Welcome to Balanced Rock, a roadside wonder that sparks curiosity. Is it natural? Is it man-made? Who put it there?
TIME: 10 minutes.
DIFFICULTLY: Easy, unless you try to move the 60-ton rock. (Please don't).
DIRECTIONS: From Route 6 in Brewster, take Route 121 south for 4.2 miles. Balanced Rock is on Route 121/116, south of Keeler Road, on the left. The Cable Barn next to the rock has a small pull-off area. Be careful of the traffic on the curvy roads.
Description: Welcome to Balanced Rock, a glacial erratic that has been standing here for centuries. This EarthCache will teach you about the history and geology of this amazing rock. And most importantly, it will let you discover its secrets.
Introduction: The Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is made of granite, an igneous rock that formed from magma deep underground. The granite is part of the Appalachian Mountains, which were formed millions of years ago by tectonic and volcanic activity.
Glacial Erratics and the Balanced Rock
Balanced Rock is a glacial erratic, which means it was carried here by a glacier during the last Ice Age. The rock is different from the surrounding bedrock, which is mostly limestone and schist.
The rock was shaped by erosion and weathering, which carved away the softer parts and left the harder parts to form the balanced shape. The exact mechanism of how the rock is balanced is unknown, but it may involve erosion, weathering, and gravity.
Granite is a common type of intrusive igneous rock that contains several minerals, such as:
Quartz: A white or transparent mineral with a glassy luster.
Feldspar: A group of minerals that give granite its pink, red, or white color.
Mica: A light-colored mineral that gives granite a silvery sheen, or a dark-colored mineral that gives it a black or brown color.
Hornblende: A dark-colored mineral that gives granite a green or black hue.
Other minerals: Other minerals that may be present in granite include pyroxene, garnet, and zircon.
The specific minerals in granite can vary depending on where and how it formed. However, quartz and feldspar are always present in large amounts, while mica and other minerals are present in smaller amounts.
Legends and Stories of the Balanced Rock
The origins of Balanced Rock are mysterious, as no one has been able to prove how it was created. Some theories include:
• It is an erratic left by chance after the glaciers melted.
• It is a worship site built by Native Americans or possibly Celts before Columbus.
• It is a dolmen used for worship, burial, or ceremonies.
There is no conclusive evidence for any of these theories, but they add to the intrigue and mystery of the rock.
Logging requirements:
• How many rocks support the balanced rock?
• Compare the supporting rocks to the balanced rock. Are they similar or different? What type of rocks are they?
• Are there any minerals on the balanced rock? What are they?
• Are there any markings on the rock that indicate glacial movement? What are they?
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