This is an Earthcache. There is no physical container at the posted coordinates, but rather a geological lesson.
The world’s tallest statute of an American hero at 67 feet tall stands on a 10 foot tall base made of Texas Sunset Red granite. The statute is dedicated to Sam Houston.
LOGGING REQUIREMENTS: The answers can be found by using the information on the cache page and your observations at the posted coordinates. Please send us a message with the answers.
1. What is the estimated age of the Texas Sunset Red granite?
2. What does the presence of large grains in Texas Sunset Red granite indicate about its cooling history? Intrusive igneous rocks have (large) (small) mineral crystals because of (fast) (slow) cooling.
3. Using the mineral chart provided, which mineral is the key factor giving "Sunset Red" granite its signature hue?
4. Post a photo that indicates that you are at the location.
The Sunset Red granite found in the Llano Uplift of Central Texas is part of a series of granite intrusions that occurred within the Precambrian Econ approximately 1.3 billion years old, and represents some of the oldest rocks exposed in Texas.
Intrusive igneous rock forms when the magma cools slowly, usually deep underground. As the molten rock cools, the minerals inside it take on crystalline forms and shapes. Granite is an intrusive igneous rock.
The presence of large grains in Sunset Red indicates that it cooled relatively slowly. This prolonged cooling period allowed the individual crystals of minerals such as quartz, feldspar and mica to grow to a size that is visible to the naked eye.