that the work will
facilitate the extraction of the ores and minerals.

mining theodolite

A theodolite having particular features of design that make it suitable as

an underground surveying instrument; e.g., incorporating an arrangement
for the centering movement to be above the foot screws. BS, 7

mining title

A claim, exclusive prospecting license, concession, right, or lease. A

grant under laws and mining regulations to a person or group of approved
persons of the right to develop and exploit a properly delineated area for
its mineral wealth. Pryor, 3

mining-type visibility meter

An instrument to facilitate observation of the essential elements of

visual tasks in coal mines. It is a brightness meter in which the
comparison field is illuminated by a cap lamp headpiece attached outside
the instrument. No internal electrical circuit exists other than that
which connects the photocell to the microammeter and the meter can
therefore be used anywhere in a safety-lamp mine without restrictions.
Roberts, 2

mining under

The act of digging under coal or in a soft strata in coal seams.

mining width

The minimum width necessary for the extraction of ore regardless of the
actual width of ore-bearing rock. See also:stoping width

minion

The siftings of iron ore after calcination. Standard, 2

minium

A tetragonal mineral, Pb3 O4 ; red; an alteration product of

galena or cerussite. Syn:red lead

minnesotaite
A monoclinic mineral, (Fe,Mg)3 Si4 O10 (OH)2 ;
talc-pyrophyllite group; in the banded iron formations of Minnesota.
Syn:iron talc

minor element

a. Trace element or accessory element. See also:trace element

b. Less commonly, any of the elements present in the range of 0.1% to 1%,
between major elements in concentrations greater than 1% and trace
elements in concentrations less than 0.1%, or occasionally less than
0.01%.

minus sieve

In powder metallurgy, the portion of a powder sample that passes through a

standard sieve of specified number. Contrast with plus sieve.
ASM, 1

minus sight

See:foresight

minus station

Stakes or points on the far side of the zero point from which a job was
originally laid out. Nichols, 1

minute of arc

A unit of angular measure equal to the 60th part of a degree and

containing 60 s of arc. Webster 3rd

minyulite

An orthorhombic mineral, KAl2 (PO4 )2 (OH,F).4H (sub

2) O ; in phosphate rock in Western Australia and South Australia.

Miocene

An epoch of the later Tertiary period, after the Oligocene and before the
Pliocene; also, the corresponding worldwide series of rocks. It is
considered to be a period when the Tertiary is designated as an era.
AGI

mirabilite

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 SO4 .10H2 O ; one perfect

cleavage; tastes cool, then saline and bitter; in evaporite deposits,
where it is mined as Glauber salt, and as an efflorescence.
Syn:Glauber salt
mire

Mud.

mirror plane

See:plane of symmetry

mirror stone

See:muscovite

mischio marble

A violet-red breccia from Serravezza, Italy. Also known as African breccia

(breche Africaine).

mischmetal

A natural mixture of the rare-earth metals cerium, lanthanum, and

didymium; e.g., the waste matter from monazite sand after the extraction
of thoria may contain large quantities of ceria, lanthana, didymia,
yttria, and other substances. This is reduced to the metallic state by
converting the oxides to chlorides, and then recovering the metal by
electrolysis. The material obtained is an alloy containing about 50%
cerium and 45% lanthanum and didymium. Henderson

misenite

A monoclinic mineral, K2 SO4 .6KHSO4 (?) ; in silky

white fibers at Cape Miseno, Italy. (Not mizzonite.)

miser

A tubular well-boring bit, having a valve at the bottom, and a screw for
forcing the earth upward. Also spelled mizer. Standard, 2; Fay

misfire

An explosive charge in a drill hole that has partly or completely failed

to explode as planned. Causes include unskilled charging; defective
explosive, detonator, or fuse; broken electric circuit or--most
dangerous--cutting off of part or all of the charge through lateral rock
movement as other holes in the vicinity are fired. Stringent safety
precautions cover procedure in minimizing these risks and in dealing with
known or suspected misfires. A smoldering fuse may delay explosion,
causing a hangfire, so return to workings after a suspected failure is
necessary. Another main cause of accident is drilling into or dangerously
near a socket--an apparently empty drill hole. See also:missed hole;
hangfire. Pryor, 3
misfire hole

See:missed hole

mispickel

See:arsenopyrite

misplaced material

a. In mineral processing, material, particularly screen products and

tailings, that has been reported in the wrong section. Pryor, 3
b. Material wrongly included in the products of a sizing or density
separation; i.e., material that has been included in the lower size or
specific gravity product but which itself has a size or specific gravity
above that of the cut point, or vice versa. Its weight may be expressed as
a percentage of the product or of the feed. Also called tramps
(undesirable usage). BS, 5
c. In sizing and screening, undersize contained in the overflow, or
oversize contained in the underflow. BS, 5
d. In cleaning, material of specific gravity lower than the separation
density that has been included in the high density product, or material of
specific gravity higher than the separation density that has been included
in the low density product. BS, 5

missed hole

A drill hole charged with explosives, in which all or part of the

explosive has failed to detonate. Syn:misfire; misfire hole.
Fraenkel

missed round

A round in which all or part of the explosive has failed to detonate.

Fraenkel

Mississippian

A period of the Paleozoic era (after the Devonian and before the
Pennsylvanian), thought to have covered the span of time between 345 and
320 million years ago; also, the corresponding system of rocks. It is
named after the Mississippi River valley, in which there are good
exposures of rocks of this age. It is the approximate equivalent of the
Lower Carboniferous of European usage. AGI

misy

An old term for copiapite and related minerals.

Mitchell system for underhand quarrying of panel cores

See:underhand stoping

miter gear

See:bevel gear

mitridaite

A monoclinic mineral, Ca2 Fe3 (PO4 )3 O (sub

2) .3H2 O ; forms red crystals, green stains in granite pegmatites.

M.I.T. sampler

A single-tube, drive-type, soil-sampling barrel esp. adapted to sampling

deposits of plastic clay where a minimum 5-in (12.7-cm) diameter sample is
required. A loop or snare of piano wire is inserted in a groove inside the
cutting shoe with the free end of the wire extending through a slot on the
side of the sampler to the surface. When pulled, the wire cuts the sample
off at the bottom of the cutting shoe. Long

mitscherlichite

A tetragonal mineral, K2 CuCl4 .2H2 O ; greenish

blue.

mix-crystal

See:solid solution

mixed

Drill diamonds ranging from 23 to 80 per carat in size. Long

mixed blast process

A modification of the basic Bessemer process in which all the nitrogen is

removed from the blast, it being made up of a mixture of oxygen and carbon
dioxide or oxygen and superheated steam. The oxygen and superheated steam
blast is claimed to be the more efficient, the final nitrogen content of
the metal being brought to a mean level of 0.0028%. Osborne

mixed cements

A product obtained by mixing, or blending, either portland, natural, or

pozzolana cement with one another or with other inert substances.
Zern

mixed crystal

See:solid solution
mixed dust

Dust prepared for testing in a mine by mixing coal dust and inert dust in
predetermined proportions. The mixture may also contain water, and
different sizes of coal dust may be mixed to produce some desired
intermediate size. Rice, 2

mixed explosion

Occurs when both combustible gases and coal dust are present below their
lower limits, but in combination produce sufficient heat of combustion to
propagate an explosion. Sinclair, 1

mixed explosive

Explosive consisting of an intimate mechanical mixture of substances which

consume and generate oxygen but are not in themselves explosive. Inorganic
nitrates, chlorates, and perchlorates. Most important is ammonium nitrate.
Fraenkel

mixed face

In tunneling, digging in dirt and rock in the same heading at the same
time. Nichols, 1

mixed-feed kiln

Upright lime kiln in which the fuel (coal) is mixed and burned with the
limestone charge. Mersereau, 2

mixed-flow fan

A mine fan in which the flow is both radial and axial. The Schicht fan is
of this type and has the advantage that it can produce a high water gage
with a single stage. This fan, however, is not well suited to mines where
a large change in equivalent orifice may occur. CF:axial-flow fan;
radial-flow fan. Nelson

mixed-flow turbine

An inward flow, reaction-type water turbine, in which the runner vanes are
so shaped that they are acted on by the water pressure both axially and
radially. Hammond

mixed-layer mica

a. See:clay mineral
b. Layered silicates, generally of the smectite group, in which different
layered mineral species are stacked in an ordered or random fashion.
mixed-layer mineral

A mineral whose structure consists of alternating layers of clay minerals

and/or mica minerals; e.g. chlorite, made up of alternating biotite and
brucite sheets. AGI

mixed ore

Ore containing both oxidized and unoxidized minerals.

See also:oxidized ore; sulfide ore. Nelson

mixer

a. An apparatus used to thoroughly mix drilling fluid water with drilling

ingredients. May be cement, mud, or lost circulation materials. Also
called atomizer; mud mixer. Long
b. See:agitator

mixer cone

A funnel-shaped hopper attached to the body of a mud mixer into and by

means of which the dry, powdered, drill-mud and/or cement ingredients are
fed into the mud mixer. Long

mix-house person

One who mixes sintered lead or zinc ore with such materials as pulverized
coal and coke, salt, skimmings, water, and chemical solutions preparatory
to smelting. Also called mixer operator. DOT

mixing

a. In powder metallurgy, the thorough intermingling of powders of two or

more different materials (not blending). ASM, 1
b. An instrumentation technique used in seismograph recording in which a
certain portion of the energy from each amplifier channel is fed to the
adjacent channels, giving results somewhat analogous to those obtained
from the use of multiple geophones to attenuate noise. AGI

mixing pit

A pit in which drill mud is mixed and stored until the mud is cured and
needed for use as a drill circulation fluid. Long

mix-in-place

A common soil stabilization method in which the soil on the site is first
pulverized, then mixed with an admixture or stabilizing agent, compacted
and, if necessary, surfaced. All the work is carried out on the site.
CF:plant mix
mixite

a. A hexagonal mineral, BiCu6 (AsO4 )3 (OH)6

.3H2 O . CF:chlorotile
b. The mineral group agardite, goudeyite, mixite, and petersite.

mix-metal

Cerium alloy (55% to 65%) containing rare-earth metals and iron.

Bennett

mixture

A commingling in which the ingredients retain their individual properties

or separate chemical nature. See also:mechanical mixture
Standard, 2

mizzonite

One of the series of minerals forming the scapolite groups, consisting of

a mixture of the meionite and mariolite molecules. It includes those
minerals with 54% to 57% silica, and occurs in clear crystals in the
ejected masses on Mount Somma, Vesuvius, Italy. Also called dipyrite.
See also:dipyre

MM diamond

Synthetic manufactured diamond. Long

moat

a. A ditch or deep trench.

b. To surround with a ditch.

moating

A backing of clay, as for the masonry lining of a shaft.

Standard, 2

mobile belt

An elongated zone of the Earth's crust subjected to relatively great

structural deformation. CF:geosyncline

mobile conveyor

A hand-loaded, hoist-operated hauler used principally in certain central

Pennsylvania coal mines. It is essentially a chain-and-flight conveyor of
exceptional width, with high sideboards, mounted on wheels for operation
on mine track, with motive power supplied by a hoist mounted on the
chassis of the machine. The conveyor chain and flights can be moved in the
bed of the machine to assist in loading or unloading. The hoist rope can
be attached to props at the face and near the dumping point to provide
anchorage when the conveyor is moved. Jones, 1

mobile crane

A crane driven by gasoline, diesel, or electric motor, traveling on

crawler tracks, pneumatic tires or solid rubber tires, and capable of
moving in any direction under its own power. Hammond

mobile drill

A drill unit mounted on wheels or crawl-type tracks to facilitate moving.

Long

mobile equipment

Applied to all equipment that is self-propelled or that can be towed on

its own wheels, tracks, or skids.See also:transportable equipment
Nelson

mobile hoist

A platform hoist which is mounted on a pair of pneumatic-tired road

wheels, so that it can be towed from one site to another. This type of
hoist has been developed for use in house and flat construction.
See also:platform hoist

mobile loader

A self-propelling machine capable of lifting material off the bottom and

placing it in a mine car, conveyor, or other means of transportation.
Jones, 1

Mocha stone

Syn:moss agate

mock lead

A Cornish term for zinc blende; also called wild lead. See:sphalerite
Fay

mock ore

See:sphalerite

mock vermilion
A basic chromate of lead.

mode

a. The mineral composition of a rock, usually expressed in weight or

volume percentages. Adj: modal. CF:norm
b. The value or group of values that occurs with the greatest frequency in
a set of data; the most typical observation. CF:mean

model

a. A facsimile in three dimensions--a reproduction in miniature of the

surface and underground workings of a mine, showing the shafts, tunnels,
crosscuts, etc., in all their details. From its very nature, it does not
fall within any definition of the word map and it is a misapplication of
the term to call it a map, though it may far better serve the purpose in
hand. Ricketts
b. A unifying concept that explains or describes a complex phenomenon.
See also:mineral deposit model

model analysis

The comprehensive testing of scale models of various structures, including

harbors and rivers to determine the behavior of the actual structure under
consideration. See also:photoelasticity

modeler

a. Person who shapes plaster of Paris, clay, etc., to form original models
used to make molds for producing ceramic ware.
b. Person who builds models used in model analysis.

modeling clay

Fine, plastic clay, esp. prepared for artists in modeling by kneading with
glycerin, or by other methods. Fay

moderate vitrain

A field term that, in accordance with an arbitrary scale established for

use in describing banded coal, denotes a frequency of occurrence of
vitrain bands comprising from 13% to 30% of the total coal layer.
CF:sparse vitrain; abundant vitrain; dominant vitrain. AGI

modified longwall

A method used in room-and-pillar mining where the lease requires at least

80% of recovery. Basically it consists of turning the rooms on 70-ft
(21.3-m) centers then working the room up 30 ft (9.1 m) wide and butting
it off at its completion, then withdrawing the remaining 40 ft (12.2 m) of
pillar immediately. Kentucky

modified room-and-pillar working

See:bord-and-pillar method

modified-round nose

See:medium-round nose

modifier

In froth flotation, reagent used to control alkalinity and to eliminate

harmful effects of colloidal material and soluble salts.
See also:modifying agent

modifying agent

In flotation, a chemical that increases the specific attraction between

collector agents and particle surfaces, or conversely, that increases the
wettability of those surfaces. Pryor, 3

modulating

A control adjusting by increments. Strock, 2

modulus of elasticity

The ratio of stress to its corresponding strain under given conditions of

load, for materials that deform elastically, according to Hooke's law. It
is one of the elastic constants. See also:modulus of rigidity;
bulk modulus. Syn:elastic modulus; longitudinal velocity. AGI

modulus of incompressibility

The ratio between the pressure in the mass of a soil and the change of
volume caused by such pressure. CF:Poisson's ratio

modulus of rigidity

a. The rate of change of unit shear stress with respect to unit shear
strain, for the condition of pure shear within the proportional limit. For
nonisotropic materials such as wood it is necessary to distinguish between
the moduli of rigidity in different directions. Roark
b. A modulus of elasticity in shear. Symbol: mu or G. Syn:shear modulus;
rigidity modulus; coefficient of rigidity. AGI

modulus of rupture
a. Nominal stress at fracture in a bend test or a torsion test. In
bending, modulus of rupture is the bending moment at fracture divided by
the section modulus. In torsion, modulus of rupture is the torque at
fracture divided by the polar-section modulus. ASM, 1
b. The load required to break a piece of material, such as a refractory
brick, supported on two spaced and parallel flat bearing edges with the
load applied through a third bearing edge placed midspan and on top of the
piece. ARI

Moebius process

A method of electrolytic refining of silver. Silver plate of 95% to 98%

pure forms the anodes, and thin silver plate forms the cathodes. The
electrolyte consists of a weak, acidulated solution of silver nitrate.
Fay

Moe gage

A diamond-weight calculator which estimates to within a few hundredths the

weights of brilliant-cut diamonds only, by simple measurements of width
and depth of both set or unset diamonds. Hess

mofette

The exhalation of carbon dioxide in an area of late-stage volcanic

activity; also, the small opening from which the gas is emitted. Occurs in
Yellowstone National Park. Etymol: French, noxious gas. AGI

moganite

Monoclinic silica, SiO2 (silica-G), with quartz in chert from dry

lake beds; also cavity fillings in rhyolitic ignimbrites. Named for Mogan,
Canary Islands.

mogensenite

Titaniferous magnetite with exsolved ulvoespinel. CF:titanomagnetite

mohavite

A dull white hydrous borate of sodium, Na2 B4 O7 .5H

2 O . Rhombohedral. An alteration film on borax. Locally, octahedral
borax (same as tincalconite). From the Mohave Desert, CA.
See also:octahedral borax

Moho

Short name for the Mohorovicic discontinuity separating the Earth's crust
from the mantle. Mather
mohole

The never-completed program to drill through the Earth's crust under the
ocean to the Mohorovicic discontinuity in order to provide scientific
knowledge of the Earth's mantle. Hy

Mohorovicic discontinuity

The boundary surface or sharp seismic-velocity discontinuity that

separates the Earth's crust from the subjacent mantle. It marks the level
in the Earth at which P-wave velocities change abruptly from 6.7 to 7.2
km/s (in the lower crust) to 7.6 to 8.6 km/s or average 8.1 km/s (at the
top of the upper mantle); its depth ranges from about 5 km beneath the
ocean floor to about 35 km below the continents, although it may reach 60
km or more under some mountain ranges. The discontinuity probably
represents a chemical change from basaltic or simatic materials above to
peridotitic or dunitic materials below, rather than a phase change (basalt
to eclogite); however, the discontinuity should be defined by seismic
velocities alone. It is variously estimated to be between 0.2 and 3 km
thick. It is named in honor of its discoverer, Andrija Mohorovicic
(1857-1936), Croatian seismologist. Abbrev. Moho. Syn:M-discontinuity
AGI

Mohr balance

See:Westphal balance

Mohr circle

A graphical representation of the stresses acting on the various planes at

a given point. ASCE

Mohr-Coulomb criterion

The most popular of numerous rock failure criteria. It assumes that there
is a functional relationship between the normal and shear stresses acting
on a potential failure surface. SME, 1

Mohr envelope

The envelope of a series of Mohr circles representing stress conditions at

failure for a given material. According to Mohr's rupture hypotheses, a
rupture envelope is the locus of points, the coordinates of which
represent the combination of normal and shearing stresses that will cause
a given material to fail. Syn:rupture envelope; rupture line.
ASCE

Mohr's salt
A ferrous-ammonium sulfate, FeSO4 (NH4 )2 SO4
.6H2 O ; a light green crystalline salt.

Mohr's theory

Mohr's theory of failure utilizes the well-known stress circle and the
envelope of a family of circles as criteria for failure of materials
subject to biaxial or triaxial stress. Thus Mohr's theory predicts that
failure of materials is due to failure in shear, whereas Griffith's theory
postulates that it is due to failure at crack tips. Lewis

mohsite

A plumboan variety of crichtonite.

Mohs scale

Arbitrary quantitative units by means of which the scratch hardness of a

mineral is determined. The nonlinear units of hardness are expressed in
numbers ranging from 1 through 10, each of which is represented by a
mineral that can be made to scratch any other mineral having a
lower-ranking number; hence the minerals are ranked from the softest, as
follows: talc (1) ranging upward in hardness through gypsum (2), calcite
(3), fluorite (4), apatite (5), orthoclase (6), quartz (7), topaz (8),
corundum (9), to the hardest, diamond. CF:hardness; Knoop hardness.
Long

moil point

A solid bar of casehardened steel, pointed at one end, with a shank and
upset collar at the other. The moil point, hammered into rock or concrete,
produces a small hole that gradually deepens and widens until the sides of
the point are in full contact with the rock. The effect is then that of
wedging, similar to plug-and-feathering. Carson, 1

moissanite

A hexagonal mineral, alpha-SiC (Carborundum); in meteorites.

See also:Carborundum

Moissan process

A process for the reduction of chromic oxide with carbon in an electric

furnace, the hearth of which is lined with a calcium chromite prepared by
heating together lime and chromic oxide. Fay

moisture

a. Agreed percentage of water content to be allowed in mineral products

that are sold.
b. Essentially water, quantitatively determined by definite prescribed
methods which may vary according to the nature of the material.

moisture allowance

A deduction from the inital weight of washed coal to allow for the
expected loss of water by drainage. BS, 4

moisture content

The percentage moisture content equals the weight of moisture divided by

the weight of dry soil multiplied by 100. The moisture content of a coal
or mineral sample consists of two portions, namely, the free or surface
moisture which can be removed by exposure to air, and the inherent
moisture which is entrapped in the fuel, and is removed by heating at 200
degrees F (93.3 degrees C). Syn:inherent moisture; water content.
Nelson

moisture-density curve

See:compaction curve

moisture-density test

See:compaction test

moisture equivalent

The ratio of the weight of water--which soil, after saturation, will

retain against a centrifugal force 1,000 times the force of gravity--to
the weight of the soil when dry. The ratio is stated as a percentage.
AGI

moisture-holding capacity

The quantity of moisture (not removable by mechanical means) contained by

a coal in equilibrium with an atmosphere saturated with water vapor. This
is employed in some systems of classification as a criterion of rank.
BS, 4

moisture man

Person who determines the moisture content of ores or concentrates by

removing a sample from pile or conveyor, using a metal paddle, and
weighing the sample before and after drying. DOT

moisture meter
An instrument for determining the percentage of moisture in a substance
such as timber or soil, usually by measuring its electrical resistivity.
See also:atomic moisture meter

moisture sample

A sample taken for the determination of moisture content.

Newton, 1

mojavite

See:tincalconite

molasse

a. A partly marine, partly continental sedimentary facies consisting of a

thick sequence of fossiliferous conglomerates, sandstones, shales, and
marls, characterized by primary sedimentary structures and sometimes by
coal and carbonate deposits. It is more clastic and less rhythmic than the
preceding flysch facies. AGI
b. An extensive sedimentary formation representing the totality of the
molasse facies resulting from the wearing down of elevated mountain ranges
during and immediately after the main paroxysmal (diastrophic) phase of an
orogeny, and deposited considerably in front of the preceding flysch. Adj:
molassic. CF:flysch

molasses/AN explosive

An explosive mixture consisting of about 80 lb (36.5 kg) of ammonium

nitrate mixed with 10 pints (4.7 L) of molasses and 5 pints (2.37 L) of
water, for quarry and opencast blasting. The molasses and water may be
used instead of fuel oil and give a denser mixture with improved
fragmentation. Nelson

mold

A body of molding sand or other heat-resisting material containing a

cavity which when filled with molten metal yields a casting of the desired
shape. See also:die

moldavite

a. A tektite from the Moldau valley, Czech Republic.

Syn:glass meteorite
b. A variety of ozocerite from Moldavia. See also:bouteillenstein

moldboard

a. A board on which to ram a pattern. Standard, 2

b. A curved surface of a plow, dozer, or grader blade, or other dirt
mover, which gives dirt moving over it a rotary, spiral, or twisting
movement. Nichols, 2

molded cameo

A cameo produced by casting in a mold material such as ceramics, metals,

glass, plastics, or sealing wax. CF:pressed cameo

moldering

An obsolete term for decomposition of organic matter under conditions of

insufficient oxygen. AGI

molders' rule

A ruler, with measurements sufficiently elongated to compensate for the

heat expansion and contraction of a metal. Such rules are used in metal
casting to correct dimensions to normal temperatures. Bennett

molding

a. The practice of pouring molten metal into suitable molds.

Hansen
b. The pressing of powder to form a compact. ASTM

molding compound

A mixture of resins, ingredients, and fillers before processing into the

finished product. Jessop

molding frame

A template to shape a loam mold. Standard, 2

molding hole

An excavation in a foundry floor for large castings. Standard, 2

moldings

Derb. Weathered ore at the surface of an outcrop. Arkell

mold plug

A truncated-cone-shaped refractory piece which sits in the bottom of an

ingot mold. AISI

mole
a. A massive, solid-fill nearshore structure of earth, masonry, or large
stone that may serve as either a breakwater or a pier. Hy
b. An egg-shaped device pulled behind the tooth of a subsoil plow to open
drainage passages. Also called mole ball. Nichols, 1
c. Weight in grams of a compound in terms of its molecular weight.
Pryor, 3

molecular crystal

Loosely bound aggregate of stable molecules; e.g., dry ice, solid iodine,
sulfur, paraffin, and most of the other crystalline organic solids.
Newton, 1

molecular filter sampler

Using a porous membrane filter of very small openings, this sampler

achieves nearly 100% efficiency at moderate rates of flow. Membranes of
three different porosities are used to permit the sampling of dusts of
varying concentrations and particle sizes. Flow rate is controlled by the
use of calibrated orifices. Syn:membrane filter

molecular sieve

A microporous structure of either crystalline aluminosilicates, such as

zeolites, or crystalline aluminophosphates, created by dehydration so that
the empty cavities in the structure where water molecules were previously
present will accept any material that can penetrate the cavity. The
sieving action is a function of the pore size of the structure.

molecule

a. The smallest part of a substance that can exist separately and still
retain its composition and characteristic properties.
b. The smallest combination of atoms that will form a given chemical
compound.

mole mining

A method of working coal seams about 30 in (76.2 cm) thick, using a small
continuous miner type of machine, which is remotely controlled from the
roadway and without any associated supports. The machine is used to cut
and extract sections of coal about 6 ft (1.8 m) wide for a distance of 100
yd (91 m) or so from pillars alongside the roadway. Small ribs of coal, 3
to 6 ft (approx. 1 to 2 m) wide, are left between the sections extracted
by the machine. The accurate steering of the machine is a critical feature
of this system of mining. See also:coal auger

molengraafite

See:lamprophyllite
moler

A deposit of diatomite of marine origin occurring on the island of Mors,

Denmark. It has been worked since 1912 for use as a heat insulating
material, as a constituent of special cements, and for other purposes.
Dodd

molten slag

A waste product of smelting; usually a mixture of silicates. Kirk

moluranite

An amorphous mineral, H4 U(UO2 )3 (MoO4 ) (sub

7) .18H2 O .

molybdenite

A hexagonal and trigonal mineral, MoS2 ; polymorphous with

jordisite; foliated; soft; metallic lead gray; an accessory in granites
and deep veins; an ore of molybdenum.

molybdenum

A silvery-white, very hard, metallic element. Symbol, Mo. Does not occur
native, but is obtained principally from molybdenite. Wulfenite (PbMoO
4 ), and powellite (Ca(MoW)O4 ) are also minor commercial
ores. Valuable as an alloying agent with steel and nickel. Used for
electrodes in electrically heated glass furnaces, in nuclear energy
applications, and for missile and aircraft parts.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

molybdenum aluminide

Mo3 Al; melting point, 2,150 degrees C. Although its oxidation

resistance is poor compared to other aluminides and silicides, it is good
compared to molybdenum metal. It is a refractory crucible material for
melting certain metals. Lee

molybdenum anhydride

See:molybdenum trioxide

molybdenum borides

Five compounds have been reported: Mo2 B , melting point, 2,120

degrees C, and sp gr, 9.3; Mo3 B2 , dissociates at 2,250
degrees C; MoB, exists in two crystalline forms: alpha MoB, melting point,
2,350 degrees C, sp gr, 8.8; and beta MoB, melting point, 2,180 degrees C,
sp gr, 8.4; Mo2 B5 , dissociates at approx. 1,600 degrees C,
sp gr, 7.5; and MoB2 , melting point, 2,100 degrees C, sp gr, 7.8,
and thermal expansion, 7.7 x 10-6 . Dodd

molybdenum carbides

MoC, melting point 2,692 degrees C, sp gr, 8.5; Mo2 C , melting

point 2,687 degrees C, sp gr, 8.9. Dodd

molybdenum disilicide

MoSi2 ; gray; metallic; tetragonal; and melting point, 2,000

degrees C. It has good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures;
maintains fairly good strength; and has refractory applications. Molecular
weight, 152.11; sp gr, 6.31 (at 20.5 degrees C); insoluble in acids and in
aqua regia; and soluble in hydrofluoric acid plus nitric acid.
Syn:molybdenum silicide

molybdenum mineral

Most molybdenum is a byproduct of mining porphyry copper deposits.

molybdenum silicide

See:molybdenum disilicide

molybdenum trioxide

MoO3 ; white at ordinary temperatures; yellow at elevated

temperatures; molecular weight, 143.94; orthorhombic; sp gr, 4.69 (at 21
degrees C); melting point, 795 degrees C; boiling point, 1,264 degrees C
or sublimes at 1,155 degrees C, at 1 atmophere (101 kPa); sparingly
soluble in water; very soluble in excess alkali with the formation of
molybdates; and soluble in concentrated mixtures of nitric and
hydrochloric acids and in mixtures of nitric and sulfuric acids.
CCD, 2; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

molybdic ocher

See:ferrimolybdite

molybdic oxide

See:molybdenum trioxide

molybdite

See:ferrimolybdite; molybdenum trioxide.

molybdomenite
A monoclinic mineral, PbSeO3 .

molybdophyllite

A trigonal mineral, Pb2 Mg2 Si2 O7 (OH) (sub

2) .

moment distribution

A method of calculating bending moments, in redundant frames and

continuous beams, using successive approximations. Hammond

moment of force

The turning effect on a body about a point called a pivot or fulcrum. In

practice, the turning effect is commonly called leverage.
Syn:turning effect

moment of inertia

Resistance by a body to angular acceleration about a specific axis of

rotation. Pryor, 3

moment of resistance

The couple produced by the internal forces in a beam subjected to bending

under the maximum permissible stress. Hammond

momentum

Mass times velocity. Pryor, 3

momentum grade

Grade so situated that the kinetic energy of a train (due to its speed at
the foot of the grade) will enable the locomotive to haul the train to the
top without a reduction of speed below 10 or 12 mph (16.1 to 19.3 km/h).
Urquhart

Momertz-Lintz system

A unique winding arrangement where two winding engines are arranged

alongside the shaft, the shaft collar forming a common foundation. The
ropes are practically vertical and there is less rope oscillation.
Sinclair, 5

M.O. Mine safety indicator

A system showing, by means of lights, the position of all switchgear

underground, with a master control that would show up if a section of a
mine had been switched off at the substation, leaving switches going into
the mine in the on position. A recorder gives a complete operating picture
of a power-loading face. Nelson

monad

An axial rotation of 360 degrees , one-fold. See also:axis of symmetry

monadnock

A residual hill rising above a peneplain, representing an isolated remnant

of a former erosion surface. It is named after Mt. Monadnock, NH.
CF:inselberg

monazite

a. A monoclinic mineral, (Ce,La,Y,Th)PO4 ; waxy yellow to brown; an

accessory in granites; pegmatites, and placers; a source of thorium and
rare earths; further speciated according to the dominant rare-earth
element. See also:zircon group
b. The mineral group brabandite, cheralite, huttonite, monazite, and
rooseveltite.

monazite sand

See:monazite

moncheite

A trigonal mineral, (Te,Bi)2 ; melonite group; steel-gray; in

chalcopyrite on the Kola Peninsula, Russia.

monchiquite

A lamprophyre containing phenocrysts of olivine, clinopyroxene, and

typically biotite or amphibole (barkevikite), in a groundmass of glass or
analcime, often highly altered. Nepheline or leucite may be present. Its
name is derived from Serra de Monchique, Portugal. AGI

Mond process

A process for extracting and purifying nickel. The main features consist
of forming nickel carbonyl by reaction of the finely divided reduced metal
with carbon monoxide, and decomposing the nickel carbonyl, with deposition
of nickel on small nickel pellets. ASM, 1

monetite

A triclinic mineral, CaHPO4 ; yellowish-white; in phosphorites.

mongrel

Eng. Irregular gray limestone, Lower Lias, Lyme Regis. Arkell

monheimite

A variety of smithsonite containing iron carbonate. Fay

monitor

a. A high-pressure nozzle, mounted in a swivel on a skid frame, used to

direct high-pressure water (hydraulic water) on unconsolidated gravels and
sands in alluvial mining to break down, wash, and transport them.
Syn:hydraulic monitor
b. A self-dumping car, holding from 5 to 8 tons of coal. It is filled by
emptying the mine car into it at the foot of the slope or top of the
incline. See also:gunboat
c. A gas sampler for continuous sampling of the atmosphere in a mine,
usually sounding an alarm when the gas threshold is exceeded.
Hartman, 1
d. An instrument that measures ambient conditions in an area.
Lyman
e. In hydraulicking, a high-pressure nozzle mounted in a swivel on a skid
frame. Nichols, 2

monitor operator

See:incline man

monkey

a. The word monkey prefixed to a technical term means small, thus: monkey
chute, a small chute; monkey drift, a small drift, usually driven in for
prospecting purposes. Fay
b. An appliance for mechanically gripping or letting go the rope in rope
haulage. Fay
c. A block placed between the rails on an incline to prevent cars from
running back. Syn:monkey chock; bobbin. Standard, 2

monkey board

A single, unrailed, heavy plank, mounted above the drill platform in the
derrick or tripod and serving as a walkway or work platform. Long

monkey chock

Aust. See:monkey; bobbin.

monkey drift
A small drift driven in for prospecting purposes, or a cross-cut driven to
an airway above the gangway. Zern

monkey face

A term applied to a chain bracket to be inserted between adjacent shaker

conveyor troughs to permit suspension of the trough line from the roof.
Jones, 1

monkey gangway

a. Pennsylvania. An air course driven parallel with a gangway and heading

at a higher level. Used where a seam has considerable pitch or dip.
Fay
b. A small gangway parallel to a main gangway. Hudson

monkey hair

Caotchouc, or rubber, derived from a milk juice of plants and which fills
latex cells and tubes. It is resistant to decomposition and found in many
brown coals as a wooly mass. Stutzer

monkey heading

A narrow and low passage driven in the coal where miners take refuge while
coal is being blasted. Chiefly in mines where seams pitch sharply.
Korson

monkey hole

See:doghole

monkey roll

Any of the smaller rolls in an anthracite breaker.

monkey shaft

A small shaft raise extending from a lower to a higher level. Fay

monkey winch

A device for exerting a strong pull; may be used to withdraw steel arches
from disused roadways. It consists of a framework containing a
hand-operated drum, around which a steel rope 50 ft (15.24 m) in length is
wound. To hold the drum in position a ratchet device is used with both
gears. A simple reversing mechanism that disengages the ratchet is also
attached. The winch is firmly anchored when in use. See also:winch;
sylvester. Nelson
monkey wrench

An adjustable wrench named for its inventor, Thomas Monkey.

Crispin

Monnier process

The treatment of copper sulfide ores by roasting with sodium sulfate, and
subsequent lixiviation and precipitation. Fay

monobasic

Containing one hydrogen atom replaceable by a metal with the formation of

a salt. CTD

monocable

A form of aerial ropeway in which the same rope is used both to support
and haul along the overturning skips in which the debris is carried. These
rest upon the rope and obtain a sufficient frictional grip on it to be
carried up moderate gradients and over pulleys by means of an inverted
Vee-shaped saddle lined with wood, rubber, or composition. The rope is
driven by a surge wheel in a similar manner to an endless-rope haulage.
See also:aerial ropeway; fixed-clip monocable. Sinclair, 5

monochromatic

Having or consisting only of one color or frequency.

monochromatic light

Electromagnetic radiation of a single wavelength or frequency.

monoclinal

Adj. of monocline.

monocline

A local steepening in an otherwise uniform gentle dip.

CF:anticlinal bend; homocline; flexure. Adj: monoclinal. Obsolete syn:
unicline. AGI

monoclinic block

A quarryman's term for blocks with two parallel sets of sides at right
angles and one parallel set not at right angles.

monoclinic system
All point groups characterized by lattices with two crystallographic axes
at right angles and one axis inclined. See also:crystal systems

monogene

a. See:monogenetic
b. Said of an igneous rock (such as dunite) composed essentially of a
single mineral. Syn:monomineralic

monogenetic

a. Resulting from one process of formation or derived from one source, or

originating or developing at one place and time; e.g., said of a volcano
built up by a single eruption. AGI
b. Consisting of one element or type of material, or having a homogeneous
composition; e.g., said of a gravel composed of a single type of rock.
CF:polygenetic

monograin

A free-flowing high explosive widely used for charging bulled holes and
large-diameter (well drill) holes. Nelson

monolith

a. A piece of unfractured bedrock, generally more than a few meters

across; e.g., an unweathered joint block moved by a glacier. AGI
b. A large upstanding mass of rock, such as a volcanic spine. AGI
c. One of many large blocks of stone or concrete forming the component
parts of an engineering structure, such as a dam. AGI
d. A vertical soil section, taken to illustrate the soil profile.
AGI

monolithic refractory

Furnace lining made in one piece or formed by casting, ramming, or tamping

into position. Osborne

monomaceral

Coal microlithotype consisting of a single maceral; i.e., fusite or

vitrite. AGI

monomineralic

See:monogene

Monongahelan

Upper Pennsylvanian geologic time. AGI

Monongahela series

The Upper Productive Coal Measures of the Pennsylvanian, of which they

constitute the highest member. CTD

Mono pump

This pump consists essentially of a rubber stator in the form of a double

internal helix and a single helical rotor which rolls in the stator with a
slightly eccentric motion. The rotor maintains a constant seal across the
stator and this seal travels continuously through the pump, giving a
positive uniform displacement. The Mono pump is manufactured to meet
mining conditions. The rotor is made of special abrasion-resisting or
noncorroding steel. The length of the stator and rotor provides for a
twist of slightly more than 360 degrees to provide for a complete seal.
For greater heads the length of stator and rotor are increased so as to
provide two or more complete seals in series and the head is then
developed in stages. Syn:progressing cavity pump

monopyroxene

See:clinopyroxene

monorail

A relatively new underground transport system in which the carriages, or

buckets, are suspended from, and run along, a single continuous overhead
rail or taut wire rope. The monorail is used in coal mines to transport
supplies to the workings. It may be installed alongside the gate conveyor
and worked by endless or main rope. See also:overhead monorail;
overhead-rope monorail; Becorit system. Nelson

monorail crane

A traveling crane suspended from a single rail. Crispin

monoschematic

Said of a body of rock or a mineral deposit, the fabric of which is

identical throughout.

monotower crane

A tower crane that rotates through a full circle and is erected on a fixed
base. Hammond

monotron
An indentation hardness testing machine by which measurements are obtained
by the pressure required to indent a specimen with a diamond 5/8 mm in
diameter, the depth of indentation remaining constant. Henderson

monotron hardness test

A method of determining the indentation hardness of metals by measuring

the load required to force a spherical penetrator into the metal to a
specified depth. ASM, 1

monovalent

a. Having a valence of 1. Webster 3rd

b. Having one valence; e.g., calcium, which has only one valence of 2.
Webster 2nd

montana

a. Sp. Mountain.
b. Mex. Ores scattered through country rock and not found in deposits of
any appreciable size.

Montana agate

Moss agate from Montana.

Montana ruby

Red garnet, pyrope or almandine.

Montana sapphire

Electric or steel-blue sapphire from Montana.

montanite

A possibly monoclinic mineral, Be2 TeO6 .2H2 O ;

yellow to white; forms earthy encrustations.

montan wax

A solid bitumen that may be extracted by solvents from certain lignites or

brown coals. It is white to brown and melts at 77 to 93 degrees C.
AGI

montasite

A variety of amosite; an asbestiform variety of amphibole.

Mont Blanc ruby

Rose quartz from Mont Blanc, southeastern France.

montbrayite

A triclinic mineral, (Au,Sb)2 Te3 ; forms tin-white crystals

at Montbray, Quebec. Named for the locality.

montebrasite

A triclinic mineral, LiAl(PO4 )(OH1 F) ; amblygonite group;

perfect cleavage; occurs in granite pegmatites where it may be a source of
lithium.

Montgomery jig

A plunger-type jig with the plunger beneath the screen. The distinguishing
feature of this jig is the use of two sets of valves beneath the screen
plate. Used in washing bituminous coal, both closely sized and slack
sizes. Mitchell

Montian

European stage: Paleocene (above Danian, below Thanetian). AGI

monticellite

An orthorhombic mineral, MgCaSiO4 ; olivine group; in

contact-metamorphosed limestones, rarely in ultramafic rocks.
CF:glaucochroite

monticule

A small hill, knob, or mound; esp., a minor volcanic cone.

montiform

Mountainlike; having the shape of a mountain.

montmorillonite

A monoclinic mineral, (Na,Ca)0.33 (Al,Mg)2 Si4 O (sub

10) (OH)2 .nH2 O ; smectite group; expansive and cation
exchangeable; perfect basal cleavage; in bentonite clays formed by
alteration of volcanic ash or mafic igneous rocks. The chief constituent
of bentonite and fuller's earth. CF:beidellite; hectorite.
Syn:amargosite

montre
An opening in a kiln wall to permit inspection of the contents.
Standard, 2

montroseite

An orthorhombic mineral, (V,Fe)O(OH) ; black; a primary mineral in

sandstone-type uranium-vanadium ores associated with roscoelite,
pitchblende, coffinite, and secondary uranium and vanadium minerals.

montroydite

An orthorhombic mnineral, HgO ; sectile; perfect cleavage; sp gr, 11.2; a

rare secondary mineral; in the oxidized zone of some mercury deposits.

monument

a. The structure erected to mark the position of a corner. Permanence is

implied. In a legal sense, a monument is any physical evidence of a
boundary of real property. Seelye, 2
b. Survey point; e.g., a pile of stones indicating the boundary of a
mining claim. AGI

monzonite

A granular plutonic rock containing approx. equal amounts of orthoclase

and plagioclase, and thus intermediate between syenite and diorite. Quartz
is minor or absent. Either hornblende or diopside, or both, are present
and biotite is a common constituent. Accessories are apatite, zircon,
sphene, and opaque oxides. The intrusive equivalent of latite.
Syn:syenodiorite

mooihoekite

A tetragonal mineral, Cu9 Fe9 S16 ; in magmatic

sulfide deposits; a significant copper ore mineral at Noril'sk, Russia.

moonstone

a. A semitransparent to translucent variety of alkali feldspar (adularia)

or cryptoperthite that exhibits a bluish to milky-white pearly or opaline
luster; an opalescent variety of orthoclase; a gemstone if flawless.
CF:sunstone
b. A name incorrectly applied to peristerite or to opalescent varieties of
plagioclase (esp. albite).
c. A name incorrectly applied (without proper prefix) to milky or girasol
varieties of chalcedony, scapolite, corundum, and other minerals.

moonstone glass

A type of opal glass resembling the mineral moonstone. ASTM

moor

a. A more or less elevated tract of barren land, having, as a rule, a

rather broad, flat, and poorly drained surface, commonly diversified by
peat bogs and patches of heath.
b. A common term for peat unfit for use, as opposed to turf, which is dug
for fuel. Tomkeieff

moorband

See:moorband pan

moorband pan

Eng. A hard ferruginous crust that forms at the bottom of boggy places
above a stiff and impervious subsoil.

Moore and Neill sampler

A sediment coring device containing a protected glass tube through which

water flows freely during descent and which is forced by impact into the
sediment. On hauling, a simple valve mechanism closes the top of the tube
and the sample may be brought to the surface. The body of the sampler is a
brass cylinder into which fits a thinner metal tube holding the glass
sampling tube. When the glass tube is in position, it is closed by a
rubber bung that comes hard against the upper surface of the main body of
the sampler in the center of which is a hole. Hunt

Moore filter press

A movable, intermittent vacuum filter consisting of a series, or basket,

of leaves fastened together in such a way that it may be dropped in a pulp
tank and kept submerged until a cake is formed; it is then transferred by
crane to an adjoining wash-solution tank and washed; the basket is then
lifted out of the tank and the cake dropped. Liddell

Moore free corer

A sediment sampler designed to drop free from a ship to the sea floor,
obtain a core, and return to the surface, leaving its expendable weight
and casing embedded in the bottom. The free corer consists of two basic
assemblies: (1) a recoverable core barrel, check valve, buoyant chamber
assembly filled with gasoline; and (2) an expendable weight and casing
assembly. When these two assemblies are combined, the core barrel fits
loosely inside the casing. The device is dropped over the side of the ship
and allowed to fall free to the bottom. A simple release-delay timer made
of magnesium releases the core barrel and its buoyant float rises from the
weight and casing assembly. Hunt

moorland peat
See:highmoor peat

moorlog

a. Remains of a submerged forest, composed of a tangled mass of brushwood

and tree trunks and forming a layer from 3 to 8 ft (0.9 to 2.4 m) thick.
Tomkeieff
b. Hard, brown peat dredged by fishing boats from the bed of the North
Sea. Arkell

moor peat

See:highmoor peat

moose pasture

Can. Derisive term applied to mining country that is largely muskeg.

Hoffman

mor

In contrast to "mull", a type of forest soil in which the humus layer

forms a dense carpet over the soil. Synonymous with raw humus.
Tomkeieff; AGI

morainal apron

See:apron

moraine

A mound, ridge, or other distinct accumulation of unsorted, unstratified

glacial drift, predominantly till, deposited chiefly by direct action of
glacier ice, in a variety of topographic landforms that are independent of
control by the surface on which the drift lies. See also:boulder clay;
till. AGI

Moran and Proctor sampler

A simple, split-tube, drive-type soil-sampling barrel. The sampler is

equipped with a thin-walled unsplit brass liner, which can be capped and
sealed to act as a watertight shipping container for the sample.
Long

morass ore

See:bog iron; bog iron ore.

Morcol
A semigelatinous permitted explosive possessing both high power and good
water-resisting properties. It has a density about midway between Dynobel
No. 2 and Ajax. Nelson

mordant

A substance used in dyeing to fix the coloring matter, as a metallic

compound that combines with a organic dye to form an insoluble colored
compound, or lake, in the fiber of a fabric. Webster 3rd

mordenite

A white, yellowish, or pinkish member of the zeolite group of minerals

with the formula (Ca,Na2 K2 )Al2 Si10 O (sub
24) .7H2 O . Larsen

morenosite

An orthorhombic mineral, NiSO4 .7H2 O ; may contain

appreciable magnesium; apple-green; in secondary incrustations from the
oxidation of nickel-bearing sulfides. Syn:nickel vitriol

morganite

A rose-colored, alkali-bearing, gem-quality variety of beryl identical

with vorobievite. Syn:vorobievite

morgen

The South African measure of land, equal to 640.25 square rods, 92,196 ft
2
(8,565 m2 ), 1.44 claims, or 2.1165 English acres
(0.857 ha). There are 284 morgens to a square mile and 735.5 morgens/km
2
. Beerman

Morisette expansion reamer

A reaming device equipped with three tapered lugs or cutters designed so

that the drilling pressure necessary to penetrate rock with a noncoring
pilot bit forces the diamond-faced cutters of the reamer to expand
outward, thereby enlarging the pilot hole sufficiently to allow the casing
to follow the reamer as drilling progresses. The casing is rotated with a
pipe wrench while the noncoring and expansion bit is turned by the drill,
and the casing is allowed to follow down the reamed-out pilot hole about
1-1/2 to 2 in (4 to 5 cm) behind the upper end of the reamer lugs.
Long

Morkill's formula

Valuation formula used to ascertain present value (Vp) of a mining share.

Pryor, 3
morlop

A mottled variety of jasper found in New South Wales, Australia; much

sought by miners, it commonly occurs with diamonds.

morphological crystallography

The study of the external shapes of crystals. Hurlbut

morphologic unit

a. A rock stratigraphic unit identified by its topographic features; e.g.,

a Pleistocene glacial deposit.
b. A surface, either depositional or erosional, recognized by its
topographic character.

morphology

a. The observation of the form of lands. Standard, 2

b. The study of the form and structure of organisms. AGI
c. The form or shape of a crystal or mineral aggregate. Adj.
morphological.

mortar

a. The receptacle beneath the stamps in a stamp mill, in which the dies
are placed, and into which the rock is fed to be crushed. Fay
b. A vessel in which rock is crushed by hand with a pestle for sampling or
assaying. Fay

mortar bed

Lime-cemented, valley-flat deposit of clay, silt, sand, and gravel, found

in Nebraska and Kansas; a type of caliche. AGI

mortar box

The large, deep, cast-iron box into which the stamps fall and the ore is
fed in a gold or silver stamp mill; also called stamper box. Fay

mortar structure

A structure in crystalline rocks characterized by an aggregate of small

grains of quartz and feldspar occupying the interstices between, or
forming borders on the edges of, much larger, rounded grains of the same
minerals. Long considered a product of cataclasis, the structure may
actually be the result of plastic deformation and dynamic
recrystallization (Harte, 1977). Syn:porphyroclastic structure
See also:cataclastic
mortice

See:mortise

mortification

Destruction of active qualities, as in mercury amalgamation.

Standard, 2

mortise

A rectangular hole cut in one member of a framework to receive a

corresponding projection on the mating member. Syn:mortice

morts terrains

a. Fr. Barren or dead ground.

b. The water-bearing strata overlying the Coal Measures.

mosaic

a. An assembly of aerial or space photographs or images whose edges have

been feathered and matched to form a continuous photographic
representation of a part of the Earth's surface; e.g., a composite
photograph formed by joining together parts of several overlapping
vertical photographs of adjoining areas of the Earth's surface.
See also:controlled mosaic
b. A textural subtype in which individual mineral grains are approx. equal
(Harte, 1977). AGI

mosaic silver

An amalgam of mercury, tin, and bismuth, used for imitating silverwork.

Standard, 2

mosaic structure

Slight irregularity of orientation of small, angular, and granular regions

of varying sizes in a crystal.

mosaic texture

a. A granoblastic texture in a dynamically metamorphosed rock in which the

individual grains meet with straight or only slightly curved, but not
interlocking or sutured, boundaries. AGI
b. A texture in a crystalline sedimentary rock characterized by more or
less regular grain-boundary contacts; e.g., a texture in a dolomite in
which the mineral dolomite forms rhombs of uniform size so that in section
contiguous crystals appear to dovetail, or a texture in a orthoquartzite
in which secondary quartz is deposited in optical continuity on detrital
grains. AGI

moschellandsbergite

An isometric mineral, Ag2 Hg3 ; a silver-white amalgam; sp

gr, 13.5. Named for the locality in Bavaria, Germany.

mosesite

An isometric mineral, Hg2 N(Cl,SO4 ,MoO4 ,CO3

).H2 O ; yellow; secondary. See also:kleinite

moss

a. adj. A fine dendritic growth having the texture of moss; e.g., moss
gold.
b. A term used for fractures or fissures in gem stones which produce the
appearance of moss, such as in many emeralds.

moss agate

A general term for any translucent chalcedony containing inclusions of any

color arranged in dendritic patterns resembling trees, ferns, leaves,
moss, and similar vegetation; specif. an agate containing brown, black, or
green mosslike markings due to visible inclusions of oxides of manganese
and iron. See also:agate; Mocha stone; tree agate.
Syn:landscape agate; medfordite.

Mossfield loader

A scraper-box type of coal loader developed at the Mossfield colliery

(Great Britain) in 1953. It consists of a hinged front, scooplike plate
which elevates and deflects the broken coal onto an armored conveyor. On
inclined faces, the loader is hauled by a double-drum Pikrose haulage.
Nelson

moss form

A material in dendritic forms.

mossing

During low water in the Salmon River, CA, the algae and other plants
growing in the stream are gathered, dried, and burned. The ashes are
washed, and some gold is obtained. This process is called mossing.
Hess

mossite
A tantalum-bearing variety of ferrocolumbite or tapiolite named for the
locality in Norway.

moss peat

Peat derived from water-loving mosses, chiefly sphagnum.

See also:highmoor peat

mossy zinc

Granulated zinc obtained when the molten metal is poured into cold water.

mother

a. Gouge clay in a mineral vein. Arkell

b. Shale adhering to quarried limestone. Arkell
c. See:mother crystal

mother conveyor

A term frequently used in connection with conveyors used in gathering

service. The mother conveyor receives coal from other conveyors or
gathering machines, such as shuttle cars, and delivers it to some central
loading point. See also:underground mine conveyor

mother crystal

A name given to a mass of raw quartz, either faced or rough, as found in

nature. Syn:mother

mother gate

a. N. of Eng. The main roadway to a coal face up which miners travel; air,
power, and supplies pass; and down which coal from the face travels on a
conveyor belt. Trist
b. Eng. The main road of a district off which crossheadings are set away
in longwall working. See also:level; main gate. SMRB

Mother Hubbard bit

A heavy drag-type or fishtaillike bit having a long grooved shank, the

diameter of which is only slightly less than the width of the cutting
edges; it is designed for drilling boreholes in formations that mud-up
excessively. Long

mother liquor

a. The magmatic rest solution from which a mineral deposit has received
its metal content. Schieferdecker
b. In crystallization, the liquid that remains after the substances
readily and regularly crystallizing have been removed. AGI

mother lode

a. A main mineralized unit that may not be economically valuable in itself

but to which workable veins are related; e.g., the Mother Lode of
California. CF:master lode
b. An ore deposit from which a placer is derived; the mother rock of a
placer. AGI

mother of coal

See:fusain; mineral charcoal.

mother-of-emerald

See:prase

mother-of-pearl

Iridescent portion of mollusk shells, made of the mineral aragonite.

See also:nacre

mother rock

A general term for the rock in which a secondary or transported ore

deposit originated; mother lode. AGI

motion driver

In bituminous coal mining, one who operates the engine that moves an
endless cable by which cars are raised or lowered along an inclined
haulageway. Syn:motioner

motioner

See:motion driver

motion study

A technical investigation of the essential movements of a worker when

performing a specific task, and assessing the results with the objective
of reducing labor and increasing work performance. The study may also
include the layout tasks, availability of tools or materials, and the
design of new methods. See also:time study

motive column
The height of a column of air, of the same density as the air in the
downcast shaft, which exerts a pressure equal to the ventilating pressure.
It is the ventilating pressure expressed in meters of air column. Also
called head. Syn:column; ventilating column. Nelson

motive power

An agency (such as water, steam, wind, or electricity) used to impart

motion to machinery. Webster 3rd

motive zone

In mine subsidence, that portion of the mined strata which, being still in
the process of sinking, goes far to furnish the motive power producing the
phenomena. Briggs

motometer

A speed counter, as for a steam engine; also a speedometer.

Crispin

motor body

The boxlike portion at the lower end of a coal-cutting machine.

Fay

motor boss

In mining, a foreperson who directs locomotive (motor) haulage operations

underground and at the surface of a mine. Also called car dispatcher; car
distributor; dispatcher; passing boss; traffic man; train dispatcher.
Syn:turn keeper

motor brakeperson

See:locomotive brakeman

motor-change man

In anthracite and bituminous coal mining, a person who in addition to

charging and repairing batteries, removes spent storage batteries from
electric mine locomotives and replaces them with freshly charged ones.
DOT

motor driver

In bituminous coal mining, one who operates a small electric haulage

locomotive to haul mine cars underground and at the surface of a mine.
DOT
motor hammer drill

Usually has a built-in gasoline engine as prime mover, flushing being

provided by the exhaust gases or by compressed air produced in the
machine. Total weight varies between 50 lb and 120 lb (22.7 kg and 54.4
kg). Motor hammer drills are used for odd-job operations, on forest roads,
in prospecting, etc., where it is not worthwhile to lay air supply lines
on account of transport difficulties or insufficient volume of work.
Fraenkel

motorized grader

See:grader

motorman

The person who operates a haulage locomotive. Jones, 1

motor nipper

See:locomotive brakeman

mottle

The spotted, blotched, or variegated appearance of any mottled surface,

such as of wood or marble; esp., in metallurgy, the appearance of pig iron
of a quality between white and gray. Standard, 2

mottled iron

Pig iron in which the majority of the carbon is combined with iron in the
form of cementite, Fe3 C , but in which there is also a small
amount of graphite. The fractured pig has a white crystalline fracture
with clusters of dark spots, indicating the presence of graphite.
See also:gray iron

mottled limestone

Limestone with narrow branching fucoidallike, cylindrical masses of

dolomite, often with a central tube or hole; a variegated limestone. It
may be organic or inorganic in origin.

mottled silica brick

A silica brick having harmless areas of dark cream to reddish brown.

mottled slate

Slate in which blotches of red or purplish colors appear on a generally

green surface; ascribed chiefly to different forms of iron oxide.
mottled structure

Discontinuous lumps, tubes, pods, and pockets of a sediment, randomly

enclosed in a matrix of contrasting textures, and usually formed by the
filling of animal borings and burrows). AGI

mottramite

An orthorhombic mineral, PbCu(VO4 )(OH) ; descloizite group; zinc

replaces copper toward descloizite; conchoidal fracture; a supergene
mineral associated with base-metal deposits. Formerly called
cuprodescloizite, psittacinite.

mountain brown ore

Limonite or brown iron ore. A local name applied in Virginia to the

low-grade siliceous variety, which commonly occurs in hard lumps and is
found on the mountain slopes at or near the contact of the Cambrian shale
and sandstone with the Cambro-Ordovician limestone.
CF:valley brown ore

mountain building

See:orogeny

mountain chain

A complex, connected series of several more or less parallel mountain

ranges and mountain systems grouped together without regard to similarity
of form, structure, and origin, but having a general longitudinal
arrangement or well-defined trend; e.g., the Mediterranean mountain chain
of southern Europe. See also:cordillera
AGI

mountain cork

a. A white or gray variety of asbestos consisting of thick interlaced

fibers and resembling cork in texture and lightness (it floats on water).
Syn:rock cork; mountain leather.
b. A fibrous clay mineral such as sepiolite or palygorskite.

mountain flax

A fine silky asbestos.

mountainite

A monoclinic mineral, (Ca,Na2 ,K2 )2 Si4 O

10 .3H2 O ; zeolitelike; white; fibrous.
See also:rhodesite
mountain leather

a. A tough variety of asbestos occurring in thin flexible sheets made of

interlaced fibers. Syn:rock leather; mountain cork; mountain paper.
b. A fibrous clay mineral such as sepiolite or palygorskite.
Syn:leatherstone

mountain meal

See:diatomite

mountain milk

A very soft, spongy variety of calcite. Standard, 2

mountain paper

A paperlike variety of asbestos occurring in thin sheets; specif. mountain

leather or mountain cork. AGI

mountain pediment

A plain of combined erosion and transportation at the foot of a desert

mountain range, similar in form to an alluvial plain but beveling solid
rock.

mountain railway

A railway having such steep gradients that trains are hauled up them by
ropes or by a rack locomotive. See also:funicular railway
Hammond

mountain range

A single, large mass consisting of a succession of mountains or narrowly

spaced mountain ridges, with or without peaks, closely related in
position, direction, formation, and age; a component part of a mountain
system or of a mountain chain. AGI

mountain soap

An unctuous variety of halloysite containing some iron oxide and about 24%
water. See also:saponite

mountain system

A group of mountain ranges exhibiting certain unifying features, such as

similarity in form, structure, and alignment, and presumably originating
from the same general causes; esp. a series of ranges belonging to an
orogenic belt. CF:mountain chain
AGI

mountain tar

See:mineral tar

mountain wood

A variety of asbestos that is compact, fibrous, and gray to brown in

color, resembling wood. Syn:rockwood

mounting

In power shovel nomenclature, the mounting consists of a frame on which

the entire shovel is supported and on which it moves. Carson, 1

mounting pipe

See:column pipe

mourite

A monoclinic mineral, UMo5 O12 (OH)10 ; forms

spherulitic masses of radiating purple fibers in incompletely oxidized
uranium ores.

mousetrap

A cylindrical fishing tool, fitted with an inward-opening flap valve at

the bottom end, used to recover small metal fragments from the bottom of a
borehole. Long

mouth

a. The surface outlet of an underground conduit, as of a volcano.

AGI
b. The collar of a borehole. Long
c. An opening resembling or likened to a mouth, such as one affording
entrance or exit. Webster 2nd
d. The entrance to a mine. BCI
e. The top of a mine shaft or the point of entrance to a slant, drift, or
adit. Nelson
f. The end of a shaft, adit, drift, entry, tunnel, etc., emerging at the
surface. Fay
g. The opening in a metallurgical furnace through which it is charged;
also, the taphole. Fay
h. The place of discharge of a stream, as where it enters a larger stream,
a lake, or the sea. AGI
i. The entrance or opening of a geomorphic feature, such as a cave,
valley, or canyon. AGI
Z?BOSKSSúò< 'DICTIONARY TERMS:mouthing See:shaft inset
[\B]mouthing[\N]

mouth of pit

Aust. The top of a shaft. Fay

movable conveyor

Any of several types of conveyors designed to be moved in a defined path.

See also:portable conveyor; shuttle conveyor.

movable jaw

The jaw or slip of a safety or foot clamp; it can be raised or lowered

into or out of the body or frame of the clamp either to engage or to
disengage the drill rods being run into or pulled out of a borehole.
Syn:movable slip

movable ladder

See:man machine

movable sieve-type washbox

A washbox in which the screen plate supporting the bed of material under
treatment is moved up and down in water. BS, 5

movable slip

See:movable jaw

move-up

Extension; move to a forward position. Syn:turnover

moving annual total

In a study of process costs (in large or in detail) a series of

costs-per-unit observed and recorded at regular intervals (usually in
monthly financial summaries cross referenced to analyzed detail cost).
Twelve months are covered and each month the new month's figures are added
and those for the corresponding month of the previous year are removed.
Therefore, like periods are always compared and seasonal fluctuations are
smoothed out. Abbrev., MAT. Pryor, 3

moving grizzly
Grizzly in which alternate bars rise and then fall gently, any required
lateral (conveying) movement being built into the mechanism, therefore
reducing loss of headroom in conveying and screening. Other types are
traveling bar, ring-roll, and chain grizzlies. Pryor, 3

moya

S. Am. Volcanic mud, sometimes carbonaceous.

moyle

An iron with a sharp steel point, for driving into clefts when levering
off rock. Zern

M.P.F.M. jet auger

An auger equipped with cutting blades; designed so that fluid, under

pressure, passing through inclined holes just above the blades, washes
away the material loosened by the blades, thereby cleaning the inside of
the casing without disturbing the material below the bottom of the casing
that is to be sampled. Long

MRE

The Mining Research Establishment of the National Coal Board, Great

Britain. Its prime purpose is to carry out tests and investigations aimed
at increasing the efficiency of coal production while maintaining a high
level of safety. Nelson

MSA distributor

A high-air-pressure directional machine which operates in the manner of a

whitewashing machine and displaces coal dust from the roof and sides. This
machine carries 2 st (1.8 t) of stone dust, and traveling at 11 ft/min
(3.4 m/min) distributes over 26 lb/min (11.8 kg/min) of dust.
Sinclair, 1

MSA methanometer

This methane indicator is one in which the sample is made to flow

continuously over the filaments while the determination is being made. In
this case, two matched filaments form the adjacent arms of the bridge. One
of these is specially activated in order to burn the methane while the
other filament is inactive and operates at a somewhat lower temperature.
This arrangement is designed to compensate for changes in barometric
pressure, temperature, humidity, and the presence of carbon dioxide.
Facilities for adjustment are provided to compensate for zero drift and
change in battery voltage. The meter is provided with two shunts so that
two ranges are provided on the scale: 0% to 5% by 0.1% divisions and 0% to
2% by 0.02% divisions. Roberts, 1
MS connector

Nonelectric, short-interval (millisecond, ms) delay device for use in

delaying a blast; initiated by detonating cord.

mscp

Apprev. for mean spherical candlepower. Mason

M-series core barrel

See:M-design core barrel

muck

a. Unconsolidated soil, sand, clay, or loam encountered in surface mining;

generally, earth which can be moved without blasting. Pryor, 3
b. Useless material produced in mining. Syn:mullock
c. A layer of earth, sand or sediment lying immediately above the sand, or
gravel containing, or supposed to contain, gold in placer mining
districts; it may itself contain some traces of gold. Fay
d. Finely blasted rock, particularly from undergound. Nichols, 1
e. To excavate or remove muck from. Webster 2nd

muck bar

Gray, forge pig iron melted in a puddling furnace, then balled, squeezed,
and rolled. Mersereau, 1

muck boss

In bituminous coal mining, a person who is in charge of a crew of loaders

shoveling rock into cars during the driving of new underground passageways
from one part of the mine to another. DOT

mucker

In mining and quarrying, a laborer who (1) shovels ore or rock into mine
cars or onto a conveyor from which mine cars are loaded and at some point
are removed from the working face or surfaces of natural stone deposits;
or (2) works in a stope shoveling ore into chutes from which it is loaded
into cars on haulage level below. Also called car filler; rock passer;
shoveler. DOT

mucking

The operation of loading broken rock by hand or machine, usually in shafts

or tunnels. Nelson

muck iron
Crude puddled iron ready for squeezing or rolling. Fay

muckle

Soft clay overlying or underlying coal.

muckle hammer

A scaling or spalling hammer. Standard, 2

muck saw

A saw using an uncharged blade, usually steel, which runs in a bath or

stream of carborundum abrasive. Also known as a mud saw.

muck shifting

Operations concerned with stripping overburden, valuable gravels, or sands

in exploitation of opencast mineral deposits. Pryor, 3

muck soil

A soil that contains at least 50% organic matter that is well decomposed.
AGI

mucky hole

In a furnace, a taphole from which the iron is so pasty that it does not
run freely. Fay

mud

a. A sticky or slippery mixture of water and silt- or clay-sized earth

material, with a consistency ranging from semifluid to soft and plastic; a
wet, soft soil or earthy mass; mire, sludge. AGI
b. An unconsolidated sediment consisting of clay and/or silt, together
with material of other dimensions (such as sand), mixed with water.
AGI
c. A suspension made by mixing the drill circulation fluid (water) with
the fine cuttings produced by the bit when drilling a borehole.
Long

mud auger

A diamond-point bit with the wings of the point twisted in a shallow,

augerlike spiral. Also called clay bit; diamond-point bit.
See also:mud bit

mud balance
An instrument used to measure the density of drill mud. BS, 9

mud barrel

a. A double-tube core barrel with a greater-than-normal clearance between

the inner and outer tubes, for use with mud-laden circulation liquids.
Long
b. A bailing device to bring to the surface the cuttings formed by the
action of the bit at the bottom of a borehole in free-fall or churn
drilling. Long
c. A small bailer. Long

mud belt

The belt of marine deposits composed largely of detrital clay, and lying
between the coarser terrigenous sediments to the landward and the deep
oceanic organic oozes on the seaward side. At present, the inner boundary
of the inner mud belt is the edge of the continental shelf. AGI

mud bit

A pointed-edge, chisellike tool used for boring drill holes through clay
or claylike overburden materials. Also called clay bit; diamond-point bit.
See also:mud auger

mud blasting

In this method, sticks of explosive are stuck on the side of a boulder

with a covering of mud, and when detonated, very little of the energy of
the explosive is used in breaking the boulder. Higham

mud bucket

The bucket attached to a dredger. Standard, 2

mud cake

The material filling the cracks, crevices, pores, etc., of the rock or
adhering to the walls of a borehole. The cake may be derived from the
drill cuttings, circulating drill mud, or both; it is formed when the
water in the drilling mud filters into porous formations, leaving the mud
ingredients as a caked layer adhering to the walls of the borehole.
Syn:cake; mud wall cake. Long

mudcap

A charge of dynamite, or other high explosive, fired in contact with the

surface of a rock after being covered with quantity of wet mud, wet earth,
or sand, no borehole being used. The slight confinement given the dynamite
by the mud or other material permits part of the energy of the dynamite
being transmitted to the rock in the form of a blow. A mudcap may be
placed on top or to one side, or even under a rock, if supported, with
equal effect. Also called adobe; dobie; sandblast.

mudcap method

See:secondary blasting

mudcapping

Method for blasting rock without drilling, in which an explosive is placed

on top of the rock and covered by a cap of mud or earth.
Syn:adobe charge

mud cast

See:mud crack

mud column

The length in feet (meters), as measured from the bottom of a borehole of

a drill-mud liquid standing in a borehole either while being circulated
during drilling operations or when the drill string is not in the hole.
Syn:column of mud

mud crack

a. The filling of desiccation cracks in mud, customarily in sandstone;

generally preserved as raised ridges (casts) arranged in polygonal
patterns on the underside of a sandstone bed. Pettijohn, 1
b. An irregular fracture in a crudely polygonal pattern, formed by the
shrinkage of clay, silt, or mud, generally in the course of drying.
Syn:sun crack; mud cast; shrinkage crack; desiccation crack.
AGI

mudding

Filling voids with clay in limestone from which sulfur has been extracted.
Bennett

mudding off

In petroleum production, commonly thought of as reduced productivity

caused by the penetrating, sealing, or plastering effect of a drilling
fluid. Actually there is little penetration into the capillaries of an
ordinary producing formation, and a slight amount of differential back
pressure will remove even thick filter cakes. Brantly, 1

mudflow
A general term for a mass-movement landform and a process characterized by
a flowing mass of predominantly fine-grained earth material possessing a
high degree of fluidity during movement. The water content of mudflows may
range up to 60%. With increasing fluidity, mudflows grade into loaded and
clear streams; with a decrease in fluidity, they grade into earthflows.
Syn:lahar

mud gun

An apparatus for pushing a clay stopper into the taphole of a blast

furnace. A steam cylinder operates a plunger inside a steel tube into
which clay is fed from a hopper tube as the plunger is worked back and
forth, and is thus forced into the taphole at the end of a cast.
See also:clay gun

mud hog

a. A pump used to circulate mud-laden drill fluid during borehole drilling

operations. See also:mud pump; sludge pump. Long
b. Pressure tunnel worker.
c. A machine for the disintegrat

mud-laden

Said of a liquid (usually water) mixed with finely ground earthy or clayey
materials. Long

mud-laden fluid

The water or oil in which mudlike solids are suspended; used to support
the open bore and cool and clear the cuttings from a drill bit. The fluid
is circulated while rotary- and/or diamond-drilling a borehole.
See also:drilling mud

mudline

Line of demarcation between fairly clear supernatant water and settling

solids in a thickener or other sedimentation vessel. Pryor, 3

mud log

A continuous analysis of the drilling mud and well cuttings during rotary
drilling for entrained oil or gas. Visual observation, ultraviolet
fluoroscopy, partition gas chromatograph, and hydrogen-flame ionization
analyzer may be used. A drilling-time log is kept concurrently.
AGI

mud logging
a. A method of determining the presence or absence of oil, gas, and salt
water in the various formations penetrated by a drill bit. The drilling
fluid and the cuttings are continuously tested on their return to the
surface, and the results of these tests are correlated with the depth of
origin. Brantly, 1
b. A mud log is a recording vs. depth of the parameters being monitored.
Basic parameters monitored are: bit weight, rotary speed, rotary torgue,
mud weight, gas content (trip and background) cutting analysis, pit
volume, flow rate, pump pressure (strokes), hole depth, and chlorides.
This is a common service used to obtain data from the mud system and
drilling parameters.

mud mixer

A machine, pump, hopper, or other apparatus used to mix dry ingredients

with water or other liquids to prepare a drill mud. Also called atomizer;
jet mixer; mixer. Syn:emulsifier

mud pot

a. A type of hot spring containing boiling mud, usually sulfurous and

often multicolored, as in a paint pot. Mud pots are commonly associated
with geysers and other hot springs in volcanic areas, esp. Yellowstone
National Park, WY. AGI
b. A geyser that throws up mud. Also called mud geyser.
Standard, 2; Fay

mud pump

a. The circulating pump that supplies fluid to a rotary drill. Also called
slush pump. See also:mud hog
b. See:circulating pump

mud ring

a. The section of a boiler where scale, alkalies, and sediment collect.

b. The ring or frame forming the bottom of a water leg in a steam boiler.
Webster 3rd

mud rush

The more or less sudden inflow of peat, moss, sand, gravel, silt, or any
other waterlogged material into shallow mine workings. The manager has a
duty to take steps to prevent such inrushes as laid down in the
Precautions against Inrushes Regulations, 1956. Also called mud run.
See also:inrush of water; running ground. Nelson

mud scow
A flatboat or barge for the transportation of mud, generally used in
connection with dredges.

mud snapper

An 11-in-long (28-cm-long), 3-lb (1.4-kg) clamshell-type snapper attached

to the bottom of a sounding lead by means of a hole drilled in the lead.
The jaws are cast bronze and are actuated by a spring. The jaws are held
open by engaging two trigger pins within the jaws. The mud snapper and
sounding lead may be operated in shallow water by hand lowering or by
lowering from a bathythermograph or oceanographic winch. Hunt

mud socket

A device attached to drill rods and used to remove sand from a borehole.
CF:mule shoe

mudstone

a. An indurated mud having the texture and composition of shale, but

lacking its fissility; a blocky or massive, fine-grained sedimentary rock
in which the proportions of clay and silt are approx. equal; a nonfissile
mud shale. See also:claystone; siltstone. AGI
b. A general term that includes clay, silt, claystone, siltstone, shale,
and argillite. AGI

mudstone ratio

A uranium prospector's term, esp. on the Colorado Plateau, for the ratio
of the total thickness of red mudstone to that of green mudstone within an
assumed stratigraphic interval. Its value is based upon the premise that
uranium-bearing solutions will bleach red mudstone containing ferric iron
to green mudstone containing ferrous iron in the course of depositing
uranium minerals. AGI

mudstone trap

A place where uranium mineralization has been trapped at a

mudstone-sandstone interface. Ballard

mud sump

In drilling operations, a mud pit. Long

mud up

a. The act or process of filling, choking, or clogging the waterways of a

bit with consolidated drill cuttings. Also called sludging; sludging up.
Long
b. The act or process of filling the pores or cracks in the rock
surrounding a borehole; also, to cause mud to adhere to the walls of a
borehole. Long

mud viscosity

The property of a mud-laden fluid to resist flow due to internal friction

and the combined effects of adhesion and cohesion; e.g., a Marsh funnel
(used to measure the viscosity of mud) will discharge 1 quart (0.95 L) of
water in about 36 s, whereas an equal volume of an average drilling mud is
discharged in 40 to 55 s or more from the same funneI. Long

mud volcano

An accumulation, usually conical, of mud and rock ejected by volcanic

gases; also, a similar accumulation formed by escaping petroliferous
gases. AGI

mud wall cake

a. See:mud cake
b. The formation of mud in the drilling fluid by adhering to the wall of
the hole. When the drilling mud particles comes in contact with porous,
permeable formation, solid particles immediately enter the openings. This
sealing property is dependent upon the amount and physical state of the
colloidal material in the mud.

muffle

a. A semi-cylindrical or long, arched oven (usually small and made of

fireclay), heated from outside, in which substances may be exposed at high
temperature to an oxidizing atmospheric current, and kept at the same time
from contact with the gases from the fuel. Cupellation and scorification
assays are performed in muffles; on a larger scale, copper ores were
formerly roasted in muffle furnaces. Fay
b. An enclosure in a furnace to protect the ware from the flame and
products of combustion. ASTM

muffle furnace

a. A furnace with an externally heated chamber, the walls of which

radiantly heat the contents of the chamber. McGraw-Hill, 1
b. A furnace in which heat is applied to the outside of a refractory
chamber containing the charge. The charge may be held in a muffle,
crucible retort, or other enclosure that is enveloped by the hot flame
gases, and the heat must reach the charge by flowing through the walls of
the container. CTD; Newton, 1

muffle kiln
a. An arched fireclay-lined furnace in which seggars are placed.
CTD
b. A kiln in which combustion of the fuel takes place within refractory
muffles, which, in turn, conduct heat into the ware chamber.
ACSG, 2

muffler

A muffler that concentrates on suppressing sound waves vibrating 200 to

2,000 times a second--the loudest and most objectionable ones created by
rock drills. Because the muffler bypasses the lower frequencies, it does
not interfere with the column of air that makes a pneumatic drill
function.

mugearite

Orthoclase-bearing oligoclase basalt, with major olivine, accessory

apatite, and opaque oxides. Pyroxene may or may not be present.
See also:trachyandesite

mule

a. A small car, or truck, used to push cars up a slope or inclined plane.

Fay
b. See:pusher
c. An extra worker who helps push the loaded cars out in case of an
upgrade, etc.; from Joplin, Mo. Fay

mule's foot

Kansas. An extension bit used in boring coal. Hess

mule shoe

A short length of tubing coupled to the bottom of a drill string to wash

and clean out sand or mud from a borehole, the washing action being aided
by cutting off the bottom end of the tubing at an angle of 45 degrees to
its longitudinal axis. Also called mud socket. Long

mule skinner

A mule driver. Fay

muleway

Heavily timbered passage between levels in a mine for the transfer of

unattached mules from one level to the other. Korson

muller
a. Stone, iron shoe, or heavy steel rubbing disk, used to bear down upon
rock in comminution. Pryor, 3
b. A heavy grinding wheel that is the crushing and mixing member in a dry
or wet pan. ARI
c. See:bucking iron

mulling

Mixing sand and clay particles by a rolling, grinding, rubbing, or

stirring action. ASM, 1

mullion structure

A wavelike pattern of parallel grooves and ridges, measuring as much as

several feet from crest to crest, and formed on a folded surface or along
a fault surface. CF:slickensides

mullite

An orthorhombic mineral consisting of an aluminum silicate that is

resistant to corrosion and heat; used as a refractory. Also known as
porcelainite. McGraw-Hill, 1

mullock

See:muck

multibucket excavator

A machine similar to a dredger used for excavating cuttings for roads,

railways, or canals. One large machine of this type can dig 100 yd/h (91.4
m/h) on a slope 25 ft (7.62 m) high. Hammond

Multicut chain

Trade name for a coal-cutter chain designed for use with curved jibs. It
is short pitch and of high flexibility. See also:curved jib
Nelson

multideck cage

A cage containing two or more compartments or platforms to hold the mine

cars supplies or workers. Every effort is made to keep the number of decks
as low as possible for a given output in order to cut down the decking
time and equipment at shaft top and bottom. See also:deck
Nelson

multideck screen
A screen with two or more superimposed screening surfaces mounted rigidly
within a common frame. BS, 5

multideck sinking platform

A sinking platform consisting of several decks to enable various

shaft-sinking operations to be performed simultaneously. The bottom deck,
in a three-deck platform, is usually suspended from four winch ropes which
also act as guides for the kibbles, and the middle and top decks are
supported above the bottom deck by rigid supports. The top deck is used
for the manipulation of the concrete buckets and for fixing the
shuttering. The center deck is used by the workers when placing the
concrete, while the bottom deck carries telephone, blasting, lighting, and
signaling cable drums. The lower side of the bottom deck may carry the
equipment for manipulating the cactus grab. Nelson

multideck table

Shaking table with two or more superposed decks, independently fed and
discharged but worked by one vibrating mechanism. Pryor, 3

multifuse igniter

A device employed to reduce the number of fuses to be lit by the miner

before retiring to safety. By means of a multifuse igniter, it is possible
to remotely fire stopes or headings primed with plain detonators and
safety fuse. Nelson

multihearth furnace

Roasting furnace with several hearths vertically superposed. Material is

raked downward by horizontally rotating rabbles, so as to work alternately
to the periphery and center of successive hearths, encountering roasting
heat as it gravitates downward. Pryor, 3

multijib cutter

A cutter loader with a number of horizontal jibs similar to a coal cutter.

Loose coal is diverted onto the conveyor by gummer and plow plate. The
machine is usually used in seams up to about 3 ft (0.9 m) in thickness
with a clean roof parting. The depth of cut varies up to 4 ft (1.2 m).
Coal degradation is considerable. Nelson

multilayer bit

A bit set with diamonds arranged in successive layers beneath the surface
of the crown. CF:impregnated bit; surface-set bit. Long

multilock lode
Lode that occupies a shear zone. Such a zone has no definite walls, the
ore gradually shading off into country rock. It is probable that the gold
of some rich alluvial fields came from shear zones. Nelson

multilouvre dryer

A dryer whose moving element consists of two strands of roller chain with
specially designed flights, suspended in such a way as to provide means
for keeping the bed in a constantly flowing mass. The material flows in a
shallow bed over the ascending flights and at the same time is gradually
moved across the dryer from the feed point to the discharge point. The
gases are pulled from the furnace and through the flowing bed of coal. The
entire area of the dryer is covered by suction from the exhaust fan.
See also:thermal drying

multiphase

See:polyphase

multiple-arch dam

A lightweight dam constructed of repeated arches with axes sloping at

about 45 degrees to the horizontal, the arches being carried on parallel
buttress walls. Hammond

multiple-bench quarrying

The method of quarrying a rock ledge in a series of successive benches or

steps. Fay

multiple detectors

Two or more seismic detectors whose combined output energy is fed into a
single amplifier-recorder circuit. This technique is used to cancel
undesirable near-surface waves. Syn:multiple geophones;
multiple recording groups. AGI

multiple dike

A dike made up of two or more intrusions of the same kind of igneous rock.
Billings

multiple-entry system

A system of access or development openings, generally in bituminous coal

mines, involving more than one pair of parallel entries, one for haulage
and fresh air intake and the other for return air. Multiple-entry systems
permit circulation of large volumes of air.

multiple-expansion engine
An engine driven by steam or compressed air expanding in two or more
stages. Hammond

multiple fault

A structure consisting of several parallel faults in close proximity with

no distortion. See also:step fault

multiple firing

Firing electrically with delay blasting caps in a number of holes at one

time. Mitchell

multiple fuse-igniter cartridge

Consists of a cardboard cartridge about 2 in long with a 3/4-in (1.9-cm)

outside diameter. The closed end is coated with black powder, and the ends
of eight fuses are inserted in the cartridge, in contact with the powder.
A master fuse is then inserted, which, when lit, burns to the powder and
ignites it. The powder flares brightly and lights the eight fuses.
South Australia

multiple geophones

See:multiple detectors

multiple intersections

a. The intercepts that cross a vein, orebody, or other geologic feature,

accomplished by drilling several auxiliary boreholes from a single, main,
or parent borehole with the aid of wedges and similar deflecting devices.
Long
b. Intercepting a steeply dipping vein at various depths by changing the
angle of the drill head.

multiple intrusion

Any type of igneous intrusion that has been produced by several injections
separated by periods of crystallization. Chemical composition of the
various injections is approx. the same. CF:composite intrusion
AGI

multiple lines

A single line reeved around two or more sheaves so as to increase pull at

the expense of speed. Nichols, 1

multiple openings
Any series of underground openings separated by rib pillars or connected
at frequent intervals to form a system of rooms and pillars. Obert

multiple-ply plate

Steel plate made up of thicknesses of other plates of steel or steel and

wrought iron welded together. Mersereau, 2

multiple recording groups

See:multiple detectors

multiple ribbon belt conveyor

A belt conveyor having a conveying surface of two or more spaced strands

of narrow flat belts.

multiple-row blasting

The drilling, charging, and firing of several rows of vertical holes along
a quarry or opencast face. The holes may be spaced in the square pattern
with delay detonators in the rows as well as row by row. The spacing of
the holes will vary according to their depth, diameter, and the type of
rock. See also:small-diameter blastholes

multiple-seam mining

Mining two or more seams of coal, frequently close together, that can be
mined profitably where mining one alone would not be profitable.
Coal Age, 3

multiple seismometers

See:bunched seismometers

multiple series

A method of wiring a large group of blasting charges by connecting small

groups in series and connecting these series in parallel.
Syn:parallel series

multiple shooting

The firing of an entire face at one time. The holes are connected in a
single series and all the holes shoot at the same instant.
Kentucky

multiple shot

See:battery of holes
multiple-shot blasting unit

A multiple-shot blasting unit is designed for firing simultaneous

explosive charges in mines, quarries, and tunnels. Syn:blasting unit

multiple shotholes

Two or more shotholes that are shot almost simultaneously. They are so
spaced as to minimize near-surface interferences that mask desired signals
if only one shothole is used. AGI

multiple-shot instrument

A borehole-survey instrument capable of taking and recording a series of

inclination and bearing readings on a single trip into a borehole.
CF:single-shot instrument

multiple-shot survey

A borehole survey using a multiple-shot instrument. Long

multiple sill

A sill made up of two or more intrusions composed of the same kind of

igneous rock. Billings

multiple-speed floating control system

As used in flotation, a form of floating control system in which the

manipulated variable may change at two or more rates each corresponding to
a definite range of values of the actuating signal. Fuerstenau

multiple splitting

The parting or separation of a thick seam into more than two layers of
coal. See also:simple split seam

multiple-strand chain

A roller chain made up of two or more strands assembled as a single

structure on pins extending through the entire assembly.
Jackson, 1

multiple-strand conveyor

a. Any conveyor which employs two or more spaced strands of chain, belts,
or cords as the load-supporting medium.
b. Any conveyor in which two or more strands are used as the propelling
medium connecting pans, pallets, etc.
multiple-strand rope

A wire rope designed to obviate spinning due to untwisting. It is formed

by a series of layers of strands built around a center fiber core. Each
layer of strands is given a lay opposite to that on which it is built,
each layer thus tending to impart its own twist that is cancelled by the
next layer. Therefore, this rope can be used for sinking or where a free
load is to be lifted. The stretch with a multiple strand rope is not so
great as with round strand and flattened strand ropes.
See also:multistrand rope; wire rope. Nelson

multiple twin

See:repeated twinning

multiple-vent basalt

See:shield basalt

multiple wedge

See:plug-and-feather method

multiplow

A layout consisting of six or more plows, 220 lb (100 kg) each, 20 yd

(18.3 m) apart on one rope or chain, feeding onto an armored conveyor; the
load on the conveyor is well distributed. A driving unit is arranged at
both ends of the face and operated alternately to impart a to-and-fro
movement to the plows. The minimum workable seam thickness is 20 in (50.8
cm) at gradients from 0 degrees to 20 degrees ; maximum length of face is
about 190 yd (174 m). See also:Gusto multiplow

multiplying constant

The constant, used in stadia work, by which the staff intercept is

multiplied to determine the distance between the staff and the theodolite.
The value is generally taken as 100. See also:tachymeter
Hammond

multirope friction winder

A winding system based on the principles of the Koepe winder. The drive to
the winding ropes is the frictional resistance between the ropes and the
driving sheaves. Multirope friction winders are usually tower mounted,
with either cages or skips, and provided with a counterweight. The sheaves
are from about 6 to 12 ft (1.8 to 3.7 m) in diameter with a direct coupled
or geared drive. Four ropes are favored and these operate in parallel and
share the total suspended load. The system was introduced partly because
of the difficulty of winding heavy loads from deep shafts with a single
large-diameter winding rope. Modern winding ropes have become large and
heavy, being 2-1/4 in (5.72 cm) in diameter locked coil, weighing 16.5 st
(15 t) for a 1,000-yd (915-m) shaft; therefore, the introduction of the
friction winder, with its counterweight, and using four smaller ropes side
by side in place of one. Such ropes need be only 1-1/4 in (3.2 cm) in
diameter to give equivalent breaking strain. See also:Koepe winder
Nelson

multishot firing

The firing of a number of shots simultaneously.

See also:M

multishot gyroscopic instrument

A borehole surveying instrument that can take a number of readings during

its descent and ascent in the borehole. It comprises gyroscopic and
photographic recording units; direction and inclination indicators; a
timing clock, and other accessories. A movie film enables numerous records
to be taken throughout the depth of the borehole.
See also:gelatin borehole tube

multispectral scanner

A remote sensing device that is capable of recording data in the

ultraviolet, visible, and infrared portions of the spectrum.
Syn:shuttle multispectral infrared radiometer
See also:thematic mapper

multistage fan

A fan having two or more impellers working in series. BS, 8

multistrand rope

A flexible, nonspinning rope; composed of concentric layers of strands of

relatively fine wires, alternate layers of strands being wound in opposite
directions over a hemp core. See also:multiple-strand rope
Sinclair, 5

multiwheel roller

A heavy roller with pneumatic tires used to consolidate embankments.

Hammond

mummification

The process of preservation of plant tissues under the influence of

arrested decay. Tomkeieff
mun

Corn. Any fusible metal.

mundic

A drillers' term for pyrite. See also:pyrite

Munroe effect

The concentration of explosive effect (i.e. jetting) which occurs at a

cavity at the end of an explosive charge; this effect is the basis of the
design and performance of shaped charges.

muon

Contraction of mu-meson. An elementary particle with 207 times the mass of

an electron. It may have a single positive or negative charge.
Lyman

Murakami's reagent

An etching reagent developed for use in the investigation of the structure

of iron-carbon-chromium alloys. It consists of a solution of 10 g
potassium ferricyanide, 10 g potassium hydroxide, and 100 mL water.
Osborne

murasakite

A schistose rock composed of piedmontite and quartz. See also:ollenite

AGI

murdochite

An isometric mineral, PbCu6 O8 (Cl,Br)2 ; rare;

secondary; forms minute black octahedra.

Murex process

A flotation process that is not strictly of the same class as others, but
still makes use of the principle of selective oiling of sulfide particles.
The crushed ore is fed into an agitator and mixed with 4% to 5% of its
weight of a paste made of one part of oil or thin tar with three or four
parts of magnetic oxide of iron. This oxide must be ground to an
impalpable powder. These ingredients, with enough water to make a pulp,
are agitated for 5 to 20 min. The paste preferentially adheres to the
sulfides because of the oil. The ore is then fed over magnets, and oxide
of iron, with the mineral adhering to it, is pulled out. The oil and
magnetite are then recovered. Liddell
Muschamp coal miner

A cutter loader which is essentiaily a conversion unit for Anderton

shearer machines and designed to produce a reasonable percentage of large
coal. The top and bottom of the seam are cut by rotating drums of small
diameter while shearing the back of the cut with a narrow-kerf jib and
chain. Nelson

muscovado

A term applied in Minnesota to rusty-colored outcropping rocks, such as

gabbros and quartzites, that resemble brown sugar. Etymol: Spanish, brown
sugar. AGI

muscovite

A monoclinic mineral, KAl2 (Si3 Al)O10 (OH,F)2;

mica group; pseudohexagonal; perfect basal cleavage; forms large,
transparent, strong, electrically and thermally insulating, stable sheets;
a common rock-forming mineral in silicic plutonic rocks, mica schists,
gneisses, and commercially in pegmatites; also a hydrothermal and
weathering product of feldspar and in detrital sediments. Also spelled:
moscovite. Syn:isinglass; white mica; potash mica; common mica;
Muscovy glass; mirror stone. Sericite is fine-grained muscovite, commonly
in connection with hydrothermal alteration, but sericite also includes
paragonite and illite. Illite is a common syn. for fine-grained muscovite
in clay mineralogy.

Muscovy glass

See:muscovite

mushroom jib

A standard form of coal cutter jib with a sprocket at the end remote from
the machine. The sprocket carries a vertical turret or bar and is driven
by the cutting chain. The bar makes a vertical cut at the back of the
normal horizontal cut. See also:turret jib

muskeg

A bog, usually a sphagnum bog, frequently with grassy tussocks, growing in

wet, poorly drained boreal regions, often areas of permafrost. Tamarack
and black spruce are commonly associated with muskeg areas.
Syn:maskeeg

mussel bed

A band containing or chiefly composed of mussellike shells, very valuable

in the correlation of Coal Measures strata. Mason
Musso process

A mixture of iron ore and fuel is reduced in an externally heated rotary

retort. The gases are exhausted and constitute the fuel when the process
has been started. The gases, after purification, are passed through
combustion rings surrounding the retort and are burned according to the
method of catalytic combustion. After reduction, the charge is cooled when
it is poured through a layer of fluxing material; it is then transferred
to a steelmaking furnace. Osborne

mustard gold

A spongy type of free gold found in the gossan above gold-silver-telluride

deposits. AGI

mutabilite

A soft corklike bitumen of porous or resinous consistency. Partly soluble

in organic solvents. Tomkeieff

muthmannite

A mineral, (Ag,Au)Te ; soft; heavy; gray-white; in tabular crystals with

perfect cleavage; an ore mineral.

mutu

A Malayan term denoting the degrees of fineness of gold.

mutual boundary texture

A rock texture showing smooth, regular, curved contacts between minerals.

Schieferdecker

mvb

Abbrev. for medium-volatile bituminous.

See also:medium-volatile bituminous coal

mylonite

A compact, chertlike rock without cleavage, but with a streaky or banded

structure, produced by the extreme granulation and shearing of rocks that
have been pulverized and rolled during overthrusting or intense dynamic
metamorphism. Mylonite may also be described as a microbreccia with flow
texture. See also:cataclasite; protomylonite; mylonite gneiss;
ultramylonite. AGI

mylonite gneiss
A mylonitic rock that has been partly recrystallized.
See also:augen schist; cataclasite; flaser gabbro; mylonite;
phyllonite. AGI

mylonitization

Deformation of a rock by extreme microbrecciation, due to mechanical

forces applied in a definite direction, without noteworthy chemical
reconstitution of granulated minerals. Characteristically the mylonites
thus produced have a flinty, banded, or streaked appearance, and
undestroyed augen and lenses of the parent rock in a granulated matrix.
Also spelled mylonization. AGI

mylonization

See:mylonitization

myrickite

a. A white or gray chalcedony, opal, or massive quartz unevenly colored

by, or intergrown with, pink or reddish inclusions of cinnabar, the color
of which tends to become brown. The opal variety is know as opalite.
b. Cinnabar intergrown with common white opal or translucent chalcedony.

myrmekite

An intergrowth of plagioclase feldspar (commonly oligoclase) and

vermicular quartz, generally replacing potassium feldspar; formed during
the later stages of consolidation in an igneous rock or during a
subsequent period of plutonic activity. The quartz occurs as blobs.
See:vermicular quartz

myrmekite antiperthite

Myrmekitelike intergrowth of predominant plagioclase and vermicular

orthoclase. The wormlike forms of orthoclase are, as a rule, broader than
those of quartz in the typical myrmekite. Schieferdecker

myrmekite perthite

Myrmekitelike intergrowth of microcline and vermicular plagioclase.

Schieferdecker

A Diamond Core Drill Manufacturer's Association letter name for a range of

diamond drill fittings intended to be used together with the appropriate
casing having an inside diameter of 81 mm or somewhat less.
Cumming, 2
nablock

A rounded mass, as of flint in chalk, or of ironstone in coal.

Standard, 2

nacre

The hard, iridescent internal layer of various mollusk shells, having

unusual luster and consisting chiefly of calcium carbonate in the form of
aragonite deposited as thin tablets normal to the surface of the shell and
interleaved with thin sheets of organic matrix. Syn:pearly;
mother-of-pearl. AGI

nacreous

Adj. Applied to the luster of certain minerals, usually on crystal faces

parallel to a good cleavage, the luster resembling that of pearls.
CMD

nacrite

A monoclinic mineral, Al2 Si2 O5 (OH)4 ;

kaolinite-serpentine group; differs from other kandites, such as triclinic
kaolinite and monoclinic dickite, in the stacking order of its layers
(polytypy); fine-grained, massive; commonly associated with hydrothermal
alteration.

nadir

a. The point on the celestial sphere that is directly beneath the observer
and directly opposite the zenith. AGI
b. The point on the ground vertically beneath the perspective center of an
aerial-camera lens. AGI

nadorite

An orthorhombic mineral, PbSbO2 Cl ; an uncommon secondary mineral;

in resinous to adamantine crystals in some base-metal deposits.

naetig

Industrial diamond having a grain in all directions instead of in regular

layers. CF:feinig

nagyagite

A possibly orthorhombic mineral, Pb5 Au(Te,Sb)4 S5-8;

occurs with other tellurides in lamellar, soft, heavy, lead-gray
crystals; one perfect cleavage but may form anhedral masses.
Syn:black tellurium
nahcolite

A monoclinic mineral, NaHCO3 ; forms small, white, highly soluble,

prismatic crystals; in nonmarine evaporite deposits; esp. abundant in
parts of the Green River lake beds of Colorado.

naif

adj. Said of a gemstone having a true or natural luster when uncut; e.g.,
of the natural, unpolished faces of a diamond crystal. Also spelled naife.

nail

a. See:shooting needle
b. A slender piece of metal, one end of which is pointed, the other end
having a head, either flattened or rounded. It is a common means of
fastening together several pieces of wood or other material by striking
the head with a hammer. The term penny as applied to nails refers to the
number of pounds per 1,000 nails; e.g., six-penny nail means 6 lb (2.7 kg)
per 1,000; three-penny means 3 lb (1.4 kg) per 1,000, etc. Crispin

nailhead spar

A composite variety of calcite having the form suggested by the name.

Fay

naked

See:bare; blank hole.

name of lode

The name by which a lode is designated in the notice of location, and

subsequent addition thereto is immaterial. The same vein or lode may have
different names in different mining locations. Ricketts

nanotesla

See:gamma

Nansen bottle

An oceanographic water-sampling bottle, made of a metal alloy that is

little reactive with seawater, equipped with a rotary valve at each end so
that when it is rotated at depth the valves close and lock shut,
entrapping a water sample and setting the reversing thermometers. This
bottle is named for its designer, Fridtjof Nansen. Hy

nantokite
An isometric mineral, CuCl ; granular, massive; cubic cleavage; adamantine
luster; an uncommon secondary mineral in copper deposits.

naphtha

a. An archaic term for liquid petroleum. AGI

b. Designates those hydrocarbons of the lowest boiling point (under 250
degrees C) that are liquid at standard conditions, but easily vaporize and
become flammable. They are used as cleaners and solvents. AGI

naphtha gas

Illuminating gas charged with the decomposed vapor of naphtha.

Standard, 2

naphthode

Concretion of bituminous limestone rich in carbonaceous matter.

Tomkeieff

Napierian logarithm

A natural logarithm. Webster 3rd

napoleonite

A variety of hornblende. Standard, 2

nappe

a. A sheetlike, allochthonous rock unit, which has moved on a

predominantly horizontal surface. The mechanism may be thrust faulting,
recumbent folding, or both. The term was first used for the large
allochthonous sheets of the western Alps, and it has been adopted into
English. The German equivalent, decke, is also sometimes used in English.
Etymol: French, cover sheet, tablecloth. Syn:decke
AGI
b. Belg. See:aquifer

napthoid

Liquid petroleumlike product found in cavities of igneous rocks and

assumed to be a product of thermal distillation of bituminous substances
contained in the country rocks. Tomkeieff

narrow

a. A roadway driven in the solid coal with rib sides. All roadways when
opening out a pillar method of working are narrow.
See also:working the whole
b. N. of Eng. A gallery, or roadway, driven at right angles to a drift,
and not quite so large in area. Fay

narrow gage

A railway gage narrower than the standard gage of 4 ft 8-1/2 in (1.44 m).
Hammond

narrow place

Aust. Working place that is less than 6 yd (5.5 m) wide; these are paid
for by the yard in length. Fay

narrow stall

A stall driven in solid coal, usually from 6 to 9 ft (1.8 to 2.7 m) wide;

it has rib sides in coal. See also:rib-side; solid road. Nelson

narrow work

a. The driving of narrow stalls to form coal pillars as the first stage in
the pillar-and-stall method of working. Nelson
b. A system of mining in which narrow coal roadways, called endings, are
driven along the strike of the seam, from 12 to 15 yd (11.0 to 13.7 m)
apart, to a limit line. The long narrow coal pillars between the endings
are extracted on the retreat. It has been adopted in parts of Yorkshire
and Lancashire, England. See also:endings; main endings. Nelson
c. All work for which a price per yard of length driven is paid, and
which, therefore, must be measured. Any dead work. Fay
d. Penn. Headings, chutes, crosscuts, gangways, etc., or the workings
previous to the removal of the pillars. Fay
e. A working place in coal only a few yards in width. Fay

narrow working

See:bord-and-pillar method; narrow work.

nascent

Just formed by a chemical reaction, and therefore very reactive. Nascent

gases are probably in an atomic state. CTD

Nasmyth hammer

A steam hammer, having the head attached to the piston rod, and operated
by the direct force of the steam. Fay

Na-spar

See:soda spar
National coarse thread

The screw thread of common use, formerly known as the United States
Standard thread. Crispin

National Electrical Code

A set of rules to guide electricians when installing electrical

conductors, devices, and machinery. Crispin

national grid

Gr. Brit. A system of rectangular coordinates used by the Ordnance Survey

and based upon the Transverse Mercator Projection (which is also known as
the Gauss Conformal Projection). BS, 7

national grid coordinates

Gr. Brit. Coordinates, referred to the National Grid of the Ordnance

Survey, which are specified in meters and consist of two components, an
Easting and a Northing. BS, 7

Nationalization Act

The Coal Industry Nationalization Act, 1946, which brought all coal mines
in the United Kingdom under public ownership. It was passed through
Parliament in JuIy 1946 and put into operation on January 1, 1947.
Nelson

National Physical Laboratory

British government organization that, among other things, tests and

certifies calibration of scientific glassware, weights, and measures.
Abbrev. NPL. Pryor, 3

native

a. Occurring in nature, either pure or uncombined with other substances.

Usually applied to metals, such as native mercury, native copper. Also
used to describe any mineral occurring in nature in distinction from the
corresponding substance formed artificially.
b. Adj. Applied to earth materials occurring in elemental form; e.g.,
nugget gold, metallic copper. Syn:native element

native copper

a. Metallic copper, sometimes containing a little silver and bismuth, that

occurs as a metasomatic deposit filling cracks and forming the cement of
sandstone and conglomerate. Such deposits have been found in the Keweenaw
Peninsula, Lake Superior, MI, USA; Chile; Queensland, Australia; and
Zimbabwe. Native copper is also found in the upper workings of copper
mines.
b. A mineral in the form of particles and nuggets of very pure metallic
copper associated (but not alloyed) with small amounts of silver and
arsenic minerals. It is found in small amounts in many copper ores but
occurs in commerical quantities in only one place in the world, the Upper
Peninsula in Michigan. See also:copper

native element

Element that occurs in nature uncombined, such as nugget gold, metallic

copper, etc. See also:native

native mercury

See:quicksilver

native nickel-iron

See:awaruite; josephinite.

native water

See:formation water

natrite

A monoclinic mineral, NaCO3 ; occurs in very soluble, white,

granular masses; a rare mineral in the alkalic complexes of the Kola
peninsula, Russia.

natrium

See:sodium

natrochalcite

A monoclinic mineral, NaCu2 (SO4 )2 (OH).H2 O;

bright emerald-green; forms steep pyramidal crystals; a secondary copper
mineral at Chuquicamata, Chile.

natrojarosite

A trigonal mineral, NaFe3+3 (SO4 )2 (OH)

6 ; alunite group; in earthy masses and minute scales; a common
alteration product in pyrite-bearing deposits. Formerly called utahite.

natrolite
An orthorhombic mineral, Na16 [Al16 Si24 O80].16H2 O;
zeolite group, which may contain appreciable calcium;
dimorphous with tetranatrolite; forms acicular to slender prismatic
crystals in cavities and veins, esp. in mafic and alkaline igneous rocks.
Syn:laubanite

natromontebrasite

A triclinic mineral, (Na,Li)Al(PO4 )(OH,F) ; amblygonite group; in

granitic pegmatites associated with other lithium minerals. Formerly
called fremontite.

natron

A monoclinic mineral, Na2 CO3 .10H2 O ; very soluble;

forms earthy or granular crusts and efflorescences; in nonmarine
evaporites and on lavas.

natrona

See:sodium sesquicarbonate

natron granite

Granite abormally high in soda, presumably from the presence of a

soda-rich orthoclase or of anorthoclase. It is also called soda granite.

nattle

Eng. To make a slight rattling or tapping noise. Said of a mine when

movement or settling is taking place. Webster 3rd; Fay

natural air crossing

An air crossing in which two airways are separated by rock in its natural
state. BS, 8

natural asphalt

Asphalt before crushing or refining, as mined or quarried in the case of

natural rock asphalt, or surface-excavated in the case of lake deposits.
Hammond

natural carbon

Carbon found in a shape that has not been artificially modified. Also
called natural stone. Long

natural cement
A hydraulic cement produced by pulverizing and then heating naturally
occurring rock (cement rock) containing appropriate proportions of
limestone, clay, magnesia, and iron. Ignition temperatures are usually
lower than for portland cement. Final pulverizing is necessary as with
portland cement.

natural coke

Coke made by natural processes, usually by the intrusion of an igneous

dike. See also:cinder coal; clinker; coke coal; cokeite. Hess

natural convection

See:convection

natural diamond

This abrasive is the densest form of crystallized carbon, the hardest

substance known. It occurs most commonly as well-developed crystals in
volcanic pipes or in alluvial deposits. Bort (boart or borts) sometimes
refers to all diamonds not suitable for gems, or it may refer to
off-color, flawed, or impure diamonds not fit for use for gems or most
other industrial applications, but suitable for the preparation of diamond
grain and powder for use in lapping or the manufacture of most diamond
grinding wheels. This type of bort is also called crushing bort or
fragmented bort. ACSG, 2

natural Earth current

Electric current in the Earth not due to human activity.

Schieferdecker

natural face

A name given to the X direction as pencilled on Z sections of unfaced

quartz and whose position is determined by X-ray measurements or etching.
The name is also given to the artificial prism face (parallel to 1120)
thus located, and produced by sawing the section in the YZ plane. Also
applied to the natural growth faces on faced raw quartz crystals.
Am. Mineral., 2

natural floatability

See:inherent floatability

natural frequency

The frequency of free oscillation of a system. For a

multiple-degree-of-freedom system, the natural frequencies are the
frequencies of the normal modes of vibration. Hy
natural frequency of a foundation

The frequency of free vibration of a complete soil-foundation oscillating

system. This frequency must differ distinctly from that of any machinery
carried by the foundation if resonance is to be avoided. Hammond

natural frequency vibrating conveyor

A vibrating conveyor in which the rate of free vibration of the trough on

its resilient supports is approx. the same as the rate of vibration
induced by the driving mechanism.

natural gamma radiation detector

This is a type of sensor that measures bursts of high-energy

electromagnetic waves that are emitted spontaneously by some naturally
occurring radioactive elements, such as potassium-40, thorium-232, and
uranium-238, that are commonly present in shales and clays. Mowrey

natural gamma-ray logging

A process whereby gamma rays naturally emitted by formations traversed by

a borehole are measured. A tool containing a radiation detector is lowered
into the borehole and gamma ray measurements are transmitted to the
Earth's surface. The signals are utilized to produce a record of gamma
rays detected in correlation with the depth of the detector in the
borehole. The record thus obtained in the form of a curve indicating
relative number per unit of time of natural gamma rays at different
depths, is a conventional natural gamma-ray log, sometimes simply called a
gamma-ray log. Williams

natural gas

A mixture of the low-molecular-weight paraffin series hydrocarbons

methane, ethane, propane, and butane, with small amounts of higher
hydrocarbons; also frequently containing small or large proportions of
nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide, and occasionally small
proportions of helium. Methane is almost always the major constituent.
Natural gas accompanying petroleum always contains appreciable quantities
of ethane, propane, butane, as well as some pentane and hexane vapors, and
is known as wet gas. Dry gas contains little of these higher hydrocarbons.
The exact composition of natural gas varies with locality. The heating
value of natural gas is usually over 1,000 Btu/ft3 unless
nitrogen or carbon dioxide are important components of the gas.
See also:gas; sour gas. CCD, 2

natural glass

A vitreous, amorphous, inorganic substance that has solidified from magma

too quickly to crystallize. Granitic or acid natural glass includes pumice
and obsidian; an example of a basaltic natural glass is tachylite.
AGI

natural logarithm

A logarithm with e as a base. Webster 3rd

naturally bonded molding sand

A term used by foundrymen to refer to a sand that, as mined, contains

sufficient bonding material for molding purposes. Osborne

natural ore

a. In iron mining, the term given to naturally occurring high-grade iron

ore; consists of: (1) soft ore, such as porous hematite and limonite
(goethite) with minor magnetite and manganese oxides; and (2) hard ores,
such as compact, fine-grained, steel-gray hematite, specular hematite,
magnetite, or martite. Syn:direct shipping ore
b. Iron ore that contains moisture, in contrast to "dry ore" that has been
dried but not calcined. USBM, 7
c. A term used in the U.S. Lake Superior mining district to indicate iron
ore formed by natural processes, as distinguished from iron ore products
(such as pellets) produced artificially from hard, low-grade ores of the
taconite type. Published prices for natural ores from this district
usually specify iron content as "natural," meaning that the analysis is
based on gross weight including moisture. Syn:lump ore; silicious ore;
high-silica ore; wash ore; heavy-media ore; manganiferous ore;
natural ore concentrate; lean ore; paint-rock ore;
Mesabi non-Bessemer ore.

natural ore concentrate

See:natural ore

natural paper

Brownish paperlike deposit formed from the filaments of Conferva.

Tomkeieff

natural resin

See:resin

natural sand

Sand derived from a rock, in which the grains separate along their natural
boundaries. This includes unconsolidated sand or a soft sandstone where
little pressure is required to separate the individual grains.
Osborne
natural scale

Applied to a drawing made to equal vertical and horizontal scales.

Hammond

natural slope

The maximum angle at which loose material in a bank or spoil heap will
stand without slipping. See also:angle of rest; angle of slide.
Nelson

natural splitting

In mine ventilation, a practice that allows the airflow to divide among

the branches of its own accord and without regulation, in inverse relation
to the resistance of each airway. CF:controlled splitting
Hartman, 2

natural stress relief

The failure of the skin rock of an excavation by crushing, shear, or

plastic flow. It can occur on free surface rock with explosive force.
See also:arching

natural ventilating pressure

a. In a mine, air returning from the workings to the surface via the
upcast shaft can be of a higher temperature than the air in the downcast
shaft because of heat added to the ventilation current from the strata
exposed in the mine. Thus, even in a mine with the fan stopped, the upcast
air density is less than the downcast air density. This lack of balance in
the two vertical air columns produces a pressure difference across the
shaft bottom doors known as natural ventilating pressure.
Roberts, 1
b. The ventilating pressure that produces natural ventilation.
BS, 8

natural ventilation

The ventilation produced in a mine as a result of a difference in density

of the air in the upcast and downcast shafts, brought about by natural
causes. Natural ventilation is feeble, seasonal, and inconstant.
Nelson

nauckite

A variety of resin. Tomkeieff

naumannite
An orthorhombic mineral, Ag2 Se ; pseudocubic; black; lustrous;
forms heavy, sectile granular masses; also in thin plates; epithermal; a
major source of silver in some deposits.

nautical chart

A representation on a horizontal plane, and according to a definite system

of projection, of a portion of the navigable waters of the Earth,
including the shorelines, the topography of the bottom, and aids and
dangers to navigation; it may be derived from hydrographic, topographic,
or aerial surveys, or a combination thereof. Seelye, 2

nautical measure

One nautical mile or knot equals 6,080.20 ft (1,853.248 m); 3 nmi equal 1
league; and 60 nmi equal 1 degree of longitude (at the equator).
Crispin

nautical mile

Any of various units of distance, used for sea and air navigation, based
on the length of a minute of arc of a great circle of the Earth and
differing because the Earth is not a perfect sphere: (1) a British unit
that equals 6,080 ft or 1,853.2 m; also called Admiralty mile; (2) a U.S.
unit, no longer in official use, that equals 6080.20 ft or 1,853.248 m;
and (3) an international unit that equals 6,076.1033 ft or 1,852 m; used
officially in the United States since July 1954. Webster 3rd

navajoite

A monoclinic mineral, (V,Fe)10 O24 .12H2 O ; rare;

weakly radioactive; soft; a fibrous mineral with a silky luster;
associated with corvusite, hewettite, tyuyamunite, rauvite, steigerite,
and limonite.

Navier's hypothesis

An assumption in the design calculation of beams. It states that the

stress at any point due to bending is assumed as being proportional to its
distance from the neutral axis. Hammond

NCB

The National Coal Board of the United Kingdom. Nelson

NCB boring tower

A boring tower developed by the National Coal Board of the United Kingdom
to make test drillings for coal from positions off the coast. When
drilling is in progress, the tower is resting on the seabed. The base is
divided into four airtight sections, which are filled with water when the
tower is in position for drilling. The water is pumped out to give
buoyancy when the tower is refloated for towing to a new drilling site.
The tower is designed to withstand gales of 80 mph (128 km/h) and waves of
30 ft (9.1 m) from crest to trough, and it can be used in any depth of
water up to 120 ft (36.6 m). The overall height of the tower is 189 ft
(57.6 m), and its total weight is about 570 st (517 t). It has reached
over 3,000 ft (915 m) drilling depth with core recovery. The first
borehole was put down in the Firth of Forth, Scotland. Nelson

NCB recorder

This butane combustible gases recorder has a small flame of burning butane
gas, which is controlled to give constant heat output with varying ambient
temperature and humidity, and with varying butane gas pressure. The heat
output is measured by means of a group of thermocouples in a chimney above
the flame. The presence of methane in the atmosphere, which has access to
the flame via suitable gauzes, increases the voltage generated by the
thermocouples. These changes are recorded on a rotating chart calibrated
in percentage methane. Roberts, 1

neap tide

In oceanography, a high tide occurring at the moon's first or third

quarter, when the sun's tidal influence is working against the moon's, so
that the height of the tide is below the maximum in the approximate ratio
of 3:8. CTD

nearest neighbor interpolation method

A method of assigning a sample value to a point in space. The value

assigned is equal to the value of the spatially nearest sample data point.
This method is sometimes used as a computer equivalent of the polygonal
method of interpolation.

near-gravity material

A washability term popularly defined as the percentage of material in the

raw coal within + or -0.1 of the separating specific gravity.
Nelson

near-mesh

Near-sized; grains close in cross section to a specified screening mesh,

which tend to blind apertures and slow down sizing.
Syn:near-mesh material

near-mesh material

Material approximating in size to the mesh aperture. BS, 5

neat

Cement slurries containing no aggregate, such as sand or gravel.

Syn:neat cement

neat cement

A slurry composed of any cement and water. Syn:neat cement

Brantly, 1

neat lines

The excavation lines of a tunnel within which the rock removed is paid for
at the agreed contract rate. See also:overbreak

nebulite

A type of mixed rock whose fabric is characterized by indistinct, streaky

inhomogeneities or schlieren and in which no sharp distinction can be made
between the component parts of the fabric. Adj: nebulitic. AGI

neck

a. A lava-filled conduit of an extinct volcano exposed by erosion; also

called chimney rock or plug. See also:plug
b. A pipe of igneous rock crossing bedding planes. Mason
c. The narrow entrance to a room next to the entry, or a place where the
room has been narrowed on account of poor roof. Fay
d. A narrow stretch of land, such as an isthmus or a cape.
Webster 3rd
e. A narrow body of water between two larger bodies; a strait.
Webster 3rd

needle

a. A piece of copper or brass about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) in diameter and 3 ft

or 4 ft (0.9 m to 1.2 m) long, pointed at one end, and turned into a
handle at the other, tapering from the handle to the point. It is thrust
into a charge of blasting powder in a borehole, and while in this position
the borehole is tamped solid, preferably with moist clay. The needle is
then withdrawn carefully, leaving a straight passageway through the
tamping for the miner's squib to shoot or fire the charge. Fay
b. A timber set on end to close an opening for the control of water; it
may be either vertical or inclined; a form of stop plank.
Seelye, 1
c. A small metal rod for making the touchhole in the powder used for
blasting.
d. A hitch cut in the side rock to receive the end of a timber.
e. A needle-shaped or acicular mineral crystal.
needle bearing

An antifriction bearing using very small-diameter rollers between wide

faces. Nichols, 1

needled

Pocketed, as when face bars are set with the face end of the bar pocketed
into the coal adjacent to the roof. TIME

needle instrument

Any surveying instrument controlled by a magnetic needle.

See also:compass

needle ore

a. Iron ore of very high metallic luster, found in small quantities, which
may be separated into long, slender filaments resembling needles.
AGI
b. See:aikinite

needles

Elongated crystals, tapering at each end to a fine point, as those typical

of martensite. Rolfe

needle traverse

In a survey with a dial (compass), use of a magnetic needle to read the

bearing of lines. Opposite is fast needle traverse or work, and refers to
the use of a dial as in traversing with a theodolite, where proximity of
iron might deflect the needle. Systems can be combined, using needle
readings where iron is absent. Also called swinging needle traverse; loose
needle traverse. Pryor, 3

negative crystal

a. A birefringent crystal in which the refractive index of the

extraordinary ray is less than that of the ordinary ray.
b. A cavity within a crystal bounded by the crystal faces of that crystal.
See also:inclusion; three-phase inclusion.

negative element

A large structural feature or portion of the Earth's crust, characterized

through a long period of geologic time by frequent and conspicuous
downward movement (subsidence, submergence), extensive erosion, or an
uplift that is considerably less rapid or less frequent than those of
adjacent positive elements. AGI
negative elongation

Lathlike, rodlike, or acicular crystals in which the slow polarized light

ray lies across the long direction of the crystal.
CF:positive elongation

negative moment

See:hogging moment

negative rake

a. The orientation of a cutting tool in such a manner that the angle

formed by the leading face of the tool and the surface behind the cutting
edge is greater than 90 degrees . Syn:drag rake
See also:gouge angle
b. Describes a tooth face in rotation whose cutting edge lags the surface
of the tooth face. CF:rake

negligence

In a legal sense, a failure upon the part of a mine operator to observe

for the protection of the interests of the miner that degree of care,
precaution, and vigilance that the circumstances justly demand, whereby
the miner suffers injury. Ricketts

neighborite

An orthorhombic mineral, NaMgF3 ; insoluble; forms rounded grains

or pseudo-octahedral crystals; associated with dolomite and quartz in oil
shale within the Green River Formation, UT.

nekton

A biological division made up of all the swimming animals found in the

pelagic division. Hy

Nelson Davis separator

A cylindrical dense-medium washer developed in the United States. It uses

a magnetite water suspension as medium. The bath resembles a drum in
shape, its longitudinal axis being horizontal; within the stationary outer
casing there is a rotor divided into compartments. Raw coal is fed near
the top of the separator, and separation takes place as the rotor
revolves. The machine produces clean coal and shale; the magnetite is
recovered. It can handle coal up to 10 in (254 mm) in size, the lower
limit being about 1/4 in (6.4 mm). Magnetite consumption runs at about 1/2
lb/st (0.25 kg/t) of feed. See also:Leebar separator

nelsonite
A rock composed essentially of ilmenite and apatite, with or without
rutile. The ratio of ilmenite to apatite varies widely. CF:ilmenitite

nematoblastic

Pertaining to the texture of a recrystallized rock in which the shape of

the grains is threadlike. See also:fibroblastic

neokerogen

Organic debris deposited among marine sediments and modified by bacterial

action in such a way as to form the source material of petroleum, or,
under certain conditions, to form the kerogen of oil shales.
Tomkeieff

neolite

A silky, fibrous, stellated, green, hydrous magnesium-aluminum silicate.

Standard, 2

Neolithic

In archaeology, the last division of the Stone Age, characterized by the

development of agriculture and the domestication of farm animals.
Correlation of relative cultural levels with actual age (and, therefore,
with the time-stratigraphic units of geology) varies from region to
region. Adj: pertaining to the Neolithic. AGI

neomesselite

See:messelite

neomineralization

Chemical interchange within a rock whereby its mineral constituents are

converted into new mineral species; a type of recrystallization.
AGI

neomorphic

Said of the mineral grains of a rock that have been regenerated by zones
of secondary growth in crystalline continuity. The new material may have
been deposited from solutions or from molten fluids.

neoprene plug closure

The function of the neoprene plug is to provide a completely waterproof

seal at the open end of the detonator. Moisture penetration could cause
desensitization of the explosive charge in the detonator, and in the case
of copper-tubed detonators, moisture could produce a potentially dangerous
chemical reaction between the lead azide and the copper. McAdam, 2

nepheline

A hexagonal mineral, (Na,K)AlSiO4 ; feldspathoid group; greasy

luster; forms glassy crystals, colorless grains, coarse crystals with
prismatic cleavage, or masses without cleavage; occurs in alkalic igneous
rocks; an essential constituent of some sodium-rich rocks, e.g., nepheline
syenite. Formerly called nephelite; eleolite.

nepheline syenite

A plutonic rock composed essentially of alkali feldspar and nepheline. It

may contain an alkali ferromagnesian mineral, such as an amphibole
(riebeckite, arfvedsonite, barkevikite) or a pyroxene (acmite or
acmite-augite); the intrusive equivalent of phonolite. Sodalite,
cancrinite, hauyne, and nosean, in addition to apatite, sphene, and opaque
oxides, are common accessories. Rare minerals are also frequent
accessories. Syn:foyaite; eleolite syenite; midalkalite. AGI

nephelinite

A fine-grained or porphyritic extrusive or hypabyssal rock, of basaltic

character, but primarily composed of nepheline and clinopyroxene, esp.
titanaugite, and lacking olivine and feldspar. AGI

nephelinitoid

A nepheline-rich groundmass in an igneous rock; the glassy groundmass in

nepheline rocks. AGI

nephelinization

The process of introduction of or replacement by nepheline. AGI

nephelometry

The measurement of the cloudiness of a medium; esp. the determination of

the concentration or particle sizes of a suspension by measuring, at more
than one angle, the scattering of light transmitted or reflected by the
medium. CF:turbidimetry

nephrite

An exceptionally tough, compact, fine-grained, greenish or bluish variety

of amphibole (specif. tremolite or actinolite) constituting the less rare
or valuable kind of jade. Syn:kidney stone; greenstone.

neptunian dike
A dike filled by sediment, generally sand, in contrast to a plutonic dike
filled by volcanic materials. See also:sand dike

neptunian theory

See:neptunism

neptunism

The theory, advocated by A. G. Werner in the 18th century, that the rocks
of the Earth's crust all consist of material deposited sequentially from,
or crystallized out of, water. Etymol: Neptune, Roman god of waters.
CF:plutonism

neptunite

A monoclinic mineral, KNa2 Li(Fe,Mn)2 Ti2 Si8

O24 ; forms red to black prismatic crystals; occurs in late stages
of reduced, silica-deficient environments; e.g., alkaline igneous rocks
and veins in serpentinite. See also:mangan-neptunite

neritic

Pertaining to the shallow seas; for accumulations of shells, but sometimes

for the whole environment of deposition on the continental shelf.
Challinor

neritic zone

That part of the sea floor extending from the low tide line to a depth of
200 m.

Nernst film

In ion exchange, the diffusion-layer supposed to surround a bead of resin.

This static film is reduced, or diffusion through it is accelerated, if
agitation of the ambient liquor is increased, if temperature is raised, or
if concentration of ions in solution is made greater. Pryor, 3

nero-antico

A black marble found in Roman ruins, probably from the Taenarian

peninsula, Greece.

nesquehonite

An orthorhombic mineral, Mg(HCO3 )(OH).2H2 O ; forms

low-temperature efflorescences, particularly as an alteration product of
lansfordite. Named for a coal mine at Nesquehoning, PA.
ness

A British term used esp. in Scotland for a promontory, headland, or cape,

or any point or projection of the land into the sea; commonly used as a
suffix to a place name, e.g., Fifeness. Also called nose. AGI

nest

a. A concentration of some relatively conspicuous element of a geologic

feature, such as a nest of inclusions in an igneous rock or a small,
pocketlike mass of ore or mineral within another formation. AGI
b. A fitting of the next-smaller-size casing inside the casing already set
in a borehole, or of one tube inside another.

nested variogram model

A model that is the sum of two or more component models, such as nugget,
spherical, etc. Adding a nugget component to one of the other models is
the most common nested model, but more complex combinations are
occasionally used.

net

a. Scot. Strapping used for lowering or raising horses in shafts.

Fay
b. A plane of points each with identical point surroundings.
CF:space lattice; lattice.

net calorific value

The heat produced by combustion of unit quantity of a solid or liquid fuel

when burned, at a constant pressure of 1 atm (0.1 MPa), under conditions
such that all the water in the products remains in the form of vapor. Net
heat of combustion at constant pressure is expressed as Qp (net).
ASTM

net-corrected fill

Net fill after making allowance for shrinkage during compaction.

Nichols, 1

net cut

The amount of excavated material to be removed from a road section, after

completing fills in that section. Nichols, 1
¤@AUûUœ<ü eDICTIONARY TERMS:net drilling time The rotating time actually spent
[\B]net drilling time[\N]

net fill
The fill required, less the cut required, at a particular station or part
of a road. Nichols, 1

nether

The lower part of, as in nether roof; opposite of the term "upper."
TIME

nether roof

a. The strata directly over a coal seam. The props set at the face hold
only the nether roof. E.g., if the props carry a load of 20 st (18.1 mt)
each and are set 4 ft (1.2 m) apart each way, the supported weight is 1.5
st/ft2 (14.6 t/m2 ). See also:underweight;
absolute roof; overarching weight; immediate roof. Nelson
b. In mine subsidence, the immediate roof of limited depth, such as timber
might be expected to support. Briggs

nether strata

The roof and strata immediately above the coal. Mason

net slip

On a fault, the distance between two formerly adjacent points on either

side of the fault, measured on the fault surface or parallel to it. It
defines both the direction and relative amount of displacement.
AGI

net texture

See:network structure

Nettleton method

An indirect means of density determination in which a closely spaced

gravity traverse is run over some topographic feature, such as a small
hill or valley. When the profile of observed values is plotted, the
gravitational effect of the feature itself is calculated at each
observation point along the profile and removed from the observed value
for that point. The calculation is repeated a number of times, different
densities being assumed for each computation. The density value at which
the hill is least conspicuous on the gravity profile is considered to be
most nearly correct. Dobrin

net unit value

The difference between the gross unit recoverable value and the cost of
mining, treating, and marketing ore; in other words, the net operating
profit. See also:gross recoverable value; gross unit value.
Nelson

network

a. Esp. in surveying and gravity prospecting, a pattern or configuration

of stations, often so arranged as to provide a check on the consistency of
the measured values. AGI
b. In ventilation surveys, the multiple development openings, haulage
ways, and working faces that constitute the ventilation system of a mine.
Hartman, 2

network deposit

See:stockwork

network structure

A structure in which one constituent occurs primarily at the grain

boundaries, thus partially or completely enveloping the grains of the
other constituent. Syn:net texture

Neuenburg saw

A plow consisting of a 2-in (5.1-cm) steel plate 6 ft by 20 in (1.8 m by

50.8 cm) of seven pieces hinged together to follow floor rolls; picks on
the face edge cut in both directions. The minimum workable seam is 14 in
(35.6 cm) on gradients of 35 degrees to 70 degrees . Maximum face length
is 80 yd (73.2 m). The machine is used in the Ruhr. Nelson

neuk

The tailgate corner of a face behind the face conveyor tension end.
Trist

Neumann lamellae

Straight, narrow bands parallel to the crystallographic planes in the

crystals of metals that have been subjected to deformation by sudden
impact. They are actually narrow twin band, and are most frequently
observed in iron. CTD

neuropteris

A large tree-fern of the coal forest, with trunks about 2 ft (0.6 m)

thick, containing several cylinders of wood inside the stem instead of one
column of wood as in modern trees. Nelson

neutral atmosphere
Atmosphere in which there is neither an excess nor a deficiency of oxygen.

neutral axis

The line of zero fiber stress in any given section of a member subject to
bending; it is the line formed by the intersection of the neutral surface
and the section. Roark

neutral equilibrium

A body is said to be in neutral equilibrium if on being slightly displaced

it remains in its new position; e.g., a ball placed on a horizontal
surface or a cone supported on its side on a horizontal surface.
Morris

neutralize

To add either an acid or alkali to a solution until it is neither acid nor

alkaline. Gordon

neutral lining

Furnace lining of neutral refractories. Osborne

neutral point

a. A neutral point in a wye-connected alternating-current power system

means the connection point of transformer or generator windings from which
the voltage to ground is nominally zero, and which is the point generally
used for system grounding.
b. In titration, the point at which hydrogen ions and hydroxyls are
approx. balanced, each at about 1 times 10-7 molar. Since
color-change-indicating dyes do not all react at this point, selection for
a given titration must be made with regard to the required point of
change. Pryor, 3

neutral pressure

The hydrostatic pressure of the water in the pore space of a soil.

See also:pore-water pressure; pore pressure; neutral stress.
Hammond

neutral refractory

a. A refractory that is neither strongly basic nor strongly acid, such as

chrome, mullite, or carbon. ARI
b. A refractory that is resistant to chemical attack by both acid and
basic slags, refractories, or fluxes at high temperatures. ASTM

neutral salt
A salt in which all the hydrogen of the hydroxyl groups of an acid is
replaced by a metal. Standard, 2

neutral salt effect

Reduction of ionization of a weak acid or base by addition of ionizing

salt that contains one of the ions already present; form of common ion
effect. Pryor, 3

neutral stress

The stress transmitted by the fluid that fills the voids between particles
of a soil or rock mass; e.g., that part of the total normal stress in a
saturated soil caused by the presence of interstitial water.
Syn:pore pressure; pore-water pressure; neutral pressure. AGI

neutral surface

The longitudinal surface of zero fiber stress in a member subject to

bending; it contains the neutral axis of every section. Roark

neutral zone

A strain-free area. CF:compression zone; tension zone. Nelson

neutron

An uncharged elementary particle with a mass that nearly equals that of

the proton. An isolated neutron is unstable and decays with a half-life of
about 13 min into an electron, a proton, and a neutrino. Neutrons sustain
the fission chain reaction in a nuclear reactor. Lyman

neutron density

The number of neutrons per cubic centimeter. Lyman

neutron-gamma log

A radioactivity log employing both gamma and neutron-log curves. The

neutron log should respond best to porous fluid-filled rock and the gamma
best to shale markers. AGI

neutron log

Strip recording of the secondary radioactivity arising from the

bombardment of the rocks around a borehole by neutrons from a source being
caused to move through the borehole. Used, generally in conjunction with
other types of logs, for the identification of the fluid-bearing zones of
rocks. See also:radioactivity log; neutron logging.
Inst. Petrol.; AGI
neutron logging

A radioactivity logging method used in boreholes in which a neutron source

provides neutrons that enter rock formations and induce additional gamma
radiation, which is measured by use of an ionization chamber. The gamma
radiation so induced is related to the hydrogen content of the rock.
AGI

Nevadan orogeny

Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous diastrophism in Western North America.

nevyanskite

A former name for iridosmine. See also:iridosmine

Newark Supergroup

Continental strata of Lower Jurassic or Upper Triassic age in the Eastern

United States, consisting essentially of red sandstone, shale, arkose, and
conglomerate, some 14,000 to 18,000 ft (4.3 to 5.5 km) thick. The series
includes black shales with fish remains, thin coal seams in Virginia and
North Carolina, and basaltic flows and sills. CTD

Newaygo screen

A slanting screen in which the material to be screened passes down. The

screen is kept in vibration by the impact of a large number of small
hammers. Liddell

newjersite

Variety of resin. Tomkeieff

Newlyn datum

The mean sea level now used as the British Ordnance Datum for leveling. It
was determined as the result of several years' observations at Newlyn,
Cornwall, England, and differs at various places by more than 0.3 m from
levels based on the Liverpool datum, which it supersedes. Hammond

Newmann hearth

A modified Scotch hearth in which poking or rabbling is done mechanically.

CTD

new miner training

In mining, mandatory training given the miners having no previous mining

experience; includes instruction in the statutory rights of miners and
their representatives, use of self-rescue devices and respiratory devices
where appropriate, hazard recognition, emergency procedures, electrical
hazards, first aid, walk around training, and other health and safety
aspects of the tasks to which the person will be assigned.
CF:refresher training; task training. Federal Mine Safety

new sand

Newly mixed, but not unused, molders' sand. Standard, 2

new scrap

The material generated in the manufacturing process of articles for

ultimate consumption; it includes defective castings, clippings, turnings,
borings, drosses, slags, etc., that are returned directly to the
manufacturing process or sold directly for reprocessing.

Newtonian fluid

Term marking the distinction, made in mineral processing that involves

agitation, between a truly viscous (Newtonian) liquid and one in which
shear or apparent viscosity (pseudoviscosity) varies with the dimensions
of the containing system and the speed of agitation. The latter type of
fluid is said to be non-Newtonian. Pryor, 3

Newton's law of gravitation

See:law of gravitation

New York rod

A leveling rod marked with narrow lines, ruler fashion. Nichols, 1

N-frame brace

A diagonal brace in a square set. Fay

ngavite

A chondritic stony meteorite composed of bronzite and olivine in a

friable, breccialike mass of chondrules. AGI

niccolite

A former name for nickeline. Also spelled nicolite.

Syn:arsenical nickel; copper nickel.

Nicholls' technique
A technique used in the determination of elastic constants of rock in
situ. Longitudinal and shear waves are generated in rock by small
explosive charges in shallow drill holes. Accelerometers and strain gages
are employed to measure arrival times for both waves. From wave velocities
and measured density, Poisson's ratio, modulus of elasticity, modulus of
rigidity, Lame's constant, and bulk modulus can be calculated.
Lewis

nickel

a. An isometric mineral, elemental Ni; hard; metallic; silver-white; a

native metal, esp. in meteorites; also alloyed with iron in meteorites.
b. A silvery white, hard, malleable, ductile, somewhat ferromagnetic
element. Symbol: Ni. It takes on a high polish and is a fair conductor of
heat and electricity. Used for making stainless steel and other
corrosion-resistant metals and is chiefly valuable for the alloys it
forms. Also used extensively in coinage, in desalination plants for
converting sea water into fresh water, and in making nickel steel for
armor plate and burglar-proof vaults. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

nickel antimony glance

Sulfantimonide of nickel, crystallizing in the cubic system. Also called

ullmannite. CMD

nickel bloom

A green hydrated and oxidized patina on rock outcrops indicating the

existence of primary nickel minerals; specif. annabergite (a nickel
arsenate). The term is also applied to zaratite (a nickel carbonate) and
to morenosite (a nickel sulfate). See also:annabergite

nickel carbonyl

A volatile compound of nickel, Ni(CO)4 , formed by passing carbon

monoxide over the heated metal. The compound is decomposed into nickel and
carbon monoxide by further heating. It is used on a large scale in
industry for the production of nickel from its ores by the Mond process.
CTD

nickel glance

See:gersdorffite

nickel green

See:annabergite

nickeliferous
Containing nickel.

nickeline

a. A hexagonal mineral, 2[NiAs] ; commonly contains antimony, cobalt,

iron, and sulfur; one of the chief ores of nickel. Formerly called:
niccolite; nickelite; arsenical nickel; copper nickel; kupfernickel.
b. The mineral group breithauptite, freboldite, imgreite, langisite,
nickeline, sederholmite, sobolevskite, stempflite, and sudburyite.

nickel iron

a. A mineral, NiFe, containing about 76% nickel and found in meteorites.

Isometric. Dana, 4
b. The native alloy of nickel with iron in meteorites.
See also:kamacite; taenite.

nickelite

A former name for nickeline. See also:nickeline

nickel ocher

An early name for annabergite. Fay

nickelous oxide

a. NiO; green, becoming yellow. Found in nature as the mineral bunsenite.

Soluble in acids and in ammonium hydroxide; insoluble in water; sp gr, 6.6
to 6.8. NiO absorbs oxygen at 400 degrees C forming Ni2 O3
which is reduced to NiO at 600 degrees C. Used in nickel salts and in
porcelain painting. CCD, 2
b. Isometric; green to black; molecular weight, 74.71; melting point,
1,990 degrees C; sp gr, 6.67. Used for painting on china.
Bennett; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

nickel oxide

Comprises the two nickel oxides, nickelous oxide (NiO) and nickelic oxide
(Ni2 O3 ) , which are used extensively as colorants in
glasses, glazes, and enamels. The use of nickel oxide in enamels is
generally in the ground coat, in which it is used with cobalt and
manganese. It is also used in cover coat enamels to give what is known as
a daylight shade for reflector units. Nickelic oxide imparts a color to
glass which is dependent upon the character of the alkali present.
Nickelous oxide is used in glazes to produce blues, greens, browns, and
yellows. Nickel oxide is also one of the principal components of certain
type of ferrites, e.g, the nickel-zinc ferrite.
See also:nickelous oxide
nickel plating

The deposition of a coating of metallic nickel by electrolysis.

Nelson

nickel pyrite

See:millerite

nickel-skutterudite

An isometric mineral, NiAs2-3 ; isostructural with skutterudite;

tin white; in intermediate-temperature hydrothermal veins, particularly in
association with Co, Ni, Fe arsenides, sulfarsenides, and native silver.
Syn:white nickel

nickel vitriol

See:morenosite

nicking

a. The cutting of a vertical groove in a seam to liberate coal after it

has been holed or undercut. Nelson
b. Used in wire-rope terminology to describe the internal crosscutting of
wires within a rope. Sinclair, 5
c. The chipping of coal along the rib of an entry or room, which is
usually the first indication of a squeeze. Fay
d. A vertical cutting or shearing one side of a face of coal. Also called
cut; cutting. Fay

nickings

Newc. The small coal produced in making a nicking. See also:bug dust;
makings. Fay

nicol

a. Nicol prism.
b. Any apparatus that produces polarized light, e.g., Nicol prism or
Polaroid. See also:polar; polarizer.

nicolite

A former name for nickeline. See also:nickeline

Nicol prism

A special prism for producing polarized light, made from two pieces of
Iceland spar (calcite) cemented together with Canada balsam. Light
entering the prism is split into two polarized rays; of these, the
ordinary ray is totally reflected at the balsam layer while the
extraordinary ray is able to pass through the prism. In a petrological
microscope two Nicol prisms are incorporated.
See also:polarizing prism

Niggli's classification

a. A classification of igneous rocks on the basis of their chemical

composition, similar in some respects to the norm system. It was proposed
in 1920 by the Swiss mineralogist Paul Niggli. AGI
b. A classification of ore deposits, the major groups being plutonic, or
intrusive, and volcanic, or extrusive. It was proposed in 1929.
AGI

night emerald

See:evening emerald

night pair

Corn. Miners who work underground during the night. The night shift.
Fay

night shift

The coal miners' shift from about 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. It may be a
coal-winning shift, but in general it is a preparation or maintenance
shift. Nelson

nigritite

A product of the coalification of fix bitumens rich in carbon; insoluble

or only slightly soluble in organic solvents. It is subdivided into
polynigritite, humonigritite, exinonigritite, and keronigritite.
Tomkeieff

nil

Nothing; zero. Often used in reporting gold and silver assays.

Webster 3rd; Fay

nine-inch straight

A standard 9-in by 4-1/2-in by 2-1/2-in (22.9-cm by 11.4-cm by 6.4-cm)

straight brick.

nine-point sample
Final sample taken for test when a small quantity of finely ground mineral
is required for assay. A suitable quantity of dry material is thoroughly
mixed on glazed cloth or paper, if necessary, being rolled lightly with a
round bottle to break down any floccules. It is then flattened to a disk
and eight equal segments are marked out diametrically with a spatula.
Approx. equal quantities are taken from each segment and from the center,
making the nine points of withdrawal. Pryor, 3

ningyoite

An orthorhombic mineral, (U,Ca,Ce)2 (PO4 )2 .1-2H

2 O ; rhabdophane group; occurs in an unoxidized zone of the
Ningyo-toge Mine, Tottori prefecture, Japan.

niobite

See:columbite

niobium

A shiny, white, soft, and ductile metallic element. Symbol, Nb (niobium)

or Cb (columbium). The name niobium was adopted by the International Union
of Pure and Applied Chemistry. Many chemical societies and government
organizations refer to it as niobium, but most metallurgists, metals
societies, and commercial producers still refer to the metal as columbium.
Found in niobite (or columbite), niobite-tantalite, pyrochlore, and
euxenite. Used as an alloying agent in carbon and alloy steels, in
nonferrous metals, and in superconductive magnets. Syn:columbium
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

niobium boride

One of several compounds that have been reported, including the following:
NbB2 ; melting point, 3,050 degrees C; sp gr, 7.0; thermal
expansion, 5.9 X 10-6 parallel to a and 8.4 X 10-6
parallel to c; NbB, melting point, 2,300 degrees C; sp gr, 7.6; Nb3
B4 melts incongruently at 2,700 degrees C; sp gr, 7.3. Dodd

niobium nitride

One of three nitrides that have been reported: NbN, Nb2 N , and Nb
4 N3 . During reaction between niobium and N2 at 800
to 1,500 degrees C the product generally consists of more than one
compound. Most of the phases are stable at least to 1,500 degrees C.
Dodd

nip

a. Where the roof and the floor of a coal seam come close together
pinching the coal between them. CF:want
b. The contact ends of a cable for quick attachment to a power cable.
BCI
c. The device at the end of the trailing cable of a mining machine used
for connecting the trailing cable to the trolley wire and ground.
Jones, 1
d. To move a machine along a track by sliding the nip along the trolley
wire. Hess
e. The seizing of material between the jaws or rolls of a crusher.
Nichols, 1
f. See:angle of nip
g. To cut grooves at the end of a bar, to make it fit more evenly.
h. An undercutting notch in rock, particularly limestone, along a seacoast
between high- and low-tide levels produced by erosion or possible
solution. AGI

niperyth

See:penthrite

nipple

A tubular pipe fitting usually threaded on both ends and under 12 in (30.5
cm) in length. Longer pipe is regarded as cut pipe.
See also:close nipple

Ni-resist

A cast iron consisting of graphite in a matrix of austenite. It contains

3.0% carbon, 14.0% nickel, 6.0% copper, 2.0% chromium, and 1.5% silicon;
it has a high resistance to growth, oxidation, and corrosion. CTD

nital

See:Boylston's reagent

niter

An orthorhombic mineral, 4[KNO3 ] ; water soluble; has a cooling

salty taste; a product of nitrification in most arable soils in hot, dry
regions, and in the loose earth forming the floors of some natural caves.
CF:nitratine

niter cake

Crude sodium sulfate, a byproduct in the manufacture of nitric acid from

sodium nitrate. Fay

nitrate
a. A salt of nitric acid; e.g., silver nitrate or barium nitrate.
Standard, 2
b. A mineral compound characterized by a fundamental anionic structure of
NO3- . Soda niter, NaNO3 , and niter, KNO3 ,
are nitrates. CF:carbonate; borate. AGI
c. Salts formed by the action of nitric acid on metallic oxides,
hydroxides, and carbonates. Readily soluble in water and decompose when
heated. The nitrates of polyhydric alcohols and the alkyl radicals explode
violently. CTD

nitratine

A trigonal mineral, NaNO3 ; rhombohedral cleavage; water soluble

with a cooling taste; occurs only in very arid regions. Formerly called
soda niter.

nitrification

The formation of nitrates by the oxidation of ammonium salts to nitrites

(usually by bacteria) followed by oxidation of nitrites to nitrates. It is
one of the processes of soil formation. AGI

nitro

An abbrev. for nitroglycerin or dynamite.

nitrocalcite

A monoclinic mineral, Ca(NO3 )2 .4H2 O ; water

soluble; soft; occurs as an efflorescence, e.g., on walls and in limestone
caves. Syn:wall saltpeter

nitrocellulose

Nitric acid esters of cellulose formed by the action of a mixture of

nitric and sulfuric acids on cellulose. The cellulose can be nitrated to a
varying extent, ranging from two to six nitrate groups in the molecule.
Nitrocellulose having a low nitrogen content, up to the tetranitrate, is
not explosive. They dissolve in ether-alcohol mixtures and in so-called
lacquer solvents, such as butyl acetate. A nitrocellulose having a high
nitrogen content is guncotton, an explosive. The principal nitrocellulose
plastic is celluloid. Syn:cellulose nitrate

nitrocotton

A chemical combination of ordinary cotton fiber with nitric acid. It is

explosive, highly inflammable, and in certain degrees of nitration,
soluble in nitroglycerin.

nitrogelatin
See:gelatin dynamite

nitrogen

Colorless, tasteless, odorless, relatively inert element. Symbol, N.

Nitrogen makes up 78% of the air, by volume. From this inexhaustible
source it can be obtained by liquefaction and fractional distillation.
Used in the production of ammonia and nitric acid, as a blanketing medium
in the electronics industry, as a refrigerant, in annealing stainless
steel, in drugs, and for forcing crude oil from oil wells.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

nitrogen fixation

a. Extracting nitrogen from the air in commercial quantities for use in

agriculture or industry.
b. In a soil, the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to a combined form by
the metabolic processes of some algae, bacteria, and actinomycetes.
AGI

nitroglycerin

CH2 NO3 CHNO3 CH2 NO3 ; pale yellow;

flammable; explosive; thick liquid; soluble in alcohol; soluble in ether
in all proportions; slightly soluble in water; melting point, 13.1 degrees
C; and explosion point, 256 degrees C. Used as an explosive, in the
production of dynamite and other explosives, as an explosive plasticizer
in solid rocket propellants, and as a possible liquid rocket propellant.
Molecular weight, 227.09; triclinic or orthorhombic when solid; sp gr,
1.5918 (at 25 degrees C, referred to water at 4 degrees C); soluble in
methanol and in carbon disulfide; very soluble in chloroform; and slightly
soluble in petroleum ether. This highly explosive liquid is made by mixing
sulfuric acid and nitric acid in a steel tank and then adding glycerin.
Its great shattering effect has made it esp. suitable for shooting oil
wells. Because of its sensitiveness to shock, liquid nitroglygerin is
dangerous to transport and unsuitable for use in mining and quarrying
operations. Syn:glycerol trinitrate; trinitrate glycerol; trinitrin;
explosive oil. CCD, 2; Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2; Lewis

nitroglycerin explosive

An explosive containing, principally, nitroglycerin, nitrocotton, and

inorganic nitrates, with a suitable combustible absorbent giving a
balanced composition. Nelson

nitroglycerin powder

Explosive usually characterized by a low nitroglycerin content, up to 10%

, and a high ammonium nitrate content of 80% to 85%, with carbonaceous
material forming the remainder of the composition. This composition
produces a powdery consistency and, consequently, nitroglycerin powders
have relatively poor water-resistance properties, so that they should be
used only in dry conditions. Their storage properties are fairly good, but
this is largely dependent on the protection given after manufacture, for
example, in the methods of cartridging and packing. The main application
of these explosives is in quarrying and mining where the ground to be
blasted is relatively soft. McAdam, 2

nitrohydrochloric acid

See:aqua regia

nitrolite

An excellent and cheap explosive in powder form, consisting of the

constituents ammonium nitrate + trotyl + nitroglycerin + silicon.
Fraenkel

nitromagnesite

A monoclinic mineral, Mg(NO3 )2 .6H2 O ; water

soluble; white; an efflorescence in limestone caverns.

nitromuriatic acid

See:aqua regia

nitrostarch explosive

Nitrostarch explosives have been used to a limited extent for over 50

years. When these explosives were first introduced, nitrostarch was the
principal explosive ingredient in their composition. Of recent years,
because of the trend toward the low-sensitivity, noncap sensitive
nitrocarbonitrates and ammonium nitrate-oil mixtures, certain grades of
explosives are being produced with low amounts of sensitizers. Some of
these explosives today contain a very large percentage of ammonium
nitrate, and nitrostarch is used only in small quantities to act as a
sensitizer. Pit and Quarry

nitrosubstitution

The act or process of introducing by substitution the nitryl radical, NO

2 , in place of one or more replaceable hydrogen atoms, such as in
an organic compound. Nitrosubstitution compounds are used in the
manufacture of some explosives. Standard, 2

nitrosulfuric acid
An exceedingly corrosive mixture of one part by weight of nitric acid and
two parts by weight of sulfuric acid. Used in the manufacture of
nitroglycerin. Standard, 2

nitrous oxide

A gas with the chemical formula, N2 O ; molecular weight, 46; sp

gr, 1.6. This gas is produced by the blasting of certain nitroglycerine
explosives, esp. if there is incomplete detonation. It is also produced in
the exhaust of diesel locomotives. It is used as an anesthetic in
dentistry and is commonly known as laughing gas. Morris

niveau surface

See:equipotential surface

noble

a. A term used to express great value or purity, as in a noble metal

(e.g., platinum); or inertness, as in a noble gas (e.g., helium).
See also:noble gas; noble metal.
b. An adj. usually modifying "metal" or "gas" and referring to those
elements which do not normally combine with oxygen or other non-metallic
elements under near-surface conditions; thus they commonly occur as native
elements (or alloys). The metals usually included are gold, silver,
platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium, and osmium; the gases
are helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon. Other elements found
in their native states, such as sulfur, copper, or mercury, are not noble
because they spontaneously (even though slowly) oxidize.

noble gas

A rare inert gas: helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
Syn:inert gas

nobleite

A monoclinic mineral, CaB6 O9 (OH)2 .3H2 O ;

tabular or mammillary; transparent; formed by the weathering of colemanite
and priceite in Death Valley, CA.

noble metal

A metal with marked resistance to chemical reaction, particularly to

oxidation and to solution by inorganic acids. The list includes mercury
and the precious and platinum-group metals. CF:base metal
See also:noble

no-cut rounds
In blasting underground, drilling all holes straight into the face.
Lewis

nodular

a. Composed of nodules; e.g., nodular bedding consisting of scattered to

loosely packed nodules in matrix of like or unlike character. AGI
b. Having the shape of a nodule, or occurring in the form of nodules;
e.g., nodular ore such as a colloform mineral aggregate with a bulbed
surface. AGI
c. Orbicular. AGI

nodular cast iron

A cast iron that has been treated while molten with a master alloy
containing an element, such as magnesium or cerium, to produce primary
graphite in the spherulitic form. See also:iron

nodular structure

See:orbicular structure

nodule

a. A small, irregularly rounded knot, mass, or lump of a mineral or

mineral aggregate, normally having a warty or knobby surface and no
internal structure, and usually exhibiting a contrasting composition from
the enclosing sediment or rock; e.g., a nodule of pyrite in a coalbed, a
chert nodule in limestone, or a phosphatic nodule in marine strata.
Nodules can be separated as discrete masses from the host material.
AGI
b. One of the widely scattered concretionary lumps of manganese, cobalt,
iron, and nickel found on the floors of the world's oceans; esp. a
manganese nodule. Etymol: Latin nodulus, small knot. CF:concretion
AGI
c. A rounded material accretion built of successive layers, of easily
handled size. Pryor, 3
d. A small, rounded, irregularly shaped mass, as those of graphite in
malleable cast iron. Rolfe

nodulizing

a. The forming of rounded shapes by the application to fine coal of a

gyratory, rotary, or oscillatory motion, without the use of pressure.
BS, 5
b. See:balling

noise
a. Any undesired sound. NCB
b. By extension, any unwanted disturbance such as undesired electric waves
in any transmission channel or device. NCB
c. In gravity and magnetic prospecting, disturbances in observed data due
to more or less random inhomogeneities in surface and near-surface
material. AGI
d. In seismic prospecting, all recorded energy not derived from the
explosion of the shot. Sometimes loosely used for all recorded energy
except events of interest. AGI

noise level

In observed or recorded data, the fluctuations not attributable to

signals. AGI

noise reduction rating

A measure of a hearing protector's effectiveness in reducing noise such as

results from mining operations where drilling, cutting, blasting, etc.
create high noise levels. Abbrev. NRR. MSHA, 2

nolanite

A hexagonal mineral, (V,Fe,Ti)10 O14 (OH)2 ; rare;

forms tabular prisms and plates; associated with uranium ores at
Beaverlodge, SK, Canda, and with native gold and various tellurides at
Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

nominal area

Of a screen, the total area of the screen deck exposed to the flow of the
material feed. BS, 5

nominal bandwidth

In a filter, the difference between the nominal upper and lower cutoff
frequencies. This difference may be expressed in cycles per second, as a
percentage of the pass-band center frequency, or as the difference between
the upper and lower cutoffs in octaves. Hy

nominal capacity

A notional figure expressed in tons per hour used in the title of a

flowsheet and in general descriptions of the plant, applying to the plant
as a whole and to the specific project under consideration. It may be
taken as representing the approximate tonnage expected to be supplied to
the plant during the hour of greatest load. BS, 5

nominal price
An estimate of the price for a future month date which is used to
designate a closing price when no trading has taken place in that date.
Also used for current price indications in similar circumstances in
physical trading. Wolff

nominal screen aperture

a. A nominal mesh aperture used to designate the result of a screening

operation. BS, 5
b. A notional size at which it is intended to divide a feed by a screening
operation. Syn:nominal screen size

nominal screen size

See:nominal screen aperture

nominal size

The limit or limits of particle size used to describe a product of a

sizing operation. BS, 5

nomogram

A type of line chart that graphically represents an equation of three

variables, each of which is represented by a graduated straight line. It
is used to avoid lengthy calculations; a straight line connecting values
on two of the lines automatically intersects the third line at the
required value. Syn:nomograph

nomograph

See:nomogram

nonangular unconformity

See:disconformity

nonasphaltic pyrobitumen

Any of several species of pyrobitumens, including dark-colored,

comparatively hard and nonvolatile solids, composed of hydrocarbons
containing oxygenated bodies, infusible and largely insoluble in carbon
disulfide. This includes peat, coal, and nonasphaltic pyrobitumen shales.
Tomkeieff

nonbanded coal

Coal that does not display a striated or banded appearance on the vertical
face. It contains essentially no vitrain and consists of clarain or
durain, or of material intermediate between the two. AGI
non-Bessemer ore

Ore containing up to about 0.18% phosphorus. Newton, 1

noncaking coal

Coal that does not form cake; namely hard, splint, cherry, and durain
coal. Tomkeieff

noncaving method

Any of several stoping methods, including open stopes, sublevel,

shrinkage, cut-and-fill, and square set. Lewis

noncoal mine

A mine in which the material being mined is incombustible or contains at

least 65% by weight of incombustible material, and in which the
underground atmosphere in any open workings contains less than 0.25% by
volume of flammable gas. CFR, 2

noncoking coal

A bituminous coal that burns freely without softening or any appearance of

incipient fusion. The percentage of volatile matter may be the same as for
coking coal, but the residue is not a true coke. Fay

noncombustible

Any material that will neither ignite nor actively support combustion in
air at 1,200 degrees F (649 degrees C) when exposed to fire.
See also:incombustible

nonconformable

Pertaining to the stratigraphic relations shown by a nonconformity.

AGI

nonconformity

a. An unconformity developed between sedimentary rocks and older rocks

(plutonic igneous or massive metamorphic rocks) that had been exposed to
erosion before the sediments covered them. The restriction of the term to
this usage was proposed by Dunbar & Rodgers (1957). Although the term is
well known in the classroom, it is not commonly used in practice (Dennis,
1967). AGI
b. A term that formerly was widely, but is now less commonly, used as a
syn. of angular unconformity, or as a generic term that includes angular
unconformity. Term proposed by Pirsson (1915). AGI
nonconsumable-electrode arc melting

A method of arc melting in which a carbon or tungsten electrode is used

and the sponge metal to be melted is fed into the arc at the proper rate.
Newton, 1

noncore bit

See:plug bit

noncore drilling

Drilling a borehole without taking core. Long

noncoring bit

A general type of bit made in many shapes that does not produce a core and
with which all the rock cut in a borehole is ejected as sludge. Used
mostly for blasthole drilling and in the unmineralized zones in a borehole
where a core sample is not wanted. Also called blasthole bit; plug bit.
CF:fishtail bit; roller bit. Syn:blind bit

nondestructive testing

Methods of examination, usually for soundness, which do not involve

destroying or damaging the material or part being tested. It includes
radiological examination, magnetic inspection, etc. Also called
nondestructive inspection. Rolfe

nondiamond core drill

A rotary or percussive-type drill equipped with core-cutting tools or

bits, the cutting points of which are not inset with diamonds.
Long

nonel

See:nonelectric blasting

nonelectric blasting

The firing of one or more charges using safety fuse, igniter cord,
detonating cord, shock or gas tubing, or similar nonelectric materials to
initiate a blasting cap. Syn:nonel
shock tube system. Federal Mine Safety

nonelectric delay blasting cap

A detonator with an integral delay element and capable of being initiated

by miniaturized or regular detonating cord. CFR, 1
nonferrous

Of, or relating to, a metal or compound that does not contain appreciable
quantities of iron; ores that are not processed primarily for their iron
content.

nonferrous alloy

Specif., an alloy containing no iron. Generically, any alloy that has as

its base any element other than iron. Common commercial nonferrous alloys
are based upon aluminum, copper, lead, magnesium, nickel, tin, and zinc.
Henderson

nonferrous metallurgy

That branch of metallurgy that deals with the broad field of metals other
than iron, or alloys other than of iron base. CF:ferrous metallurgy
Henderson

nonferrous metals

a. Classification of metals that are not commonly associated with alloys

of iron, including base metals, precious metals, and light metals.
b. In singular form, an alloy that has as its base metal a metal other
than iron, e.g., copper, lead, aluminum, etc.

nonflowing well

A well that yields water at the ground surface only by means of a pump or
other lifting device. See also:artesian well

nonfreezing explosive

Explosive to which 15% to 20% of nitroethylene glycol has been added. This
acts as a freezing-point depressant and prevents freezing at ordinary
temperatures. Polar or Arctic explosives are nitroglycerin explosives of
this type. Higham

nongraded sediment

a. In geology, detrital sediment, loose or cemented, containing notable

amounts of more than one grade; e.g., loam or boulder clay.
Syn:poorly sorted
b. In engineering, sediment in which the constituent particles are all of
nearly the same size. Stokes

nonhardening salt
Salt containing substantial quantities of impurities such as calcium
and/or magnesium chloride, which are highly deliquescent and prevent
caking. Kaufmann

nonluminous flame

Hydrogen, carbon monoxide, or aerated coal gas flames. Francis, 2

nonmagnetic rod

A drill rod made of brass, aluminum, or other metal unaffected by

magnetism. Long

nonmagnetic steel

Steel alloyed with 12% or more of manganese, chromium, or nickel. Such an

alloy cannot be removed from a passing stream of ore by an ordinary guard
magnet. Magnetic permeability is below 1.05. Pryor, 3

nonmetal

A chemical element (as boron, carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, oxygen,

sulfur, chlorine, or argon) that is not classed as a metal because it does
not exhibit most of the typical metallic properties. An element that, in
general, is characterized chemically by the ability to form anions, acidic
oxides and acids, and stable compounds with hydrogen. Webster 3rd

nonmetallic

a. Of or pertaining to a nonmetal. AGI

b. Said in general of mineral lusters other than metallic luster.
CF:submetallic luster
c. An industrial mineral; usually used in the plural. AGI

nonmetallic armor

A tough outer covering or cable sheath of rubber, rubber compound, or

thermoplastic, designed to protect cable conductors and insulation from
abrasion or other damage from external sources. USBM, 2

nonmetallic mineral

a. In resource usage, "nonmetallic mineral" refers to the nonmetallic

character of the product, not the mineralogy. Thus graphite is a
nonmetallic mineral and molybdenite is "metallic" even though the minerals
graphite and molybdenite are so similar in appearance that they may be
confused in a casual inspection. Examples include: asbestos, barite,
cement, feldspar, gem stones, helium, kyanite, perlite, salt, soda ash,
and vermiculite, and even extending to mineral fuels. CF:metallic
b. In mineral usage, the luster of a nonopaque mineral, which transmits
light at least through the thinnest edges and in thin section.

nonmetallic minerals

Minerals are conveniently divided into metallic and nonmetallic groups,

and then arranged in subdivisions according to the elements which form
their main constituents. The nonmetallic minerals (carbon, diamond, coals,
bitumen, asphalt, boron, sulfur, rock salt, etc.) lack the properties of
the metallic minerals such as a bright metallic luster, hardness, density,
and good conduction of heat and electricity. Nelson

non-metallic minerals

Rocks, minerals, and select naturally occurring and synthetic materials of

economic value, exclusive of fuel and metallic ore minerals. The select
materials include peat, mineral-derived materials such as lime and cement,
and synthetic versions of gemstones, abrasives, graphite, and calcite.
Generally, non-metallic minerals undergo no chemical or mineralogical
alteration for and in their end-uses; are low-price, high-volume
commodities such as construction materials; are higher-priced and
large-volume commodities that are raw materials in the chemical and
agricultural industry; and very high price but very low volume materials
such as gemstones. A characteristic of non-metallic minerals is that, in
most cases, they maintain their form and physical properties through
processing to final end use. See also:industrial minerals
AGI; Indust. Miner.

non-Newtonian flow

Flow in which the relationship of the shear stress to the rate of shear
strain is nonlinear; i.e., flow of a subsurface in which viscosity is not
constant. AGI

nonnitroglycerin explosive

Explosive containing TNT instead of nitroglycerin to sensitize ammonium

nitrate; a little aluminum powder may also be added to increase power and
sensitiveness. Straight TNT-ammonium nitrate explosives usually contain
15% to 18% TNT and 82% to 85% ammonium nitrate. TNT-ammonium nitrate
explosives have densities between 1.0 g/cm3 and 1.2 g/cm (super
3) and velocities of detonation between 3,200 m/s and 4,000 m/s. They are
reasonably free from noxious fumes. This type of explosive is susceptible
to moisture and should be used only in dry conditions unless packed in
sealed containers. The main use of non-nitroglycerin explosives is in
primary blasting in quarries and opencast mining, although they are used
in some underground work, particularly in ironstone mining. The
combination of high strength and relatively high velocity of detonation
also makes them applicable for secondary blasting by plaster shooting.
McAdam, 2
nonpareil brick

An insulating brick.

nonpermissible explosive

An explosive that is not approved in law for use in gassy mines.

nonpolarizable electrode

Electrode in which the phenomenon of polarization cannot occur.

Schieferdecker

nonproductive formation

a. A rock unit that, because of its stratigraphic position, is presumed to

contain no valuable mineral deposits. Long
b. A rock unit in which no minerals of interest are found. Long

nonrotating rope

A wire rope composed of 18 strands of 7 wires each; the inner 6 strands

are left lay and outer 12 strands are right lay. It is esp. fabricated for
use where loads are handled in free suspension, as in lifting of loads
with a single line. Lewis

nonsegregating chute

A chute, usually used to charge stoker hoppers, so designed as to deliver

coal in a mixed state rather than having the large lumps tend to be
deposited separate from the fine.

nonselective mining

The object of nonselective mining is to secure a low cost, generally by

using a cheap stoping method combined with large-scale operations. This
method can be used in deposits where the individual stringers, bands, or
lenses of high-grade ore are so numerous and so irregular in occurrence
and separated by such thin lenses of waste that a selective method cannot
be employed. Nonselective methods of stoping include caving, top slicing,
some forms of open stoping, and shrinkage stoping under most conditions.
Jackson, 2

nonsequence

A diastem or other relatively unimportant sedimentary or stratigraphic

interruption. CF:unconformity; paraconformity.

nonsignificant anomaly
An anomaly that is superficially similar to a significant anomaly but is
unrelated to ore. Formerly called false anomaly. Hawkes, 2

nonsparking tool

Tool, made from beryllium-copper or aluminum-bronze, that produces no

sparks, or low energy sparks, when used to strike other objects.
NSC, 1

nonspin cable

A wire or fiber cable so constructed as to reduce twisting to a minimum.

Long

nonspin differential

A differential that will turn both axles, even if one offers no

resistance. Nichols, 1

nonspinning rope

A rope wire consisting of 18 strands of 7 wires each, in 2 layers; the

inner layer consists of 6 strands lang lay rope and left lay around a
small hemp core, and the outer of 12 strands regular lay, right-hand lay.
Will carry a load on a single end without untwisting. Hunt

nonstranded rope

A rope in which the wires are not laid up in strands but in concentric
sheaths, and in opposite directions in the different sheaths, which gives
the rope nonspinning properties. The outer sheaths are composed of
specially shaped interlocking wires, and there is no hemp core in the
rope. Sinclair, 5

nonstructural

A phase transformation not involving structural rearrangement, e.g., Curie

point in magnetism.

nontabular deposit

A mineral deposit of irregular shape. See also:mass

nontectonite

Any rock whose fabric shows no influence of movement of adjacent grains;

e.g., a rock formed by mechanical settling. Some rocks are transitional
between a tectonite and a nontectonite. AGI

nontronite
A monoclinic mineral, Na0.33 Fe3+2 (Si,Al)4
O10 (OH)2 .nH2 O ; smectite group; expansive, a
swelling clay; earthy; occurs in vesicles and veins in weathered basalt
and as an alteration product of volcanic glass. Syn:pinguite
called chloropal; gramenite; morencite.

nonuniform flow

A flow the velocity of which is undergoing a positive or negative change.

If the flow is constant it is referred to as uniform flow.
Seelye, 1

nonvitreous

A relative term as applied to ceramic products based on the water

absorbing characteristics; i.e., brick, tile, etc., which absorb water in
excess of that given by the specifications would be described as
nonvitreous. See also:impervious; vitreous; semivitreous.

nonvitrified

See:nonvitreous

nonweathering coal

Coal having a weathering index, as defined by U.S. Bureau of Mines

standards, of less than 5%. AGI

nonwetted

a. A term used in the flotation process and applied to certain metallic

minerals that are not wetted with water but are easily wetted with oil.
Fay
b. As used by diamond-bit setters, a diamond inset in a metal or alloy
that has not adhered to or wetted the surface of the diamond. Long

Norbide

Trade name for boron carbide, an artificial abrasive; chemical formula,

BC. It is markedly harder than silicon carbide and second only to diamond.
AIME, 1

nordite

An orthorhombic mineral, (La,Ce)(Sr,Ca)Na2 (Na,Mn)(Zn,Mg)Si6

O17 ; forms pale brown crystals on the Kola Peninsula, Russia.

norite
A coarse-grained plutonic rock containing basic plagioclase (labradorite)
as the chief constituent and differing from gabbro by the presence of
orthopyroxene (hypersthene) as the dominant mafic mineral.
CF:hypersthenite

norm

a. The theoretical mineral composition of a rock expressed in terms of

normative mineral molecules that have been determined by specific chemical
analyses for the purpose of classification and comparison; the theoretical
mineral composition that might be expected had all chemical components
crystallized under equilibrium conditions according to certain rules. Adj:
normative. See also:normative mineral; norm system. CF:mode
AGI
b. Optimum operating condition of one or more controlled characteristics
in a process such as continuous ore treatment. Pryor, 3

normal

a. Of or pertaining to a solution having a concentration of 1 g-equivalent

weight of solute per liter of solution; commonly used term in analytical
chemistry. See also:normal solution
b. Used to designate aliphatic hydrocarbons, their derivatives, or alkyl
radicals, the molecules of which contain a single unbranched chain of
carbon atoms.

normal air

A mixture of dry air and water vapor, varying from 0.1% to 3% by volume
(usually over 1% in mines). Hartman, 2

normal arc

A term specif. intended to differentiate between the arcs that are

commonly observed and the low-pressure skittering arcs.

normal calorie

The quantity of heat required to raise 1 g of water from 14.5 degrees C to

15.5 degrees C. Newton, 1

normal corrosion

When used in connection with galvanic corrosion, it may refer to corrosion

of the anodic metal when there is no contact with the dissimilar metal.
Schlain

normal depth
The depth of water in an open conduit that corresponds to uniform velocity
for the given flow. It is a hypothetical depth under conditions of steady
nonuniform flow, the depth for which the surface and bed are parallel;
also termed the neutral depth. Seelye, 1

normal dip

See:regional dip

normal displacement

See:dip slip

normal fault

A fault in which the hanging wall appears to have moved downward relative
to the footwall. The angle of the fault is usually 45 degrees to 90
degrees . There is dip separation, but there may or may not be dip slip.
CF:reverse fault; thrust fault. Syn:gravity fault

normal field

In magnetic prospecting, the smoothed value of a magnetic field component

as derived from a large-scale survey, worldwide or of continental scope.
The normal field of the Earth varies slowly with time, and maps of it are
as of a certain date. AGI

normal fold

See:symmetrical fold

normal haul

A haul whose cost is included in the cost of excavation, so that no

separate charge is made for it. Nichols, 1

normalized steel

Steel that has been given a normalizing heat treatment intended to bring
all of a lot of samples under consideration into the same condition.

normalizing conveyor

A conveyor that moves material through a normalizing furnace under heat.

normally consolidated

Said of a soil deposit that has never been subjected to an effective

pressure greater than the existing overburden pressure and one that is
also completely consolidated by the existing overburden. ASCE
normal moisture capacity

See:field capacity

normal pressure

Usually equal to the weight of a column of mercury 760 mm in height.

Approx. 14.7 psi (101.4 kPa). Syn:standard pressure
Webster 3rd; Fay

normal price

As applied to metal prices, it is the average over a long term--sometimes

a period greater than the life of a mine. See also:basic price

normal scale

See:effective temperature

normal shift

In a fault, the horizontal component of the shift, measured perpendicular

to the strike of the fault. See also:offset; shift. AGI

normal solution

A solution made by dissolving 1 g-equivalent weight of a substance in

sufficient distilled water to make 1 L of solution. See also:normal
CTD

normal stress

The stress component at right angles to a given plane. See also:stress

ASCE

normal stress component

That component of the stress in a rock mass that acts perpendicular to the
lode plane or any other reference plane. Spalding

normal temperature

a. Normal temperature and pressure are taken as 0 degrees C (273 degrees

absolute) and 30 in (760 mm) of mercury pressure. Also called standard
temperature. Cooper
b. As applied to laboratory observations of the physical characteristics
of bituminous materials, it is 77 degrees F (25 degrees C).
Urquhart

normal theory
A theory claiming that the removal of a coal seam caused the overlying
strata to fracture at right angles to the inclination of the beds.
Subsidence observations do not support this theory.
See also:dome theory

normal travel-time curve

In fan shooting, a time-distance curve obtained along a profile in some

nearby area that does not contain geologic structures of the type being
sought. AGI

normative

The adj. of norm.

normative mineral

A mineral whose presence in a rock is theoretically possible on the basis

of certain chemical analyses. A normative mineral may or may not be
actually present in the rock. See also:norm
AGI

norm system

A system of classification and nomenclature of igneous rocks based on the

norm of each rock. It is used in detailed petrologic studies rather than
in ordinary geologic or mining work. Syn:CIPW system

Norsk-Staal process

A process for the direct production of iron sponge. A mixture of carbon

monoxide and hydrogen is used as the reducing agent. The equipment
consists of three vertical ovens, for preheating, reducing, and cooling
the charge, and apparatus for regenerating the spent gases. The ore is
contained in a series of muffle trays, each tray holding about 3 tons of
ore. These trays pass down through the preheating oven, where the ore is
heated to 1,000 degrees C, and are then transferred to the reducing oven,
where they are raised through and against the downward gas current, then
transferred to the cooling shaft, and slowly lowered down it. The transfer
of a tray from one oven to another is made without contact with air. The
ore is preheated in the first oven by part of the gases from the reduction
oven, and the sponge iron is cooled in the third oven to 50 degrees C by
cold gas from a gas holder. Osborne

norstrandite

A triclinic mineral, Al(OH)3 ; cryptocrystalline; a constituent of

strongly weathered soils, of laterites and bauxites.

north end
York. The rise side of the coal in North Yorkshire.

north-seeking pole

The end of a magnet that points approx. north. The other end is the
south-seeking pole. Morris

Norwalt separator

Trade name for a dense-medium washer for treating coal lump size down to
about 1/8 in (3.2 mm). It comprises a shallow circular tank with a flat
base and a conical inner shell containing the driving mechanism. The clean
coal floats and passes over a weir while the shale sinks to the bottom and
is conveyed to an outlet chute. Its capacity ranges from about 50 st/h
(45.4 t/h) to over 500 st/h (454 t/h), depending on the size of the
vessel. Nelson

Norwegian cut

A variation of the ordinary cut that may be said to represent a

combination of the latter and the fan cut. The first drill holes are
formed with a sharper angle toward the working face, which facilitates
breaking. This type of cut has been employed successfully in headings of
small section, the cut hole being blasted first, followed by the bench
holes. In order to obtain the maximum possible advance the cut may also be
deepened after blasting, during the first pause in working, e.g, the whole
section then being broken out simultaneously. Fraenkel

nose

a. Scot. A point; a projecting angle of coal or other mineral. Also called

ness. Fay
b. The lead face of the crown of a diamond bit. Long
c. A short plunging anticline without closure.
d. To dip or run in the form of a geological nose. Webster 3rd

nosean

An isometric mineral, Na8 Al6 Si6 O24 (SO (sub

4) ).H2 O ; sodalite group; occurs in silica- and lime-deficient
igneous rocks. Formerly called noselite, nosin, nosite.

nose in

Eng. A stratum is said to nose in when it dips beneath the ground into a
hillside in a V-form or nose form.

noselite

See:nosean
nose out

a. Eng. A nose-shaped stratum cropping out. Fay

b. To diminish by losing stratum after stratum and getting into the lower
part of the measure; said of a coal seam. Standard, 2

nose pipe

The inside nozzle of a tuyere. Standard, 2

nosin

See:nosean

nosite

See:nosean

notch

a. An angular recess cut in the ends of a crossbar of a timber set to fit

over a corresponding wedge in the upright posts. With the advent of steel
arches, the craft of notching is becoming extinct.
See also:Welsh notch
b. Eng. See:let into
c. A small weir made for use in measuring flow in laboratory models of
hydraulic structures. See also:measuring weir
d. A hollow formed by the undermining of a cliff, as a result of wave
erosion and/or solution. Schieferdecker

notch effect

Locally increased stress at that point in a structural load-bearing member

where the section changes at a sharp angle. Hammond

notcher

A machine tool in a steel-fabrication shop used to strip the flanges from

the ends of rolled steel joists. Hammond

notching

a. A method of excavating in a series of steps. Standard, 2

b. Cutting out various shapes from the edge of a strip, blank, or part.
ASM, 1

notch sensitivity ratio

Alternative term for factor of stress concentration in fatigue or fatigue

strength reduction factor. Roark
not previously known to exist

These words refer to the time of the location and commencement of the
tunnel and not to the respective times of the discoveries of the various
veins in the tunnel. Ricketts

Nottingham system

A longwall method of working coal seams in which the trams run on a rail
track along the face and are hand loaded at the sides. It follows that the
system can be adopted only in relatively thick seams where the trams can
travel along the face without any roof ripping. The method is now replaced
by face conveyors. Syn:Barry mining

noumeite

See:garnierite

novackite

A monoclinic mineral, (Cu,Ag)21 As10 ; pseudotetragonal;

forms steel-gray granular aggregates; at Cerny Dul, Czech Republic.

novaculite

a. A dense, hard even-textured, light-colored cryptocrystalline siliceous

sedimentary rock, similar to chert but characterized by dominance of
microcrystalline quartz over chalcedony. It was formerly believed to be
the result of primary deposition of silica, but in the type occurrence
(Lower Paleozoic of the Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas and Oklahoma) it
appears to be a thermally metamorphosed bedded chert, distinguished by
characteristic polygonal triple-point texture. The origin of novaculite
has also been ascribed to crystallization of opaline skeletal material
during diagenesis. The rock is used as a whetstone.
See also:Arkansas stone
ouachita stone. AGI
b. A term used in southern Illinois for an extensive bedded chert.
AGI
c. A general name formerly used in England for certain argillaceous stones
that served as whetstones. AGI

nowel

a. The inner part of a large mold, corresponding to the core in small

work. Standard, 2
b. The bottom or drag of a molding flask, as distinguished from the cope.
Standard, 2

noxious gas
A gas that is injurious to health. BS, 8

nozzle brick

A tabular refractory shape used in a ladle, with a hole through which

steel is teemed at the bottom of a ladle, the upper end of the shape
serving as a seat for the stopper. ARI

nozzleman

In metal mining, one who operates a hydraulic giant or monitor (nozzle)

used to direct a high-pressure stream of water against a bank of
gold-bearing gravel to erode and force the gravel into sluiceboxes, where
the gold separates out and is caught by riffles (cleats).
Syn:giant tender

NPN process

A modification of the basic Bessemer process. The main feature is the

shortening of the blow by increasing the pressure of the blast as much as
possible. Normally, the melt is cooled by the addition of scrap or iron
ore, but it is claimed that a fairly high temperature can be maintained
without an undue increase of the nitrogen content, so that ladle skulls
can be avoided. Osborne

NQ

A letter name specifying the dimensions of bits, core barrels, and drill
rods in the N-size and Q-group wireline diamond drilling system having a
core diameter of 47.6 mm and a hole diameter of 75.7 mm.
Cumming, 2

N rod bit

A Canadian standard noncoring bit having a set diameter of 2.940 in (74.7

mm). More commonly called a 2-15/16 N drill-rod bit. Long

N-truss

A bridge or roof truss that has parallel upper and lower chords and an
arrangement of web members consisting of tension diagonals and compression
verticals, with the vertical struts separating the panels. Also known as a
Pratt truss. See also:Warren girder

nubber

a. Mid. A block of wood about 12 in (30.5 cm) square, for throwing mine
cars off the road in case the couplings or ropes break. Fay
b. See:stopblocks
nuclear-assisted mining

The use of a nuclear explosive for fracturing and fragmenting large

volumes of ore underground into rubble chimneys, in preparation for
block-cave-type mining or in-situ leaching. SME, 1

nuclear log

See:radioactivity log

nuclear magnetism log

Primarily a hydrogen log, useful for the following purposes: (1) provides
valuable correlating curve to replace the S.P. in holes containing oil or
invert muds; (2) provides a means of qualitatively distinguishing zones
containing hydrocarbons from zones containing only water; (3) provides a
means of measuring quantitatively what proportion of the total
fluid-filled porosity in a formation is sufficiently free from the
influence of chemical binding forces to be considered mobile and thus
potentially recoverable; and (4) provides a means of estimating the
permeabilities of formations. Wyllie

nuclear magnetometer

See:nuclear resonance magnetometer

nuclear powerplant

Any device, machine, or assembly thereof that converts nuclear energy into
some form of useful power, such as mechanical or electric power. In a
nuclear electric powerplant, heat produced by a reactor is used to make
steam, and the steam drives a turbine generator in the conventional way.
Lyman

nuclear reaction

A reaction involving the nucleus of the atom, such as fission, neutron

capture, radioactive decay, or fusion; and distinct from a chemical
reaction, which is limited to changes in the electron structure
surrounding the nucleus. Lyman

nuclear resonance magnetometer

An instrument that measures the Earth's magnetic field, depending on the

magnetic moment of the atom. Hydrogen atoms are generally used, and these
can be in a compound such as water. Each hydrogen atom can be viewed as a
tiny electromagnet whose strength and direction are determined by the
revolution of the electron of the atom about its nucleus. In a magnetic
field, atoms of hydrogen have a tendency to align themselves in opposition
to the field. If the direction of the field is suddenly changed, there
will be a moment pulling the atoms toward the new direction. But each atom
is a midget gyroscope, and instead of shifting directly to the new field
direction, it will precess about this direction. The frequency of this
precession will be a function only of the strength of the magnetic field.
Syn:nuclear magnetometer

nucleation

The beginning of crystal growth at one or more points. AGI

nucleometer

A Geiger counter employing 20 Geiger tubes to increase the sampling area

and overcome the inefficiency of a 1-tube counter. Ballard

nucleon

A constituent of the atomic nucleus; i.e., a proton or a neutron.

Lyman

nucleus

The central point about which matter accumulates to form a larger mass,
esp. of a growing crystal or pearl. Plural: nuclei.

nuclide

Any species of atom that exists for a measurable length of time. A nuclide
can be distinguished by its atomic weight, atomic number, and energy
state. The term is used synonymously with isotope. A radionuclide is the
same as a radioactive nuclide, a radioactive isotope, or a radioisotope.
Lyman

Nuflex

Trade name for a nonrotating rope of 17 X 7 or 34 X 7 strand construction.

Hammond

nugget

A large lump of placer gold or other metal. CF:heavy gold

nugget effect

Anomalously high precious metal assays resulting from the analysis of

samples that may not adequately represent the composition of the bulk
material tested due to nonuniform distribution of high-grade nuggets in
the material to be sampled. SME, 1

nugget model
A constant variance model most often used in combination with one or more
other functions when fitting mathematical models to experimental
variograms.

nuisance dust

Dust with a long history of little adverse effet on the lungs; does not
produce significant organic disease or toxic effect when exposures are
kept at reasonable levels.

Nujol

In flotation, any of a group of nonionizing hydrocarbon oils that act as

collector agents by smearing action, giving aerophilic quality to the
surface they selectively coat. Pryor, 3

Nullagine Series

Local name in Western Australia for the formation consisting essentially

of pre-Cambrian rocks made up mainly of jasperoid quartzites and dolomite.
Crocidolite asbestos occurs in this formation as cross-fiber seams in
lodes in stratified ferruginous quartzites and shales with occasional
bands of dolomite. Sinclair, 7

nullah

a. A term used in the desert regions of India and Pakistan for a sandy
river bed or channel, or a small ravine or gully, that is normally dry
except after a heavy rain. AGI
b. The small, intermittent, generally torrential stream that flows through
a nullah. Etymol: Hindi nala. See also:wadi; arroyo. Also spelled:
nulla; nallah; nalla. AGI

Numidian marble

A general name for marbles of cream, yellow, pink, and red color, found in
northern Africa. The quarries were worked by the ancient Romans.

Nummulite limestone

A thick bed of limestone, of Eocene age, composed mainly of the remains of

the foraminifer Nummulites. The formation stretches from the Alps through
Iran to China. It is the stone of which the Great Pyramid is built.

Nusse and Grafer PIV/6 drilling machine

A rotary machine used for drilling the holes in combustible gases

drainage. It is a two-speed, 150- to 250-rpm machine, drill-rod rotation
being operated by a 6-hp (4.47-kW) motor. Traversing is done by a 2-hp
(1.5-kW) motor, a pinion of which engages a toothed rack that runs the
length of the drill frame. A forward drilling thrust of 4 st (3.6 t) is
possible. The machine measures 10 ft (3 m) overall and weighs about 1,000
lb (454 kg). With an improved high-speed gearbox, 100 to 130 ft (30 to 40
m) of coal measures strata can be drilled in a shift. Nelson

nut coal

a. An abbrev. for chestnut coal. Also called nuts. Fay

b. Prepared bituminous coal that passes through 2- to 3-in (5.1- to
7.6-cm) round holes and over 3/4-, 1-, or 1¬-in (1.9-, 2.54-, or 3.2-cm)
holes, depending on the screening practice. Anthracite, through 1-5/8-in
(4.1-cm) and over 3/16-in (4.8-mm) round holes. Jones, 1

nutcracker

See:boulder buster

NW

Letter name specifying the dimensions of bits, core barrels, and drill
rods in the N-size and W-group wireline diamond drilling system having a
core diameter of 54.7 mm and a hole diameter of 75.7 mm. The NW
designation has replaced the NX designation. Cumming, 2

NX

The NX designation for coring bits has been replaced by the NW

designation. See also:NW

nylon

A generic term for a group of synthetic fiber-forming polyamides. The

polymer is melted, extruded, stretched, and finally processed to turn it
into a textile yarn having a very high strength, great powers of energy
absorption, and high resistance to abrasion and rotting. Its major uses in
mining are as a reinforcement for conveyor belting and ventilation
ducting. Nelson

nylon belt

A rubber belt containing nylon fiber reinforcing. It is stronger than

cotton-duck belts of equivalent size and possesses better troughability
and fastener holding strength. Nylon belt has the advantage of a long flex
life, and the thinner carcass means easier bending. Nelson

nystagmus

An eye disease suffered by some miners, in which there is a spasmodic

oscillatory movement of the eyeballs; in severe cases, the victim finds
difficulty in walking straight. Bad lighting is generally believed to be
the main cause, and is possibly aggravated by the workers lying on their
sides in thin seams. See also:mining disease

oakum

Loosely twisted fiber usually of hemp or jute impregnated with tar or with
a tar derivative (such as creosote or asphalt); used in caulking seams
(such as the wood hulls and decks of ships) and in packing joints (in
pipes, caissons, etc.). Webster 3rd

Oamaru stone

A white, granular limestone found in large quantities in Oamaru, New

Zealand, and valued as a building stone.

obduction

The overriding or overthrusting of oceanic crust onto the leading edges of

continental lithospheric plates; plate accretion. See also:subduction
AGI

object glass

See:objective

objective

The lens (or lenses) that gives an image of an object in the focal plane
of a microscope or telescope eyepiece. Syn:objective lens;
object glass.

objective glass

See:objective

objective lens

See:objective

oblique block

A quarry term applied to a block of stone bounded by 3 pairs of parallel

faces--4 of the 12 interfacial angles being right angles, 4 obtuse, and 4
acute.

oblique fault

A fault that strikes oblique to, rather than parallel or perpendicular to,
the strike of the constituent rocks or dominant structure.
CF:oblique-slip fault; strike fault; dip fault. Syn:diagonal fault
AGI

oblique illumination method

See:van der Kolk method

oblique joint

a. A joint whose strike is oblique to the strike of the strata or

metamorphic rocks in which it occurs.
b. A joint that forms an acute angle with dip joints and strike joints.
Lewis

oblique offset

The distance of a point from a main survey line measured at an angle to

the latter that is not a right angle. See also:offset

oblique projection

A pictorial view of an object showing its elevation, plan, or section to

scale with parallel lines projected from the corners, at 45 degrees or any
other angle, indicating the other sides.
See also:axonometric projection; isometric projection. Hammond

oblique slip

In a fault, movement or slip that is intermediate in orientation between

the dip slip and the strike slip. CF:strike slip

oblique-slip fault

A fault in which the net slip lies between the direction of dip and the
direction of strike. Syn:diagonal-slip fault

obra

The narrow prismatic part of a blast furnace immediately above the

crucible. Fay

obsequent fault-line scarp

A scarp along a fault line, where the topographically low area is on the
upthrown block. CF:resequent fault-line scarp

observer

a. In seismic prospecting, the person in charge of the recording crew,

including the shooters and linemen. The observer must maintain the
electronic equipment and decide on the best shooting and detector
arrangement as well as the best instrumental settings for getting records
of optimum quality. The observer operates the recording equipment in the
field, often with the help of an assistant. In conventional recording, or
in tape recording when photographic monitors are run, the observer or an
assistant develops the record in the recording truck immediately after it
is shot. Also called operator. Dobrin
b. In gravity and magnetic prospecting, a person who secures the
instrument readings, e.g., on a torsion balance or magnetometer.
AGI

obsidian

A black or dark-colored volcanic glass, usually of rhyolite composition,

characterized by conchoidal fracture. It is sometimes banded or has
microlites. Usage of the term goes back as far as Pliny, who described the
rock from Ethiopia. Obsidian has been used for making arrowheads, other
sharp implements, jewelry, and art objects. Syn:Iceland agate
AGI

obsidianite brick

Lightweight, siliceous fireclay, acid-resisting brick, burned to a

glasslike mass.

obtuse bisectrix

a. That axis that bisects the obtuse angle of the optic axes of biaxial
minerals. Fay
b. The angle >90 degrees between the optic axes in a biaxial crystal, bxo.
CF:optic angle

occidental cat's-eye

See:cat's-eye; tiger's-eye.

occlude

To take in and retain (a substance) in the interior rather than on an

external surface; to sorb. Used esp. of metals sorbing gases; e.g.,
palladium occludes large volumes of hydrogen. Webster 3rd

occluded

Contained in pores (said of gas occluded in coal). Mason

occluded gas

Any of several gases that enter a mine atmosphere from pores, as feeders
and blowers, and also from blasting operations. These gases pollute the
mine air chiefly by the absorption of oxygen by the coal, and in addition
by chemical combination of oxygen with carbonaceous matter, for example,
from decaying timbers, rusting of iron rails, burning of lights, and
breathing of humans and animals. These gases include oxygen, nitrogen,
carbon dioxide, and methane. Kentucky

occlusion

a. Taking up or incorporation of liquids in solids or of gases in liquids.

AGI
b. See:absorption

occupant

An occupant of a tract of land, as the word ordinarily is used, is one who

has the use and possession thereof, whether he resides upon it or not.
Ricketts

occupation

As used in the mining law, it is equivalent to possession, and the right

to locate is included in the right to occupy, and incident to a location
is the right of possession; but mere occupancy of the public lands and
making improvement thereon gives no vested right therein as against a
location made in pursuance of law. Ricketts

occurrence

See:mineral occurrence

ocean current

a. The name current is usually restricted to the faster movements of the

ocean, while those movements that amount to only a few miles a day are
termed drifts. AGI
b. A nontidal current constituting a part of the great oceanic
circulation. Examples are gulf stream, kuroshio, and equatorial currents.
AGI

oceanic ridge

See:Mid-Atlantic Ridge; mid-ocean ridge.

oceanic trench

See:trench

oceanographic dredge
Apparatus used aboard ships to bring up quantity samples of the ocean
bottom deposits and sediments. Hunt

oceanography

The broad field of science that includes all fields of study that pertain
to the sea. This includes the studies of boundaries of the ocean, its
bottom topography, the physics and chemistry of seawater, the
characteristics of its motion, and marine biology. Hy

ocher

A name given to various native earthy materials used as pigments. They

consist essentially of hydrated ferric oxide admixed with clay and sand in
varying amounts and in impalpable subdivision. When carrying much
manganese ochers grade into umbers. They are either yellow, brown, or red.
The best reds are sometimes obtained by calcining the yellow varieties.
They are called burnt ochers. Others are obtained by calcining copperas or
as a residue from roasting pyrite. In general, the native yellows and
browns are varieties of limonite and the native reds are varieties of
hematite. One variety of red ocher is known as scarlet ocher. Their value
as pigments depends not only on the depth of color but also on the amount
of oil required as a vehicle. Syn:terra sienna
CCD, 2

octagon

A polygon having eight sides. Jones, 2

octahedral borax

A rhombohedral form of hydrous sodium borate, Na2 B4 O (sub

7) .5H2 O , simulating regular octahedrons. From the Lagoong of
Tuscany, Italy. See also:tincalconite

octahedral cleavage

In the isometric system, cleavage parallel to the faces of an octahedron.

Fay

octahedral copper

See:cuprite

octahedral iron ore

See:magnetite

octahedrite
a. A class of meteorites. Hey, 1
b. The most common iron meteorite contains 6% to 18% nickel in the metal
phase; on etching, shows Widmanstaetten structure owing to the presence of
intimate intergrowths (of plates of kamacite with narrow selvages of
taenite) oriented parallel to the octahedral planes.
c. A former name for anatase. See also:titanium dioxide

octahedron

a. A closed crystallographic form with isometric symmetry and eight faces,

each an equilateral triangle; sometimes called a regular octahedron to
distinguish it from the more general usage defined below. Commonly
observed in isometric minerals, such as fluorite, pyrite, magnetite, and
diamond.
b. Less precisely, a closed crystallographic form composed of (or bounded
by) eight triangular surfaces (a bipyramid), such as in some samples of
anatase. Plural: octahedra. Adj.: octahedral.

octant

Each eighth of crystal space divided by three noncoplanar axial planes.

CF:dodecant

octant search

Used to limit the number of sample data points used for estimating
intermediate spatial values. The search neighborhood is divided into eight
equal-angle sectors. Constraints on selection of data values to include in
the estimation include: minimum and maximum of samples or the number of
consecutive empty sectors. If either criteria is below minimum, an
interpolated value is not calculated. Applies to any interpolation method
where a limited number of sample data points are used to estimate
intermediate values.

octaphyllite

a. A trioctahedral clay mineral. AGI

b. A group of mica minerals that contains eight cations per ten oxygen and
two hydroxyl ions.
c. Any mineral of the octaphyllite group, such as biotite; a trioctahedral
clay mineral. CF:heptaphyllite

octopus

A bin or tank to facilitate the concrete lining of circular shafts. The

concrete is mixed on the surface, taken down the shaft in buckets, and
discharged into the octopus. The concrete is then led away through
flexible rubber pipes to different points around the shaft. Nelson

ocular
Eyepiece of a microscope. Pryor, 3

O'Donaghue formula

A formula used for calculating the thickness of tubbing: t = hdF/2C + A,

where: t is the required thickness of tubbing in inches; h is the pressure
of water in pounds per square inch; d is the diameter of the shaft in
inches; C is the crushing strength of cast iron in pounds per square inch,
which may be taken as 95,000; F is the factor of safety adopted between 5
and 10; and A is the allowance for possible flaws and corrosion and may
vary from 1/4 to 1 in (6.4 to 25.4 mm), averaging 1/2 in (12.7 mm).
Sinclair, 2

O'Donahue's theory

A mine subsidence theory based on an extension of the theory of the

normal. In it, subsidence is regarded as taking place in two stages. There
is, first, a breaking of the rocks in which the lines of fracture tend to
run at right angles to the stratification. This is followed by an
aftersliding, or inward movement from the sides, resulting in a pull or
draw beyond the edges of the workings. Briggs

odontolite

A fossil bone or tooth colored deep blue by iron phosphate (vivianite),

and rarely green by copper compounds, and resembling turquoise, such as
that from the tusks of mammoths found in Siberia. It is cut and polished
for jewelry. Syn:bone turquoise; fossil turquoise. AGI

oersted

a. The practical, cgs electromagnetic unit of magnetic intensity. A unit

magnetic pole, placed in a vacuum in which the magnetic intensity is 1 Oe
(79.577 A/m), is acted upon by a force of 1 dyn in the direction of the
intensity vector. AGI
b. Commonly used as the cgs unit of magnetic-field intensity. Except in
magnetized media, a magnetic field with an intensity (H) of 1 Oe has an
induction (B) of 1 Gs (0.1 mT). AGI

Oetling freezing method

A method of shaft sinking by freezing wet ground in sections as the

sinking proceeds. The permanent lining is also inserted as the shaft is
sunk. The freezing equipment is a cylinder equal in diameter to the shaft
and 44 in. (1.12 m) in height, with the lower end closed by a plate. The
cylinder is in sections, each of which can be removed. Each section is
provided with freezing coils. After freezing the ground, two sections are
removed, the ground is thawed locally and removed, and a segment of the
permanent lining is inserted. The process is repeated.
See also:Dehottay process; freezing method. Nelson
offcenter waterway

A waterway port in a noncoring diamond bit, not located in the center of

the bit face. Long

off gate

N. of Eng. One of the goaf roadways in longwall workings, which are set
about 120 yd (110 m) apart. Fay

off-highway truck

A truck of such size, weight, or dimensions that it cannot be used on

public highways.

official plat of survey

The expression in a patent according to the official plat of survey of the

land returned to the general land office by the surveyor general refers to
the description of the land as well as to the quantity conveyed.
Ricketts

off line

a. A condition existing when the drive rod of the drill swivel head is not
centered and parallel with the borehole being drilled. Long
b. A borehole that has deviated from its intended course. Long
c. A condition existing wherein any linear excavation (shaft, drift,
borehole, etc.) deviates from a previously determined or intended survey
line or course.

off-peak load

Electricity drawn at a period when the power station that supplies it is

not fully loaded. Pryor, 3

offretite

A hexagonal mineral, (K2 ,Ca)5 Al10 Si26 O

72 .30H2 O ; zeolite group; commonly intergrown with erionite
and levyne as a vein or cavity filling in mafic lavas.

offset

a. A short drift or crosscut driven from a main gangway or level.

Fay
b. The horizontal distance between the outcrops of a dislocated bed.
Fay
c. Of a fault, the horizontal component of displacement, measured
perpendicular to the disrupted horizon. See also:normal shift
AGI
d. A side (horizontal) measurement of distance perpendicular to a line,
usually a transit line. Seelye, 2
e. To collar and drill a borehole at some distance from the designated
site to avoid a difficult setup. Long
f. To drill a borehole near one previously drilled, which may have been
lost, for purposes of correlation or to determine the lateral extent of
mineralization. Long
g. An abrupt change in the trend of a drill hole, usually caused by a
small shelflike projection of rock alongside one wall of the drill hole.
Long
h. A well drilled near the boundary of a lease opposite a completed well
on an adjacent lease. Syn:offset hole; offset well. Long
i. To offset a well by drilling the next adjoining location in accordance
with a spacing pattern. Wheeler, R.R.
j. A spur or minor branch from a principal range of hills or mountains.
k. The distance along the strain coordinate between the initial portion of
a stress-strain curve and a parallel line that intersects the
stress-strain curve at a value of stress which is used as a measure of the
yield strength. It is used for materials that have no obvious yield point.
A value of 0.2% is commonly used. ASM, 1

offset deposit

a. A mineral deposit, esp. of sulfides, formed partly by magmatic

segregation and partly by hydrothermal solution, near the source rock.
AGI
b. At Sudbury, ON, Canada, the term refers to dikelike bodies radiating
from the Sudbury Complex, thought to have been filled from above by
xenolithic rock fragments and massive pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-pentlandite.
AGI

offset digging

In a ladder ditcher, digging with the boom not centered in the machine.
Nichols, 1

offset hole

See:offset

offset line

In surveying, a line established parallel to the main survey line, and

usually not far from it; e.g., a line on a sidewalk, 2 ft (0.6 m) from the
established street line, or a line parallel to the centerline of a bridge
and 50 ft (15.2 m) from it. Seelye, 2

offset ridge
A ridge that is discontinuous because of faulting. AGI

offset staff

In surveying, a rod, usually 10 links (0.2012 m) long, used in measuring

short offsets. Webster 2nd

offset well

See:offset

off-sider

A driller or drill-crew-worker working on the opposite shift. Also called

drill helper. Long

offtake

A length of boring rods unscrewed and detached at the top of a borehole.

Also called rod stand; setout. BS, 9

offtake lad

See:shackler

offtake rod

One of the auxiliary rods at the top of a winding shaft for guiding and
steadying the cages during decking or loading and unloading operations.
Nelson

off-the-road hauling

Hauling that takes place off the public highways, generally on a mining or
excavation site. The hauling units used are generally higher and wider
than those used in over-the-road hauling since highway restrictions do not
limit size, weight, etc. CF:over-the-road hauling

off the solid

In this type of blasting, coal is blasted from the solid with no

precutting or shearing. McAdam, 2

ogie

The space before the fire in a kiln. Also called killogie.

Standard, 1

ohm
The practical mks unit of electric resistance that equals the resistance
of a circuit in which a potential difference of 1 V produces a current of
1 A; the resistance in which 1 W of power is dissipated when 1 A flows
through it. The standard in the United States. Symbols, Omega and omega .
Webster 3rd; Zimmerman

ohmmeter

A type of galvanometer that directly indicates the number of ohms of the

resistance being measured. Crispin

Ohm's law

The formula expressing Ohm's law is I = E/R, in which I is the electric

current in amperes; E is the electromotive force in volts; and R is the
resistance in ohms. Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 2

-oid

A suffix meaning "in the form of." AGI

oikocryst

In poikilitic fabric, the enclosing crystal. AGI

oil agglomeration

A coal beneficiation process in which an oil is used to preferentially wet

the coal particles, which have an affinity to agglomerate into masses that
are then selectively removed by screening, e.g.
See also:selective agglomeration

oil base

The residuum from the distillation of petroleum. When paraffin is obtained

from petroleum, the original oil is said to have a paraffin base; when the
residue is entirely asphaltic, the original petroleum is said to have an
asphaltic base. Some petroleums have both an asphaltic and a paraffin
base. API, 1

oil-bearing shale

Shale impregnated with petroleum. Not to be confused with oil shale.

Tomkeieff

oiled

A term used in flotation when a particle is given a water repellent

surface. When such a coating has been formed, the particle is said to be
oiled or treated and ready to be floated. Newton, 1
oiler

a. In flotation, oil that provides a film around a mineral particle.

b. One of several types of mechanical devices that deliver oil to machines
and into air or steam lines in controllable amounts. Also called atomizer;
line oiler; lubricator; oil pot; pineapple; pot. Long

oilfield winch

An extremely powerful low-speed winch on a crawler tractor.

Nichols, 1

oil flotation

A process in which oil is used in ore concentration by flotation.

Syn:flotation process

oil of vitriol

Concentrated sulfuric acid.

oil pot

See:line oiler; oiler.

oil pump

A hydraulic pump supplying oil under pressure to the hydraulic-feed

cylinders and pistons of a hydraulic-type swivel head on a diamond drill.
Long

oil shale

A kerogen-bearing, finely laminated brown or black sedimentary rock that

will yield liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons on distillation.
CF:bituminous shale
petrolo-shale. AGI

oilstone

A fine-grained stone used for sharpening edged tools or other similar

metal surfaces. Fay

oil-temper

To harden steel by quenching in oil after heating. Webster 3rd

okenite
A triclinic mineral, Ca10 Si18 O46 .18H2 O ;
white; fibrous; commonly associated with zeolites in basalts.

old age

a. The stage in the development of a stream at which erosion is decreasing

in vigor and efficiency, and aggradation becomes dominant as the gradient
is reduced. It is characterized by a broad open valley with a flood plain
that may be 15 times the width of the meander belt; numerous oxbows,
bayous, and swamps; a sluggish current; and slow erosion, effected chiefly
by mass-wasting at valley sides. AGI
b. The final stage of the cycle of erosion of a landscape or region, in
which the surface has been reduced almost to base level and the landforms
are marked by simplicity of form and subdued relief. It is characterized
by a few large meandering streams flowing sluggishly across broad flood
plains, separated by faintly swelling hills, and having dendritic
distributaries; and by peneplanation. AGI
c. A hypothetical stage in the development of a coast, characterized by a
wide wave-cut platform, a faintly sloping sea cliff pushed far inland, and
a coastal region approaching peneplanation. The stage is probably a
theoretical abstraction, since it is doubtful whether stability of sea
level is maintained long enough for the land to be so reduced. AGI

oldhamite

An isometric mineral, (Ca,Mn)S ; pale brown; occurs in some meteorites and

slags; rapidly oxidizes in contact with air.

Oldham stone duster

A self-contained transportable stone duster. A high-velocity current of

air from a fan or blower is mechanically fed from a hopper above, both the
fan and the feeding mechanism being driven from the tub axle as it is
drawn along by rope haulage, horse, or manually. It delivers about 3/4 lb
(0.34 kg) of dust per yard (0.9 m) of travel. Sinclair, 1

Oldham-Wheat lamp

A cap lamp designed for full self-service. This lamp, weighing 6-5/8 lb
(3.0 kg), has a 4-V lead-acid battery in a hard rubber case with covers of
stainless steel or nickel-plated hard brass. The switch is magnetically
operated and is situated in a sealed plastic moulding. A 4-W bulb burning
11 h or a 2-W bulb burning 14 h is used. The lamp is of one-piece
construction and no dismantling is needed to charge the accumulator.
Sinclair, 1

old hole

See:main hole
oldland

a. Any ancient land; specif. an extensive area (such as the Canadian

shield) of ancient crystalline rocks reduced to low relief by
long-continued erosion and from which the materials of later sedimentary
deposits were derived. AGI
b. A region of older land, behind a coastal plain, that supplied the
material of which the coastal-plain strata were formed. AGI
c. A term proposed by Maxson and Anderson (1935) for the land surface of
the old-age stage of the cycle of erosion, characterized by subdued
relief. AGI

Old Red Sandstone

A thick sequence of nonmarine, predominantly red sedimentary rocks,

chiefly sandstones, conglomerates, and shales, representing the Devonian
System in parts of Great Britain and elsewhere in northwestern Europe.
AGI

old scrap

Scrap derived from consumer goods that have outlived their usefulness in
the economy; it includes discarded white goods, automobiles, electrical
equipment, machinery, etc.

old silver

Silver made to appear old by the application of graphite and grease.

old waste

Scot. Old or abandoned workings. Fay

old working

Mine working that has been abandoned, allowed to collapse, and perhaps
sealed off. Unless proper safeguards are taken, old workings can be a
source of danger to workings in production particularly if they are
waterlogged and their plan position is uncertain.
See also:inrush of water

oleander-leaf texture

Leaf-shaped masses of stromeyerite (or other minerals) in a matrix of

chalcocite (or other mineral). AGI

oleic acid

Ch3 (CH2 ),CH:CH(CH2 )7 COOH ; a

mono-unsaturated fatty acid used in ore flotation; insoluble in water; and
soluble in alcohol, ether, and in most other organic solvents.
CCD, 2

oligist

See:hematite

oligist iron

See:hematite

Oligocene

An epoch of the early Tertiary Period, after the Eocene and before the
Miocene; also, the corresponding worldwide series of rocks. It is
considered to be a period when the Tertiary is designated as an era.
AGI

oligoclase

A triclinic mineral, (Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi2 O8 ] ; plagioclase

series of the feldspar group; has NaSi (albite) 10 to 30 mol % and CaAl
(anorthite) 90 to 70 mol %; pseudomonoclinic with prismatic cleavage and
characteristic polysynthetic twinning commonly visible on cleavage traces;
white; may be chatoyant; a common rock-forming mineral in igneous and
metamorphic rocks of intermediate to high silica content; forms the entire
mass in some anorthosites; less commonly a vein mineral.

oligonite

A former name for manganoan siderite, (Fe,Mn)CO3 .

oligosiderite

A meteorite containing a small amount of metallic iron. AGI

oligotrophic peat

Peat poorly supplied with nutrients. Tomkeieff

olivenite

An orthorhombic mineral, Cu2 AsO4 (OH) ; adamantine to

vitreous; a secondary mineral in copper deposits.

Oliver filter

A continuous-type filter made in the form of a cylindrical drum with

filter cloth stretched over the convex surface of the drum. The drum
rotates slowly about a horizontal axis, and the lower part is immersed in
a tank containing the pulp to be filtered. Arrangement of pressure and
suction pipes on the interior of the drum permits the application of
suction to the filtering surface. As the filter passes through the tank,
it picks up a layer of solid material and emerges carrying a layer of
filter cake. Syn:continuous filter

olivine

A mineral group including fayalite, Fe2 SiO4 ; forsterite,

Mg2 SiO4 ; liebenbergite, (Ni,Mg)2 SiO4 ; and
tephroite, Mn2 SiO4 ; orthorhombic; olive green, grayish
green, brown, or black; members intermediate in the forsterite-fayalite
crystal solution series are common rock-forming minerals in gabbros,
basalts, peridotites, and dunites; alters hydrothermally to serpentine.
Fayalite occurs in some granites and syenites, forsterite in thermally
metamorphosed dolomites, and tephroite in iron manganese ore deposits and
their associated skarns. Syn:peridot; chrysolite; olivinoid.

olivine rock

See:dunite

olivinite

a. In the International Union of Geological Sciences classification,

Syn:dunite
b. An olivine-rich ore-bearing igneous rock that also contains other
pyroxenes and/or amphiboles. Syn:leucochalcite

olivinoid

An olivinelike substance found in meteorites. See also:olivine

Standard, 2

olivinophyre

Porphyry containing olivine phenocrysts. Fay

ollenite

A type of hornblende schist characterized by abundant epidote, sphene, and

rutile. Garnet is one of the accessories. AGI

O.L.P. steel process

A steelmaking method similar to the L.D. except that powdered lime is

blown with the oxygen stream (therefore, the letters O.L.P.--oxygen-
lime-powder). See also:L
Nelson
ombrogenous peat

Peat, the nature of which is determined by the amount of rainfall.

Tomkeieff

omnibus

In glassmaking, a sheet-iron cover to protect, from drafts, the glass

articles in a leer. Standard, 2

omnidirectional hydrophone

A hydrophone whose response is essentially independent of angle of arrival

of the incident sound wave. Hy

omphacite

A mineral of the pyroxene group intermediate among aegirine, jadeite, and

augite; i.e., high in aluminum and sodium, and of high-pressure origin;
monoclinic; pale to grass green; occurs in eclogites.

o.m.s.

a. Output (usually in hundredweights) per manshift. It is a method of

expressing the productivity of mines, miners, and management.
Nelson
b. N. of England. Output (usually tons) per manshift. Interpretation
depends on the basis for calculating manshifts, e.g., face o.m.s. is based
on manshifts at the face; seam o.m.s. on piecework and bargain work
manshifts in the seam; overall (pit) o.m.s. on all manshifts underground,
including datal labor. Trist

on air

a. The state of a pump which is operating although having no liquid in its

working parts. BS, 10
b. Scot. Said of a pump when air is drawn at each stroke.

oncosimeter

An instrument for determining the specific gravity of a molten metal by

the immersion of a ball made of another metal and of known weight.
Standard, 2

onegite

A variety of goethite. Hey, 1

one on two
A slope in which the elevation rises 1 ft (m) in 2 horizontal ft (m).
Nichols, 1

one-part line

A single strand of rope or cable. Nichols, 1

one-piece set

A term applied to a single stick of timber, called a post, stull, or prop.

Post and prop are applied to vertical timbers, and stull is applied to
inclined timbers, or those placed horizontally. See also:set
Lewis

one shot

a. A borehole-survey instrument that records a single inclination and/or

bearing reading on each round trip into a borehole. Long
b. Single shot.

one-shot exploder

See:Little Demon exploder

one-spot strip mining

Consists of three operations: the top material is cast out of the way; pay
material is dug and trucked away; and the top is pushed or cast back in.
Nichols, 1

one-way ram

A hydraulic cylinder in which fluid is supplied to one end so that the

piston can be moved only one way by power. Syn:single-acting ram
Nichols, 1

one-way ventilation

See:peripheral ventilation

onion-skin weathering

See:spheroidal weathering

onlap

a. An overlap characterized by the regular and progressive pinching out,

toward the margins or shores of a depositional basin, of the sedimentary
units within a conformable sequence of rocks, in which the boundary of
each unit is transgressed by the next overlying unit and each unit in turn
terminates farther from the point of reference. Also, the successive
extension in the lateral extent of strata (as seen in an upward sequence)
due to their being deposited in an advancing sea or on the margin of a
subsiding landmass. Ant: offlap. Syn:transgressive overlap
CF:overlap
b. The progressive submergence of land by an advancing sea.
CF:transgression

on line

a. A linear underground excavation advancing in compliance with a

predetermined surveyed direction or line.
b. A borehole the course of which is not deviating from the intended
direction. Long
c. Said of a diamond drill when its drive rod is centered on and parallel
to a borehole. Long

on long awn

A face between end and crosscut. Sinclair, 6

onofrite

A former name for selenian metacinnabar Hg(S,Se) .

on plane

Scot. In a direction at right angles to, or facing, the plane or main

joints. Syn:plane course

onsetter

a. The person in charge of loading and unloading of cages or skips at the

pit bottom, and also the signaling to the pithead. In modern mines, the
onsetter is stationed in a cabin and all controls are within reach for the
loading and unloading of the cages, shaft signaling, and other car control
equipment at the shaft bottom. See also:cager; hitcher. Nelson
b. The person in charge of winding operations underground, who is
stationed at the shaft side and gives all signals to the winding
engineman. Mason

onsetting machine

Eng. A mechanical apparatus for loading cages with full tubs and
discharging the empties, or vice versa, at one operation. Fay

on short awn

A face in a direction between bord and crosscut. Sinclair, 6

on sights

a. Following sights placed by a surveyor. Fay

b. On line.

Ontarian

a. Stage in New York State: Middle Silurian (middle and lower parts of
Clinton Group). AGI
b. An obsolete name for the Middle and Upper Ordovician in New York State.
AGI

on-the-solid

a. Applied to a blasthole extending into coal farther than the coal can be
broken by the blast. Fay
b. That part of a blasthole that cannot be broken by the blast.
Fay
c. A practice of blasting coal with heavy charges of explosives, in lieu
of undercutting or channeling. Fay

on the track

Diamonds inset in the crown of a bit in concentric circles so that the

diamonds in any one circle follow the same groove cut into the rock.
Long

onyx

a. A chalcedonic variety of quartz with color, chiefly white, yellow, red,

or black, in straight parallel bands; used esp. in making cameos.
See also:banded agate; agate; chalcedony; sardonyx; jasponyx.
CF:onyx agate
b. A name applied incorrectly to dyed, unbanded, solid-color chalcedony;
esp. black onyx.
c. Adj. Parallel banded; e.g., onyx marble and onyx obsidian.
d. Jet black translucent layers of calcite from cave deposits, often
called Mexican onyx or onyx marble. See also:travertine

onyx agate

Banded agate with straight parallel layers of differing tones of gray; not
a syn. for onyx. CF:onyx

onyx marble

Translucent, generally layered, cryptocrystalline calcite with colors in

pastel shades, particularly yellow, brown, and green.
See also:cave onyx; Egyptian alabaster; oriental alabaster;
Mexican onyx; travertine. ASTM
oolite

a. A sedimentary rock, usually a limestone, made up chiefly of ooliths

cemented together. The rock was originally termed "oolith."
Syn:roestone; eggstone. AGI
b. A term often used for oolith, or one of the ovoid particles of an
oolite. Etymol. Greek oon, egg. CF:pisolite

oolith

One of the small round or ovate accretionary bodies in a sedimentary rock,

resembling the roe of fish, and having diameters of 0.25 to 2 mm (commonly
0.5 to 1 mm). It is usually formed of calcium carbonate, but may be of
dolomite, silica, or other minerals, in successive concentric layers,
commonly around a nucleus such as a shell fragment, an algal pellet, or a
quartz-sand grain, in shallow, wave-agitated water; it often shows an
internal radiating fibrous structure indicating outward growth or
enlargement at the site of deposition. CF:pisolith
ovulite. AGI

oolitic

Pertaining to an oolite, or to a rock or mineral made up of ooliths; e.g.,

an oolitic ironstone, in which iron oxide or iron carbonate has replaced
the calcium carbonate of an oolitic limestone. AGI

oolitic limestone

An even-textured limestone composed almost wholly of relatively uniform

calcareous ooliths, with virtually no interstitial material. It is locally
an important oil reservoir (such as the Smackover Formation in Arkansas),
and is also quarried for building stone. AGI

oolitic texture

The texture of a sedimentary rock consisting largely of ooliths showing

tangential contacts with one another. AGI

ooze

a. A soft, slimy, sticky mud. Fay

b. To emit or give out slowly. Webster 3rd
c. A fine-grained pelagic deposit that contains more than 30% of material
of organic origin. AGI
d. An unconsolidated deposit composed almost entirely of the shells and
undissolved remains of foraminifera, diatoms, and other marine life;
diatom ooze and foraminiferal ooze. Hy

opacite
A general term applied to swarms of opaque, microscopic grains in rocks,
esp. as rims that develop mainly on biotite and hornblende phenocrysts in
volcanic rocks, apparently as a result of post-eruption oxidation and
dehydration. Opacite is generally supposed to consist chiefly of magnetite
dust. CF:ferrite

opacity

The quality of being opaque. See also:opaque

opal

An amorphous or microcrystalline mineral, SiO2 .nH2 O ; may

be tridymite or cristobalite; has a varying proportion of water (as much
as 20% but commonly 3% to 9%); occurs in nearly all colors; transparent to
nearly opaque; typically shows a marked iridescent "play of color";
differs from quartz in being isotropic; has a lower refractive index than
quartz and is softer, more soluble, and less dense; generally occurs
massive and may be pseudomorphous after other minerals; deposited at low
temperatures from silica-bearing water; occurs in cracks and cavities of
igneous rocks, in flintlike nodules in limestones, in mineral veins, in
deposits of thermal springs, in siliceous skeletons of various marine
organisms (such as diatoms and sponges), in serpentinized rocks, in
weathering products, and in most chalcedony and flint. The transparent
colored varieties exhibiting opalescence are valued as gemstones.
Syn:opalite

opalescence

A milky or somewhat pearly appearance or luster of a mineral, such as that

shown by opal and moonstone. CF:play of color

opaline

a. Any of several minerals related to or resembling opal; e.g., a

pale-blue to bluish-white opalescent or girasol corundum, or a brecciated
impure opal pseudomorphous after serpentine. AGI
b. An earthy form of gypsum. AGI
c. A rock with a groundmass or matrix consisting of opal. adj. Resembling
opal, esp. in appearance; e.g., opaline feldspar (labradorite) or opaline
silica (tabasheer). AGI

opalite

See:opal

opalized wood

Silicified wood. See also:wood opal

opaque

Said of a material that is impervious to visible light or has metallic

luster. CF:transopaque; translucent; transparency; transparent; opacity

opaque-attrite

Attritus that is opaque in thin sections. Syn:opaque-durit

Tomkeieff

opaque attritus

Refers to coal material of which the most prominent and important

constituent is opaque matter and also referred to as opaque matrix, black
fundamental matter or matrix and residuum. IHCP

opaque-durit

See:opaque-attrite

open area

See:effective screening area

opencast

A working in which excavation is performed from the surface. Commonly

called open pit. See also:bench; quarry. CF:strip mine
Syn:opencut; opencut mine. Webster 3rd

opencast method

A mining method consisting of removing the overlying strata or overburden,

extracting the coal, and then replacing the overburden. When the overlying
material consists of earth or clay it can be removed directly by scrapers
or excavators, but where rock is encountered it is necessary to resort to
blasting to prepare the material into suitable form for handling by the
excavators. See also:strip mining

opencast mine

See:opencast

opencast working

See:opencast; strike working.

open circuit
In mineral dressing, a flow line in which the solid particles pass from
one appliance to the next without being screened, classified, or otherwise
checked for quality; no fraction is returned for retreatment.
Pryor, 2

open-circuit mill

A grinding mill without classifiers. Nelson

open-crib timbering

Shaft timbering with cribs alone, placed at intervals. Fay

opencut

a. To increase the size of a shaft when it intersects a drift so as to

form a puddle wall behind the sets of timber.
b. Open pit; surface working in which the working area is kept open to the
sky. See also:opencast

opencut mine

An excavation for removing minerals which is open to the weather.

See also:opencast

opencut mining

See:surface mining; openpit mining.

open-drive sampler

A drive-type soil-sampling device that is essentially a headpiece,

threaded to fit a drill rod, to which is attached a removable length of
thin-wall brass or steel tubing. An example is the Shelby tube.
Long

open end method

A method of mining pillars in which no stump is left; the pockets driven

are open on the goaf side and the roof is supported on timbers.
Lewis

opener hole

The first hole or holes fired in a round blasted off the solid to create
an additional free face in a coal mine. CFR, 4

open fault
A fault in which the two walls are separated. CF:closed fault
AGI

open fire

Fire occurring in a roadway or at the coal face in a mine. Such fires may
or may not be easily accessible. They may be in the roof of a roadway or
seam, or in the kerf of a machine-cut face. However, they are quite
distinct in their initiation from gob fires. An open fire may be ignited
by a blown-out shot, electrical failure, or from sparks produced by
friction. See also:spontaneous combustion

open fold

A fold in which the limbs diverge at a large angle. AGI

open front

The arrangement of a blast furnace with a forehearth. Fay

open-graded aggregate

Mineral aggregate containing very few small particles so that the void
spaces are relatively large. Shell

open hearth

The form of regenerative furnace of the reverberatory type used in making

steel by the Martin, Siemens, and Siemens-Martin processes.
See also:furnace; open-hearth furnace.

open-hearth furnace

A reverberatory melting furnace with a shallow hearth and a low roof. The
flame passes over the charge on the hearth, causing the charge to be
heated both by direct flame and by radiation from the roof and sidewalls
of the furnace. In the ferrous industry, the furnace is regenerative.
See also:open hearth

open-hearth process

A process for manufacturing steel, either acid or basic, according to the

lining of the reverberatory furnace, in which selected pig iron and
malleable scrap iron are melted, with the addition of pure iron ore. The
latter, together with the air, contributes to the oxidation of the silicon
and carbon in the melted mass. The final deoxidation is sometimes produced
by the addition of a small quantity of aluminum or ferromanganese, which
at the same time desulfurizes and recarburizes the metal to the required
extent. See also:L
Fay
open-hearth steel

See:open-hearth process

open hole

a. Coal or other mine workings at the surface or outcrop. Also called

opencast; opencut; open pit.
b. A borehole that is drilled without cores. Nelson
c. Uncased portion of a borehole. Pryor, 3
d. A borehole free of any obstructing object or material. Long

opening

a. A widening out of a crevice, in consequence of a softening or

decomposition of the adjacent rock, so as to leave a vacant space of
considerable width. Fay
b. A short heading driven between two or more parallel headings or levels
for ventilation. Fay
c. Surface entrance to mine workings. Syn:mine opening

opening out

The formation of a longwall face by driving headings and cross headings

and connecting the faces to form a continuous line of coal face. It may be
viewed as the final stage in development, leading to full coal production.
In pillar-and-stall mining, opening out would imply the setting off of the
main headings and subsidiary drivages for the formation of coal pillars.
See also:branch headings; mechanized heading development.
Nelson

openings

a. The parts of coal mines between the pillars, or the pillars and ribs.
Fay
b. A series of parallel chambers or openings, separated by pillars or
walls, in slate mining. The width of an opening varies from 35 to 50 ft
(11 to 15 m) depending on roof conditions. Nelson

opening shot

In blasting into solid rock, the wedging shot, gouging shot, or burn cut.
Leading shot fired to open up the rock face by creating a cavity and
therefore easing the work done by later shots in a round. Pryor, 3

opening stock

Quantity on hand at start of accounting period--ore, concentrates, stores,

etc. Pryor, 3
open lagging

Lagging placed a few inches apart.

open light

A naked light. Not a safety light. Fay

open off

a. To turn stalls off stalls, or to drive branch roadways from

crossheadings. Nelson
b. Eng. To begin the longwall system from the shaft pillar, or the far end
of the royalty, or from any headings previously driven out for the purpose
of commencing such system. Fay
c. To start any new working, as a heading, entry, gangway, room, etc.,
from another working, as a slope, gangway, etc. Fay

openpit mine

A mine working or excavation open to the surface. See:strip mine

openpit mining

a. A form of operation designed to extract minerals that lie near the

surface. Waste, or overburden, is first removed, and the mineral is broken
and loaded, as in a stone quarry. Important chiefly in the mining of ores
of iron and copper. Barger
b. The mining of metalliferous ores by surface-mining methods is commonly
designated as openpit mining as distinguished from the strip mining of
coal and the quarrying of other nonmetallic materials such as limestone,
building stone, etc. See also:strip mining

openpit quarry

A quarry in which the opening is the full size of the excavation. One open
to daylight. Fay

open pot

Fireclay pot for melting glass--open at the top. Mersereau, 2

open rock

Any stratum sufficiently open or porous to contain a significant amount of

water or to convey it along its bed. AGI

opens

Large, open cracks or crevices and small and large caverns. Long
open-sand casting

Casting made in a mold simply excavated in sand, without a flask.

Fay

openset

Scot. An unfilled space between pack walls. See also:cundy

open shop

A shop, or mine, where the union price is paid, but where the workers are
not all union members. CF:union shop

open split

A split in which no regulator is installed. Syn:free split

Higham

open stope

a. An unfilled cavity. Nelson

b. Underground working place either unsupported, or supported by timbers
or pillars of rock. Pryor, 3

open-stope method

a. Stoping in which no regular artificial method of support is employed,

although occasional props or cribs may be used to hold local patches of
insecure ground. The walls and roof are self-supporting, and open stopes
can be used only where the ore and wall rocks are firm. Jackson, 2
b. See:overhand stoping

open-tank method

A method of treating mine timber to prevent decay in which the timber is

immersed in a tank of hot preservative and then in a tank of cold
preservative. The preservatives used are creosote, zinc chloride, sodium
fluoride, and other chemicals. See also:timber preservation;
Bethell's process. Lewis

open timbering

The usual method of setting timber or steel supports in mines--they are

spaced from 2 to 5 ft (0.6 to 1.5 m) apart, with laggings and struts to
secure the ground between each set. The method is used in ground that does
not crumble or flow. See also:close timbering

open-top carrier
The main use of this type of bucket elevator has been in handling the
product of the larger crushers. Steel buckets of large capacity, which may
be as long as 7 ft (2.1 m), are attached rigidly to a heavy flat bar
chain, each strand made of two bars with a pitch of 2 and with self-oiling
flanged rollers at each intersection. The elevator rises at an angle of
about 60 degrees , and the rollers run on ways made of light T-rails. The
buckets have overlapping edges, so that there is no spill between them.
Pit and Quarry

open-top tubbing

A length of tubbing having no wedging crib on the top of it. Fay

open traverse

A surveying traverse that starts from a station of known or adopted

position but does not terminate upon such a station and therefore does not
completely enclose a polygon. CF:closed traverse

open working

Surface working, e.g., a quarry or opencast mine. Among the minerals often
exploited by open workings are coal, brown coal, gems; the ores of copper,
gold, iron, lead, and tin; and all kinds of stone. Also called open work.
Nelson

operating carrier

The mechanism used with the automatic duckbill through which the extension
and retraction of the shovel trough are controlled. Jones, 1

operating cost

The sum of the costs of mining, beneficiation, and administration gives

the operating cost of a mine. Nelson

operating engineer

See:hoistman

operating point

A ventilation system is composed of a fan and a set of connected ducts. In

a mine ventilation system, mine openings comprise the ducts. At a given
air density and with the fan operating at constant speed, there is only
one head and quantity of airflow that can result. This is an equilibrium
condition and is known as the operating point of the system.
Hartman, 2

operation
In crystallography, the rotation, reflection, or inversion of an attribute
of a crystal structure to complete its symmetry. CF:element

operational capacities

Figures given on flowsheets to indicate quantities passing various points

in plant per unit time, taking account of fluctuations in the rate of
supply and composition (as to size and content of impurity), as follows:
(1) design capacity, the rate of feed, defined by limits expressing the
extent and duration of load variations, at which specific items of plant
subject to a performance guarantee must operate continuously and give the
guaranteed results on a particular quality of feed; (2) peak design
capacity, a rate of feed in excess of the design capacity, which specific
items of plant will accept for short periods without fulfilling the
performance guarantees given in respect of them; and (3) mechanical
maximum capacity, the highest rate of feed at which specific items of
equipment, not subject to performance guarantees, will function on the
type and quality of feed for which they are supplied. BS, 5

operative temperature

Operative temperature is that temperature of an imaginary environment in

which, with equal wall (enclosing areas) and ambient air temperatures and
some standard rate of air motion, the human body would lose the same
amount of heat by radiation and convection as it would in some actual
environment at unequal wall and air temperatures and for some other rate
of air motion. Strock, 2

ophicalcite

A recrystallized metamorphic rock composed of calcite and serpentine,

commonly formed by dedolomitization of a siliceous dolostone. Some
ophicalcites are highly veined and brecciated and are associated with
serpentinite. AGI

ophiolite

A group of mafic and ultramafic igneous rocks ranging from spilite and
basalt to gabbro and peridotite, including rocks rich in serpentine,
chlorite, epidote, and albite derived from them by later metamorphism,
whose origin is associated with an early phase of the development of a
geosyncline. The term was originated by Steinman in 1905. AGI

ophite

A general term for diabases that have retained their ophitic structure
although the pyroxene is altered to uralite. The term was originated by
Palasson in 1819. AGI

ophitic
Applied to a texture characteristic of diabases or dolerite in which
euhedral or subhedral crystals of plagioclase are embedded in a mesotasis
of pyroxene crystals, usually augite. Also said of a rock with such a
texture. CF:poikilitic

optical anomaly

Optical properties apparently at variance with optical rules, such as:

anisotropy in isotropic minerals, such as birefringent diamond; biaxiality
in uniaxial minerals, such as quartz; and erratic variation in
birefringence near optical absorption bands--e.g., some epidote minerals.

optical calcite

Crystalline calcite so clear that it has value for optical purposes; e.g.,
polarizers. Syn:Iceland spar

optical centering device

An optical device that enables a theodolite to be accurately positioned

over or under a survey station. Also called optical plummet (undesirable
usage). BS, 7

optical character

The designation as to whether optically positive or optically negative;

said of minerals. Fay

optical constant

In optical mineralogy, any of the following: indices of refraction,

birefringence, optic sign, axial angles, extinction angles, and dispersion
of a nonopaque mineral. In ore microscopy (mineragraphy), any of the
reflectances and anisotropy of opaque minerals.
See also:reflected-light microscope

optical crystallography

The study of the behavior of light in crystals. Hurlbut

optical diffraction

Constructive interference of monochromatic light; e.g., labradorescence in

plagioclase, fire in opal. See also:diffraction

optical flat

Glass or other surface rendered truly planar. Pryor, 3

optical glass
Carefully made glass of great uniformity and usually special composition
to give desired transmission, refraction, and dispersion of light.
CCD, 2

optical mineralogy

The determination of optical properties of minerals for the purpose of

characterization and identification. See also:index of refraction

optical property

Any of several effects of a substance upon light. Refractive index, double

refraction, (and its strength, birefringence), dispersion, pleochroism,
and color are gemmologically the most important optical properties.

optical pyrometer

A type of pyrometer that measures high temperature by comparing the

intensity of light of a particular wavelength from the hot material with
that of a filament of known temperature. It is used to determine the
temperature of incandescent lavas. See also:pyrometer

optical sign

When a translucent crystal is viewed under microscope, light travels

through the mineral at a speed which corresponds with its refractive
index, as this is affected by the crystal planes. A uniaxial crystal has a
negative optical sign when the velocity of its extraordinary ray exceeds
that of the ordinary ray and vice versa. Calcite is negative; quartz
positive. For biaxial crystals, the three principal directions of
vibration are mutually at right angles. Pryor, 3

optical square

A hand-held instrument enabling right angles to be set out accurately on a

site. Hammond

optical twinning

A type of twinning in quartz in which the parts of the twin are

alternately left- and right-handed. So named because it can be recognized
by optical tests in distinction to Dauphine (electrical) twinning. Optical
twinning as ordinarily applied includes all twin laws in quartz with the
exception of the Dauphine. Also called Brazil twinning; chiral twinning.
Am. Mineral., 2

optic angle

The angle between the two optic axes of a biaxial crystal; its symbol is
2V (less than 90 degrees ), 2Valpha , or 2Vgamma ,
depending on whether the optic direction X or Z is in the acute bisectrix.
Syn:axial angle; optic-axial angle. CF:acute bisectrix;
obtuse bisectrix.

optic-axial angle

See:optic angle

optic axis

A direction of single refraction in a doubly refracting mineral. Hexagonal

and tetragonal minerals have one such axis, and are termed uniaxial;
rhombic, monoclinic, and triclinic minerals have two optic axes and are
thus biaxial. See also:uniaxial; dispersion. CF:extinction
Anderson

optics

The sub-field of physics that covers the behavior of light.

optic sign

a. Indicates the type of double refraction in a mineral. In uniaxial

minerals, the material is said to be positive when the extraordinary ray
has a higher refractive index than the ordinary ray and negative when the
ordinary ray has the greater index. In biaxial minerals, which have three
basic optical directions, the refractive index of the intermediate or beta
ray is the criterion; if its refractive index is nearer that of the low or
alpha ray, it is said to be a positive mineral or stone; if it is nearer
the high or gamma ray, it is said to be a negative mineral or stone.
b. More technically, in uniaxial minerals, the material is positive when
the extreme refractive index (nepsilon ) is greater than the
apparently isotropic one (nomega ) and negative when the extreme
refractive index is less. In biaxial minerals, which have extreme
refractive indices both above and below the apparently isotropic one (n
beta ), the material is positive when the lower refractive index (n
alpha ) is closer to the apparently isotropic one and negative when
the higher one (ngamma ) is closer. Syn:optical sign;
optical character. See also:interference

optimization

Coordination of various processing factors, controls, and specifications

to provide best overall conditions for technical and/or economic
operation. Pryor, 4

optimum depth of cut

That depth of cut required to completely fill the dipper in one pass
without undue crowding. Carson, 1
optimum moisture content

The water content at which a soil can be compacted to the maximum dry unit
weight by a given compactive effort. Also called optimum water content.
ASCE

option

a. A privilege secured by the payment of a certain consideration for the

purchase, or lease, of mining or other property, within a specified time,
or upon the fulfillment of certain conditions set forth in the contract.
b. S. Afr. The word option may refer to shares under option to the holder
of option certificates. In regard to mining activities, options are
granted to acquire the mineral rights and/or surface rights over some farm
at a price fixed in the agreement. This price may be a sum of money or a
participation in a mining company still to be formed. The option itself
can be acquired for a lump sum or for a payment of so much per morgen a
year. The option contract is generally connected with the permission for
the option holder to prospect for minerals and briefly referred to as
option and prospecting contract. Beerman

optional-flow storage

In coal preparation, optional-flow setups are those where coal usually

goes to the plant but can be diverted into storage, either in bins or
hoppers or on the ground. Coal Age, 3

opx

Abbrev. for orthopyroxene. CF:cpx

oral agreement to locate

An agreement to locate need not be in writing. If a party, in pursuance of

an oral agreement to locate at the expense of another, locates the claim
in his or her own name, he or she holds the legal title to the ground in
trust for the benefit of the party for whom the location was made. Such a
party could, upon making the necessary proofs, compel the locator of the
mining claim to convey the title to him or her, although the agreement to
do so was not in writing. Such an agreement is not within the statute of
frauds. Ricketts

orange heat

A division of the color scale, generally given as about 900 degrees C.

orangepeel

A variant of the clamshell bucket with four or five leaves instead of the
clamshell's two. Each leaf ends in a reinforced point. Its digging ability
is less than that of the clamshell, and its principal use is for
underwater excavation and digging. Carson, 1

orangepeel sampler

An apparatus consisting of four movable jaws that converge to a point when

closed; used to obtain samples of underwater sediment. AGI

orbicular

Adj. Describes rounded to spherical, commonly banded, textures within

minerals or rocks; e.g., orbicular diorite.

orbicular structure

A structure developed in certain phanerocrystalline rocks (e.g., granite

and diorite) due to the occurrence of numerous orbicules.
Syn:spheroidal structure; nodular structure.

orcelite

A hexagonal mineral, Ni5-x As2 ; rose-bronze; at the

Tiebaghe massif, New Caledonia.

ordered solid solution

A condition when atoms in a solid solution arrange themselves in regular

or preferential positions in the lattice, rather than at random.
Newton, 1

order of crystallization

The apparent chronological sequence in which crystallization of the

various minerals of an assemblage takes place, as evidenced mainly by
textural features. See also:paragenesis

order of persistence

See:stability series

order of reaction

A classification of chemical reactions based on the index of the power to

which concentration terms are raised in the expression for the
instantaneous velocity of the reaction; i.e., on the apparent number of
molecules which interact. CTD

ordinary kriging
A variety of kriging which assumes that local means are not necessarily
closely related to the population mean, and which therefore uses only the
samples in the local neighborhood for the estimate. Ordinary kriging is
the most commonly used method for environmental situations.
See also:kriging

ordinary ray

a. In a uniaxial crystal, that ray that travels with constant velocity in

any direction within it. Anderson
b. In mineral optics, a light ray that, because of its crystallographic
orientation, follows Snell's law, n=sini/sinr, where n is the refractive
index, i is the angle of incidence, and r is the angle of refraction. In
anisotropic crystals, not all light rays follow Snell's law and are,
hence, "extraordinary rays." CF:law of refraction

ordinate

Y-axis; the vertical scale of a graph.

ordnance bench mark

Survey station the level of which has been officially fixed with reference
to the ordnance datum, the arbitrary mean sea level at Newlyn in Cornwall,
England. Pryor, 3

ordnance survey

Originally, a military mapping activity; now a precise survey maintained

by government which maps land and building features of Great Britain in
close detail. Pryor, 3

ordonezite

A tetragonal mineral, ZnSb2 O6 ; brown.

ore

a. The naturally occurring material from which a mineral or minerals of

economic value can be extracted profitably or to satisfy social or
political objectives. The term is generally but not always used to refer
to metalliferous material, and is often modified by the names of the
valuable constituent; e.g., iron ore. See also:mineral; mineral deposit;
ore mineral. Syn:orebody
b. The term ores is sometimes applied collectively to opaque accessory
minerals, such as ilmenite and magnetite, in igneous rocks. AGI

ore band

Zone of rock rich in ore.

ore-bearing fluid

See:hydrothermal solution

ore bed

a. Metal-rich layer in a sequence of sedimentary rocks. AGI

b. Economic aggregation of minerals occurring between or in rocks of
sedimentary origin.

ore bin

a. A receptacle for ore awaiting treatment or shipment. Fay

b. Robustly constructed steel, wooden, or concrete structure which
receives intermittent supplies of mined ore and can transfer them
continuously by rate-controlled withdrawal systems (bottom gates and ore
feeders) to the treatment plant. Thus a buffer stock is held which allows
a mine to hoist ore intermittently without bringing milling operations to
a standstill. It characteristically receives a weighed-in input of finely
broken ore from the final dry-crushing section (usually between 1-in and
3/8-in (2.54-cm and 9.5-mm) maximum particle size). The surge bin is a
much smaller one, able to receive a dumped load of run-of-mine ore and to
transfer it at a regular rate to the crushing system between arrivals of
further skip loads. Pryor, 3

ore blending

Method whereby a mine, or a group of mines, served by a common mill, sends

ores of slightly varied character for treatment and separate bins or
stockpiles are provided. From these, regulated percentages of ores are
drawn and blended to provide a steady and predictable feed to the mineral
dressing plant. Pryor, 3

ore block

A section of an orebody, usually rectangular, that is used for estimates

of overall tonnage and quality. See also:blocking out

ore blocked out

See:developed reserve

ore boat

A boat constructed esp. for transporting iron ore on the Great Lakes.
Mersereau, 2

orebody
A continuous, well-defined mass of material of sufficient ore content to
make extraction economically feasible. See also:ore; mineral deposit.
AGI

ore boil

A reaction that occurs in an open-hearth furnace in which the carbon

monoxide released by the oxidation of carbon causes a violent agitation of
the metal as it escapes. Newton, 1

ore bridge

A large electric gantry-type crane which, by means of a clamshell bucket,

stocks ore or carries it from a stockpile into bins or a larry car on a
trestle. Fay

ore-bridge bucket

A clamshell grab bucket of 5 to 7 tons capacity. Fay

ore car

A mine car for carrying ore or waste rock. Weed, 2

ore chute

An inclined passage, from 3 to 4 ft (approx. 1 m) square, for the transfer

of ore to a lower level, car, conveyor, etc. It may be constructed through
waste fills. See also:orepass

ore cluster

A genetically related group of orebodies that may have a common root or

source rock but that may differ structurally or otherwise. AGI

ore control

Any tectonic, lithologic, or geochemical features considered to have

influenced the formation and localization of ore. AGI

ore crusher

a. A machine for breaking up masses of ore, usually prior to passing

through stamps or rolls. See also:crusher
b. See:crusher man

ore delfe

a. Ore lying underground.

b. Right or claim to ore from ownership of land in which it is found.
ore deposit

a. A body of ore. See also:mineral deposit

b. A mineral deposit that has been tested and is known to be of sufficient
size, grade, and accessibility to be producible to yield a profit. (In
controlled economies and integrated industries, the "profit" decision may
be based on considerations that extend far beyond the mine itself, in some
instances relating to the overall health of a national economy.)

ore developed

See:positive ore

ore developing

Ore exposed on two sides. First class, blocks with one side hidden; second
class, blocks with two sides hidden; third class, blocks with three sides
hidden. See also:probable ore

ore dike

An injected wall-like intrusion of magmatic ore, forced in a liquid state

across the bedding or other layered structure of the invaded formation.
Schieferdecker

ore district

A combination of several ore deposits into one common whole or system.

ore dressing

The cleaning of ore by the removal of certain valueless portions, such as

by jigging, cobbing, vanning, etc. See also:concentration;
beneficiation; preparation. Syn:mineral dressing; ore preparation.
Fay

ore expectant

The whole or any part of the ore below the lowest level or beyond the
range of vision. The prospective value of a mine beyond or below the last
visible ore, based on the fullest possible data from the mine being
examined, and from the characteristics of the mining district.
See also:possible ore; prospective ore. Fay

ore face

An orebody that is exposed on one side, or shows only one face, and of
which the values can be determined only in a prospective manner, as
deducted from the general condition of the mine or prospect. Fay
ore-forming fluid

A gas or fluid that dissolves, receives by fractionation, transports, and

precipitates ore minerals. A mineralizer is typically aqueous, with
various hyperfusible gases (CO2 , CH4 , H2 S, HF),
simple ions (H+ , HS, Cl- , K, Na, Ca), complex ions
(esp. chloride complexes), and dissolved base and precious metals.
Syn:geologic mineralizer; mineralizer; hydrothermal solution.

ore genesis

The origin of ores.

ore geology

The branch of applied geology dealing with the genetic study of ore
deposits. Syn:metallogeny; mining geology.
See also:economic geology

oregonite

Probably Ni2 FeAs2 ; hexagonal. From Josephine Creek,

Josephine County, OR. Named from the locality. Also spelled oregonit.
Hey, 2

ore grader

In metal mining, a person who directs and regulates the storage of iron
ores of various grades in bins at shipping docks so that the grade of ore
contained in each bin will contain the approximate percentage of iron
guaranteed to the buyer (iron and steel mills). DOT

ore guide

Any natural feature--such as alteration products, geochemical variations,

local structures, or plant growth--known to be indicative of an orebody or
mineral occurrence. AGI

ore hearth

A small, low fireplace surrounded by three walls, with a tuyere at the

back. Three important types are called: ore hearth, waterback ore hearth,
and Moffet ore hearth; used in smelting. Fay

oreing down

A blocking operation in which ore is added to an open-hearth bath to

oxidize the bath and to further reduce the carbon. Henderson

ore in sight
a. A term frequently used to indicate two separate factors in an estimate,
namely: (1) ore blocked out; i.e., ore exposed on at least three sides
within reasonable distance of each other; and (2) ore that may be
reasonably assumed to exist, though not actually blocked out; these two
factors should in all cases be kept distinct, because (1) is governed by
fixed rules, while (2) is dependent upon individual judgment and local
experience. The expression ore in sight as commonly used in the past,
appears to possess so indefinite a meaning as to discredit its use
completely. The terms positive ore, probable ore, and possible ore are
suggested.
b. See:developed reserve

ore intersection

The point at which a borehole, crosscut, or other underground opening

encounters an ore vein or deposit; also, the thickness of the ore-bearing
deposit so traversed. Long

ore magma

A term proposed by Spurr (1923) for a magma that may crystallize into an
ore; the sulfide, oxide, or other metallic facies of a solidified magma.
AGI

ore microscope

See:reflected-light microscope

ore microscopy

The study of opaque ore minerals in polished section with a

reflected-light microscope. See also:reflected-light microscopy;
microscopy. AGI

ore mineral

The part of an ore, usually metallic, which is economically desirable, as

contrasted with the gangue. See also:ore

ore partly blocked

Said of an orebody that is only partly developed, and the values of which
can be only approx. determined. See also:probable ore

orepass

A vertical or inclined passage for the downward transfer of ore; equipped

with gates or other appliances for controlling the flow. An orepass is
driven in ore or country rock and connects a level with the hoisting shaft
or with a lower level. See also:ore chute
ore personal property

Ore, or other mineral product, becomes personal property when detached

from the soil in which it is imbedded. Ricketts

ore pipe

A long and relatively thin deposit commonly formed at the intersection of

two planes. See also:pipe

ore plot

A place where dressed ore is kept. Fay

ore pocket

a. Excavation near a hoisting shaft into which ore from stopes is moved,
preliminary to hoisting. Pryor, 3
b. Used in a phrase such as a rich pocket of ore, to describe an unusual
concentration in the lode. Pryor, 3

ore preparation

See:ore dressing

ore province

A well-defined area containing ore deposits of a particular kind; e.g.,

the porphyry copper deposits of the Southwestern United States. Related
to, but not exactly synonymous with, metallogenic province, which need not
contain economic ore deposits.

ore reserve

a. The term is usually restricted to ore of which the grade and tonnage
have been established with reasonable assurance by drilling and other
means. Nelson
b. The total tonnage and average value of proved ore, plus the total
tonnage and value (assumed) of the probable ore. Hoover
c. A mine's substantial asset, without which none of the surface works are
economically viable. A body of ore that has been proved to contain a
sufficient tonnage of amenable valuable mineral to justify the mining
enterprise. The British Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, which
regulates the professional standards of its membership, considers that the
term ore reserves should be restricted to ore of which the quantity and
grade have been established with reasonable assurance by a responsible,
professionally qualified person. Additional ore insufficiently developed
or tested for inclusion in ore reserves should be clearly described in
simple terms best suited to the circumstances; modes of mineral occurrence
vary too widely to permit standardization of categories. Pryor, 3
d. S. Afr. Orebodies made available for mining through drives connected by
winzes (a connection driven down) and raises (a connection driven up),
thus forming blocks that are accessible from four sides. Some companies
record partially developed ore reserves in which this making of blocks has
not been completed. Newcomers in gold mining occasionally speak of ore
reserves when they mean the orebodies contained in a mining area and in
copper mining this method of expression has been accepted by large
concerns. Beerman
e. See:reserve

ore sampling

The process in which a portion (sample of ore) is selected in such a way,

that its composition will represent the average composition of the entire
bulk of ore. Such a selected portion is a sample, and the art of properly
selecting such a sample is called sampling. Newton, 1

ore separator

A cradle, frame, jigging machine, washer, or other device or machine used

in separating the metal from broken ore, or ore from worthless rock.
Standard, 2

ore shoot

a. An elongate pipelike, ribbonlike, or chimneylike mass of ore within a

deposit (usually a vein), representing the more valuable part of the
deposit. Syn:shoot
b. Concentration of primary ore along certain parts of a rock opening.
Bateman, 2
c. A large and visually rich aggregation of mineral in a vein. It is a
more or less vertical zone or chimney of rich vein matter extending from
wall to wall, and has a definite width laterally. Sometimes called pay
streak, although the latter applies more specif. to placers.
d. An area of payable lode surrounded by low values. See also:shoot
Spalding

ore sill

A tabular sheet of magmatic ore, injected in a liquid state along the

bedding planes of a sedimentary or other layered formation.

ore stamp

A machine for reducing ores by stamping. Standard, 2

ore-storage drier man

One who removes moisture from ore or other material preparatory to
roasting or electrolytic processing, using a gas or hot-air drier. Also
called drier operator. DOT

ore strand

Individual mass of quartz with a halo of alteration and ore minerals, or

close assemblage of seams of such quartz and accompanying altered ground.
AGI

ore trend

A term used on the Colorado Plateau to indicate the extension of an

orebody along its major axis; the average trend of ore in a particular
area, or the regional trend of mineralization over a large area. The local
trend of individual orebodies may vary from the regional trend of
so-called mineral belts. Ballard

ore vein

A tabular or sheetlike mass of ore minerals occupying a fissure or a set

of fissures and later in formation than the enclosing rock.
Schieferdecker

ore washer

A machine for washing clay and earth out of earthy brown hematite ores.
The log washer is a common type. Fay

ore zone

A horizon in which ore minerals are known to occur. Long

Orford process

A process for separating the copper and nickel in the matte obtained by
Bessemerizing. The matte, which consists of copper-nickel sulfides, is
fused with sodium sulfide, and a separation into two layers, the top rich
in nickel and the bottom rich in copper, is obtained. Also known as
top-and-bottom process. CTD

organ

A series of closely spaced props placed at the borders of the chamber at

the coal face. Such an arrangement protects the future, adjoining chamber
from caving. Stoces

organic
Being, containing, or relating to carbon compounds, esp. in which hydrogen
is attached to carbon whether derived from living organisms or not.
Usually distinguished from inorganic or mineral. CF:inorganic
Webster 3rd

organic ash

Ash in coal derived from the incombustible material contained in plants.

Tomkeieff

organic colloid

Any of the depressants used in the flotation process. They include glue,
gelatin, albumen, dried blood, casein (proteins), tannin, licorice,
quebracho extract, and saponin (complex polyhydroxy carboxylic acids and
glucosides). Pryor, 3

organic deposit

A rock or other deposit formed by organisms or their remains.

organic efficiency

The ratio (normally expressed as a percentage) between the actual yield of

a desired product and the theoretically possible yield (based on the
reconstituted feed), both actual and theoretical products having the same
percentage of ash. BS, 5

organic soil

A general term applied to a soil that consists primarily of organic matter

such as peat soil and muck soil. AGI

organic sulfur

The difference between the total sulfur in coal and the sum of the pyritic
sulfur and sulfate sulfur. BS, 1

organic test

A test in which organic matter in soil is destroyed by oxidizing agents

and the loss measured. This test is used in preparation of soil for a
sedimentation test, and gives an indication of the amount of organic
matter present. See also:sedimentation test

organogenic

Derived from or composed of organic materials; e.g., a crinoidal

limestone.
organolite

Rock formed from organic substances, esp. those of vegetable origin, such
as coal, oil, resins, and bitumens. Tomkeieff

orichalcum

An ancient copper alloy resembling gold in color. Hess

orient

a. To place a deflection wedge in a borehole in such an attitude that the

concave surface is pointed in a predetermined direction. Long
b. To place a piece of core in the same relative plane as it occupied
below the surface. See also:core orientation
c. To turn a map or planetable sheet in a horizontal plane until the
meridian of the map is parallel to the meridian on the ground.
Seelye, 2
d. In a transit, to turn the instrument so that the direction of the 0
degrees line of its horizontal circle is parallel to the direction it had
in the preceding, or in the initial, setup. Seelye, 2
e. To place a diamond in a bit mold in such an attitude that when it is
embedded in the crown matrix one of its hard vector planes will come in
contact with the rock to be abraded or cut by the diamond. Long
f. The characteristic sheen and irridescence displayed by pearl.
Anderson
g. To align an optical or crystallographic direction of a mineral with a
rotation axis of a microscope stage.

oriental

a. Frequently used in the same sense as precious when applied to minerals;

from an old idea that gems came principally from the Orient; e.g.,
oriental amethyst, oriental chrysolite, oriental emerald, and oriental
topaz, all of which are varieties of sapphire. Syn:precious
Fay
b. Specially bright, clear, pure, and precious; said of gems.
Standard, 2

oriental alabaster

Calcium carbonate in the form of onyx marble. Gibraltar stone.

Syn:Algerian onyx; onyx marble. Hess; CTD

oriental cat's-eye

See:cat's-eye; tiger's-eye.

oriental powder
An explosive consisting of tan bark, sawdust, or other vegetable fiber, or
resins, such as gamboge, impregnated with a nitrate or chlorate and mixed
with gunpowder. Standard, 2

orientation

a. Arrangement in space of the axes of a crystal with respect to a chosen

reference or coordinate system. See also:preferred orientation
ASM, 1
b. In surveying, the rotation of a map (or instrument) until the line of
direction between any two of its points is parallel to the corresponding
direction in nature.
c. In structural petrology, refers to the arrangement in space of
particles (grains or atoms) of which a rock is composed. AGI
d. The act or process of setting a diamond in the crown of a bit in such
an attitude that one of its hard vector planes will contact the rock and
be the surface that cuts or abrades it.
e. As used in borehole surveying and directional drilling practice,
orientation refers to the method and procedure used in placing an
instrument or tool, such as a deflection wedge, in a drilled hole so that
its directional position, bearing, or azimuth is known. Long
f. The position of important sets of planes in a crystal in relation to
any fixed system of planes. CTD
g. The spatial relationship between crystallographic axes and principle
optic directions in anisotropic minerals.
h. The characteristic sheen or iridescence displayed by pearl.

orientational twinning

See:electrical twinning

orientation survey

In geochemical prospecting, a geochemical survey normally consisting of a

series of preliminary experiments aimed at determining the existence and
characteristics of anomalies associated with mineralization. This
information is then used in selecting adequate prospecting techniques and
in determining the factors and criteria that have a bearing on
interpretation of the geochemical data. Hawkes, 2

oriented

Said of a specimen or thin section that is so marked as to show its

original position in space. AGI

oriented bit

A surface-set diamond bit with individual stones set so as to bring the

hard vector direction or planes of the crystal into opposition with the
rock surface to be abraded or cut. See also:orient
oriented core

A core specimen that can be positioned on the surface as it was in the

borehole prior to extraction. Such a core is useful where the general dip
of the strata is required from one borehole. A magnetic method may be used
to disclose the polarity the core specimen possessed while in situ.
See also:true dip; borehole surveying; oriented sample.
CF:core orientation

oriented core barrel

An instrument used in borehole surveying, which marks the core to show its
position in space. Hammond

oriented diamond

A diamond inset in the crown of a bit in such an attitude that one of its
hard vector planes will be the surface that cuts or abrades the rock.
See also:orient

oriented sample

See:oriented core

oriented specimen

a. In structural petrology, a hand specimen so marked that its exact

arrangement in space is known. Billings
b. In paleontology, a fossil whose position is known in regards to such
features as anterior and dorsal sides, dorsal and ventral sides, the axis
of coiling, the plane of coiling, etc. AGI

oriented survey

A borehole survey made by lining up a reference mark on the clinometer

case with that on the drill rods, which in turn are oriented as they are
lowered into the borehole.

orienting coupling

A rotatable coupling on a Thompson retrievable wedge-setting assembly that

may be set and locked in a predetermined position in reference to the
gravity-control member. This places the deflection wedge so as to direct
the branch borehole in the desired course. Long

orientite

An orthorhombic mineral, Ca2 Mn2+ Mn3+2 Si

3 O10 (OH)4 ; forms minute, brown to black, radiating,
prismatic crystals.
orifice

a. In ventilation, a hole in a very thin plate. Mason

b. A hole or opening, usually in a plate, wall, or partition, through
which water flows, generally for the purpose of control or measurement.
Seelye, 1
c. The end of a small tube, such as the orifice of a Pitot tube,
piezometer, etc. Seelye, 1
d. An opening through which glass flows. In a feeder, an opening in bottom
of spout formed by orifice ring. ASTM
e. Opening. Formerly applied to discs placed in pipelines or radiator
valves to reduce the fluid flow to a desired amount. Strock, 2

orifice meter

A form of gas or liquid flowmeter consisting of a diaphragm in which there

is an orifice placed transversely across a pipe; the difference in
pressure on the two sides of the diaphragm is a measure of flow velocity.
Lowenheim

orifice of passage

Said of a fan with an orifice comparable to the equivalent orifice of a

mine; i.e., the area in a thin plate that requires the same pressure to
force a given volume of air through as is required to force the same
volume through the fan. Orifice of passage O = 0.389 Q/w.g.f., where Q =
volume of air passing in thousands cubic feet per minute; w.g.f.= loss of
pressure in the fan in inches of water gage. Nelson

origin

The source or ground of the existence of anything, either as cause or as

occasion; that from which a thing is derived or by which it is caused;
esp., that which initiates or lays the foundation; e.g., the origin of ore
deposits. Standard, 2

original dip

The attitude of sedimentary beds immediately after deposition.

Syn:initial dip; primary dip. AGI

original hole

See:main hole

original lead

The common lead in a uranium mineral. AGI

original mineral
See:primary mineral

ormolu

a. Gold ground for use in gilding; also metal gilded with ground gold.
Webster 3rd
b. A brass made to imitate gold and used in mounts for furniture and for
other decorative purposes. Also called mosaic gold. Webster 3rd

ornamental stone

See:gemstone

ornansite

A stony meteorite composed of bronzite and olivine in a friable mass of

chondri. Hess

orocline

An orogenic belt with an imposed curvature or sharp bend, interpreted by

Carey (1958) as a result of horizontal bending of the crust, or
deformation in plan. AGI

orogen

A belt of deformed rocks, in many places accompanied by metamorphic and

plutonic rocks; e.g., the Appalachian orogen or the Alpine orogen.
AGI

orogenesis

See:orogeny

orogenic

Adj. of orogeny.

orogeny

The process by which structures within fold-belt mountainous areas were

formed, including thrusting, folding, and faulting in the outer and higher
layers, and plastic folding, metamorphism, and plutonism in the inner and
deeper layers. Syn:orogenesis; mountain building; tectogenesis. Adj:
orogenic; orogenetic. AGI

orometer
An aneroid barometer having a second scale that gives the approximate
elevation above sea level of the place where the observation is made.
Webster 3rd

oronite

An enamel paint for protecting metal surfaces from the action of hot
vapors. Fay

O'Rourke car switcher

A crossover switch that consists essentially of a single-acting cylinder

hoist on a crossrail fastened to the roof at right angles to the track.
While a car is being loaded, the switcher picks up the empty car next to
the locomotive and holds it to one side. As soon as a car is loaded the
locomotive pulls the train back past the switcher, and the empty car is
placed at the front of the train and pushed under the slide. Lewis

orphaned mine land

Abandoned and unreclaimed mines for which no owner or responsible party

can be found. The reclamation and environmental conditions of such lands
is then defaulted to the State or Federal Government. SME, 1

orpiment

a. A yellow arsenic trisulfide, As2 S3 , containing 61%

arsenic; monoclinic. Syn:yellow arsenic
b. A monoclinic mineral, 4[As2 S3 ]; soft; pearly lemon
yellow with one perfect cleavage; in powdery foliated masses and coatings,
botryoidal or fibrous; a low-temperature alteration of other arsenides;
associated with realgar and gold in hot springs. Syn:yellow ratsbane

Orsat gas-analysis instrument

An instrument for analyzing flue gases. Although outside its normal field
of application, it may be used for analyzing mine air. Nelson

orthite

A former name for allanite, esp. when found in slender prismatic or

acicular crystals.

ortho-

a. A combining form meaning straight; at right angles; proper. AGI

b. In petrology, a prefix that, when used with the name of a metamorphic
rock, indicates that it was derived from an igneous rock, e.g.,
orthogneiss, orthoamphibolite; it may also indicate the primary origin of
a crystalline, sedimentary rock, e.g., orthoquartzite as distinguished
from metaquartzite. AGI
c. A prefix to the name of a mineral species or group to indicate
orthorhombic symmetry as opposed to "clino" indicating monoclinic
symmetry.

orthoamphibole

The orthorhombic subgroup of amphiboles including anthophyllite, gedrite,

and holmquistite. CF:clinoamphibole

orthochlorite

a. A group name for distinctly crystalline forms of chlorite (such as

clinochlore and penninite).
b. A group name for chlorites conforming to the general formula: (R (super
2+) ,R3+ )6 (Si,Al)4 O10 (OH)8 .

orthoclase

A monoclinic mineral, KAlSi3 O8 ; feldspar group; prismatic

cleavage; partly ordered, monoclinic potassium feldspar dimorphous with
microcline, being stable at higher temperatures; also a general term
applied to any potassium feldspar that is or appears to be monoclinic;
e.g., sanidine, submicroscopically twinned microcline, adularia, and
twinned analbite. It is a common rock-forming mineral and occurs esp. in
granites, granite pegmatites, felsic igneous rocks, and crystalline
schists, and is commonly perthitic. Syn:common feldspar; orthose;
pegmatolite. CF:microcline; plagioclase; anorthoclase.

orthoclase gabbro

A descriptive name for rocks now known as monzonite, in which the

plagioclase is at least as calcic as labradorite. Holmes, 2

orthoclasite

An orthoclase-bearing porphyritic intrusive rock, such as granite or

syenite. The term is sometimes restricted to rocks containing more than
90% orthoclase. Not recommended usage. AGI

orthoclastic

Cleaving in directions at right angles to each other. Webster 3rd

orthodolomite

a. A primary dolomite, or one formed by sedimentation. AGI

b. A term used by Tieje (1921) for a dolomite rock so well-cemented that
the particles are interlocking. AGI
orthodome

A monoclinic crystal form whose faces parallel the orthoaxis and cut the
other axes. CF:dome; clinodome. AGI

orthoferrosilite

An orthorhombic mineral, (Fe,Mg)2 Si2 O 6 ; pyroxene

group; now simply called ferrosilite. CF:ferrosilite; clinoferrosilite.

orthogneiss

Applied to gneissose rocks that have been derived from rocks of igneous
origin. CF:paragneiss

orthogonal

At right angles. Hammond

orthoguarinite

Cesaro's name for an orthorhombic form of guarinite, through superposition

of hemitropic lamellae of the monoclinic mineral, clinoguarinite.
See also:clinoguarinite

orthohydrous maceral

Maceral having a normal hydrogen content, such as vitrine.

Tomkeieff

orthokalsilite

An artificial orthorhombic high-temperature polymorph of KAlSiO4 .

ortholimestone

A term proposed by Brooks (1954) for sedimentary limestone.

CF:metalimestone; orthomarble. AGI

orthomagmatic

See:orthomagmatic stage

orthomagmatic stage

Applied to the main stage of crystallization of silicates from a typical

magma; the stage during which perhaps 90% of the magma crystallizes.
CF:pegmatitic stage

orthomarble
A crystalline limestone that will take a polish; e.g., the Holston
orthomarble of Tennessee. CF:metamarble; metalimestone; ortholimestone.

orthomic feldspar

Triclinic feldspar, which by repeated twinning (orthomimicry) simulates a

higher degree of symmetry with rectangular cleavages; e.g., orthoclase,
anorthoclase, and cryptoclase. English

orthophotography

The product of a procedure that corrects the distortions in aerial

photography due to the instability of the camera platform, the terrain
relief, and the angle of the light rays entering the camera lens. The
ortho instrumentation attached to a stereo plotting instrument rectifies
the image in a transfer process so as to reposition it in its correct
planar position. SME, 1

orthophyric

Said of the texture of the groundmass in certain holocrystalline,

porphyritic, igneous rocks in which the feldspar crystals have quadratic
or short, stumpy, rectangular cross sections, rather than the lath-shaped
outline observed in trachytic texture. Also, said of a groundmass with
this texture, or of a rock having an orthophyric groundmass. AGI

orthopinacoid

In the monoclinic system, the form consisting of two planes parallel to

the vertical and orthodiagonal axes. See also:pinacoid
Standard, 2

orthoprism

A monoclinic prism, the orthodiagonal intercept of which is greater than

1. Standard, 2

orthopyroxene

The subgroup name for pyroxenes crystallizing in the orthorhombic system,

commonly containing no calcium and little or no aluminum; e.g., enstatite,
hypersthene, and ferrosilite. CF:clinopyroxene
Syn:labrador hornblende

orthoquartzite

A clastic sedimentary rock that is made up almost exclusively of quartz

sand (with or without chert), and relatively free of or lacks a
fine-grained matrix, derived by secondary silicification; a quartzite of
sedimentary origin, or a pure quartz sandstone. The term generally
signifies a sandstone with more than 90% to 95% quartz and detrital chert
grains that are well-sorted, well-rounded, and cemented primarily with
secondary silica (sometimes with carbonate) in optical and
crystallographic continuity with the grains. The rock is characterized by
stable but scarce heavy minerals (zircon, tourmaline, and magnetite), by
lack of fossils, and by prominence of cross-beds and ripple marks. It
commonly occurs as thin but extensive blanket deposits associated with
widespread unconformities (e.g., an epicontinental deposit developed by an
encroaching sea), and it represents intense chemical weathering of
original minerals other than quartz, considerable transport and washing
action before final accumulation (the sand may experience more than one
cycle of sedimentation), and stable conditions of deposition (such as the
peneplanation stage of diastrophism); e.g., St. Peter Sandstone (Middle
Ordovician) of midwestern United States. See also:quartzite
AGI

orthorhombic

a. Any mineral crystallizing with orthorhombic symmetry.

b. See:orthorhombic system

orthorhombic system

In crystallography, that system of crystals whose forms are referred to

three unequal mutually perpendicular axes. Syn:prismatic system;
rhombic system; orthorhombic. Fay

orthoschist

A schist derived from an igneous rock. CF:paraschist; schist.

AGI

orthoscope

A polarizing microscope in which light is transmitted by the crystal

parallel to the microscope axis, in contrast to the conoscope, in which a
converging lens and Bertrand lens are used. CF:conoscope

orthose

A name for the whole feldspar family before it was divided into separate
species. Syn:orthoclase

orthotectic

See:magmatic

orthotectic stage

See:orthomagmatic stage
orthotropic

The description applied to the elastic properties of material, such as

timber, which has considerable variations of strength in two or more
directions at right angles to one another. See also:isotropic
Hammond

Orton cone

a. Pyrometric cone made in one of two sizes: 2-1/2 in (6.4 cm) high for
industrial kiln control, and 1-1/8 in (3.2 cm) high for pyrometric cone
equivalent testing. See also:pyrometric cone
b. Used in the United States for heat recording, Orton cones are similar
to Seger cones, but the same numbers do not indicate the same
temperatures; e.g., Orton cone 14 corresponds to Seger cone 13.
Rosenthal

oryctognosy

The description and systematic arrangement of minerals; mineralogy.

See also:mineralogy

oryctologist

See:mineralogist

oryctology

See:mineralogy

Osann's classification

A purely chemical system of classification of igneous rocks. AGI

osarizawaite

A trigonal mineral, PbCuAl2 (SO4 )2 (OH)6 ;

alunite group; the aluminum analog of beaverite; a yellow, powdery
secondary crust; at the Osarizawa Mine, Akita prefecture, Japan.

oscillating beam

See:walking beam

oscillating conveyor

A type of vibrating conveyor having a relatively low frequency and large

amplitude of motion. See also:vibrating conveyor
Syn:grasshopper conveyor
oscillating feeder

See:conveyor-type feeder

oscillating grease table

An assembly of 4 to 8 metal trays, usually 30 in (76.2 cm) wide and 8 to

15 in (20.3 to 38.1 cm) long, arranged in series in the direction of flow.
The trays are detachably mounted in the assembly by steps, so that the
overflow from one tray overlaps the next tray by 1 in (2.54 cm) and is 2
to 4 in (5.1 to 10.2 cm) above it. The trays are inclined downward in the
direction of the flow at an angle adjustable from 14 degrees to 18 degrees.
The entire assembly is mechanically oscillated transversely to the
direction of the flow at about 200 strokes/min with an adjustable stroke
of about 1/2 in (1.27 cm). The storage bin and feed roller are
independently mounted and discharge a layer 1 grain thick.
Chandler

oscillation

Independent movement through a limited range, usually on a hinge.

Nichols, 1

oscillator plate

A thin slab of quartz which, by mechanical vibration, controls the

frequency of a radio transmitter. Hurlbut

oscillator quartz

Flawless quartz, which can be used in the manufacture of oscillator

plates.

oscillatory twinning

Repeated twinning in which a crystal is made up of thin lamellae

alternately in reversed position; polysynthetic twinning; found in some
feldspars. Syn:polysynthetic twinning

oscillatory zoning

Repetitious concentric compositional variation in minerals resulting from

cyclical changes in the chemical environment during crystal growth; e.g.,
garnet and plagioclase.

oscillogram

A record of phenomena observed on an oscillograph. ASM, 1

oscillograph
An instrument that renders visible, or automatically traces, a curve
representing the time variations of various phenomena. The recorded trace
is an oscillogram. AGI

oscilloscope

An instrument for showing visual representations of electrical outputs

from measuring devices. Hunt

osmite

See:iridosmine

osmium

The native element, Os; occurs in magmatic deposits in mafic and

ultramafic rocks and placers derived from them.

osmosis

The passage of a solvent through a membrane from a dilute solution into a

more concentrated one, the membrane being permeable to molecules of
solvent but not to molecules of solute. AGI

osteolite

A massive, earthy mineral (apatite) consisting of an impure, altered

phosphate.

ostracod

A minute crustacean with a bean-shaped bivalve shell completely enclosing

the body. AGI

otavite

A trigonal mineral, CdCO3 ; calcite group; associated with oxidized

base-metal ores.

other rock in place

As used in the Mining Law of 1872, means any rocky substance containing
mineral matter. Ricketts

other valuable deposits

Includes nonmetalliferous as well as metalliferous deposits.

Ricketts

otisca process
A process that uses an inert heavy liquid with a specific gravity between
that of coal and free mineral matter to separate coarse or fine-size coal
in a static bath or cyclone separator.

Otisca-T process

A selective agglomeration process under development, in which ultra-fine

grinding of the feed coal to 15 mu m releases almost all the associated
impurities prior to agglomeration with a low-molecular-weight hydrocarbon.
The agglomerant is then recovered and recycled.

Otto cycle

In a four-stroke internal combustion engine two complete revolutions of

the crankshaft correspond with the working cycle-inlet stroke (suction
downstroke of piston in cylinder); compression upstroke; explosion at peak
of compression followed by expansion of hot exploded gases on driving
downstroke; rising exhaust stroke to complete the cycle. Pryor, 3

Ouachita stone

See:novaculite

oued

See:wadi

outburst

The name applied to the violent evolution of combustible gases (usually

together with large quantities of coal dust) from a working face. The
occurrence is violent and may overwhelm the workings and fill the entire
district with gaseous mixtures. Roadways advancing into virgin and
stressed areas of coal are particularly prone to outbursts in certain
seams and faults often intersect in the area. See also:floor burst;
blow; bump. Roberts, 1

outby

Nearer to the shaft, and therefore away from the face, toward the pit
bottom or surface; toward the mine entrance. The opposite of inby. Also
called outbyeside. Syn:out-over

outcrop

a. The part of a rock formation that appears at the surface of the ground.
Webster 3rd
b. A term used in connection with a vein or lode as an essential part of
the definition of apex. It does not necessarily imply the visible
presentation of the mineral on the surface of the earth, but includes
those deposits that are so near to the surface as to be found easily by
digging. Fay
c. The part of a geologic formation or structure that appears at the
surface of the Earth; also, bedrock that is covered only by surficial
deposits such as alluvium. CF:exposure
outcropping. AGI
d. To appear exposed and visible at the Earth's surface; to crop out.
AGI

outcrop map

A special type of geologic map that represents only actual outcrops. Areas
without exposures are left blank. Stokes

outcropping

See:outcrop

outcrop water

Rain and surface water that seeps downward through outcropping porous and
fissured rock, fault planes, old shafts, or surface drifts. AGI

outdoor stroke

That stroke of a Cornish pumping engine by which the water is forced

upward by the weight of the descending pump rods, etc.

outer continental shelf

All submerged lands lying seaward and outside of the area of lands beneath
navigable waters as defined in Section 2 of the Submerged Lands Act
(Public Law 31, 83rd Congress, 1st Session), and of which the subsoil and
seabed appertain to the United States and are subject to its jurisdiction
and control. Abbrev. OCS. See also:continental shelf

outer core

The outer or upper zone of the Earth's core, extending from a depth of
2,900 km to 5,100 km, and including the transition zone; it is equivalent
to the E layer and the F layer. It is inferred to be liquid because it
does not transmit shear waves. Its density ranges from 9 to 11 g/cm (super
3) . The outer core is the source of the principal geomagnetic field.
CF:inner core

outer gage

Syn. for outside diameter. Long

outer stone
A diamond set on the outside wall of a bit crown. Also called reamer;
reamer stone. Syn:outside stone; kicker stone. Long

outfall

a. Eng. A seam cropping out at a lower level.

b. The mouth of a stream or the outlet of a lake; esp. the narrow end of a
watercourse or the lower part of any body of water where it drops away
into a larger body. AGI
c. The vent or end of a drain, pipe, sewer, ditch, or other conduit that
carries waste water, sewage, storm runoff, or other effluent into a
stream, lake, or ocean. AGI

outlay

a. The act of laying out or expending. Webster 3rd

b. Something that is laid out; expenditure. Webster 3rd
c. The cost of equipping a mine and placing it on a producing basis.
Fay

outlet

An opening from a mine to the surface. Syn:upcast

outlier

a. An isolated mass or detached group of rocks surrounded by older rocks;

e.g., an isolated hill or butte. CF:inlier
b. Ore or favorable geologic indications distant from the main ore zone of
a district.

out of gage

a. Bits and reaming shells having set inside or outside diameters greater
or lesser than those specified as standard. Long
b. A borehole the inside diameter of which is undersize or oversize.
Long

out-over

See:outby

output

a. The quantity of coal or mineral raised from a mine and expressed as

being so many tons per shift, per week, or per year. Nelson
b. The power or product from a plant or prime mover in the specific form
and for the specific purpose required. See also:concentration of output;
productivity. Nelson
c. Amount delivered; e.g., volume of a liquid discharged by a pump; volume
of air discharged by a compressor; horsepower delivered by a motor.
Long
d. Current or signal delivered by any circuit or device. NCB
e. The terminal or other point at which a current or a signal may be
delivered. NCB

output device

Machine that prints information computed from its memory or store.

Pryor, 3

output shaft

A shaft that transmits power from a transmission or clutch.

Nichols, 1

outrigger

An outward extension of a frame that is supported by a jack or block. Used

to increase stability. Nichols, 2

outside angling

See:angling

outside clearance

One-half the total difference between the outside diameter of any piece of
downhole equipment and the inside diameter of the borehole. Long

outside face

The peripheral portion or that part of a bit crown, roller bit cutter, or
any cutting edge of a bit in contact with the walls of a borehole while
drilling. Long

outside foreman

In bituminous coal mining, a person who supervises all operations at the

surface of a mine. DOT

outside stone

See:outer stone

outside tap

See:bell tap

outside upset
The act or process of thickening a length of tubing at its ends by
increasing its outside diameter without changing the inside diameter; a
length of tubing or drill rod so processed. See also:upset
Long

outside wall

That part of a bit crown, bit shank, reaming shell, core barrel, drill
rod, casing, or other piece of downhole equipment that when in use, comes
in contact with the wall of a borehole. Long

outside work

Drilling operations conducted on the surface, as opposed to drilling done

in underground or enclosed workplaces. Long

outslope

The face of the spoil or embankment sloping downward from the highest
elevation to the toe.

outstation

A location which provides local monitoring and control, and provides a

communications interface between a sensor and the trunk connected to a
central station computer. Also called field data station. SME, 1

outtake

The passage by which the ventilating current is taken out of the mine; the
upcast. The return air course. An outlet. Fay

oval socket

A fishing tool used to recover broken drill rods from a borehole.

Long

oven

A chamber in which substances are artificially heated for the purposes of

baking, roasting, annealing, etc.; specif.: (1) a kiln, such as a coke
oven; and (2) a leer, which is used in glassmaking. Standard, 2

overaging

Aging at a higher temperature, or for a longer time, or both, than

required for critical dispersion, thus causing particle agglomeration of
the precipitating phase and, as a result, loss of strength and hardness.
See also:aging
overall concentration

The ratio of pithead output in tons (P) to length of main haulage roads in
yards (L) or tons per yard of main haulage roads; i.e., P/L.
See also:concentration of output

overall drilling time

The sum of the times required for actual rock drilling, setting up and
withdrawal, moving drills from hole to hole and machine delays. The
overall drilling time is a better basis for estimating drilling efficiency
than penetration speed alone. Nelson

overall efficiency

a. Of an air compressor, the product of the compression efficiency and the

mechanical efficiency. Fay
b. Ratio of power output of an engine to the power input; the measure of
the difference between indicated and brake horsepower. Brantly, 2

overall fan efficiency

The ratio of the horsepower in the air to the horsepower absorbed by the
driving motor of the fan. BS, 8

overall reduction ratio

With reference to a crusher, mean size of feed/mean size of product.

See also:reduction ratio

overall ventilation efficiency

The ratio between the air horsepower and the indicated horsepower of a
driving unit. The percentage is expressed by air horsepower x
100/indicated hp of driving unit. Measurements are taken of the air
pressure and volume in the fan drift, and the power absorbed by the
driving unit. See also:volumetric efficiency; thermometric fan test.
Nelson

over-and-under conveyor

Two endless chains or other linkage between which carriers are mounted and
controlled, so that the carriers remain in an upright and horizontal
position throughout the complete cycle of the conveyor.

overarching weight

The pressure of the rocks over active mine workings. It is the roof weight
that acts on the packs and the solid coal in the working area.
See also:abutment; nether roof; underweight. Nelson
overbreak

Excessive breakage of rock beyond the desired excavation limit.

See also:neat lines

overbreaking

See:overhand stoping

overburden

a. Designates material of any nature, consolidated or unconsolidated, that

overlies a deposit of useful materials, ores, or coal--esp. those deposits
that are mined from the surface by open cuts. Stokes
b. Loose soil, sand, gravel, etc. that lies above the bedrock. Also called
burden, capping, cover, drift, mantle, surface. See also:baring; burden;
top. Stokes

overburden bit

A special diamond-set bit, similar to a set casing shoe, used to drill

casing through overburden composed of sand, gravel, boulders, etc.
Long

overburden drilling

a. A technique developed in Sweden that involves the sinking, by

percussive-rotary drilling, of a drill casing through the overburden to
where it seats in the underlying rock. A rotary percussion drill hole is
then continued to the desired depth in the rock. While the casing is being
sunk through the overburden it is coupled to the drill rod and rotates and
reciprocates with it. The rock bit on the end of the drill rod projects
about an inch beyond the end of the ring bit with which the casing is
fitted and acts as a pilot bit for the casing bit. Woodruff
b. A drilling method whereby drilling is carried out through subsoil and
boulders or underwater to and through bedrock. Eng. Min. J., 2

overcast

a. An enclosed airway that permits an air current to pass over another one
without interruption. Syn:overcrossing; overgate. CF:undercast
See also:air crossing
b. To place the overburden removed from coal in surface mines in an area
from which the coal has been mined.
c. Pushed forward, so as to overlie other rocks, such as in thrust faults.
See also:jack pit

overcasting
A procedure used in certain mining activities including strip mining and
in some heavy construction work such as channel excavation. Overcasting
may be performed in a simple operation consisting of digging out the
material, lifting it from one position, moving it over, and dumping it in
the spoil position where it remains, for practical purposes, indefinitely.
The mechanics of the operation are called "simple overcasting."
Woodruff

overcharging

Adding material in excess of the capacity of the equipment used for

processing.

overconsolidated soil deposit

A soil deposit that has been subjected to an effective pressure greater

than the present overburden pressure. ASCE

overcrossing

See:air crossing; overcast.

overcurrent relay

Relay used to trip circuit breakers when an abnormal current of two to

three times the normal flow is detected in a circuit. Relays are adaptable
to transmission lines, buses, feeder circuits, transformers, and motors.
Coal Age, 3

overcut

a. A machine cut made along the top or near the top of a coal seam;
sometimes used in thick seams or a seam with sticky coal. By releasing the
coal along the roof, its mining becomes easier. See also:overcut;
turret coal cutter. Nelson
b. The process of producing a larger size hole than the outside diameter
of a bit and/or reaming shell used, due to the eccentric rotational
movements of the bit, core barrel, or drill stem. Long

overcutting machine

Coal-cutting machine that is an adaptation of a shortwall machine,

designed to make the cut, or kerf, at desired place in the coal seam some
distance above the floor. The main difference between an overcutting
machine and an ordinary shortwall machine is that the cutter bar in the
overcutting machine is mounted at the top of the machine instead of at the
bottom. See also:turret coal cutter

overdense medium
Medium of specific gravity greater than that in the separating bath;
usually produced in the medium recovery system and used to maintain the
desired specific gravity in the bath. BS, 5

overdrilling

The act or process of drilling a run or length of borehole greater than

the core-capacity length of the core barrel, resulting in loss of the
core. Long

overdrive

The act of inducing a velocity higher than the steady state velocity in a
column of explosive material upon detonation by the use of a powerful
primer or booster; it is a temporary phenomenon and the explosive quickly
assumes its steady state velocity.

overfired

A term related to the condition of a ceramic product which has been heated
to a temperature in excess of that required to produce proper
vitrification.

overfiring

Heating ceramic materials or ware above the temperature required to

produce the necessary degree of vitrification. Usually results in
bloating, deformation, or blistering of the ware.

overflow stand

A standpipe in which water rises and overflows at the hydraulic gradeline.

Seelye, 1

overgate

See:air crossing; overcast.

overgrinding

Comminution of ore to a smaller particle size than is required for

effective liberation of values before concentrating treatment. Opposite of
undergrinding. Pryor, 3

overhand cut-and-fill

In this method, two level drives are first connected, the lower and upper
one by a raise, from the bottom of which mining is begun. The work
proceeds upwards, filling the mined-out room, but in the filling, chutes
are left through which the broken ore falls. In inclined seams the chutes,
also inclined, have to be timbered. The lower-level drive is protected
either by timbering or vaulting, or by a fairly strong pillar of vein
fillings. Stoping in the different cuts always proceeds upwards, but as a
whole it proceeds between the two level drives in a horizontal direction.
Overhand cut-and-fill, esp. in mining irregular orebodies of greater size,
is also called back stoping. Stoces

overhand stope

a. Stope in which the ore above the point of entry to the stope is
attacked, so that severed ore tends to gravitate toward discharge chutes
and the stope is self-draining. Pryor, 3
b. An overhand stope is made by working upward from a level into the ore
above. McKinstry

overhand stoping

a. In this method, which is widely used in highly inclined deposits, the

ore is blasted from a series of ascending stepped benches. Both horizontal
and vertical holes may be employed. Horizontal breast holes are usually
more efficient and safer than vertical upper holes, although the latter
are still used in narrow stopes in steeply inclined orebodies.
McAdam, 2
b. The working of a block of ore from a lower level to a level above. In a
restricted way overhand stoping can be applied to open or waste-filled
stopes that are excavated in a series of horizontal slices either
sequentially or simultaneously from the bottom of a block to its top.
Stull timbering or the use of pillars characterize the method. Filling is
used in many instances. Modifications are known as backfilling method;
back stoping; block system; block system of stoping and filling; breast
stoping; combined side and longwall stoping; crosscut method of working;
cross stoping; Delprat method; drywall method; filling system; filling-up
method; flatback stoping; longwall stoping; open cut system; open stope
and filling; open-stope method; open-stope, timbering with pigsties, and
filling; overhand stoping on waste; resuing; rock filling; room-and-pillar
with waste filling; sawtooth back stoping; side stoping;
slicing-and-filling system; stoping and filling; stoping in horizontal
layers; transverse with filling. Syn:combined side and longwall stoping;
Delprat method; overbreaking. CF:back-filling system; chimney work;
underhand stoping.

overhand stoping and milling system

See:combined overhand and underhand stoping

overhand stoping on waste

See:overhand stoping

overhand stoping with shrinkage and delayed filling

See:shrinkage stoping

overhand vertical slice

See:square-set stoping

overhang

a. Cliff overhang. AGI

b. A part of the mass of a salt dome that projects out from the top of the
dome much like the cap of a mushroom. AGI

overhaul

a. Describes a condition when a journey travels towards a haulage engine

at a faster rate than the rope, which then becomes slack and liable to
foul the drum. Also called overrun. Nelson
b. The transportation of excavated material beyond certain specified
limits. Seelye, 1
c. In many highway contracts, a movement of dirt far enough so that
payment, in addition to excavation pay, is made for its haulage.
Nichols, 1
d. Applied to inspection, cleaning, and repairing of machines or plant.
Nelson

overhead cableway

A type of equipment for the removal of soil or rock. It consists of a

strong overhead cable, usually attached to towers at either end, on which
a car or traveler may run back and forth. From this car a pan or bucket
may be lowered to the surface, subsequently raised and locked to the car,
and transported to any position on the cable where it is desired to dump
its contents.

overhead conveyor

See:trolley conveyor

overhead monorail

This system is popular for use in mines since it can be suspended from the
roadway supports as the face advances and can carry supplies over
equipment installed in the roadway; transport is by means of endless,
main-and-tail, or main-rope winches. They are generally slow-moving and
can carry light loads into and around many places inaccessible to other
forms of transport. See also:monorail

overhead-rope monorail
In this system, the loads are carried by bogies running on a taut wire
rope instead of steel joists or flat-bottomed rails. See also:monorail
Sinclair, 3

overhead ropeway

See:aerial ropeway

overhead shovel

A tractor loader that digs at one end, swings the bucket overhead, and
dumps at the other end. Nichols, 1

overhead traveling crane

A crane that traverses the whole width of a workshop along the rails on
which it runs. Hammond

overhead trolley conveyor

See:trolley conveyor

overlap

a. A general term referring to the extension of marine, lacustrine, or

terrestrial strata beyond underlying rocks whose edges are thereby
concealed or overlapped, and to the unconformity that commonly accompanies
such a relation; esp. the relationship among conformable strata such that
each successively younger stratum extends beyond the boundaries of the
stratum lying immediately beneath. CF:onlap
b. The area common to two successive aerial or space photographs or images
along the same flight strip, expressed as a percentage of the photo area.
AGI
c. The portion of a borehole that must be redrilled after caving of the
hole, cementing a section of the hole, or bypassing unrecoverable
material. Long
d. A reversed fault or thrust. BS, 11
e. The lineal portion of a branch hole that nearly parallels the parent
hole. Long

overlap auxiliary ventilation

To combine the forcing and exhausting systems, it is not necessary to

provide two ducts, one forcing and one exhausting, throughout the length
of the heading. An arrangement that serves the same purpose is the overlap
system. In this system a main exhausting duct is used within a convenient
distance of the face, often about 100 ft (30.5 m). Some of the intake air
in the heading, before reaching the end of this duct, enters a short
length of tubing and is blown onto the face. The advantages of both
systems are thus obtained. Precautions must be taken against recirculation
of air by the forcing unit, to prevent concentration of dust, and in
collieries, combustible gases, at the face. The two ducts must overlap by
a minimum distance which, in practice, is usually taken as 30 ft (9.1 m).
See also:auxiliary ventilation
Roberts, 1

overlap fault

a. See:thrust fault
b. A fault structure in which the displaced strata are doubled back upon
themselves. AGI

overlay

a. Scot. The material above the rock in a quarry. See also:overburden

Fay
b. Graphic data on a transparent or translucent sheet to be superimpossed
on another sheet (such as a map or photograph) to show details not
appearing, or requiring special emphasis, on the original. Also, the
medium or sheet containing an overlay. AGI

overlay tracing

A tracing on which the workings in a seam are shown. A series of such

tracings allows the workings in several seams to be seen in their correct
horizontal relationship. Also called layover tracing (undesirable usage).
BS, 7

overload

a. In general, a load or weight in excess of the designed capacity. The

term may be applied to mechanical and electrical engineering plants, to
loads on buildings and structures, and to excess loads on haulage ropes
and engines. Nelson
b. To apply an excessive pressure, by stretching beyond the yield point,
to a drill string and bit. CF:crowd

overloader

A loading machine of the power-shovel type for quarry and opencast

operations. It may be either pneumatic-tired or continuous-tracked. It
need not turn from the face to the truck if the latter can be spotted
parallel to the face. The bucket is filled, the machine retracted, and the
bucket swung over to the discharge point; used chiefly in sand and gravel
pits. Nelson

overmining
S. Afr. Mining a grade of ore above the average grade of the ore reserves.
This practice has the effect of leaving the lower grade ore in the
reserves. The opposite is undermining. Beerman

overpoled copper

In refining blister copper by reducing its oxides through stirring a

molten bath of metal with a green timber pole, continuation of this
process until the desirable characteristic fracture of tough-pitch refined
metal is lost. Some reoxidation then becomes necessary.
See also:tough pitch

overprint

The superposition of a new set of structural features on an older set.

Syn:superprint; metamorphic overprint. AGI

override

A royalty or percentage of the gross income from production deducted from

the working interest. Wheeler, R.R.

overriding royalty

The term applied to a royalty reserved in a sublease or assignment over

and above that reserved in the original lease. Ricketts

overrope

A winding or hoisting rope. Fay

overrope haulage

Usually applied to endless rope haulage in which the rope is carried on

top of the mine cars, which may be either clipped or lashed to the rope.
See also:underrope haulage

overrun

See:overhaul

overrun brake

A special brake fitted to a towed vehicle that operates as soon as the

towing vehicle slows down. Hammond

overrunning clutch

A coupling that transmits rotation in only one direction, and disconnects

when the torque is reversed. Nichols, 1
oversaturated rock

A rock that contains silica in excess of that necessary to form saturated

minerals from the bases present. CF:saturated rock

overshot

A fishing tool for recovering lost drill pipe or casing.

Inst. Petrol.

overside

Discharging over the side; e.g., by a dredge. Standard, 2

oversize

a. In reference to a mixture of material screened or classified into two

products of definite size limits, the larger is the oversize and the
smaller the undersize. See also:classifier
b. In quarry or opencast blasting, that size of rock or ore which is too
large to handle without secondary blasting. Nelson

oversize control screen

A screen used to prevent the entry into a machine of large particles that
might interfere with its operation. Syn:guard screen; check screen.
BS, 5

oversize core

a. Core cut by a thin-wall bit, as opposed to a standard-diameter core.

Long
b. A core the diameter of which is greater than a standard size.
Long

oversize coupling

a. See:swelled coupling
b. Sometimes used in Canada as a synonym for reaming shell. Long

oversize hole

A borehole the diameter of which is excessive because of the whipping

action or eccentric rotation of the drill string and bit. Long

oversize rod

See:drill collar; guide rod.

overspringing
See:springing

overstressed area

In strata control, describes an area where the force is concentrated on

pillars. This type of area is said to be overstressed or superstressed.
This superstressing is limited by the strength of the seam or pillar.
CF:destressed area

Overstrom table

Similar to a Wilfley table but of diamond shape (rhomboid), thus

eliminating the waste corners. Liddell

over-the-road hauling

Hauling over public highways, usually by a dump truck. Various

restrictions, such as weight, width of vehicle, safety features, guard
against spillage, etc. must be considered in the type equipment used.
CF:off-the-road hauling

overthrust

A low-angle thrust fault of large scale, with displacement generally

measured in kilometers. CF:underthrust
AGI

overthrust block

See:overthrust nappe

overthrust fault

See:overthrust

overthrust nappe

The body of rock that forms the hanging wall of a large-scale overthrust;
a thrust nappe. Syn:overthrust block; overthrust sheet;
overthrust slice. AGI

overthrust plane

See:thrust plane

overthrust sheet

See:overthrust nappe

overthrust slice
See:overthrust nappe

overtime

The period beyond the normal shift time when a worker, on request by the
management, performs emergency tasks that are necessary for safety or
efficient operation of the oncoming shift. Nelson

overtopping

Flow of water over the top of a dam or embankment. Nichols, 1

overtravel

See:overwind

overtub system

An endless-rope system in which the rope runs over the tubs or cars in the
center of the rails. This system is generally adopted on undulating roads,
where the tension in a heavily loaded rope would cause the rope to lift in
swilleys and derail tubs. It is also generally adopted in highly inclined
roads, as the lashing chain, often adopted with this method of haulage,
obtains a good positive grip on the rope and is easier to detach than a
clip. The rope is kept from rubbing on roof supports by holding-down
pulleys: six or eight small pulleys are mounted in circular cheeks,
allowing chains or clips to be accommodated in the spaces between the
pulleys; or large diameter pulleys may be used, of the hat or mushroom
shape, often starred to provide recesses for chains and clips. Similar
large pulleys direct the rope around curves. CF:undertub system
Sinclair, 5

overturned

Said of a fold, or the limb of a fold, that has tilted beyond the
perpendicular. The sequence of strata thus appears reversed.
Syn:inverted; inverted fold; reversed. AGI

overturning skip

A type of skip commonly used at metal mines, but not as often at coal
mines, because of increased breakage. This skip consists of a rectangular
receptacle for the material and a suspending frame of bail to an upper
crosspiece of which is attached a suspension gear connecting the rope to
the skip. Three guide shoes are generally provided at each side of the
bail to keep it vertical. The skip body turns about a horizontal shaft at
the lower end of the bail. Two rollers on the upper part are mounted on a
shaft and cause the skip to tilt at an angle of 35 degrees at the tipping
point in the headgear, where rollers run onto the curved guides. To
prevent shocks in the case of an overwind the skips are fitted with
overwind guides which glide along rollers fitted to the headgear above the
tipping point. Sinclair, 5

overventilation

Too much air in the mine workings. Fay

overvoltage

The difference between the actual electrode potential, when appreciable

electrolysis begins, and the reversible electrode potential.
ASM, 1

overvoltage relay

Relay that serves primarily the same purpose as an overcurrent relay

except that it is connected in the line by a potential transformer which
measures the voltage across the line. When an overvoltage exists the relay
operates and opens the circuit breaker. Coal Age, 3

overwind

a. To hoist a cage into or over the top of a headframe. Syn:overtravel

Fay
b. In hoisting through a mine shaft, failure to bring a cage or skip
smoothly to rest at the proper unloading point at the surface. If severe,
it can lead to a serious accident unless the special preventive devices
function effectively. Overwind can also cause a cage to be lowered into
the sump at the bottom of the shaft, also with serious consequences.
Pryor, 3

overwinder

One of the best known overwinder prevention devices consists of two

vertical-screwed spindles, each carrying two traveling nuts and chain
driven from the drum shaft so as to rotate in opposite directions. The
nuts are prevented from rotating by projections engaging with a fixed
plate and therefore travel up and down according to the movement of the
cages. The upper nut takes care of overwinding and the lower nut of
overspeeding. Mason

overwinding

a. A term applied to a continued pull on the hoisting rope of a cage,

after the cage has reached the top of the shaft. The result of this
carelessness, or accident, is a broken hoisting rope and all the danger
that implies. Stauffer
b. A rope or cable wound and attached so that it stretches from the top of
a drum to the load. Nichols, 1
overwind switch

A switch that may be used on winders, or haulages, to cause the power to

cut off from the driving motor, or engine, and the brakes to be applied.
Such a switch may be: (1) situated in the headgear and operated by the
conveyance, (2) mounted on the automatic contrivance, or (3) operated by
the depth or distance indicator. BS, 13

ovulite

See:oolith

Owen process

A flotation process involving the violent agitation of the pulp in cold

water to which a small percentage of eucalyptus oil, about 62.5 g, is
added. Fay

Owen's borehole surveying instrument

A clockwork photographic apparatus that records clinometer and compass

readings on sensitized paper. It is used during borehole surveying.
Hammond

Owen's jet dust counter

An instrument similar to the konimeter but differing in that the air to be

sampled undergoes humidification prior to being blown through the jet. The
velocity of impingement is about 200 to 300 m/s and the jet is rectangular
instead of circular. The prior humidification of the air causes
condensation of moisture upon the dust particles by super saturation due
to the pressure drop at the jet, and so assists in the deposition and
retention of the particles on the slide. The Bausch and Lomb dust counter
is the American counterpart of this instrument. Osborne

oxacalcite

See:whewellite

oxalite

See:humboldtine

oxammite

An orthorhombic mineral, (NH4 )2 C2 O4 .H (sub

2) O ; transparent; yellowish-white; forms lamellar and pulverent masses
in guano.

oxialyphite
A variety of aliphite hydrocarbon containing oxygen; light-yellow; soft.
Tomkeieff

oxidate

Sediment composed of the oxides and hydroxides of iron and manganese,

crystallized from aqueous solution. It is one of Goldschmidt's groupings
of sediments or analogues of differentiation stages in rock analysis.
AGI

oxidation

a. The firing of a kiln in such a manner that combustion is complete and

in consequence the burning gases are amply supplied with oxygen, which
causes metals in clay and glazes to give their oxide colors.
ACSG, 1
b. Combination with oxygen; increase in content of a molecular compound;
increase in valency of the electropositive part of compound, or decrease
in valency of the electronegative part. Pryor, 3
c. A reaction in which there is an increase in valence resulting from a
loss of electrons. CF:reduction
d. In fuel practice, the combination of oxygen with a substance, with or
without the production of food. Francis, 2

oxidation of coal

The absorption of oxygen from the air by coal, particularly in the crushed
state; this engenders heat which can result in fire. Ventilation, while
dispersing the heat generated, supports oxidation that increases rapidly
with a rise in temperature. Fresh air should not gain access to the coal.
See also:gob fire

oxide

A compound of oxygen with another element. CTD

oxide discoloration

Discoloration of a metal surface caused by oxidation during thermal

treatment. Light Metal Age

oxide mineral

A mineral formed by the union of an element with oxygen; e.g., corundum,

hematite, magnetite, and cassiterite. Leet, 1

oxide of iron

An iron ore with oxygen as its main impurity; also iron rust.
Mersereau, 2
oxidized deposit

A deposit that has resulted from surficial oxidation. Bateman, 2

oxidized ore

Metalliferous minerals altered by weathering and the action of surface

waters, and converted, partly or wholly, into oxides, carbonates, or
sulfates. These compounds are characteristic of metalliferous deposits at
the surface and often to a considerable depth. See also:mixed ore
Nelson

oxidized zone

The portion of an orebody near the surface that: (1) has been leached by
percolating water carrying oxygen, carbon dioxide, or other gases; or (2)
in which sulfide minerals have been partially dissolved and redeposited at
depth, the residual portion changing to oxides, carbonates, and sulfates.
CF:gossan; sulfide zone. Syn:zone of oxidation
See also:supergene enrichment

oxidizer

A material that readily yields oxygen or other oxidizing substances needed

for an explosive reaction to take place; solid oxidizers common in
industrial explosives are ammonium nitrate and sodium nitrate.

oxidizing flame

In blowpiping, the outer, least visible, and less intense part of the
flame, from which oxygen may be added to the compound being tested.
See also:blowpiping

oxidizing fusion

An oxidation process used for fire refining bismuth, gold, and silver; the
crude metals are melted down with oxidizing fluxes, so that the impurities
are oxidized during the melting period and become part of the slag.
Newton, 1

oxidizing smelting

See:pyritic smelting

oxonite

An explosive prepared by dissolving picric acid in nitric acid.

Fay

oxyacetylene
A mixture of oxygen, O2 , and acetylene gas, C2 H2 ,
in such proportions as to produce the hottest flame known for practical
use. Oxyacetylene welding and cutting is used in almost every metalworking
industry. Crispin

oxyacetylene cutter

An appliance for cutting metals by means of a flame obtained from

acetylene and compressed oxygen, which are stored in separate steel
cylinders. Oxyhydrogen and oxycoal gas flames are also used.
Nelson

oxychloride cement

A plastic cement formed by mixing finely ground caustic magnesite with a

solution of magnesium chloride. AGI

oxygen

A nonmetallic element, normally colorless, odorless, tasteless,

nonflammable diatomic gas. Symbol, O. Occurs uncombined in the air to the
extent of about 21% by volume and is combined in water, in most rocks and
minerals, and in a great variety of organic compounds. Oxygen is very
reactive and capable of combining with most elements. Essential for
respiration in all plants and animals and for practically all combustion.
Oxygen enrichment of steel blast furnaces accounts for the greatest use of
the gas. Used in manufacturing ammonia, methanol, and ethylene oxide.
Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 3

oxygen balance

The amount of oxygen in an explosive mixture, expressed in weight percent,

liberated as a result of complete conversion of explosive material to CO
2 , H2 O, SO2 , Al2 O3 , and other
non-toxic gases; referred to as positive oxygen balance; negative oxygen
balance is a deficient amount of oxygen leading to incomplete oxidation of
explosive materials resulting in the possible formation of toxic gases,
such as CO and NO.

oxygen-Bessemer

A steelmaking process in which the air blown through the bottom tuyeres is
enriched with oxygen. If oxygen alone is used, tuyere wear is excessive.
Oxygen plus steam or oxygen plus carbon dioxide can be used. Also called
oxy-Thomas. See also:O

oxygen consumption

A person working hard requires about 10 ft3 /min (283 L/min) of

air to supply adequate oxygen. Hammond
oxygen deficiency

See:anoxia

oxygen-deficient atmosphere

A concentration of oxygen in the atmosphere equal to or less than 19.5% by

volume. OSHA

oxygen-enriched atmosphere

An atmosphere containing more than 23.5% oxygen by volume. OSHA

oxygen-flash smelting process

Employed as an autogeneous matte smelting process for smelting

copper-nickel concentrate. Newton, 1

oxygen-free copper

Electrolytic copper free from cuprous oxide; produced without the use of
residual metallic or metalloidal deoxidizers. ASM, 1

oxygen impingement process

A process used in steel making in which pure oxygen is blown down onto the
bath in a converterlike vessel. Osborne

oxygen index

Volumetric ratio of oxygen to the total gases in a mixture.

Van Dolah

oxygen lance

A device made up of a welding oxygen bottle and a length of rubber hose

attached to a valve which is fitted to a steel pipe, so that when the tip
of the lance is ignited it can be used to melt the solidified metal out of
the iron tap hole in a blast furnace.

oxygen process

A process for making steel in which oxygen is blown upon or through molten
pig iron, whereby most of the carbon and impurities are removed by
oxidation. Harbison-Walker

oxygen steel

The use of oxygen instead of air to convert molten pig iron into steel.
The oxygen is used in different ways in different furnaces, but the
fastest ones utilize the direct oxidation effects of a relatively pure
(99.5%) oxygen. See also:L

oxyhornblende

A hornblende with (OH+F+Cl) less than 1.0. Also called basaltic

hornblende. Syn:lamprobolite

oxyhydrogen

Of, relating to, or utilizing a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen.

Webster 3rd

oxyhydrogen blowpipe

A blowpipe in which hydrogen is burned in oxygen. Streams of the two gases

in the proportion to form water are forced under pressure from separate
reservoirs, and issue together from a jet, igniting just as they issue.
The temperature produced which has been estimated at 5,000 degrees F
(2,760 degrees C), is sufficient to fuse very refractory substances. Also
called compound blowpipe. Standard, 2; Fay

oxymagnite

A former name for maghemite, isometric Fe2 O3 ; also called

ferromagnetic ferric oxide.

oxyphile

See:lithophile

ozarkite

A white, massive variety of thomsonite, from Arkansas. Fay

ozocerite

A mineral paraffin wax, of dark yellow, brown, or black color with a

melting point of 55 to 110 degrees C and sp gr, 0.85 to 0.95. Is soluble
in gasoline, benzene, and turpentine and is found near the Caspian Sea
region and in Utah as narrow seams in sandstone. Also called mineral wax;
fossil wax; native paraffin; earth wax. Also spelled ozokerite.
Syn:ader wax; earth wax; mineral fat. See also:fibrous wax
CF:hatchettine; hatchettite. CTD

ozone

An allotropic, triatomic form of oxygen, O3 ; a faintly blue,

irritating gas with a characteristic pungent odor, but at -112 degrees C
it condenses to a blue magnetic liquid. It occurs in minute quantities in
the air near the Earth's surface and in larger quantities in the
stratosphere as a product of the action of ultraviolet light of short
wavelengths on ordinary oxygen. Ozone is generated usually in dilute form
by a silent electric discharge in oxygen or air. It decomposes to oxygen
(as when heated) and it is a stronger oxidizing agent than oxygen. Used
chiefly in disinfection and in deodorization (such as in water
purification and in air conditioning), in oxidation and bleaching (such as
in the treatment of industrial wastes), and in ozonolysis (such as in the
manufacture of azelaic acid from oleic acid). Webster 3rd

ozonizer

Electrical apparatus that converts atmospheric oxygen to ozone; used in

sterilizing water for drinking purposes and for purifying air.
Pryor, 3

www.maden.hacettepe.edu.tr/dmmrt/dmmrt831.html