GRAPHITE IN MARQUETTE EarthCache
timberdoodlehunter1: Due to the construction fencing this cache is no longer accessible
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This is an earthcache so there is no container to discover. Instead you will learn about the geology of the area.
This is a very small vein of graphite so please do not take any, just study and observe it. The vein of graphite needs to be preserved as many geology students come from surrounding areas to study it.
This will not be available in the winter, the piles of snow will cover the area. It can be handicap accessible at times depending on how the cars are parked.
These coordinates will take you to the south side of the Marquette Mall parking lot. There will be cars parked there. It is OK to go behind the cars for observing the graphite.
Face the rock cut. You should see a diagonal vein of graphite running through the gray rock.
Graphite is one of the softest minerals in the world. Diamond is the hardest. Both graphite and diamond are carbon.
This vein of graphite is a very low grade and not worth mining. There are only three commercial graphite mines in the USA. They are located in Alabama, Texas and Rhode Island. There are much richer graphite deposits in Korea, Ceylon, Mexico and Madagascar.
Graphite is best known for the "lead" in a lead pencil. The "lead" in your pencil is actually graphite mixed with clay.
Graphite is also a great lubricant in dry or liquid form. Some uses include lubricating locks, fishing reels and other moving parts.
It is also used to make electrodes and motor brushes.
REQUIREMENTS: Email me (thru my profile) the answers to the following.
1) What color is the graphite you see in front of you? Describe it.
2) Estimate how long the vein is. Is it a foot long, a car length, or a football field long?
3) What is the softest and hardest minerals in the world?
Resources: Wikipedia "graphite"
Congratulations to johndeerdreams on first to find!!!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)