A simple EarthCache where you need to visit the location, gather some information and either message or email me with the answers.
Please log your find at the same time as logging your find and if you can, include a photo in your log.
This cache is all about slate, please read the information below to gather the info you need and try to figure out what type of slate has been used for this monument.
Slate
Most of the slate in the world is mined in order to be made into roof tiles of wall building due to its durability and excellent weather resistance. Slate is also popularly used indoors as floor and wall tiles and outdoors as patio tiles.
Composition of slate
Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that is formed through the physical (pressure) and sometimes chemilcal changes of the stones which has already be laid down in sedimantary layers This metamorphosis of the rocks, particularly shale and mudstone results in the formation of slate
During the formation of slate, clay mineral which are already in the rock alters by pressure and chemical interations to form micas. Slate can also contain a significant amount of quartz and some calcite, pyrite and haematite, this will effect the colour of the final rock.
Formation of slate
Slate is formed when shale and mudstone are compressed and along with low heat this metamorphosises the stones into slate. It usually forms in basins between convergent plate boundaries.
Foliation then occurs at right angles to the forces, causing bands of fine-grained clay flakes to regrow in a perpendicular direction to the compression.
Because of its unusual perpendicular formation, slate can be split from the rock in sheets, ideal for building purposes.
The original clay minerals in shale alter to micas with increasing levels of heat and pressure. Slate can also contain abundant quartz and small amounts of feldspar, calcite, pyrite, hematite, and other minerals.
Colours of slate
There are many different types of slate with varying colours including: Black, blue green, grey, and even pink, purple and red
These various naturally occurring colours are a result of slate composition and the location where the slate is found.
Here are some of the more common colours and why they are that colour.
Green slate has minerals inside that determines its colour. In slates that appear green, this is due to chlorite – a group of common sheet silicate minerals that form during the early stages of metamorphism. They most often form in rock environments where minerals are altered by heat, pressure and chemical activity. When chlorite is present in sufficiently high concentration, it gives slate a green colour.
Blue slate is a kind of aqueous sedimentary rock, it tends to be crossed over with grey to give a blue-grey tone. Its main mineral composition is calcium carbonate. Lakeland Blue Grey Slate Aggregates are quarried from the edge of the Lake District and are perfect for domestic landscaping projects as well as commercial developments. These oversized aggregates add a big texture to any area and look great in any water-based project. They cover the ground well and are noticeable when laid in and around planting schemes in broken fragments.
Purple slate is beautiful in colour and is caused by haematite. Haematite is an oxide of iron found in slates formed from deposits laid down in oxidising conditions. It is the most durable form of iron and not affected by exposure. Haematite is not visible to the naked eye but can be recognised by its purple colour.
Black slates are sedimentary low-grade metamorphic rocks that contain more than 0.5 wt.% organic carbon. Due to the formation conditions of this sedimentary rock material, it contains high amounts of organic matter, metals and minerals like pyrite.
When exposed to oxygen, black slate undergoes weathering processes that result in the degradation of the rock.
Here are some questions you need to answer to qualify for a ‘found it’ log.
Please either email of message the answers to me, you may log your find at the same time as sending your answers.
If you are willing and able please include a photo, but don’t include the monument because that may give away answers to the questions.
Please answer the questions below by looking at the main structure of the War Memorial.
1) Please describe the compositions and look of the slate and tell me what type of slate has been used, from the choices above and explain your answers.
2) Please examine the colour of the slate used and tell me the reason the slate is this colour, you may use the information above. Concentrate on the minerals or materials that have been deposited to effect the colours.
Thank you so much for attempting this cache, I hope that you found the information interesting.
treboR
The series is dedicated to those who fought for their country. "We will remember them!”
If anyone would like to place a War Memorial Cache of your own then please do so. We would ask if you do so please contact Just-us-Two through their profile page or on email at
justustwo1013@gmail.com</a> so they can keep track of numbers
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*****PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT *****
****PHYSICAL CACHES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE PLACED ON THE ACTUAL MEMORIAL OR WITHIN THE
BOUNDARY OF SUCH MEMORIALS AT ALL TIMES TREAT LOCATIONS OF MEMORIALS WITH RESPECT. ****