Historical Geology 1

Historical Geology

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Historical Geology 2
Historical Geology
Quartz
Description
Quartz is one of the most readily available minerals on earth and occurs in diverse forms
and colors. It is usually found as an element in many types of rocks in different compositions. Its
chemical compound is silicon dioxide (SiO2), which is attributed to the typical properties of this
mineral (King, 2016a). Quartz is formed through crystallization process usually under great
pressure deep in the earth surface. Based on Mohs scale, it has a hardness factor of seven making
it one of the most mechanically resistant minerals (King, 2016a). The most notable
characteristics of Quartz that makes it useful as a widely applicable raw material in the
manufacture of various products are its; hardness, heat resistance properties, chemical resistance
and its aesthetic qualities (King, 2016a).
Applications
Quartz has two distinct applications; as a gemstone and for industrial purposes. Due to it
aesthetic values, derived from its vitreous luster, translucence and its occurrence in different
colors, quartz is very often used as a gemstone for jewelry purposes. However, its properties is
usually enhanced and the shapes modified to achieve this purposes. For industrial applications,
quartz has many varied uses most notably in; electronics circuitry, glass manufacture, abrasive
products and as a filler in the manufacture of different products, to name but a few (King,
2016a).

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Granite
Description
Granite is a widely occurring plutonic rock with a chemical structure made up of
approximately, 65% alkali feldspar and 20% quartz, in addition to mica and amphibole minerals
which occur in varying minor proportions (King, 2016b). It is an intrusive igneous rock, a term
that describes formation process that occurs below earths surface through the eruption of
volcanic magma that later cool resulting in granitic rock (King, 2016b). For this reason, it is the
major rock that makes up continental crust since being a felsic rock, it is lighter in density and
would thus naturally tend to escape subduction process by being cast to the surface of the earths
mantle during magma movement. It predominantly occurs in particular colors notably, grey,
pink or white when in raw form. Granite rocks have a similar appearance in texture best
described as granular and phaneritic (King, 2016b). The general characteristics of granite rocks
are; relatively hard with a compressive strength of 200 Mpa, density of 2.70 g/cm3 , and a
melting temperature of 12151260 C (King, 2016b).
Applications
The most common application of granite is in the construction of buildings foundation
because of its tensile strength, resistance to weathering and stability under high pressure and
weight. Granite is also widely used for decorations purposes usually as carved images or in other
forms of interior and exterior finishing designs in buildings such as tiles, slabs, and stairways
among others (King, 2016b).

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Conglomerate
Description
Conglomerate refers to a sedimentary clastic rock that is made up of clasts of varying
sizes and forms, usually of four millimeters or more, bound by much smaller granules that holds
the clasts together (Alden, 2009). A conglomerate rock, as the name suggests can result from a
combination of various rock elements and particles of different types and proportions bound
together through what is thought to be a wave-like water action movement that congregates
pebbles of similar size together over time. This type of rock is therefore formed over a duration
of time through a combination of various factors. In this case, this process involves; clasts of
different sizes congregate, smaller particles bind the large clasts together, deposition of chemical
cement occur, and the water wave process that works to catalyze the formation of this rock
finalizes the process (Alden, 2009).
A conglomerate is therefore made up of parts of pre-existing rocks, and depending on its
composition it can be classified as; paraconglomerates (where sand-grade matrix is above 15%),
and orthoconglomerates (where sand-grade matrix is less than 15% (Alden, 2009). Due to their
process of formation, conglomerate are commonly found in both marine and terrestrial
environment.
Applications
Conglomerate rocks have few commercial applications if any. Due to their formation
process whereby clasts are loosely held together, they are poor choice for construction purposes,
and their irregular design does not qualify them for aesthetic purposes. Perhaps, the only useful
application of conglomerates is in prospective geological studies that are aimed towards diamond
mining. In this case, the analysis of a conglomerate rock to determine whether it has any

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composition of kimberlite clasts, and its proportion will inform on the prospectus of diamond
mineral deposits in the vicinity.

Cross-bedding
Description and applications
Cross-bedding occurs where the rock stratification is inclined at an angle from the
original horizontal plane that formed the foundation of the sediment accumulation (Natural
Resources, 2012). It is most recognized by observing cross strata of different inclining layers or
cross-beds that are aligned differently against the horizontal surface. Cross-beds are formed
through the action of a flowing medium typical of the movement characteristics of wind or water
acting on bedforms, usually of sand dunes. This occurs when the sediments are moved down
current and deposited in sand wave slopes, with the additional buildup of such deposition
occurring over time at intervals, then a typical cross-bed conglomerate is formed.
One major significance purpose of cross-beds is that it can tell geologists about the nature
of the environment in ancient times regarding weather patterns and wind movement.

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References
Andrew, Alden. (2009). Sedimentary Rock Types: Conglomerate. Retrieved from
http://geology.about.com/od/rocks/ig/sedrockindex/rocpicconglomerate.htm
Hobart, King (2016a). Quartz: A ubiquitous mineral with an enormous number of uses.
Retrieved from http://geology.com/minerals/quartz.shtml
Hobart, King (2016b). Granite: What is Granite? What is Granite Used For?
Retrieved from http://geology.com/rocks/granite.shtml
Natural Resources, (2012). Sedimentary Structures. Retrieved from
http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/mines&en/geosurvey/education/features/structures/