🌟 Marcher avec les étoiles 🌟 EarthCache
Hidden : 7/27/2023
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:



🇫🇷 🌟 Marcher avec les étoiles 🌟 🇫🇷

🇺🇸 🌟 Walking with the Stars 🌟 🇺🇸




History 📚

The Las Vegas Walk of Stars began in October 2004 to honor the people who helped make Las Vegas famous. Similar in concept to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, numerous individuals have since been gifted a 3-foot square piece of Indian Red Granite, strategically embedded within the sidewalk along both sides of Las Vegas Boulevard. In fact, stars are continually being added to this ground-level galaxy for locals and tourists to enjoy, as the city's goal is to reach 3000 total one day.


The Earth Lesson Part 🌎

Granite is formed through a slow yet complex geological process deep within the Earth's crust. It starts as molten magma; a mixture of melted rock, minerals and gases that are generated from intense heat and pressure in the Earth's mantle. As magma rises to the surface, it cools and solidifies, undergoing a process called crystallization. During crystallization, the magma's components (e.g. quartz, feldspar and mica) begin to arrange themselves as interlocking mineral crystals.

The crystallization process occurs over millions of years, allowing them to grow into visible shapes over time. The slow cooling process of magma results in the formation of coarse-grained granite, characterized by its distinct mineral patterns and textures. Over time, geological forces such as tectonic activity or erosion can uplift and expose granite to the Earth's surface, where it is then quarried for various purposes.




Color By Minerals? 🧐

Quartz crystals are one of the most common granite minerals, which often appear to be white-gray on the spectrum, translucent, and serve as a direct contributor to the stone's overall brightness/reflectivity.

Feldspar is another common mineral, and it comes in two main types: potassium and plagioclase. Potassium feldspar is commonly pink, while plagioclase feldspar can be white, gray, or even blue in its tone. The relative amounts and composition of these feldspars in granite influence its coloration, with higher amounts of potassium feldspar resulting in a more pronounced pink hue.

Mica minerals, such as biotite and muscovite, also contribute to a granite stone's texture and coloration. Biotite typically appears dark brown or black, adding a touch of richness to the stone's overall color, while Muscovite has a lighter color, often appearing pale or silvery, leaving a subtle shimmer to the granite's surface.

The combination and proportions of these minerals create the distinct color variations and patterns seen within all different types of granite stone.



The Geocache Part! 🎉

At the posted coordinates, you will be standing in the Paris, France section of Las Vegas. Over the years, a number of stars have been moved or destroyed as a result of construction projects (predominantly at/around The Linq), but this block contains quite a few of them; well enough to work your way through this Earthcache 🙂.

**To log a find, you will need to answer the following questions. Please submit your answers via the geocaching message center (preferred) or via email; do not post the answers to your log. You also do not have to wait for my reply before you claim this, though if something is noticeably incorrect with your answers, I will reach out directly to resolve.

Earthcache Questions 🤔

(send to me via the Message Center or via email, before logging a find)

1. Note the stars of Elvis Presley and Wayne Newton. How are they different than other stars in the area, like Jose Jose or David Cassidy?

2. Describe the color, texture, and grain size of these stars. What mineral do you think is primarily responsible for their distinct red color?

3. Take a closer look at the other minerals embedded within each star. You may notice a variety of anomalies within some of the stones, such as black flakes or sparkling particles. Which minerals do you think are responsible for those features, and why?

4. Based on your new-found knowledge of Indian Red granite, why did the City of Las Vegas choose this specific type of stone to construct all of these stars?

5. To curb the potential for armchair loggers, take a photo of yourself (face not required) and/or a personal item with your favorite Las Vegas Star on this block, then post it to your log.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Vs Cnevf vf vanpprffvoyr, zber fgnef pna or sbhaq shegure hc/qbja gur Obhyrineq; purpx bhgfvqr gur Synzvatb naq ZTZ

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us

Inventory

There are no Trackables in this cache.

View past Trackables

What are Trackable Items?

Bookmark Lists

View all bookmark lists...