....But I've Been Doing Other Things Instead!
This sculpture was created in 2019 by Marko Mäetamm and consists of a pile of books carved from Finnish Granite. Appropriately situated within the campus of Aston University, it is a homage to all the books we haven't quite got round to reading yet!
The use of granite is deliberate, as the university explains: "Granite was a deliberate material choice. It is hard, lasting and dignified - suggesting that while we may neglect books, the urge to learn and reflect remains grounded. Over time, the stone weathers, acquiring subtle patina and linking the piece ever more closely to place. Now the sculpture is woven into campus tours, public art guides, and daily life. Students stop, take selfies before it, sit on its edges, and use it as a point to gather or think. In blending permanence with an open invitation to pause, All the Books I Should Have Read asks a simple question of each of us: what might you read if time were yours?" (Source)
Granite is an igneous rock formed deep within the Earth’s crust. Finland lies within the Fennoscandian Shield, one of the oldest geological regions on Earth, where granites commonly formed between 1.8 and 3 billion years ago. The granite used in this sculpture is predominantly grey, providing important clues about its mineral composition. By observing the colour, texture, and visible mineral grains in the stone, visitors can identify the minerals present and understand how granite forms and why it is widely used in outdoor monuments and sculptures.
Geological Background
Granite is a plutonic igneous rock, meaning it crystallised slowly from magma beneath the Earth’s surface. Slow cooling allows large, visible crystals to develop. The grey colour of this granite suggests:
- A dominance of plagioclase feldspar, which appears white to grey
- Significant quartz, which appears glassy and grey or translucent
- Smaller amounts of dark minerals such as biotite mica, appearing as black flakes
The absence of strong pink or red tones indicates that potassium feldspar (orthoclase) is present only in minor amounts, if at all.
Typical Mineral Composition of Grey Finnish Granite
- Plagioclase feldspar (30–45%) – white to grey, blocky crystals
- Quartz (25–35%) – glassy, grey or translucent grains
- Potassium feldspar (5–15%) – pale, blocky grains
- Biotite mica (5–10%) – black, shiny flakes
- Accessory minerals (<5%) – may include magnetite or hornblende
Why Granite Is Used for Sculpture
Aside from the reasons mentioned above, granite is commonly used in public art because it is:
- Hard and resistant to abrasion
- Low in porosity, reducing water penetration
- Resistant to weathering and frost
- Capable of retaining sharp edges over long periods of time
Questions
To log this EarthCache, please send the answers to the following questions by email or message. Due to owning many EarthCaches I receive numerous emails per day so there is often a delay in replying, therefore feel free to log before awaiting a reply. Only answers that are drastically incorrect or photos that reveal answers will be deleted.
1) What differences do you notice in the colour between the granite in the book and the granite in the cube that the book is on?
2) Based on the description, what differences are there in mineral composition between the book and the cube?
3) Why do you think granite has been used for this sculpture?
4) Optional - A photo of you, or a personal item at the sculpture is great to see - but please make sure any images aren't revealing the answers.