Ancient Volcanic Ash Cache
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The cache is placed near a Company that is one of the world’s leading producers of colloidal plastic clay. Bentonite is the commercial term for the clay mineral and it is also known as smectite. It has the unique characteristic of swelling to several times its original volume and of forming thixotropic gels with water. Bentonite varies in color from white to gray, yellow, green, blue and black but more often yellow or yellowish green. The weathered outcrops develop a cellular popcorn or frothy structure because of swelling and shrinking on wetting and drying.
The process of formation of smectite, (Bentonite), is essentially a devitrification of natural glass of the volcanic ash and the crystallization of montmorillonite. In order for Bentonite to form, it is probably necessary for ash to fall in water. Since Bentonite is associated with marine formation, it seems certain that alteration has taken place in sea water, soon after or contemporaneous to ash accumulation. Thus, later alteration of ash by process of weathering is eliminated from Bentonite formation. Perhaps this colloidal clay was formed millions of years ago when volcanoes along the Western Coast and Alaska spewed ash into the air and this volcanic ash was carried by the winds onto the Great Plains where it settled into sea water.
The colloidal plastic clay is exploited by quarrying. In early years Bentonite was strip mined by a horse drawn scraper. Today’s machinery in the field and plant has the capability of providing this valuable material for its wide range of uses and applications. Bentonite’s unique chemical structure gives it a diverse range of capabilities, enabling it act as a thickener, sealant, binder, lubricant or absorption agent. This Bentonite Company is one of the world’s leading producers of the colloidal plastic clay, and the Company’s principle markets include metal casting, pet products, oil and gas well drilling, industrial specialties and agriculture.
The Bentonite is transported to by truck and train. Near this location in 1890 the first train load of cattle headed east. Knowing that the ranchers and the railroad would need a point at which to load the herds of cattle onto freight cars for shipment to packing plants in the Midwest, Seth Bullock provided the solution. He persuaded the railroad officials to build the track near this location and a large amount of land was donated by Bullock and Sol Star as a right-of-way across their ranch. Today the train’s freight cars ship Bentonite.
We have permission from the Company’s Management to place the cache
at this location. The colloidal clay is sticky and slippery when wet; we
recommend that you find this cache when the area is dry. The container is
too small for trade items, and bring your own pencil. Please re-hide the
container well! Thanks, and have a great caching day!
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)