Family trip to Mt. Rushmore

I decided to write my journal entry on the time my family and I visited Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. The rock that makes up Mt. Rushmore is part of the crystalline core of the black hills, one of the oldest rock formations in the western USA. The formation is made of two different types of rock, Granite and Metamorphic rock consisting of sand and clay. The sand and clay slowly over time formed into sandstone and shale due to the pressure of the formation. The top section of Mt. Rushmore is an igneous rock that was thrust from the earth’s core; this section is made up of granite. Due to uneven cooling, the granite has a rough texture.  If one were to look closely the granite is light colored and the sandstone and clay (Schist) are dark colored.  The upper section of MT. Rushmore that has now become famous due to the presidential carvings is made up of granite. The granite slab was a perfect medium for Borglum to carve his famous artwork.  Definitely, recommend the visit for any avid adventurer!