The Humber Stone (EarthCache)
The Humber Stone is located in Hamilton on the outskirts of Leicester.
It is also known as :
Ho Stone - Hostone Stone - Hell Stone - Holy Stone
It used to stand about 10ft tall until a farmer had the top of the stone removed to allow easy access to his plough. Local legend has it that he died shortly after, poor and alone.
The stone is surrounded by myths and legends , some say that it is an old sacrficial alter and must be left undisturbed , others say that it was dropped by a God and is the home of fairies!
Whatever it is supposed to be , it IS a spot of great geological interest.
To log this EarthCache please send me (By Geo-Message Facility) the answers to the questions below.
Logs will be checked to ensure the integrity of this EarthCache.
PLEASE do not post any COLOUR pics in your logs or give any info away.
Have Fun .(Sixxdog_UK).
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Types of Rocks
Rocks are not all the same!
The three main types, or classes, of rock are sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous and the differences among them have to do with how they are formed.
Sedimentary
Sedimentary rocks are formed from particles of sand, shells, pebbles, and other fragments of material. Together, all these particles are called sediment. Gradually, the sediment accumulates in layers and over a long period of time hardens into rock. Generally, sedimentary rock is fairly soft and may break apart or crumble easily. You can often see sand, pebbles, or stones in the rock, and it is usually the only type that contains fossils.
Examples of this rock type include conglomerate and limestone.
Metamorphic
Metamorphic rocks are formed under the surface of the earth from the metamorphosis (change) that occurs due to intense heat and pressure (squeezing). The rocks that result from these processes often have ribbonlike layers and may have shiny crystals, formed by minerals growing slowly over time, on their surface.
Examples of this rock type include gneiss and marble.
Igneous
Igneous rocks are formed when magma (molten rock deep within the earth) cools and hardens. Sometimes the magma cools inside the earth, and other times it erupts onto the surface from volcanoes (in this case, it is called lava). When lava cools very quickly, no crystals form and the rock looks shiny and glasslike. Sometimes gas bubbles are trapped in the rock during the cooling process, leaving tiny holes and spaces in the rock.
Examples of this rock type include granite and obsidian.
Here's a chart of some of the key characteristics that can help you identify the rocks within these three main classes.
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Crystals
Small, flat surfaces that are shiny or sparkly, like tiny mirrors. |
Fossils
Imprints of leaves, shells, insects, or other items in the rock. |
Gas bubbles
"Holes," like Swiss cheese, in the rock. |
Glassy surface
A shiny and smooth surface, like colored glass. |
Ribbonlike layers
Straight or wavy stripes of different colors in the rock. |
Sand or pebbles
Individual stones, pebbles, or sand grains visible in the rock. |
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(1) What Colour is the Stone?
(2) How Wide is the Stone at widest visible point? (+or- 10cm)
(3) How Tall is the stone at the tallest visible point? (+or- 10cm)
(4) What type of rock is the Humber Stone ? ___ _______
LESSON : Please go and find out what material the stone is , and give a brief explanation on how this type of stone is formed. Please pay attention to the information above this will help you identify this type of rock. Just for added credit , look at the chemical Composition of this type of rock and tell me the TWO most common elements in it.
(5) OBSERVATION : Looking around the area there are no other stones like this close by , find out where this stone probably came from and by what means it was deposited here? , explain why you think your answer is correct.
(6) How long ago (Approximately) was the Stone moved into it's current location? (ABC,DEF) Years.
(7) What is the OS REF SK number of this location? (From Info. Board) SK-(GHIJKL)
You might want to keep the answers from questions 6 & 7 handy for future use. 