Dolomite

specimen number:
2102409

location:
Can of Worms, Rochester, New York, USA

description:
Light pink rhombohedral crystals of dolomite throughout matrix. Slight damage present, still in good condition.

The "Can of Worms" is the well-known local nickname for a major, complex highway interchange on the east side of Rochester, New York, where Interstate 490 intersects with Interstate 590, New York State Route 590, and Route 96. During a massive reconstruction project of this interchange between 1988 and 1991, heavy blasting and deep excavations cut directly into the regional bedrock, which consists of the Silurian-aged Lockport Group (predominantly the Lockport Dolomite). In the Rochester area, this formation is highly vuggy and contains cavities lined with well-crystallized minerals, including pink to white dolomite crystals. Local field collectors monitored the active road cuts during the 1988 to 1991 project window, salvaging mineral specimens from the temporary exposures, which means your specimen is a documented piece of local history from that specific construction period.

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