**NOTE - Coords have been taken more times than you know! Weather, tree cover, device used, etc will cause inconsistent but similar readings. Please remember that readings can be up to 25' off and be sure to look around the area if you don't see the head stone right away. Info needed is at the bottom of the description.
Answer the following questions to receive credit for this Earthcache. Answers can be sent to my profile page. Please do not add pictures of the stone examples used in this cache to your logs. And as always --- CITO when you can, obey all cemetery rules, replace downed flags and be respectful of the area.
Start at the posted coords.
Stage 1 "Kent"
Questions:
What type of material is used for this stone?
What is the deterioration here, caused by?
Stage 2 “Richards”
Questions:
What are the two types of stones used here?
Which type of material is weathering the most?
Stage 3 “Tallmadge”
This is quite an interesting structure. Parts of it are holding up well, other parts, not so much. A few different types of materials are used here.
Questions:
What is the current physical condition of the shelter itself (do you see any deterioration)?
What would it be caused by?
Stage 4 – “Barcus”
Questions:
There is something embedded in the concrete on this stone. What is it?
Why do you think this is?
Stage 5 - “Frank”
Questions:
What type of material is used for the base of this stone? ( The stone that is standing )
What is the proof of that?
Why do you think it was used?
If you are new to the study of burial markers and don’t come from a geologic background or have prior knowledge in basic geology, grasping the differences in materials found in cemeteries might seem like a monumental (haha) task!
There are three forms of weathering types that effect gravestones: Chemical, Physical, and Biological. For more information on these types, see GC97EWE Weathering Types in Wauseon Cemetery - Earthcache.
Basically stones, like all things, wear away. But they can also last a heck of a lot longer than the bodies buried beneath them! Without further ado, lets discuss the geology, pros, and cons of common stone types you’ll encounter.
While technology has expanded the types of designs and writing we can put on gravestones, the basic materials have stayed the same for centuries. Seven of the most common materials used in gravestones and monuments include:
1. Granite
An exquisite stone of natural beauty, granite is unearthed in huge chunks then polished and shaped. The most practically priced grave marker material, it resists high heat, low temperatures and acid rain pollution. Once it’s set, a granite marker is challenging to clean because of a white film that tends to build up over time. A good polishing brings back its luster.
2. Marble
Most commonly used from the 1850s to the 1920s, marble was cheap and easy to polish, cut and carve with tools available at the time. But although marble polishes well, moisture tends to gradually erode details from the stone, blurring names, dates and other carvings. In addition, sugaring (a steady dissolution of the surface) creates a harsh granular, crystalline look.
3. Concrete or cement
Often chosen because it can be shaped and formed in unique ways, concrete is susceptible to mold and mildew. Freeze/thaw cycles can cause scaling. Grave markers made of these materials need to be cleaned more often.
4. Fieldstone
Fieldstone is a natural stone that is found in different colors and sizes. It is a very durable material, found in local fields and washed, carved and decorated. It is also easy to clean and does not require any special care.
5. Sandstone and limestone
Both sandstone and limestone are popular choices because they’re easy to carve. The drawback, however, is a lack of durability. Limestone does not polish well and often breaks and cracks at the bedding planes. A freeze-thaw cycle destroys small pieces of sandstone. Sandstone is usually a reddish brown color while limestone is white.