Quartz-Dolerite

                             

   Quartz~Dolerite

An intrusive rock, similar to dolerite but with an excess of quartz. Dolerite is similar in composition to basalt, which is eruptive (from volcanoes), and gabbro, which is plutonic. The differing crystal sizes are due to the different rate of cooling, basalt cools quickly and has a very fine structure, while gabbroDolerite is intermediate. cools very slowly, at great depth, and large crystals develop.
Quartz-dolerite is very common in central Scotland, in intrusive formations, sills and dykes, and is widely quarried for roadstone. It was used with some success for making millstones at one time, the Millstone Grit part of the Carboniferous strata not being present in Scotland, but it is no longer used for this purpose, and would probably be illegal now due to the formation of small quartz and other silicate particles, which could cause the serious respiratory disease silicosis.
In Scotland quartz-dolerite is commonly known as whin or whinstone.
Quartz-dolerite contains many cooling fractures and weathers badly, becoming unstable. It is not uncommon for large boulders to break loose, and significant rockfalls are not uncommon. It is regarded as dangerous as far as climbing is concerned.
It is widely accepted to have complete and proper safety attire when dealing with this rare stone.


Referring Source: Wikipedia

Muchinga Feasibility Studies ~ Still Moments Volume I

Part of the Muchinga Team at The Future Mkushi Dam Site

Engineer Fabio (an Italian Mechanical Engineer) takes a ride in our version of a roller coaster at Mulungushi Power Station ~ 6/24/2011

Geologist A. Cacialini @ The Future Mkushi Dam Site

Engineer Antonio Pietrangeli points out the possible location of Mkushi Dam. I will treasure this moment for a long time to come and for meeting this man.

Geologist Cacia, Geo-technical Engineer Davide, Engineer Kamanga and Mr Kondwani near Mkushi Dam Site. 15 Nov 2010

Engineer F.C. Chibwe and GIS Engineer Pasqualino Serrao

NMK, Lino and Davide @ Kandulwe

Lino, Davide and Cacia relaxing at Lunsemfwa timber houses after a field study ~ 16/11/2010

Maintenance Engineer Evaristo Katongo explaining the mechanical part of things to Mechanical Engineer Fabio ~ MPS 6/24/2011

Lino and me near Mkushi Dam Site

Mr. Edmond Musonda our human GPS. "Aka boss kamwana ka Mkushi so tupitile kuno lubali!" Talking about a tributary of the River Mkushi. Big up old man, you did us proud and the work was easier with you around.

A view from on top to possible Muchinga Power House. 550m vertical drop and it was all about walking, climbing, crawling and sweating. 

Lino Serrao on Mkushi River.

Thanks to Mr. Mulenga Kachelo of Bells and Bells (Z) Ltd for the free airtel modem and for recognizing my art.
Note that more pictures will be added to this log as soon as I can.  Mr. Birindelli and Dr. Marianeve Pontillo, I have not forgotten your good works. Look out for Volume II.

Warm regards,

NMK