To Log This Cache:
1) Are there signs of Mica here? Explain.
2) Given the color of this large rock, what minerals are displayed here?
3) Give it a test, is this porous or non porous.
4) Take a pic or group pic with the nearest building in the background. If you do NOT want to be in the pic, take an original pic.
Named for General George Armstrong Custer, the original Camp Custer was built in 1917 as part of the military mobilization during World War I. After the war, it also served as a demobilization camp. The cemetery itself was not created until 1943. During World War II Fort Custer was expanded to serve as a training ground and as a place to hold German prisoners of war.
Of the German POWs held during World War II, 26 died and were buried in the cemetery. Sixteen of them were killed when a truck carrying them from a work detail collided with a train near Blissfield, Michigan.
The Lesson:
Granite is a type of igneous rock that is composed of several minerals. The mineral composition of granite can vary depending on the location where it was formed, but the most common minerals found in granite include:
Feldspar: This is the most common mineral found in granite, accounting for up to 60% of the rock’s composition. The two main types of feldspar found in granite are orthoclase and plagioclase.
Quartz: Quartz is another common mineral found in granite, accounting for up to 30% of the rock’s composition. It is a hard and durable mineral that gives granite its characteristic toughness.
Mica: Mica is a mineral that is commonly found in granite, accounting for up to 10% of the rock’s composition. It is a shiny and reflective mineral that gives granite its characteristic sparkle.
Hornblende: Hornblende is a dark-colored mineral that is sometimes found in granite, accounting for up to 5% of the rock’s composition. It is a hard and durable mineral that can give granite a darker color.
Biotite: Biotite is another dark-colored mineral that is sometimes found in granite, accounting for up to 5% of the rock’s composition. It is a type of mica that gives granite a dark, almost black color.
There can be variations in the mineral composition of granite depending on the location where it was formed. For example, some types of granite may contain more biotite than others, which gives them a darker color. Additionally, some types of granite may contain other minerals, such as garnet or tourmaline, which can affect their color and texture. The mineral composition of granite can also be affected by weathering and erosion, which can alter the rock’s appearance over time.
Color variations and causes:
Granite can have a wide range of colors, ranging from white and gray to pink, red, green, blue, and black. The color variations in granite are caused by a combination of factors, including the mineral composition of the rock, the rate at which the magma cools and solidifies, and the presence of other minerals or impurities.
White and Gray: Granite that is predominantly made up of feldspar and quartz will generally be white or gray in color. The presence of small amounts of other minerals can give the rock a speckled appearance, with darker or lighter spots.
Pink and Red: The presence of potassium feldspar in granite can give it a pink or red color. The shade of pink or red can vary depending on the concentration of potassium feldspar.
Green: The presence of minerals such as chlorite or epidote in granite can give it a green color. These minerals are typically found in granite that has been exposed to high levels of heat and pressure.
Blue: The presence of minerals such as sodalite or lazurite can give granite a blue color. These minerals are typically found in granite that has been exposed to hydrothermal activity.
Black: The presence of minerals such as biotite or hornblende can give granite a black color. The concentration of these minerals can vary, resulting in different shades of black.
Porous versus Non Porous:
A non-porous surface is a material that does not allow liquids or air to pass through. Non-porous surfaces are often easier to clean than porous surfaces.
A porous surface is covered in microscopic holes, or pores, that allow air and liquids to pass through. Porous surfaces can be soft, like fabric or paper, or hard, like granite or untreated wood. They can be strong enough to handle pedestrian or vehicular traffic while still allowing precipitation to pass through.