Minerals In The Monument:
This monument is made up of marble and inside the marble you can view a mineral known as calcite. The lesson today is on calcite and why it is found inside of marble.
Calcite: a white or colorless mineral consisting of calcium carbonate. It is a major constituent of sedimentary rocks such as limestone, marble, and chalk, can occur in crystalline form (as in Iceland spar), and may be deposited in caves to form stalactites and stalagmites
What Is Marble? Marble is a hard crystalline metamorphic form of limestone, typically white with mottlings or streaks of colour, that is capable of taking a polish and is used in sculpture and architecture.
Colours Of Marble:
French Vanilla-
Indus Gold-
White Marble-
Marble In Headstones-
Marble is ideal for headstones, because it lasts a long time and will take a very long time to deteriorate.
Why Is Calcite Found In Marble?
Under the conditions of metamorphism, the calcite in the limestone recrystallizes to form a rock that is a mass of interlocking calcite crystals.
Questions:
Q1. What Colour Do you believe the marble is? Why?
Q2. What percentage of calcite do you believe is in the marble?
Q3. Does the marble appear smooth or rough to touch? Do you think the calcite is responsible for this?
Q4. With the marble, is there any other rock type in the monument? Why do you think it is that rock type? Do you see any calcite in that rock?
Q5. Does the calcite appear clear or does it appear to be more white in colour? Why??
Optional: Photos are appreciated but please none that spoil the lesson for other cachers