Preface

This cache requires the use of a TOTT - a magnet object of some kind - to complete the logging requirements.

This is an EarthCache and has special requirements for logging it.  You cannot log a Found It without responding to the logging requirements set out below. 

Only one find claim per Message. Each Geocacher claiming a find must submit an individual response. One team can not lodge a response on behalf of a group of people.

Introduction

The process of ironing was around long before the modern iron was invented. In the 1st century BC, the Chinese would use metal pans filled with hot water to smooth their clothes and erase creases from fabric.

So where did the metal pans come from?

Iron ore, of course - probably in the form of Cast Iron, as opposed to Wrought Iron. Both are superior to Pig Iron. But that's a whole other story.

The Geology

What are Iron Ores?

Iron ores are rocks and minerals from which metallic iron can be extracted. Two of the main types of iron ore deposits are hematite, which is the most commonly mined, and magnetite. Iron is responsible for the red colour in many of our rocks and the deep red sands of the Australian outback.

And they come from…?

Iron ores, which occur in igneous, metamorphic (transformed), or sedimentary rocks in a variety of geologic environments. Most are sedimentary, but many have been changed by weathering, and so their precise origin is difficult to determine. The most widely distributed iron-bearing minerals are oxides (the O in each formula), and iron (the Fe in each formula) ores which consist mainly of hematite ( Fe₂O₃ ), which is red; magnetite (Fe₃O₄ ), which is black; limonite or bog-iron ore ( 2Fe₂O₃·3H₂O ), which is brown; and siderite ( FeCO₃ ), which is pale brown, and has a Carbon compenent. Hematite and magnetite are by far the most common types of ore.

What is Hematite?

Hematite is a heavy and relatively hard oxide mineral that forms the most important iron ore because of its high iron content (70 percent) and its abundance. Its name is derived from the Greek word for “blood,” in reference to its red colour. The most important deposits of hematite are sedimentary in origin. Hematite is often a minor part of many igneous rocks; and almost universally as a pigmenting agent of sedimentary and other rocks. Hey – that’s the RED colouring again.

What is Magnetite?

Magnetite (72.4%) iron is a ferrimagnetic iron ore. meaning it is attracted to magnetic objects. Magnetite's greatest use is as an important iron ore for steel manufacture. Other applications are as a catalyst in the Haber process for making ammonia, as a pigment for paints and ceramics, and as magnetic micro- and nanoparticles for a variety of processes and materials. It has magnetic dipoles in its configuration which helps it to reflect magnetic properties.

What is Limonite?

Limonite used to be considered a mineral, but today the name is a field term for amorphous iron oxides that have been used as yellow to brown ochre pigments. Limonite will leave a yellow-to-brown streak.

What is siderite?

The mineral commonly occurs in thin beds with shales, clay, or coal seams (as sedimentary deposits) and in hydrothermal metallic veins (as gangue, or waste rock). Yellowish-brown to greyish-brown, pale yellow to tannish, grey, brown, green, red, black and sometimes nearly colourless; tarnished iridescent at times; colourless to yellow and yellow-brown in transmitted light.

The Observation

From the coordinates, walk towards the nearby grid where there is a traditional geocache (DIRG), noting the ground below as you walk. The questions below relate to what you see and need to do here.

The Logging Task

You will need to bring a magnet or something magnetic in order to complete the logging requirements of this earth cache and claim a find.

1. As you walk as suggested above, drag your magnetic object through the material on the ground. Check out any magnetism: is it strong (they don’t shake off), weak (they do shake off) or no magnetism (no rock particles are picked up by your magnetic object). What are your observations?
2. Based upon the above, is the rock here primarily haematite or magnetite?  SAY WHY.
3. Take of photo of yourself OR your GPS with your magnet to show a view of GZ. Include it in your message, but please do not post it in your log, it might give too much away.

When you have your response to the above questions, please, if possible, Message us, using the link at the top of the page underneath the name of the Cache. We prefer the Message method, as apparently, we don't respond to emails very well, but messages we do. We will contact you by Message once your Message has been received.

But please log your Found It    in the meantime, and just say that you have Messaged your answers to the CO. We do reply to all logs within a reasonable time, and if there is a problem with your answers, we will ask you for further clarification.

No answers means you Found it will be deleted.

Happy Earthcaching!