Description:
Welcome to Dubai International Airport (DXB) — one of the busiest airports in the world, known not only for its size and efficiency but also for its design, featuring materials from around the world. This EarthCache invites you to explore some geological aspects of the airport itself — through the stones and materials used in its construction and decoration and give you possibility to add new country to your statistics and earn new suvenier.
From luxurious granites and polished marbles to volcanic stones and imported slabs, the airport is a gallery of geological diversity. This cache focuses on xenoliths and other interesting stone types that are both scientifically fascinating and visually stunning.
What is this EarthCache About?
The goal of this EarthCache is to learn more about the geological materials used in the architecture of Dubai International Airport. You'll observe real-world examples of igneous rocks, particularly granite containing xenoliths, and other decorative stones that have traveled long distances — much like the airport’s visitors.
Xenoliths — Greek for “foreign rocks” — are inclusions of pre-existing rocks captured by rising magma. These inclusions survived the intense heat and became preserved in igneous rocks such as granite. Identifying them in everyday structures offers an opportunity to explore Earth's deep history — right here in a modern setting.
Educational Section:
🪨 How Igneous Rocks Form:
Igneous rocks like granite form when magma cools and solidifies beneath Earth's surface. The slow cooling process allows large crystals to form, creating coarse-grained textures. If pieces of surrounding rock fall into the magma and don't fully melt, they become xenoliths.
🪨 Why Use Granite and Marble?
Granite and marble are chosen in architecture for their durability, resistance to wear, and aesthetic appeal. They often originate from countries like India, Italy, and Brazil — and are a testament to geological time and global trade.
🪨 Granite used in DXB:
The granite used in the Dubai International Airport expansion (notably Terminal 3 and Concourse 2) comes from Brazil. Specifically, it’s the Pannafragola granite, quarried by Mineracao Corcovado. This stone, renowned for its warm “strawberries and cream” coloration, was shipped as large blocks to Italy—where they were cut and polished into tiles in Massa, before being installed at the airport
🪨 Marble used in DXB:
Sivec white marble is used for cladding and flooring in Terminal 3 (bout 326m⊃2;). Sivec marble is a high-grade, pure-white marble quarried in North Macedonia, renowned for its fine grain, consistent color, and translucent qualities ideal for premium interiors. Indus Gold marble is used on a large scale (about 4,000 m⊃2;). Indus Gold is a warm, golden-hued marble quarried in Pakistan. For bathrooms & decorative finishes was used regionally manufactured (reconstituted) marble, not natural stone.
🪨 Interesting Fact:
Some of the stones used in DXB contain xenoliths, preserved from Earth's crust or mantle. Others may feature fossiliferous limestone, onyx, or gneiss, adding variety and educational value.
Logging Task:
You must complete the following task to claim this EarthCache. Please send me answer preferably via email to gcb7qxb@gmail.com with your nickname in subject, also do not include answers in your online log. You may log the cache immediately after submitting your answers.
Find a Stone with a Xenolith. You can easily find them in luggage collection or in any other place within the airport.
- Describe how igneous rocks form and explain what xenoliths are.
- What does the xenolith look like (color, size, texture)?
- How does it differ from the surrounding rock?
- Why wasn’t the xenolith melted during magma cooling?
- Take a picture of a stone with a xenolith at DXB. Include yourself or an object showing your geocaching name in the photo.
- Email the description and your observations.
Examples of pictures:
Safety & Access Notes:
- Please do not enter restricted areas or interfere with airport operations.
- Be respectful of airport staff and security protocols.
Have fun and safe travels through Earth and Sky! 🌍✈
We believe in bringing a little enjoyment to your time at the airport. Since most visitors here are only transferring, we truly hope this cache also helps you log a new country for your statistics and earn a new souvenir! If you enjoyed the experience, we'd be absolutely delighted if you'd tap that favorite point 
button.