Passing through Ingleton for the first time in several years I stopped for a look at this nice War Memorial I don't think I've seen on previous visits. It's well worth a visit.
1) Describe the make up of the stone used to create the memorial - What colours can you seen? Can you see invidual grains?
2) Based on your answer to Question 1, what type of slate has been used to create this memorial?
3) At the point of publishing this Earthcache, this memorial is over 100 years old. Are there any signs of significant damage to the cross. What properties of the slate used here do you think contribute to the durabilty of the memorial?
4) Take a photo of yourself at GZ, or an identifying item, near the war memorial. Do not include the war memorial in your photo.
Please submit your answers via message though the Geocaching website or by sending me an email - there is no need to wait for a response before logging your find.
Properties of Slate
Slate forms from fine-grained sedimentary rocks, such as mudstone or shale, that have undergone metamorphism. This process involves great heat and pressure deep inside the Earth, which compacts the rock and causes the minerals to re-align into parallel layers, creating the slaty cleavage allowing it to be split into thin, strong sheets for roofing.
However, beyond its ability to cleave, slate also possesses high density, very low porosity (meaning it absorbs little water), and excellent durability. These properties make it highly resistant to weathering, frost, and chemical erosion. Therefore, when used as a memorial or a statue, slate is valued for its ability to retain fine carved detail and inscriptions over long periods, making it a very long-lasting outdoor monument material.
Langdale Slate
Langdale slate originates from the Langdale Pikes district within the Lake District. This region's geology is defined by the Borrowdale Volcanic Group, formed from ancient volcanic ash and lavas around 450 million years ago.
The distinctive green colour of Langdale slate is due to the significant presence of the mineral chlorite. This mineral gives the slate it's green colour.
Today, while many of the quarries in the Langdale area are no longer used, some, like Elterwater Quarry, continue to operate.
Burlington Slate
Burlington slate is also quarried in the Lake District. It can be recognised by it's blue-grey colour. This is due to the presence of fine-grained minerals such as chlorite and various types of mica.
Formed over millions of years under high pressure and heat, it typically features a natural slightly uneven texture, which adds to its aesthetic appeal while providing excellent weather resistance.
Welsh Slate
Welsh purple slate is known for its distinctive purple colour. This is due to iron compounds and manganese oxides within the rock. Formed from ancient mudstones, it's durable and resistant to weathering, offering a lifespan of over a century. Penrhyn Quarry is one of the world's largest, with commercial operations dating back centuries, and its slate is widely used for roofing. I have some it on my roof!
***** PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT *****
CACHES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE PLACED ON ACTUAL MEMORIALS OR WITHIN THE BOUNDARY OF SUCH
AT ALL TIMES PLEASE TREAT LOCATIONS OF MEMORIALS WITH RESPECT