"Angular block". What does this term mean?

[bigalk]

I see the term "angular block" used in exploration reports, all the time. I have googled lots but I cannot find a definition, or a description of what this term means. Does anyone know what it means, and if you had some examples in pictures (rather than geology terms) I would be most grateful!

Thanks,
Al

 

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[kcm]

Hey Al, it would help if you could give an example of what you're reading. Is it possible to copy-n-paste the paragraph?

 

[bigalk]

Hi KCM,

Quote "Best indicator is angular blocks of locally derived 'float' "

for the full doc - click the "corporate presentation" on the RHS to download the pdf

Playfair Mining Ltd. - Factsheet & Downloads - Sat Apr 2, 2016

Im trying to find out what sort of rocks i need to attack!

 

[bigalk]

more uses in this doc

http://www.playfairmining.com/i/pdf/PLY_Factsheet.pdf

 

[kcm]

Well, that explains a lot. Your Profile doesn't mention where you're from, but the report from which you speak is in Ireland. Different parts of the world use words in different ways; in England, a bonnet (in automotive terms) is what we in America call the hood.

In this case, however, the phrase "angular block" is just that - or as we would probably phrase it here, "angular rock". If you look on Page 12 of the Presentation, you'll see a pictured example of what they are talking about. Notice the angles of the rock. It's not rounded, as if from a river. It is angular, showing little signs of wear. In other words, the rock finds are probably very close to where the rock originated. The terrain doesn't look overly steep, therefore I wouldn't think that landslides could have taken the rock very far. However, there is also the possibility of glacial change, and whether or not that area had glaciers move through long, long ago that might have taken the rock far from it's original location.

Hope this helps some.

 

[Mrdigz]

I didn't read the link you posted so this might not help - but I always thought angular blocks had to do with bedrock formations or formations broken off of bedrock to take samples from.

 

[bigalk]

Hey guys. Thank you both for really great and informative answers. I had surmised it was related to rocks that weren't rounded, but only concluded that this might mean that they were easier to break open. Both of your answers make perfect sense and I conclude are spot on! Thanks to you both!!

 

[Mrdigz]

Good luck, hope you get some good material!!!

 

[Eu_citzen]

KCM nailed it. A rock with sharp corners. (or fairly sharp) In contrast to rounded rocks.