AboutC. Robert Reszka, Jr. Expertise I can answer any general geology question (rocks, minerals, stratigraphy, geomorphology etc.). My expertise is in the geology of the Michigan Basin, PreCambrian, Paleozoic and Recent. I can answer questions concerning mining and petroleum exploration and production and the laws concerning those activities. I can also answer questions concerning stratigraphy of the Michigan Basin. I will also answer questions about mineral and rock collecting in the Basin. I won`t be able to answer many specific questions on hydrology, geophysics or geochemistry. I may be able to answer very general questions in those venues.
Experience I have been working for the State of Michigan for 24 years as a Geologist and a Resource Analyst. I have experience with Subsurface Geology and Petroleum Geology, mining in Michigan, and Sand Dune Mining and Protection issues.
Organizations Michigan Basin Geological Society
Publications Decade of North American Geology.
Bedrock Geology of Michigan
Question This may be odd...but I want to use a red surface boulder, what I would describe as rounded, not broken, for my gravestone. I'm not overly vain, but what kind of stone would last 300-500 years? The color I have in my head is clay red, or a dark red. Can you offer advice on what kind of stone I need? Thank you for any advice.
Marck
Answer Hi Marck,
There are many minerals that are red but you probably won't find any large enough for a headstone. Your best bet would be a "red granite". I use the quotes because, technically, most rocks called "granites" are not really granite. All true granites have pink minerals called "feldspar" in them so they have a reddish to pink cast. Some have more feldspar than others so they look redder. Granite is tough and doesn't weather rapidly so it should last your requisite number of years.
There are sandstones that are VERY red but they aren't nearly as stable as granite. Quartz ( a very hard mineral) makes up sandstone but those particles aren't particularly well cemented together. So it weathers more easily.
There are red quartzites which are sandstones that have been metamorphosed. This is a very hard rock; probably even harder and more stable than granite.
I still recommend going with a redder granite because it might be easier to get. You don't mention where you are from but I think most red quartzites are from China or India, so it might be a stretch to get a boulder. Slabs should be pretty easy since many stone suppliers like counter top businesses or those that supply headstones might carry them or could get them if you asked. There are many suppliers out there so you'll have to do a little searching when the time comes but you should be able to get either red granite or red quartzite.
