A Gem on the Trail EarthCache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(other)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Simple Earthcache along the Deep Gap Trail. You do not have to leave the trail for any part of this cache. Parking and Trailhead Coordinates are provided as Waypoints.
*
You will be searching for an exposed chunk of White Quartz ( if you miss it, you might trip over it ). Did I mention No Need To Leave The Trail.
What is Quartz? Quartz is a chemical compound consisting of one part silicon and two parts oxygen. It is silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is the most abundant mineral found at Earth's surface and its unique properties make it one of the most useful natural substances.
Where is Quartz Found? The fact that the highest mountain range in the Carolina's contains Kyanite is no coincidence. Both Kyanite and Quartz are much more resistant to weathering and erosion than lots off other minerals, such as Feldspar and Mica. If you've ever picked up a " book " of shiny Mica flakes, you know how easy it is to pick apart and break with your fingers. Because rocks rich in Kyanite and quartz stand up to erosion so well, the commonly form cliffs, hills, or mountains. Pilot Mountain, Hanging Rock and Mt. Mitchell in N. Carolina are Quartzite Mountains, and Crowders Mountain near Charlotte is a Kyanite Quartzite Mountain
It is present and plentiful in all parts of the world. It forms at all temperatures. It is abundant in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering. This durability makes it the dominant mineral of mountaintops and the primary constituent of beach, river and desert sand. Quartz is ubiquitous, plentiful and durable. Minable deposits are found throughout the world.
General geology of North Carolina
Three major classes of rocks common to North Carolina are igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. North Carolina has a long and complex history. Although much remains to be learned, detailed geologic studies provide a general understanding of regional geological relationships. The State is best described in terms of geological belts; that is, areas with similar rock types and geologic history.
The following discusses geologic belts shown in color on the NCGS's home page.
Blue Ridge Belt - This mountainous region is composed of rocks from over one billion to about one-half billion years old. This complex mixture of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock has been repeatedly squeezed, fractured, faulted and folded. The Blue Ridge belt is well known for its deposits of feldspar, mica and quartz-basic materials used in the ceramic, paint and electronic industries. Olivine is mined for use as a refactory material and foundry molding sand. Info on the other belts can be found at: portal.ncdenr.org The Blue Ridge Belt is all we are concerned with here.
Quartz as a Gemstone, Quartz makes an excellent gemstone. It is hard, durable and usually accepts a brilliant polish. Popular varieties of quartz that are widely used as gems include: amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, and aventurine. Agate and jasper are also varieties of quartz with a microcrystalline structure. Physical Properties of Quartz Chemical Classification silicate Color Quartz occurs in virtually every color. Common colors are clear, white, gray, purple, yellow, brown, black, pink, green, red. Streak colorless (harder than the streak plate) Luster vitreous Diaphaneity transparent to translucent Cleavage none - typically breaks with a conchoidal fracture Mohs Hardness 7 Specific Gravity 2.6 to 2.7 Diagnostic Properties conchoidal fracture, glassy luster, hardness Chemical Composition SiO2 Crystal System hexagonal Uses glass making, abrasive, foundry sand, hydraulic fracturing proppant, gemstones What are the Uses for Quartz? Quartz is one of the most useful natural materials. Its usefulness can be linked to its physical and chemical properties. It has a hardness of seven on the Mohs Scale which makes it very durable. It is chemically inert in contact with most substances. It has electrical properties and heat resistance that make it valuable in electronic products. Its luster, color and diaphaneity make it useful as a gemstone and also in the making of glass. Uses of Quartz in Glass Making Geological processes have occasionally deposited sands that are composed of almost 100% quartz grains. These deposits have been identified and produced as sources of high purity silica sand. These sands are used in the glassmaking industry. Quartz sand is used in the production of container glass, flat plate glass, specialty glass and fiberglass. Quartz has many other uses as well and you can look them up on -
(visit link)
*************************************************************************
To log this Earthcache, send email me your answers via sequoia.cache@gmail.com .. Groups- one email per group is ok but please list everyone in your group.
1. Optional- post pictures of your favorite part of your journey.
2. Where is Quartz found at most abundantly?______________________________________
3. Estimate the size of the boulder ( exposed ) Length x Width x Thickness_________________________________________
4.What is the Average Specific Gravity Rating of this boulder?______________________________________
5. What colors do you see? Do NOT include vegetation and do not remove any._________________________________________.
6. Include in your log- Tell about your hike and / or experience getting here.
Permission Granted for this Earthcache by Charles Wilder, Park Superintendent, Mount Mitchell State Park
His biggest concern is WE STAY ON THE TRAIL. There are multipul threatnend and endangered species of plants along this trail. Please remove any litter you see.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Ernq gur qrfpevcgvba. Cevag be fnir gur cntr orsber qevivat hc urer. Cubar freivpr jnf arkg gb abguvat ba bhe Irevmba Cubarf.
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures