Stones & Rocks (South Hill, Chewelah, Northport: houses, construction, living)

[TerraDown]

Hi all,
I would like to build a slipform house (which uses local stones) on some property
outside of the Northport area. Thing is, My wife and me are only 'looking into this now', and don't know the local geologicals. Does the area have anything that might help us with this endeavor? Thanks much for helping,
Gino

[grayproduct]

What sort of information are you looking for exactly?

The area around Northport is built largely of sedimentary deposits due to Pleistocene glacial activity, but there are large areas of A LOT of granite and basalt in the area (apparently also bedded dolomite). If you have a use for slate, I have found that there is a LARGE abundance of it in and around streams or rock outcroppings near Chewelah and further north.

[Deena160]

Originally Posted by grayproduct

What sort of information are you looking for exactly?

The area around Northport is built largely of sedimentary deposits due to Pleistocene glacial activity, but there are large areas of A LOT of granite and basalt in the area (apparently also bedded dolomite). If you have a use for slate, I have found that there is a LARGE abundance of it in and around streams or rock outcroppings near Chewelah and further north.

Is any of that the dark brown/red "volcanic" looking stuff you see in the outcroppings and occassionally used in houses/fireplaces? :~) D

[TerraDown]

Thanks all. The first post helped dramatically. And to answer their question, slipforming uses local stone and rock to create concrete/foamboard/stone walls for homes and basements. The slipform home can also use earth as insulation, by building one or more of the walls up against an embankment. Slipforms are also considered passive to environment, as they use less heat and a/c.
Here's a link if you guys would like to learn more. I think they're pretty cool
Gino
PS: Deena, I'm just beginning to look into this, the link below may help out. The guy has a pretty interesting life story.

Sustainable Living Skills: Stone Masonry, Log House, Alternative Construction. Build your own home!

[grayproduct]

Originally Posted by Deena160

Is any of that the dark brown/red "volcanic" looking stuff you see in the outcroppings and occassionally used in houses/fireplaces? :~) D

This?



These sort of basalt outcroppings are more of a Columbia Plateau thing IIRC. It would be harder to find something like this in Northport because glacial activity would remove or greatly soften such outcroppings. There are a few mines in that area that harvest zinc, magnesite, lead, and some other wonderful things.

[Deena160]

Originally Posted by grayproduct

This?



These sort of basalt outcroppings are more of a Columbia Plateau thing IIRC. It would be harder to find something like this in Northport because glacial activity would remove or greatly soften such outcroppings. There are a few mines in that area that harvest zinc, magnesite, lead, and some other wonderful things.

Yeah, I think so. I looked it up on wikipedia and that sounds about right--kind of bubbly like scoria. Looked at homes in South Hill and the Valley that had outcroppings (not quite this BIG) in the yards. I like it when they use it on/in the homes. :~) D

[TerraDown]

Grey,
You said lead??? This sounds like I may have a wellwater issue as well? hmmmmm. One things for sure, you sure know your stuff, Thanks very much. The rocks I'd need would be much smaller than the boulders in your photo, as I'm sure you know. But the slate rock you described in nearby area sounds very appealing. I could find on google that dolomite was in area, but that's too soft to use to build with? (yes?) People here in Florida use coral, are the two stone types related?
Thanks once again,
Gino

[grayproduct]

I'm not sure if there is a well water issue up there or not as I've dealt with city water my whole life .

Coral as you may know is made up of calcium carbonate, which is not entirely dissimilar to limestone. Dolomite is too soluble to build with. You will find silica (quartz) mixed in with nearly everything around there which I believe adds beneficial weathering performance to your choice of stone. The Northport area really is a mixed bag as far as stone type goes, with so much sedimentary deposits.

I've "harvested" slate for decorative use around those parts before; some of it has a beautiful greenish blue sheen to it. Looks great, especially when wet.