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 II

Engineer Fabio having lunch @ Mwomboshi near MPS ~ 25/6/2011

Geologist Cacia @ Lunch time June 2011

Geologist Cacia, Engineer Francesco, NMK and Engineer Katongo June 2011

NMK, Engineer Birindelli, Engineer Pietrangeli and Engineer Fabio ~ 26 June 2011

Geologist Cacialini and Me @ LPS in the Insaka enjoying some cold Mosi Lager

Security was a necessity.

Shiwaana, Fabio, Cacialini, Antonio and Engineer Birindelli near Mulungushi Boat Club

Engineers Birindelli, Lino, Alberto, Kamanga and Chibwe @ Mita Hills Dam Intake Tower ~22 Nov 2010

Lino, Nathan and Marianeve @ Muchinga Escarpment ~ 22 July 2011

En-route to Muchinga.. Crossing the Mkushi River

Dr. Pontillo (Hydraulic and hydrology expert), Lino and geologist Cacia analyzing rock specimens at the future Mkushi Dam while I look on..

The sleeping quarters inside a tent @ Muchinga Escarpment

The convoy on the way to Muchinga

Marianeve crossing the Mkushi River. The make shift bridge was constructed by Lino and Edmo.

This was after crossing a part of a river where we couldn't find any logs for a makeshift bridge.

Lino and Edmo constructing a bridge ~ 10 July 2011

The geologist crosses the bridge.

Era ora cibo!! Supper at Muchinga Escarpment ~21 July 2011

Lino and Marianeve getting ready for the walk.

At Mita Hills Dam ~ 22 Nov 2010

Mr. Pasqualino Serrao at Mita Hills Dam

Those days when you wish you could walk on water ~ 9 July 2011

Geologist Cacia crossing the Mkushi River.

On Mkushi River with Davide and Lino

Lunch at the Timber houses. Rest in peace Robert (Bob) Ndesaula.

Body Mubili driving to Muchinga

At Chief Chembe's village in Luano Valley ~ 16 Nov 2010

Davide, Lino and me on the Mkushi Bridge

Me, Engineer Chibwe and Edmo (Human GPS) 15 Nov 2010

The camp site on top of Muchinga Escarpment

Gearing up for the walk.

Engineers Chibwe and Kamanga at Mkushi Dam site exchanging notes.11/11/2010

Dr. Pontillo during the crossing.

Mubili, Davide and Engineer Chibwe.

NMK and Engineer Kamanga after climbing up the Muchinga escarpment. 550m vertical height!! I deserve to sweat like I was playing Rugby.