FEOOFS OF THE PROPERTIES OF ZIRCON. 211

Rem ark. ..Nitrate of zircon dissolves in a small quantity ofwater. To obtain it in a state of crystallization, it is necessaryto evaporate it in a very gentle heat, or by simple exposure to theair.

The nitrate of zircon is'decomposed,...!. by sulphuric acid,which forms with it a white precipitate, soluble in an excess ofthat acid; 2. by carbonate of ammonia, which produces in it adeposit, soluble in an excess of that salt; 3. by an infusion ofgalls in alcohol, a white precipitate is produced, soluble in an ex-cess of the infusion. The greater part of the vegetable acids takezircon from the nitric, and form with it insoluble compounds.

Experiment III.

The muriatic acid unites readily with zircon , when in a state of

extreme comminution, or when combined with carbonic acid.

This fact may be proved, by introducing zircon into muriaticacid in the usual manner, in either state.

Remark. ..Muriate of zircon has no colour. Its taste is astrin-gent. It is very soluble in alcohol, to the flame of which itdoes not communicate any particular colour. The muriaticacid is expelled by heat. This salt forms concretions in themouth in consequence of being decomposed by the saliva. Thesolution of it affords, by a careful evaporation, small transparentneedle-like crystals of a form difficult to be determined, whichlose their transparency in the air, by giving out a portion ofthe water of crystallization.

Muriate of zircon is decomposed,...1. By sulphuric acid. Apart of the sulphate of zircon which is formed, is precipitated inthe form of heavy white flocks, while another portion is retainedin solution by the muriatic acid. But if this acid be dissipatedby heat, the remaining portion of the sulphate of zircon is gra-dually deposited, and if the evaporation of the liquor be stoppedbefore that is reduced to dryness, it forms a kind of jelly, by

O 2