This is an EarthCache. You're not looking for a physical container but studying the earth.
The goal is for the cacher to learn about the earth while having fun caching. In order to log this EarthCache, you will need to read through the information provided, go to the coordinates and then answer the questions asked. At the coordinates, you will see Miller Park Fountain.
Introduction
At the given coordinates, you will find "Miller Park Fountain". The fountain is on Miller Park, a grade II listed park located in Preston. It is slightly smaller than Avenham Park but equally as nice, if not nicer!
The Fountain
The fountain is built out of sandstone and has several little sculptures of people. At the top of the fountain, there are several holes which is where the water comes from. The water they use is slightly acidic.
Rocks
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed by the cementing together of grains of sand. The usual cementing material in sandstone is calcium carbonate, iron oxides, or silica, and the hardness of sandstone varies according to the character of the cementing material; quartz sandstones cemented with quartz are the hardest.
Types of Sandstone
Silica cement can consist of either quartz or opal minerals. Quartz is the most common silicate mineral that acts as cement. In sandstone where there is silica cement present, the quartz grains are attached to cement, which creates a rim around the quartz grain called overgrowth. The overgrowth retains the same crystallographic continuity of quartz framework grain that is being cemented. Opal cement is found in sandstones that are rich in volcanogenic materials, and very rarely is in other sandstones. This type of sandstone is more durable.
Calcite cement is the most common carbonate cement. Calcite cement is an assortment of smaller calcite crystals. The cement adheres itself to the framework grains, this adhesion is what causes the framework grains to be adhered together. Calcite cemented sandstone is subject to acidic dissolution and is more easily eroded.
Clay and gypsum cements, which are soft minerals, tend to produce much softer sandstone and the sand can sometimes be rubbed off in a person's hands.
Carving Rocks
Sandstone is relatively soft. It has been widely used around the world in constructing temples, homes, and other buildings. It has also been used for artistic purposes to create ornamental fountains and statues.
PLEASE EMAIL OR MESSAGE ME ON MY GEOCACHING PROFILE WITH THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS. ONCE YOU HAVE SENT THE ANSWERS, YOU MAY LOG THE CACHE.
To log this EarthCache, please go to the given coordinates and answer the following questions.
1. Look at the fountain. Which type of sandstone do you think has been used? Please explain why with evidence from the fountain
2. Using your last answer, please describe why the hardness of the chosen type of Sandstone is that hardness.
3. Why was Sandstone used for the statue?