These data show that the two sets of crystals belong to two distinct
mineral forms. The presence of vanadium in one of the samples is
worthy of remark, and leads to the suggestion that in the slags made
of phosphoriferous pigs may be found any of the rare metals which
may exist in the ores from which the pigs were made. The amorphous
portions may have a widely varying composition and consequent content
of phosphoric acid. In all good slags, however, whether in crystalline
form or as amorphous powder, the lime and phosphoric acid will be found
combined as tetracalcium phosphate (Ca₄P₂O₉).
=72. Molecular Structure of Tetracalcium Phosphate.=—Several theories
have been advanced in respect of the atomic arrangement of the elements
contained in a molecule of tetracalcium phosphate. It must be confessed
that so little is known concerning the reactions of this body as to
make theories of its constitution largely visionary. But the existence
in definite crystalline form of this salt shows that it is not merely
an intimate mechanical mixture, but a true molecular form. As a type of
the supposed arrangement of its particles the graphic formula proposed
by Kormann may be consulted; _viz._,
[Illustration]
The crystals of this salt, as may be seen by inspection of the
analytical data, contain other bodies than calcium, oxygen, and
phosphorus. It would be of interest to push the investigation of their
constitution further and see if crystals of pure tetracalcium phosphate
could be obtained, and under what conditions they would be contaminated
by other metallic oxids. Usually, by the color of the crystals, it will
be easy to determine something of the nature, if not the extent of the
contamination.
=73. Solubility of Phosphatic Slags.=—The high agricultural value of
basic slags led to an early study of their solubility in ammonium
citrate, citric acid, and other organic solutions. Even finely ground
mineral phosphates and bones are soluble to some extent in ammonium
citrate, as was pointed out as long ago as 1882.[63] The most common
solvents used for basic slags are ammonium citrate and citric acid. The
ammonium citrate should be the same as that used for the determination
of reverted phosphoric acid and the citric acid solution commonly
used contains five grams in a hundred cubic centimeters. The slags of
different origin and even of different age vary greatly in respect of
the quantity of soluble matter they contain. It is believed, however,
that a very fair idea of the agricultural value of a slag may be
obtained by determining its degree of solubility in one of the menstrua
named.
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