McGregor Quarry EarthCache
Hidden : 4/9/2011
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

McGregor Quarry Earthcache

What is a quarry?
A quarry is a type of open-pit mine from which rock or minerals are extracted. These mines are mostly above ground level and are commonly about 60 feet deep. While quarries normally yield rocks, they may also contain minerals.


Types of Quarries
There are 2 types of rock quarries: 1) Those with dimension stone (large slabs of rock). These are used for floor and counter tiles, slate roofs, or counter tops; and 2) Those with gravel and small particle stone. These are used for road construction, or landscaping projects.


The McGregor Quarry
The McGregor Quarry (operated by Amherst Quarries) opened in 1970 and is one of the largest quarries in Essex county. This rock quarry produces granulars, clear stones (ranging in size from 3/4 inch to 10 inch stones), screenings, and some large (and heavy) stones. These products are used for general construction, landscaping or erosion/shoreline protection projects.

The McGregor quarry is centered on a large area of limestone and dolomitic limestone rock (limestone containing a large amount of dolomite). Today, the main mining material at the quarry is dolomite rock/ dolostone (a carbonate rock which is made of the mineral dolomite). Dolomite is very similar in appearance to limestone but it is harder, more dense, and more resistant to acids. Dolomite is formed by replacement of some of the calcium in a calcium carbonate limestone deposit with magnesium, while the sediment was undergoing lithification (process in which sediments compact under pressure and gradually become solid rock). This strong rock is sought after for construction projects, such as building roads.


When you arrive at the posted coordinates, you will be standing outside the quarry fence. For safety, the public is not allowed to enter the quarry land. However, from this area you can appreciate the size of this quarry, see rock samples, and even see hills of rock gravel in the background.

In order to log this Earthcache, you must email Team Wiji (see profile for email) the answers to the following questions:

1. Observe the very large rocks (a product of the quarry) located on the other side of the fence. Are these rocks Igneous, Sedimentary, or Metamorphic?
To answer this question, it is helpful to know how to visually identify the three main types of rock. Igneous rock has little texture or layering; mostly black, white and/or gray minerals. Sedimentary rock is hardened sediment with layers sandy or clayey stone; mostly brown to gray. Metamorphic rock has layers of light and dark minerals, it is often curved with various colours; often glittery.

2. How many of the very large rocks are there?

3. OPTIONAL - Take a photo of your GPSr or yourself/team at the quarry sign on the fence (see additional waypoint). You may include this photo in your log.

++ Congratulations to Lwnam91 and Outdoor Bean on the FTF!! ++

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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