Our great State of Florida is basically a big peninsula mostly made-up of limestone, which has a huge influence on its geological makeup. Limestone is a sedimentary rock, composed mainly of skeletal fragments of marine organisms such as coral, forams and mollusks. Its major materials are the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of calcium carbonate.
The water's striking turquoise color is caused by the limestone bedrock surrounding the Homestead canals. The limestone leaches calcite crystals into the water, turning its color a bright turquoise. Dissolved particles such as tannins (a yellowish-brown organic acid that is found in plant tissues) or particles of iron and manganese from rocks or soil. Iron, manganese and calcium carbonate from limestone are all common minerals that can cause water to range in color from red and orange to green and blue.
To obtain credit for this Earth Cache you will need to submit your answers to the following questions:
- What is limestone mainly composed of
- What are the two major mineral materials found on limestone
- What kind of crystals usually leach out from limestone into the water
- What are the mineral particles that usually dissolved into the water from limestone which produce this amazing color
To prove you were at the posted coordinates you will need to provide the answers to the following questions:
- While standing at the posted coordinates can you tell me, what is the texture of the surface your standing on
- At the same posted coordinates please tell me what is so unique, visible to the naked eye on this particular rock formation
- Not required but greatly appreciated: Please provide near the posted coordinates a “NON-SPOILER” photo of you, your group or anything you found interesting while visiting this earth cache!
Reference Sources:
- geology.com/rocks/limestone.shtml: Lime Stone formation
- americanrivers.org/rivers/discover-your-river/river-colors: Fresh water coloration source
1963-2018
In loving memory of my good friend and geo mentor Curt Williams (AKA Mulder). This Earth Cache was the last him and I spoke about before his passing as I always consulted him before submitting an Earth Cache.
Thank you for all your teachings my friend, I will always “Believe”.
