Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 August 1904 — VALUABLE SAND DEPOSIT IN BARKLEY TOWNSHIP. [ARTICLE]

VALUABLE SAND DEPOSIT IN BARKLEY TOWNSHIP.

Geo. M. Cooper has a patch of an acre or so of white sand of a peculair quality on his farm in Barkley tp. (in sec. 15) and recently a sample of same was sent to the State Geologist for analysis, receiving the following reply: The sample of “sand” sent by you a day or two ago is infusorial earth, which is a very pare form of silica. It can be used for a number of purposes such as the manufacture of filters, polishing powder and scouring soaps. It is also used as a packing for boilers, steam pipes and safes, and is beginnmg to be used in some quantity for the making of fireproof building materials, such as solid and hollow bricks for partition walls, floors, etc. Five thousand six hundred and sixty-five tons were produced in the United States in 1902, their value, after grinding, being $53,244. Deposits of this infusorial earth, or tripoli, have been found in this state, in Jackson county, and an analysis of the material was printed in my report for 1899. I do not know whether it has been put to much use or not. If you are thinking of putting your deposits , on the market, I would advise you to have a chemical analysis of it made, as such an analysis is demanded by persons who use it. Very truly, W. S. Blatchle-y. Mr. Cooper has not tested the depth of the deposit, but there is enough of it no doubt to make it quite a valuable find if he can secure a market within a reasonable shipping distance.