Cumberlandite, State rock in Cumberland, United States
Cumberlandite is a rock composed of multiple mineral components, with white crystalline structures visible within a dark granular base. The high iron content gives the stone its distinctive appearance and heavy weight.
During the 1700s, the rock was quarried locally and used to make cannons, particularly for military campaigns. Its iron-rich composition made it valuable for weapons manufacturing and shaped the area's early industrial activity.
The name Cumberlandite comes from the town where it was discovered, and locals view this rare rock as part of their geological heritage. It was declared the state rock in 1966 and remains a symbol of the region's natural character.
This rock is found only at one specific location in Cumberland, where it remains accessible to visitors. Wear sturdy shoes when exploring the site, as the ground can be uneven and rocky underfoot.
The rock is naturally magnetic due to its iron content, a property that fascinates both collectors and scientists. This responsive quality to magnetic fields is rarely found in rocks and makes it stand out among other minerals.
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