This Earthcache will take you to a display along the driveway leading to a local "geology-based" location. The owner/manager Yela has given me permission to use their display as an Earthcache. At GZ you will find various types of stone. You will need to find one sample that is a named after a Tennessee crustacaen and the other after a Texas revolution soldier (so kind of a field puzzle but, since an Earthcache is already kind of a field puzzle, maybe a little redundant). FREE PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN THE LOT ACROSS THE STREET, BUT PLEASE USE CAUTION CROSSING THE STREET.
To log this cache, read the posted information below and answer the four questions that follow.
Flagstone is a broader term referring to sedimentary rocks (like sandstone, limestone, slate) cut into flat, irregular shapes, often used for paving and landscaping. Limestone is a specific type of sedimentary rock, and it can indeed be used as flagstone. So, while all limestone can be flagstone, not all flagstone is limestone.
The Volunteer State flagstone is actually made of limestone - a type called 'quartzite sandstone". The limestone has a variety of colors and is contains high concentrations of the elements titanium, iron, and magnesium. It also has high concentrations of silica such as mica. Please answer the following questions:
1. Of the mineral elements, which do you believe leads to the red and brown colors of the stone and why would you think that?
2. Do you notice a sheen on the stone and, if so, what part of its composition do you think helps create the sheen?
The Lone Star State Lueders limestone is primarily composed of carbonate minerals, specifically calcite and aragonite. It is found in the Lueders area of Texas and in an area with a larger proportion of shale and marly impure limestones. The shales below these limestones are frequently very fossiliferous with many gastropods and bryozoans fossils. The carbonate is a base mineral and when acids react with carbonates salt, water and carbon dioxide are made (a reaction called "carbonation"). Now, please answer these questions:
3. Because of its source, do you notice any fossils in it (if so, please describe)?
4. Because it is composed mostly of carbonite minerals, what do you think can damage this stone (hint: think of a type of polluted fluid falling from the sky)?
I hope you enjoyed this Earthcache.