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| Golden Horn Batholith |
For anyone who doesn't know, a batholith is, in its simplest terms, the result of melted rocks cooling extremely slowly deep underground. This slow cooling allows for minerals in the molten rock (called magma when its underground) to separate and grow into distinct crystals. The resulting rock is general referred to as "granite"
This particular batholith contains over 50 different minerals and is rich in several rare minerals. The picture above was taken of an exposure along Washington Pass on State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway, in Northwestern Washington State. If you ever have an opportunity in your life to drive this road, I strongly suggest you take it! Especially in late June or early July when the snow pack is melting and the waterfalls are flowing, this is possibly one of the most beautiful places on earth. I have made the trip several times, and each time is more breath taking and awe inspiring than the last.
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| Lillian Creek |
