DOME ROCK

We have a dome rock on our property. The following is an attempt by a layman (non-geologist) to explain the dome rock based on what I have gleaned from our geologist friends.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Our dome rock was a flattish rock multiple acres in size that went through an upheaval about 1.14 billion years ago. This rock was split from the center upward (more or less) forming crevices and fractures that were conceivably miles deep. Over time gases and liquids percolated toward the top and formed various types of crystals in these crevices. Radiation was also a part of the mix escaping upward through this formation adding black color to some of the crystals. The presence of other types of minerals such as iron oxides also contributed to the coloration.

Back in time the top of our rock could have been thousands of feet higher than it is today. Erosion has peeled away layers exposing the pockets of crystals we see here today on the surface.

The following is a pictorial representation of what happened throughout the millennium:

DIGGING PHILOSOPHY

Up to this point we have excavated only the loose dirt covering the top surface of the rock. However, it is believed that the formation (being 3 dimensional in nature) will yield more (and perhaps more interesting) pockets if we dig down. Of course, digging down into solid rock is easier said than done. The tools we need to use will change to dynamite, diamond saws and jack hammers. As of this point there is some debate as to how and when to proceed.

F.     Status today where erosion continues and pockets are exposed:

B.     Beginning of upheval:

C.     Continuation of upheval:

D.     Upheaval stops and crystals begin to form in crevices:

E.     Erosion begins to takes place:

A.  Original rock: