Queens Lime EarthCache

Limestone and Queens Park, a strange mix. I have created an Earthcache here as the mining in this area is buried and unnoticed. Limestone mines which started Ipswich are forgotten in history. From the listed co-ordinates, you will be able to view the top of the mine and answer the questions. If you wish to walk along the ridge then you will be rewarded with great views unique to this area.

Limestone and its uses...

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the minerals Calcite and Aragonite, which are different crystal forms of Calcium Carbonate. Most Limestone is composed of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as Coral or Foraminifer. Stalactites, stalagmites in caves are also in part made from Limestone. It is added to toothpaste, paper, plastics, paint, tiles, and other materials as both white pigment and a cheap filler. It can suppress methane explosions in underground coal mines. Purified, it is added to bread and cereals as a source of calcium. Calcium levels in livestock feed are supplemented with it, such as for poultry (when ground up). There is a multitude of diverse uses for Limestone and it is mined all over the world.

So why did we bring you to Queens Park?

In 1826 Patrick Logan left the penal settlement of Brisbane to explore Bremer Creek. After travelling some distance up the creek he discovered hills of Limestone in a bush setting. In 1827, he sent an Overseer and 5 convicts to the area to mine Limestone and set up a lime burning kiln. The lime was transported to Brisbane in small boats to be made into cement and mortar. These hills later became the CBD in Ipswich. Queens Park has Limestone constructions all over it. The Cunningham Pyramid Monument is made of Limestone and there is a mullock heap, left by the convicts, in the rear corner of the plot. The park is also at the junction of Limestone and Brisbane Streets. The Northern side of Queens Park has a ridge running around the boundary, overlooking the Bowls Club and has a Rotunda perched at the highest point. The main road, from the play area to the Eastern boundary, is cobblestone. The Pyramid and retaining wall on the Northern boundary were built by the unemployed men of Ipswich during the depression.

To complete this Earthcache you must answer the following questions:

1. Standing at the posted co-ordinates, what evidence do you see of mining?

2. What colours do you see in the rocks?

3. Looking around, can you see examples of where Limestone was used to make things......name some?

4. How do you think Limestone was formed in this area? (Keeping in mind, how Limestone is formed.)

5. How big do you think the mine was in the 1800's? (This is your own opinion as there is no recorded evidence.) Look to the whole park and surrounds for manmade shapes in the landscape.

Feel free to log visit after emailing Cache Owner with your answers and please feel free to include a photo of yourself in the area. If the criteria is not met or you have incorrect answers I will email back.

Have fun at Queens Park.