Gneiss, a metamorphic rock with layered striations, was quarried from the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley to construct aqueducts and retaining walls along the canal. Its durability helped the canal withstand the weight of water and time.
TRY THIS
Drag the rock across the page—does it leave a fragmented, rough trail? Crush a small piece—what kind of powder does it make? Observe how its dense, layered texture translates onto paper.