A fount of local knowledge EarthCache
A fount of local knowledge
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The island of Guernsey is one great mass of intrusive rock of varying character, by and large the intrusive rock mainly Gneiss and Diorite of Granite types is strong and durable and is ideal to be used as building rock. Blue Granite is mainly sourced from the North East of the Island and is so durable it can withstand immense pressure up to 950kgs per cm squared and is mainly used in Guernsey for sea defences, steps and sea walls, the famous Bordeaux Quarry whilst being used for 100 yrs yielded 3.5 million tons of Blue Diorite.
Guernsey has had an active quarrying industry over the years, largely removing rock for use as building materials. Many local houses are constructed of either blue-grey Bordeaux Diorite, or red-brown Cobo Granite. The only remaining active quarry is Les Vardes on the west coast of the Island, operated by Ronez. Here the Bordeaux Diorite is extracted and crushed on site to produce aggregate.
This drinking fountain is listed as a protected monument!
A drinking fountain had just been erected by order of the committee in the plantation, weighing five and and three quarter tons, it was designed by a Mr Lyster, who was an engineer, it had been prepared by Mr H Bisson who lived in the Vale and was a stone dresser and was said to be an excellent worker with Blue Granite. The water was supplied from a cistern in Havelet Road, and was ejected by the mouth of the Lion, which was decorated with brackets and cups, all bronzed and adorned with leaves and floral patterns, all these pieces were said to massively enhance the beauty of the stonework. The official opening of the drinking fountain in the North Plantation was at 10am on the 10th of October, it was thrown open to the public and the then Bailiff Peter Carey , and his three daughters , Edgar MacColloch, Mr Lyster were all present, the ceremony was performed by Emily – Jane Carey who after drinking a portion of the pure, healthful liquid, poured the remainder on the granite shaft and christened it the “Pollet Fountain”, pollet meaning little , from which the locality derives its name pool. The fluted iron railings and gates surmounted with an ornamental spear head being in correspondence, with the brackets, caps and dog basinare the production of Messrs Hart of London. The rails are quandrant shaped ans were cast with the gates at Mr W. H Smithard’s foundery. Within the railings are placed seats on which the tired and thirsty traveller may sit.
Granite Rock
Granite rocks are classified as felsic, or sialic, igneous rock. They are light-coloured rocks, with coarse grains. These rocks, which are primarily formed from continental crust, are high in silica content. The primary minerals found in granite rocks, which are responsible for forming the crystals, include potassium-plagioclase feldspar, sodium-plagioclase feldspar, quartz and biotite. The potassium-plagioclase feldspar is what gives some granites their pink colour. Other minerals that may be present in a piece of granite include amphibole and muscovite.
The grain size is coarse enough to allow recognition of the major minerals. The pink grains are orthoclase feldspar, and the clear to smoky grains are quartz or muscovite. The black grains can be biotite or hornblende. Numerous other minerals can be present in granite.
Now for the questions.
1 Describe the feel, size and colour of the crystals that make up the rock
2 What stone is the fountain made of?
3 Approximately how high is the structure?
4 What part of the island do you think the stone comes from ?
5 Please take a picture of yourself and gps at the water fountain. (optional)
Please send an email with your answers at the same time as you log your find. You do not have to wait for a reply before logging your find but I will contact you if there is a problem.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
rnfvrfg rnegupnpur rire, fraq zr jungrire lbh unir naq srry serr gb ybt