On Fulgurite from Mont Blanc; with a Note on the Bouteillenstein, or Pseudo-chrysolite of Moldauthein, in Bohemia

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Abstract
An interesting paper by Mr. J. S. Diller, of the United-States Geological Survey, upon fulgurite from Mt. Thielson in Oregon, appeared in the ‘American Journal of Science,’ vol. xxviii. Oct. 1884, in which allusion was made to the effect of lightning upon hornblende-schist on the summit of Mont Blanc, as noted by De Saussure. On reading this, I remembered that some years ago Mr. James Eccles gave me two or three small specimens showing evidence of fusion on their surfaces, which he at the time considered to be due to the action of lightning. They were collected by him on the summit of the Dômedu Gouté from small peaks of rock rising out of the snow at a height of 14,000 feet above the sea-level. These peaks form part of the chain of Mont Blanc. The fragments are small and consist of hornblende gneiss ; for they contain some felspar, and one of the specimens is traversed by coarse irregular foliations of felspar. Mr. Cuttell has made several attempts to prepare a section through this specimen with the thin fulgurite film adhering to it, but unfortunately failed, the fulgurite crumbling away in each trial. The cuts made through the specimen at various points show, however, that the fulgurite is quite superficial, no trace of fusion being visible below the original surface when the cut surfaces are examined with a lens. Indeed there appears to be no alteration of the rock from the electric flash, except on the actual surface itself

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