Part 8/11:
In the Blue Ridge Province, where much of the exploration occurred, predominantly metamorphic rocks are present. One can observe quartzite—metamorphosed sandstone—and lovely varieties of gneiss, which is the metamorphic variant of granite. Many of these rocks have origins tracing back over a billion years ago, from the early formations during the Grenville Orogeny.
During field explorations, a wealth of geological evidence can be found, including striking schist and gneiss formations that showcase the region's transformative geological processes. These rocks often feature abundant mica minerals that contribute to a shiny quality in the landscape, making it shimmer in sunlight.