Although gravestones can be crafted from just about any material, there are three types of natural rock that can be carved and used for markers - igneous rock, metamorphic rock, and sedimentary rock.
FIELDSTONES. The earliest markers for graves were natural fieldstone, some unmarked and others decorated or incised using a metal awl. Typical motifs for the carving included a symbol and the deceased's name and age.
GRANITE. Granite is an igneous intrusive rock consisting of mica, quartz and feldspar, usually ranging from pink to grey in color. It is a hard stone and one of the most difficult to carve requiring skill to sculpt by hand. Modern methods of carving include using computer-controlled rotary bits and sandblasting over a rubber stencil. Leaving the letters, numbers and emblems exposed on the stone, the blaster can create virtually any kind of artwork or epitaph.
MARBLE. Metamorphic rocks make up a large part of the earth’s surface and include marble, slate and quartzite. Both limestone and marble take carving well. Marble is a recrystallised form of limestone. The mild acid in rainwater can slowly dissolve marble and limestone over time, which can make inscriptions unreadable. Portland stone was a type of limestone commonly used in England—after weathering, fossiliferous deposits tend to appear on the surface. Marble became popular from the early 19th century, though its extra cost limited its appeal.
LIMESTONE. Sedimentary stone can be limestone or sandstone. Limestone comes from all over the world, but Lawrence County Indiana is known as having the highest quality quarried limestone in the US. During the 19th and 20th centuries, limestone monuments, mausoleums and gravestones were very popular, but after the discovery of the effect of acid rain on the stone, limestone is not used nearly as much.
Questions: (send answers to my registered email account)
FIELDSTONE. Head to N39 28.624 W86 3.636 and find the fieldstone marker with "Freeman" on it.
- What condition is the stone in?
- Any visible signs of weathering on the stone?
GRANITE. This is the most popular marker. Head to N39 28.627 w86 3.636 to find the granite marker with Clark on it. Rub your hand across the top of the gravestone. You can see the crystals in the stone. They are different colors.
- Do you notice any wear on the marker?
MARBLE. You are now heading to N39 28.626 W86 3.636 to find the marble marker of Charles Freeman.
- What condition is the marker in?
- Does it show any signs of weathering?
- Can you still read the marker?
LIMESTONE. This is the last stop. Head to N39 28.633 W86 3.637 and look for the tree stump marker for Margaret McCormack.
- What condition is still stone in?
- Does it still look legible?
- Does the carvings still show detail?
Rank each stone from least resistant to most resistant to weathering.
Post a picture of yourself (face not required) or a personal item at the south entrance gate or another example of a grave marker. Please don't post pictures of the 4 used in this lesson.