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Rocks of wonder, way out younder Part #3: Fossilized "Styrofoam" and distant views.


Silas_Sancona

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Aside from the plants, the views among countless boulders offer plenty to photograph..  this is from the most easily accessible outcrop. I'd hoped to be able to drive out to the more distant and larger outcrop group but discovered the "road" that leads out there is barely wide enough for off road vehicles. Being this was my first visit, didn't want to stray too far until i got a feeling for the terrain also.  Hope to hike out to the other groups next time i visit.  Regardless, the overall area reminds me of a similar spot near where i grew up back in San Jose. Visions of the famous Vasquez Rocks near Santa Clarita, or visits to Pinnacles Nat. Monument also come to mind while walking among the boulders.

Not certain of the geology of the rocks here but, at least to my eye, they resemble weathered blobs of large particle Styrofoam that had been turned to stone eons ago. Pretty sure it would be considered some sort of Granite but.. @Funkthulhu , would welcome any thoughts..  Shed material in washes throughout the area are a good example of what i'd call "course river sand" Large grained crystals among smaller material. Drains off quickly, but retains some moisture when you dig down. Would imagine the soil in the area would lean slightly acidic.

Some of the boulders..
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Plenty of rocks, = plenty of views of distant peaks to the north and east.. Peaks to the north include those surrounding Boyce Thompson Arboretum and Superior, and the various Buttes on the north side of the Gila River.  To the east, most prominent peak in some of the pictures is Pinal Peak, with the lower "hills" being part of the Tortilla range which sits between this location, Kearny Arizona, and where the San Pedro and Gila Rivers come together a bit further south.

Because this area sits on a sort of tabletop- type mesa that rises a bit south of the highway,  views of mountains to the south/ southwest like the north face of the Catalinas, Tortolita, Black, and Sixtynine Hills/ Box O Hills are blocked. Hoping they might be better viewed from the more distant outcrops. Heading home, you could still see snow atop the Catalinas roughly 50 or 60 miles away.

Distant Vistas..
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Various Buttes. Distant peak on the far left may be Brown/ 4 peaks.

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Pinal Peak in the distance
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View to the south
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Various Buttes north of the Gila River, and Mountains surrounding/ south of Superior. More distant peaks may be a from the south view of the Superstitions.

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Pinal Peak and the Tortilla Range
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Some of the washes
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A testament to human influence
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Parting views.. for now.

Saguaro forests east of Florence
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Another view of the Sacaton Mountains
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Lower Buttes of the San Tan Mountains
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...

Nathan

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8 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Aside from the plants, the views among countless boulders offer plenty to photograph..  this is from the most easily accessible outcrop. I'd hoped to be able to drive out to the more distant and larger outcrop group but discovered the "road" that leads out there is barely wide enough for off road vehicles. Being this was my first visit, didn't want to stray too far until i got a feeling for the terrain also.  Hope to hike out to the other groups next time i visit.  Regardless, the overall area reminds me of a similar spot near where i grew up back in San Jose. Visions of the famous Vasquez Rocks near Santa Clarita, or visits to Pinnacles Nat. Monument also come to mind while walking among the boulders.

Not certain of the geology of the rocks here but, at least to my eye, they resemble weathered blobs of large particle Styrofoam that had been turned to stone eons ago. Pretty sure it would be considered some sort of Granite but.. @Funkthulhu , would welcome any thoughts..  Shed material in washes throughout the area are a good example of what i'd call "course river sand" Large grained crystals among smaller material. 

These are nearly all Granite boulders that are exfoliating and creating Gruss.  The rock was formed and cooled at greater temp/pressure than at the surface, there's also a lot of quartz in the rock's composition.   When the granite comes to the surface (through uplift or erosion) they start to expand and crack.  Just like the conchoidal fracture of chips in your windshield, they tend to have a curved cracking pattern that naturally rounds the rock.  The result is a "classic" round granite boulder surrounded by little gravel-sized bits of granite called Gruss.  It's a common feature of the landscape anywhere near the core of the rocky mountain uplift and points betwixt and south.  Hence dominating many desert environments where you would not expect rounded rocks due to lack of flowing water, but rounded anyway because of the internal pressure of the rock.

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"Ph'nglui mglw'napalma Funkthulhu R'Lincolnea wgah'palm fhtagn"
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23 minutes ago, Funkthulhu said:

These are nearly all Granite boulders that are exfoliating and creating Gruss.  The rock was formed and cooled at greater temp/pressure than at the surface, there's also a lot of quartz in the rock's composition.   When the granite comes to the surface (through uplift or erosion) they start to expand and crack.  Just like the conchoidal fracture of chips in your windshield, they tend to have a curved cracking pattern that naturally rounds the rock.  The result is a "classic" round granite boulder surrounded by little gravel-sized bits of granite called Gruss.  It's a common feature of the landscape anywhere near the core of the rocky mountain uplift and points betwixt and south.  Hence dominating many desert environments where you would not expect rounded rocks due to lack of flowing water, but rounded anyway because of the internal pressure of the rock.

:greenthumb: Appreciate your insight Funk, Great information..

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Too many intersting things in life, including geology!  Thanks to you two both for posting this.  I love the Sonoran desert.  I used to collect attractive rocks for my garden from a wash near Quartzite.  Three different types of very attractive stones together,  and a different selection each year after the annual pulses of monsoon water through the wash. :greenthumb: 

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San Francisco, California

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"Styrofoam"

11 minutes ago, Darold Petty said:

Too many intersting things in life, including geology!  Thanks to you two both for posting this.  I love the Sonoran desert.  I used to collect attractive rocks for my garden from a wash near Quartzite.  Three different types of very attractive stones together,  and a different selection each year after the annual pulses of monsoon water through the wash. :greenthumb: 

X2... I love walking the desert washes looking for rocks after a rain storm... I always come home with a few little beauties... Love the "Styrofoam".:)...

 

Butch

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47 minutes ago, Darold Petty said:

Too many intersting things in life, including geology!  Thanks to you two both for posting this.  I love the Sonoran desert.  I used to collect attractive rocks for my garden from a wash near Quartzite.  Three different types of very attractive stones together,  and a different selection each year after the annual pulses of monsoon water through the wash. :greenthumb: 

 

29 minutes ago, Butch said:

"Styrofoam"

X2... I love walking the desert washes looking for rocks after a rain storm... I always come home with a few little beauties... Love the "Styrofoam".:)...

 

Butch

 

Agree with you both, always something interesting to find along washes  / River courses around the state.  East of where i explored is well known for Gemstone quality Peridot ( San Carlos area ) and the town of Kearny sits below one of the state's big open Copper Mines. Brown/Browns Peak ( " 4 Peaks "  as everyone calls it here ) contains an Amethyst mine somewhere between the 3rd and 4th peak. While the mine itself is private, wouldn't doubt that if some of the feeder streams off that side of the mountain were carefully explored, you'd probably find Amethyst. While i haven't attended since 2017, the Gem and Mineral show Tucson hosts in Jan/ Feb is much more popular that i'd had thought. Think they're hosting an annual fall show now also.

There was a recent article / news story about a collector who discovered a new type of gemstone named Sonoranite somewhere in southern or eastern AZ.

Edited by Silas_Sancona
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Thanks to @Silas_Sancona and @Funkthulhu for pictures and explanation!

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Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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On 4/2/2020 at 9:08 AM, Silas_Sancona said:

 

 

Agree with you both, always something interesting to find along washes  / River courses around the state.  East of where i explored is well known for Gemstone quality Peridot ( San Carlos area ) and the town of Kearny sits below one of the state's big open Copper Mines. Brown/Browns Peak ( " 4 Peaks "  as everyone calls it here ) contains an Amethyst mine somewhere between the 3rd and 4th peak. While the mine itself is private, wouldn't doubt that if some of the feeder streams off that side of the mountain were carefully explored, you'd probably find Amethyst. While i haven't attended since 2017, the Gem and Mineral show Tucson hosts in Jan/ Feb is much more popular that i'd had thought. Think they're hosting an annual fall show now also.

There was a recent article / news story about a collector who discovered a new type of gemstone named Sonoranite somewhere in southern or eastern AZ.

Here's an article/report

https://kvoa.com/news/local-news/2020/01/30/new-gemstone-found-in-arizona-introduced-at-tucson-gem-mineral-fossil-showcase/

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Let's keep our forum fun and friendly.

Any data in this post is provided 'as is' and in no event shall I be liable for any damages, including, without limitation, damages resulting from accuracy or lack thereof, insult, or lost profits or revenue, claims by third parties or for other similar costs, or any special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of my opinion or the use of this data. The accuracy or reliability of the data is not guaranteed or warranted in any way and I disclaim liability of any kind whatsoever, including, without limitation, liability for quality, performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use, or inability to use my data. Other terms may apply.

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  • 2 weeks later...

As mentioned, on the road again yesterday, with one of the big goals being to explore afar from where i'd explored the last time.  Had thought i could drive out to this area last time.. There is vehicle access, though the road  is harder to find where it connects to the highway.. When i found it, turns out it is a little more narrow than i'd have liked to attempt. With that in mind, mapped out how easily it would be to hike between the two areas. Not difficult at all, terrain is basically flat, just no obvious trail leading between here and there. Reaching the road, after zig zagging my way between thorny obstacles, and harvester ant nests, could see how accessing the more distant outcrop groups might be a little dicey in a 4 door sedan vs. a truck with a bit more clearance..

Plenty of great views, though a much larger area to explore more later. Some interesting caves/ caverns, and taller rock formations here as well.. Could see this area being a popular spot for rock climbing. Unfortunately, the negative fingerprint of human presence exists here also, mainly in the form of scattered trash, and a couple rocks that had been spray painted. Relatively undisturbed otherwise.

Some of the rocks here..

Road into the area after crossing over from the smaller group, where vehicle access is easiest. View of the distant Superstitions ( Pic #3 ) Maybe im crazy ( No comment!, lol ) but every time i look at the front of the Superstition Mountains visible from almost anywhere in Chandler, or here, reminds me of a Crocodile peeking up out of the horizon..
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Lots, ( ..and lots ) of rocks..
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View of where the Kelvin Highway turns to an unpaved road ( roughly center in the picture, just to the left of the tall, 4 armed Saguaro ) Eventually, Pinal County plans to pave the entire route between Hwy 79 and where it ends out east, over the hill in Kearny.
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Imposing caverns, and a shady view..

 Acouple of the caves seen.. Likely a few more out here. The biggest extends pretty deep between fallen boulders above but is hard to access. Easiest route in narrows quite a bit before opening again.  There's another way in, but again, a little of a challenge. Wasn't going to try my luck this time, especially since spring is prime time snake season and this is a great place to hang out:blink: .

Cavern #1
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Cavern #2
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Window rock.
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" Ravens Roost ",  ..and sa' more distant horizons..

Not an official name for it, but you'll see why i nicknamed this outcrop as such. Keep looking up..

Another nice looking climbing rock, right?. Lots of texture, crags, etc.. Might be the highest.. or second highest point/ tallest rock in this area.
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( Bird flies past, just above my head.. ) Looks up, sees.. A Raven's Nest, high above. ( cue some old western music scores )
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Them views...

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Looking south/west toward the easy to access parking area group of outcrops
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Nice full view of Pinal Peak/  Mountains, way off in the distance..
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One last look back toward the second outcrop group and Raven's roost,  from the first.
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Occupied? or abandoned?  House on a desert plain
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And lastly, some views headed home, on approach into / in the Box O Wash. You cross this along the highway before you reach the Boulders / Rock tank area..
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Until later, Hope you enjoyed the journey.. Enjoy the rest of your week,

Nathan

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  • 1 month later...

As mentioned in the " Rocks of wonder.. Part 2 " thread made a quick trip back here to investigate / explore another section of the overall area.  While the weather wasn't as perfect as it would have been had i ventured out here Monday, still had enough time to sniff around a bit and explore areas i'd focused in on on Google Earth maps before the heat really started cranking up.

On the maps, one can see some differences in the rock types, how they're laid over the land, and overall terrain that aren't easily observed from the boulder field closest to the highway. Of most interest is the "hill" pictured below ( from the last trip ) Looking closely, one can see that the top of it is covered in what i'm assuming is some sort of Quartz.. There are are also several exposed Limestone "balds" mixed in among the typical Granite that dominates the lower terrain in this area also. 
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Areas where one distinct rock type exists in contrast to another nearby can present interesting places to look for rarer plants.. Think of areas of exposed Serpentine in California or parts of the Caribbean. While completely different in many ways, both areas can contain a unique diversity of plants which may only grow on soil derived of that specific rock type. Limestone ..or areas where a deep and extensive layer of Lava rock is laid down can contain their own "islands" of distinct plant life also.. While such places maybe too small here to influence what may ...or may not.. grow on them, you never know, until you investigate.

The Quartz up on the hill itself seems to contain a high degree of Iron since many pieces not exposed to the sun/ washed by rainfall are coated in a layer of distinctive, rusty red. Soil on the trail up the hill are the same color also.  

The hill itself is an interesting landmark as well. While the first outcrop, closer to the highway, is slightly higher in elevation, it is also closer to some taller hills on the south side of the road, blocking the view of mountains viewable to the south. While overall elevation is lower, the hill in this section rises approx. 80ft above the overall terrain opening up much better views.

Lower down on the flats, and unlike both boulder fields i'd explored before, this area contains several flat "Table Top" type areas of extensive Granite that are slowly being cut into buy feeder streams in a few spots, but don't rise much above ground level.  One could say that this is the "Bedrock" that likely underlays the entire area, if you removed all vegetation, and loose soil/ gravel. Worthy of some exploration anyway..

View south from the parking area and headed up hill.. Fairly easy to access this area by car, if you take it slow.. Would be an interesting climb up in an OHV.
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Wide view shots of the mountains in view: Considering all the smoke hanging over the mountains to the east and south, pretty good visibility yesterday morning.

Southwest:
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West:
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Northwest: Yes, that is Dodonea viscosa, Green Hopseed Bush, on the lower right in the picture.
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North:
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East:
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South:
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Zoomed in shots of specific Mountains in view:

Southwest: Picacho Peak.. Silverbell Mountains may be the peaks in view to the left..  Little "peak" in the center is Allen's Peak.. i think..
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Southwest: Northern section of the Picacho Mountains, inc. Newman Peak.
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West: Sacatons
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Northwest: San Tans. Sierra Estrella in view in the distance ( far left )
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Northwest: Usery Mtns, North end of the Queen Valley, Head of the Superstitions. Top of South Butte ( Peak just to the left / below of the Superstitions )
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North: Superstition Wilderness, Red Mountain, and Browns Peak ( 4 Peaks ) visible in the center background.
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North/ Northeast: Grayback, and Copper Butte in the distance.
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East: Ripsey Hill and visible parts of the Tortilla Mountains..
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South:  Black Mountain, North face of the Catalinas in the distance, Ninetysix Hills ( on the right )
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Closer shot of Black Mountain and the Catalinas / Mt. Lemon.
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Random extras..

Quartz outcroppings at the top of / eastern face of the hill. You can see how extensively the native Selaginella ( low growing " crunchy" looking stuff between all the rock ) has covered this slope in the first picture.
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Something positive left behind by humans..
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The morning's animal attendees.. Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura  keeping watch over things, or just waiting for me to fully dehydrate in the sun, lol.
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Some of the "Table Top" rock outcroppings. Good example of an area slowly being cut down by the power of water.
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Another "Room w/ a Sky Light" created by several boulders that fell in on one another. Hard to see in the pictures  ( Sun angle was terrible ) but the cavern extends quite a bit further back than it looks. Opening in the far lower left of picture 1 is the only direct way to pass through this outcrop.
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Here's some Aussie boulders... the most famous one I suppose are the 'Devil's Marbles' near Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. The main North - South highway runs right past them so they are easy to visit ( providing you are up for a 650 mile drive south from Darwin or 300 mile drive north from Alice Springs. )
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There's two places in the Territory called the "Lost City' ( confusingly ) with impressive boulder formations One is about 100 miles S W of Darwin in Litchfield Park .
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The other 'Lost City' is about 500 miles S E of Darwin near Lorella Springs on the Gulf of Carpentaria.
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