Granite
The intrusion of the granite into the surrounding sedimentary rocks gave rise to extensive metamorphism and mineralisation, and this led to Cornwall being one of the most important mining areas in Europe until the early 20th century. It is thought that tin ore (cassiterite) was exploited in Cornwall as early as the Bronze Age. Over the years, many other metals such as copper, lead, zinc and silver have all been mined in Cornwall. Alteration of the granite also gave rise to extensive deposits of china clay (kaolinite), especially in the area to the north of St Austell, and this remains one of Cornwall's most important industries.
Read more about this topic: Geology Of Cornwall
Famous quotes containing the word granite:
“Paper is soft and ink is fluid; it might be better if some pages of this chronicle could be written on chips of granite at the point of steel.”
—E. M. Almedingen (b. 1898–?)
“Man’s own youth is the world’s youth; at least he feels as if it were, and imagines that the earth’s granite substance is something not yet hardened, and which he can mould into whatever shape he likes.”
—Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804–1864)
“Hell is paved with great granite blocks hewn from the hearts of those who said, “I can do no other.””
—Heywood Broun (1888–1939)