Old Stone Shop EarthCache

ABOUT THIS EARTHCACHE

For this EarthCache, you will be visiting the Old Stone Shop. Built in 1848, by Batcheller & Sons, makers of pitchforks. The material used was quarried from a limestone quarry a little south of here in South Wallingford, VT.

LOGGING REQUIREMENTS

In order to log this EarthCache, send me your answers to the following questions either through email or messaging from my profile page.

1: What color is the limestone here?

2: Based on the information below, what gives it this color?

3a: Do all of the blocks look the same?

3b: What are some of the differences you see in the blocks?

4: Post a pic of you or a personal item with the historic sign in the background.

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SOUTH WALLINGFORD GEOLOGY

South Wallingford is part of the Vermont Valley, which is underlain by Cambrian through Ordovician carbonate rocks. These rocks are part of the Champlain Valley Sequence, a group of rock formations that developed during the Cambrian and Ordovician periods.

CAMBRIAN CARBONATE FORMATION

During the Cambrian, extensive carbonate platforms, similar to modern Bahama Banks, developed along continental shelves, especially in low latitudes. These platforms were characterized by warm, shallow water environments, leading to the rapid deposition of carbonate sediments in the form of limestones and dolomites.

ORDOVICIAN CARBONATE DEPOSITS

Ordovician rocks also exhibit significant carbonate deposits, with the Lower Ordovician often featuring intraclastic limestones, siltstone, shale, and chert. The Middle Ordovician is commonly characterized by silty limestones and quartzite, while the Upper Ordovician includes cherty limestones and argillaceous limestones.

COLORS

White

White limestone is one of the most prevalent color variations. It is often associated with high-purity limestone that has minimal impurities. This color is typically seen in limestone formations with a high calcium carbonate content.

Beige or Cream

Beige or cream-colored limestone is another common variation. It often results from the presence of impurities or organic matter, such as clay, silt, or iron oxide, which give the limestone a warmer tone.

Gray or Cream

Gray limestone is widespread and can vary in shades from light gray to dark gray. The presence of organic matter, minerals like graphite or pyrite, or fine-grained sediment can contribute to the gray coloration.

Brown

Some limestones exhibit brown hues, which are often caused by the presence of iron oxide or other minerals. These impurities can create a range of brown shades, from light tan to deeper brown tones.

Yellow

Yellow limestone is less common but can occur in certain geological formations. It is typically attributed to the presence of iron oxide or other minerals that impart a yellow tint to the rock.

Blue

Blue limestone is relatively rare and can be found in specific regions with unique geological conditions. It is often associated with fossil-rich limestone that contains marine organisms, such as shells or coral, contributing to the blue coloration.

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