GMS Field Trip

GMS Field Trip
Colorful Marble, Calcite Crystals in North Carolina
Saturday, December 15, 2018

Though the days leading up to the December trip were drenched in cold rains, the day of the trip was perfectly fine and the rain even ended up helping us. As trip attendees assembled in the remnants of the morning rain, everyone was eager to explore a quarry that rarely allows trips. Decked out in our hard hats, steel toed boots, safety glasses, and high visibility vests, we completed site specific safety training, then caravanned carefully into the designated collecting area. A large vein of colorful marble was visible in a high wall as was the surrounding strata. The berm in front of the vein had plenty of pretty chunks peeking out, and because the morning rain brought out the pastel colors, collecting was quick and easy. Further into the quarry, Lawrence Parker and David Bruce broke boulders to reveal crusts of tiny, delicate calcite crystals. Shirley Parker found some nice samples of phyllite. I found an area of decomposing sandstone and collected two very different samples of crumbling material to share with other sand collectors. Just as our time was winding down, dark clouds in the distance began rolling towards us, so it was a perfect time to call it a day.

Many thanks to the quarry personnel who showed us around the quarry and made sure we were always safe. Also, many thanks to Mike Streeter and Bill Waggener for answering geology questions. And, as always, thanks to Charles for arranging such a great trip.

Lori Carter
On behalf of Charles Carter, GMS Field Trip Chair
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