Geology Girls

Girl Scout Troop 357 from Lakewood has been pursuing geological investigations as they earn the highest award possible for their level, the Bronze Award. Inspired by an idea from their science consultant (and former leader) Clare Marshall, a Geology and Geological Engineering research faculty member, this troop has persuaded their state representative to propose a bill to make the Yule Marble the Official Colorado State Rock. Almost two years ago, when Clare was designing an exhibit for the new Geology Museum, she noticed that with a blue gemstone and a red mineral, the Centennial State only needed a white rock to really show its colors. Clare told this idea to the Girl Scout troop, and they were off. Earning leadership, community service and geology badges was preliminary work for the Bronze award. Now, with help from the house representative, Betty Boyd, the possible new state rock will be voted on in the upcoming session.

The Yule marble has been used in many famous buildings and sculptures, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Colorado State Capital building, the Colorado State Museum, the Cheesman Memorial in Denver and the Denver Court house. In the Washington Monument, the Yule is the rock used to represent Colorado along the inner wall of Memorial Stones.

Photograph shows the troop of 8 girls, 4 leaders (2 former and 2 current) and the representative who will author the bill, Betty Boyd.