BSHC - Mica Schist EarthCache
rainbowtree: DO NOT post a log to this cache.
If you choose to disregard CO's request and log this archived cache, be sure you have the following ...
1. Pics at the required coordinates with you or your signature item as verification of visit.
2. All questions completely/thoughtfully answered.
A special thank you to those who completed all the requirements as requested -and- added the Journeys to your log.
Location and content gifted to a special cacher for development of a new EarthCache.
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EARTHCACHE REQUIREMENTS
Each cacher must send his/her own answers BEFORE logging a find. Enjoy the journey (learning adventure) as well as the destination (smiley earned). Remember to take only pictures and leave only footprints. To get credit for this Earthcache, complete the following tasks:
1. MESSAGE …. What gives the building its shiny appearance?
2. MESSAGE …. Look closely at the rocks. ... a. Describe what you see. ... b. What is the relative percentage of the mineral responsible for the sparkling appearance of the stones?
3. LOG …. Post a picture at or near the coordinates. This picture is your log signature.
OPTIONAL - Please respect the time and effort involved in finding and creating this earthcache by adding A and B to your log.
A. JOURNEY OF THE MIND ... Science explains what we observe. Relate (in your own words) something you found interesting in the reading. This adds to your learning adventure and your log.
B. JOURNEY OF THE HEART ... Art shares our personal experience of what we see. Share something special you found on site, and why it is special to you. This is a memorable addition to your log and will make other hearts smile.
NOTE: Suggested visit to these earthcaches is on Sundays when there is no charge to park and traffic is at a minimum.
BUILDING STONES CHURCHES - HARRISBURG PENNSYLVANIA
Enjoy your journey observing the large variety of stone types
used in the construction of churches.
GEOLOGY OF ST. LAWRENCE CATHOLIC CHURCH BUILDING
Oligoclase-mica schist thin- to medium-bedded
Large crystals of muscovite give the building stone a shiny appearance.
Location - 108 State Street
Age - Pre-Cambrian Wissahickon Formation
Quarry - Delaware County
RESOURCE - Building Stones of Pennsylvania's Capital Area by Alan R. Geyer EG_005.zip - Pennsylvania Department of Conservation
MICA
A mineral with basal cleavage (splits along one plane). Muscovite is the most common mineral of the mica family. Like other micas, it readily cleaves into thin transparent sheets. Muscovite sheets have a pearly to vitreous luster on their surface.
SCHIST
A crystalline metamorphic rock named after its predominate minerals.
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BUILDING STONES - Building stones are selected based on the following:
COLOR
A function of the individual colors of the minerals which make up the rock.
TEXTURE - Geologist Definitions
Fine - crystals too small to see, even with a lens .... Medium - crystals visible, but need a lens to identify them .... Coarse - crystals easily seen with naked eye
TEXTURE - Building Industry Definitions
Determined by the size, arrangement, and bonding of the mineral grains within the rock.
Natural - cut along lines of cleavage revealing natural grain giving an undulating surface .... Honed - smooth finish with a slight sheen .... Polished - shine on stone surface .... Flamed - rough surface with an irregular textured finish .... Sand Blasted - textured surface with a matte gloss .... Sawn - semi-smooth, regular finish .... Bush Hammered - pitted or grooved surface finish
DURABILITY
Based on the texture and porosity of a rock. A durable building stone is one which resists the weathering elements in the atmosphere without suffering decay in some way. The main causes of stone decay are Frost / Salt crystallization / Acid deposition.
ACCESSIBILITY
Relatively easy to quarry.
TYPES OF ROCKS - There are three main categories of rocks based on how they were formed.
SEDIMENTARY
Sedimentary rocks are formed by the deposition of material at the Earth's surface and within bodies of water. IGNEOUS
Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Intrusive igneous rocks cool slowly within Earth's crust giving time for crystals to grow. The deeper within the Earth's crust cooling occurs, the larger the crystal size.
METAMORPHIC
Metamorphic rocks are formed when existing rock types are changed through extreme heat and pressure.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)