Thursday, October 29, 2020

Week Two-Igneous Rock- Castle Rock in Colorado.

 


While I have never set foot next to this rock formation, I have driven through Castle Rock and have noticed this large igneous rock formation made up of mostly rhyolite, which is a mineral very resistant to erosion. Rhyolite is a fine-grained igneous rock. It has a pale, often light grey, tan or pink color. Rhyolite is made up of quartz and feldspar crystals, and occasionally mafic minerals. This rock formation almost appears to jet out of the landscape of Castle Rock, with an elevation of 6,590 ft. and was created almost 58 Million years ago by a volcanic eruption that pierced through the softer surface rock.  Thanks to millions of years, mass flooring and erosion of the landscape helped to give the castle-shape that is visible today, which is also known as a butte. A butte is an isolated hill with steep sides and a relatively flat top. One day, I hope to take one of the many hiking trails up to the castle like butte and experience the millions of years of geology history in person.







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